To enhance partnerships with existing minority suppliers and connect with new, diverse businesses, Southeastern Grocers, in collaboration with ECRM and RangeMe, will hold a virtual sourcing conference this spring.
The parent company of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, said it is expanding its supplier network to include a broader range of inclusive business partners. In doing so, they ensure that their stores in the Southeast reflect the diverse communities they serve.
The grocer 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, and/or women and sell grocery, general merchandise, and/or beauty and personal care products.
Virtual conference participants will have the opportunity to interact with SEG buyers and category managers to share their company’s background, product information, and marketing plans.
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Dewayne Rabon, Chief Merchant for Southeastern Grocers, said, “It is our responsibility to take purposeful steps to form stronger partnerships with our minority suppliers and connect with new, diverse businesses whose products reflect the tastes and preferences of our associates, customers, and communities that we serve in our stores. We are truly stronger together, and we are committed to being a culture of belonging and fostering an inclusive environment where differences are celebrated – we plan to reflect those values in the products we offer on our stores’ shelves every day.”
To extend the commitment of inclusion toward its suppliers, SEG has nearly doubled its spending with diverse suppliers since 2019.
The grocery chain highlighted its efforts to support initiatives and programs to close the racial and cultural disparity gap in the communities it serves.
Also, along with its customers and the SEG Gives Foundation, the grocer raised more than $170,000 during Black History Month. The funds will support nonprofits serving minority populations across the Southeast to fight for racial equity and social justice.
In 2020, SEG and the SEG Gives Foundation funded the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion, and Diversity Grant Program. They donated more than $3.7 million to mission-driven community partners that support diverse populations throughout the store’s footprint.
Potential supplier partners interested in participating in the virtual sourcing conference are encouraged to visit www.rangeme.com/segdiversity to review the required diversity certifications and apply to attend.