Southeastern Grocers (SEG) is hosting a local supplier sourcing event to collaborate with local businesses and, at the same time, provide stores with a broader variety of local products.
The grocery retailer, parent company and home to Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, said the Local Supplier Connect program will give local businesses within SEG’s five-state footprint the opportunity to showcase their products for a chance to be featured on Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie store shelves.
Dewayne Rabon, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchant for Southeastern Grocers, said, “Our communities are our heart and soul, and we are committed to helping them thrive. The Local Supplier Connect program allows us to expand local offerings in our stores and source products from the very communities we serve. As a grocer in the Southeast, we are proud of our roots, and we strive to share and encourage the culture of our communities by highlighting local products in each of our stores.”
Interested businesses in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi with products ready for retail may apply to participate in SEG’s Local Supplier Connect program by Monday, Dec. 6. Applications must be submitted at www.rangeme.com/seglocalsummit.
SEG is partnering with ECRM and RangeMe to source, qualify and connect suppliers with the appropriate buyers.
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During the Local Supplier Connect virtual event in Spring 2022, participants will have the opportunity to engage with SEG buyers and category managers to share their company background, product information, and marketing plans.
The upcoming supplier sourcing event followed SEG’s successful Supplier Diversity Conference last May, when merchants met with 85 suppliers. At least 51% owned, operated, and managed by women; Black, Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, LGBTQ+ People; military veterans, or people with disabilities and sell grocery, general merchandise and/or beauty and personal care products.
These events are part of SEG’s continued commitment to being a catalyst for lasting change and inclusion throughout the organization, its suppliers, associates, customers, and communities, the company said.
Southeastern Grocers is one of the largest conventional supermarket companies in the U.S. SEG grocery stores, liquor stores, and in-store pharmacies serve communities throughout the five southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.