SpartanNash Food Expo Attracts Grocers, Suppliers
More than 1,500 grocery suppliers and independent grocer customers gathered in Grand Rapids, Mich., for SpartanNash’s annual Food Solutions Expo.
The event, held at the DeVos Place Convention Center, featured supplier and customer award ceremonies, retail discussion groups, educational sessions, exhibit booths with special deals and sampling, and live auctions. The Expo concluded with a donation of approximately 30,000 meals to Feeding America in Grand Rapids.
Independent grocers represent 33% of retail grocery industry sales, equating to $253.6 billion annually and 1.2% of the United States gross domestic product, according to the National Grocers Association. SpartanNash serves approximately 2,300 independent grocer locations.
"Independent grocers play an essential role in their local communities and bring a distinctive, vital perspective to the industry," said Tony Sarsam, SpartanNash’s CEO. "This event offers our attendees the opportunity to share innovative ideas, take advantage of some of the best deals of the year, and gain a deeper understanding of the trends and resources driving growth. Most importantly, it helps us identify new ways to partner together to elevate the grocery shopping experience."
Suppliers showcased more than 400 new product introductions, including several SpartanNash OwnBrands offerings such as Finest Reserve by Our Family pasta and pasta sauces sourced from Italy. SpartanNash also featured 14 of its independent grocer support services, including digital media, marketing, and technology.
Popular trends seen on the exhibit floor include products containing dill flavor, ready-to-eat meal solutions, indulgent macaroni and cheese options, grab-and-go fried sandwiches, and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Company celebrated seven exceptional vendors with a SpartanNash Impact Award in recognition of their performance and commitment to delivering value to the Company's independent customers and their communities. Great Lakes Cheese was honored in the OwnBrands category.
