Wakefern to hold own brand supplier summit
New Jersey-based Wakefern Food Corp., the nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative, has announced its Own Brands Supplier Innovation Summit. The event, hosted by RangeMe, is an open call to private label manufacturers in an effort to find new products to add to Wakefern’s award-winning own brand portfolio.
Private label manufacturers and vendors interested in participating in Wakefern’s Own Brands Supplier Innovation Summit are asked to submit their application through RangeMe from March 7-28. Once submitted, Wakefern Own Brand Category Managers will review submissions and invite suppliers first to a virtual pitch meeting.
Finalists selected after the virtual pitch meeting will be invited to a one-day summit in June at Wakefern headquarters in Keasbey, New Jersey. During the one-day summit, suppliers will present their innovative products to a panel of Wakefern executives for potential addition to the Bowl & Basket or Wholesome Pantry brands.
Founded in 1946, Wakefern is comprised nearly 50 member families who today independently own and operate 360 supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
The Own Brands Supplier Innovation Summit event follows other supplier events RangeMe is helping host including retailers such as CVS, Albertsons Companies, Meijer, Sam’s Club, and Walgreens.
“We are excited to announce the official launch of our Own Brands Supplier Innovation Summit,” said Chris Skyers, VP of Own Brands at Wakefern. “Since launching Wholesome Pantry and Bowl & Basket, Wakefern’s own brands have experienced consistent growth. Our retail banners have our consumers’ trust, creating a need for new and innovative products and line extensions to meet the brand’s rapid expansion and consumer loyalty. To meet this demand, we are searching for new ideas and products to bring to market. Our search will cap off with an exciting one-day summit in June, when we will connect and network with manufacturers to learn about innovations at the forefront of the industry. Our end goal is to form long-term partnerships with manufacturers to expand our popular store brands.”
Information can be found and applications can be submitted here.