Harris Teeter is inviting diverse product suppliers to participate in the virtual Supplier Diversity Summit scheduled for May 3-5, 2021. Minority suppliers interested in participating should apply now through March 29, the grocery chain said in a statement.
The company will work to identify and increase sourcing from suppliers that are at least 51% owned, operated, and managed by people who are: disadvantaged, disabled, LGBTQ+, military veterans, minorities, or women and sell grocery, general merchandise, or beauty and personal care products
“This summit will help further Harris Teeter’s overall Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts,” said Harris Teeter, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Merchandising and Operations, Tammy DeBoer. “Our goal is for Harris Teeter – our people and our products – to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Through the identification and support of minority-owned businesses, Harris Teeter will cultivate new vendor relationships to empower diverse suppliers and enhance economic growth.”
Certified minority-, LGBTQ+-, women -, veteran- and disability-owned businesses with retail-ready products in the following categories can apply by Monday, March 29. For consideration, click here.
- Perishables
- Non-Perishables
- Non-Foods
- Health & Beauty Care
- General Merchandise
The grocer is partnering with RangeMe, an ECRM company and the industry-standard online product sourcing platform, to manage all product submissions by qualifying and connecting suppliers with the appropriate Harris Teeter associates.
Upon receipt of applications, the grocer will review and select the vendors they would like to meet virtually through the ECRM Connect meeting platform. Suppliers not chosen for the event will still be accessible through RangeMe and may be reviewed by Harris Teeter again in the future, the company said.
Vendors who do not qualify for the May summit, specifically for diverse vendors carrying services or products within the categories mentioned above, are encouraged to submit information for consideration through the retailer’s Supplier Community page.
Harris Teeter, with headquarters in Matthews, N.C., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. The regional grocery chain employs approximately 35,000 associates and operates stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida, and the District of Columbia.