Hy-Vee plans two May supplier events

Iowa-based grocery chain Hy-Vee is preparing two events to find new products for its branded and private label collections.

Hy-Vee will host its sixth Best of Local Brands Summit and its first Pet Products Summit in May to expand and enhance the product offerings at its more than 285 retail stores across its eight-state footprint. The grocer said that it will “continue to elevate its efforts of identifying suppliers with diverse backgrounds” and encourages minority-owned and women-owned businesses to apply for both events.

The summits will be conducted with the help of ECRM and RangeMe, who have hosted virtual supplier events for a number of other retailers, including CVS, Albertsons Companies, Meijer, Sam’s Club, and Walgreens. The two entities were featured in the latest edition of Store Brands Magazine as tech companies helping power private brands.

The Best of Local Brands summit will take place May 18-20, and will consist of 15-30 minute presentations from selected suppliers in the following categories: grocery, produce, deli, general merchandise, frozen, dairy and health & beauty care. Submissions can be made here. The deadline is March 28.

Hy-Vee’s Pet Products Summit will be held on May 2, and will follow the same pitch format. Categories include wet food, dry food, treats, toys, leashes, collars and other pet accessories. Submissions can be made here. The deadline is April 4.

In a recent survey from Newsweek magazine and BrandSpar International, Hy-Vee was named the grocer with the third most trusted private label selection according to customers.