NEW JERSEY — Wakefern Food Corp. is inviting local and regional suppliers across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to apply for its 2027 Local Supplier Summit, a program designed to help emerging brands gain exposure and potential placement in supermarkets across the cooperative’s retail network.
Applications are being accepted through RangeMe from suppliers based in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland and New Hampshire.
The summit offers selected businesses the opportunity to showcase products directly to Wakefern buyers and decision-makers representing the cooperative’s family of supermarket banners, including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Di Bruno Bros., Morton Williams and Dearborn Market.
Companies in a variety of categories are encouraged to apply, including food and beverage, beauty and personal care products, baby items, school and travel products, pet supplies, home goods and fresh departments such as produce, meat, seafood, deli, foodservice and bakery products.
Wakefern, a retailer-owned supermarket cooperative made up of family-owned businesses, said the program is intended to identify innovative products and help local brands expand within its retail network.
Selected applicants will participate in virtual meetings with Wakefern buyers and decision-makers later this summer. Ten finalists will then be chosen to present their products in person this fall for a chance to secure a minimum one-year placement in ShopRite stores, with the possibility of expanding into additional Wakefern supermarket banners.
Wakefern said the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses, product innovation and regional sourcing throughout the communities it serves.
Interested suppliers can apply through RangeMe.
