Kroger announced the launch of its Our Brands Innovation Summit, a program to enhance and accelerate the selection of private brand items sold across the Kroger Family of Companies, and the grocer is inviting private brand suppliers of food and beverage, health and beauty, packaging and more, to apply to participate in the summit.
According to the grocery chain, the summit supports the ongoing mission of Kroger’s Our Brands portfolio by partnering with select suppliers to provide high-quality, innovative items that meet current and future market trends and uplift the company’s brand promise to be Fresh for Everyone.
From October 10 through October 31, 2022, at 11:59 PM PDT, suppliers can apply for the opportunity to participate in virtual meetings with Kroger buyers. The meetings will be held from January 24 through January 26, 2023, on ECRM’s virtual meeting platform, ECRM Connect.
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“At Kroger, we’re constantly innovating, studying customer data, and working to stay ahead of trends so we can provide customers with the highest quality products they’re looking for at affordable prices,” said Juan De Paoli, Kroger’s vice president of Our Brands. “By inviting private brand suppliers to apply for this opportunity, we’re confident we will find fresh ideas and innovative products to expand our portfolio of offerings and support the growth of new businesses we bring into our supplier network.”
Kroger has successfully expanded its private label offerings to represent about 20 percent of revenues in 2021.
The Cincinnati-based supermarket chain reported a 10.2% increase in private-label brand sales for the second quarter that ended August 13, 2022. “This increase was led by our Kroger and Home Chef brands. Convenience remains a priority, and Home Chef is meeting that need by providing high-quality family meals as a budget-friendly alternative to eating out at restaurants,” said Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen during the earnings call.
McMullen added, “the unmatched combination of innovation, quality, and value provided by Our Brands is a clear competitive advantage as inflation remains front of mind for many of our customers.”
Kroger’s Our Brands Innovation Summit welcomes suppliers in all categories, excluding general merchandise, hard goods, textiles, and apparel, said the company in a press release. Click here to apply and learn more about the Kroger Our Brands Innovation Summit.