Southeastern Grocers Plans Local & Diverse Supplier Summit

Southeastern Grocers (SEG) is seeking new products for its shelves, and is hosting a virtual Local & Diverse Supplier Connect event to collaborate with underrepresented suppliers.

The event, planned for Nov. 1, will focus on sourcing products across grocery, household, fresh, frozen, personal care, pet and baby merchandise, among other categories. SEG is seeking items for its private label products, as well as sourcing locally-relevant branded items.

The grocer says that participants will have the opportunity to engage with SEG buyers and category managers to share their company background, product information and marketing plans.

Suppliers interested in participating in the event, which is being held with ECRM and RangeMe, are invited to apply here until Sept. 11. SEG works with nearly 300 diverse and local suppliers operating across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

On Aug. 16, fast-growing discount grocer Aldi said it would purchase two of SEG’s banners, Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket. Until the deal becomes official, SEG said it would continue its planned operations.

“We remain committed to conducting business as usual,” SEG’s Senior Director of Communications and Community Meredith Hurley told Store Brands. “Our dedication to our associates, customers, communities and partners remains unchanged. We will continue to provide the same level of quality and value that our neighbors have come to expect and actively expand our product assortment to best serve our customers' needs.”

SEG currently operates more than 420 grocery stores, approximately 180 liquor stores and more than 230 in-store pharmacies in five states.