Wakefern Food Corp. Invites Growers to Join Their Annual Local Produce Supplier Summit
Wakefern Food Corp., a leader in the grocery industry, is now accepting applications from growers interested in participating in its highly anticipated Local Produce Supplier Summit. The event is scheduled for July 15 at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison, New Jersey.
What to Expect at the Summit
Qualified applicants will have the unique opportunity to present their products to Wakefern’s procurement teams, take part in engaging panels, and explore potential retail partnerships across the cooperative’s diverse supermarket banners. These include well-known names like ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Morton Williams, and Di Bruno Bros.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered, applicants must be based in states where Wakefern operates, which include:
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
Application Process
The application process opened on March 9, and will remain open for 30 days. Interested growers can submit their applications via the RangeMe platform. Selected growers will also have the chance to meet with Wakefern representatives prior to the event on July 15.
Building Lasting Connections
Travis Riepenhoff, Group VP of Fresh Procurement for Wakefern, emphasized the significance of the summit in building the company’s local supplier network. “Our Local Produce Supplier Summit is a meaningful way to connect with small and mid-size growers and bring their high-quality produce to our stores. We look forward to hosting this annual event on July 15,” said Riepenhoff.
“Like many of the growers we collaborate with, our Wakefern members represent family-owned food businesses that have been serving their communities for generations. We appreciate the dedication that goes into running a family farm and are committed to delivering the freshest produce from their farms to our customers’ tables.”
Success Stories from Past Participants
Past participants have noted that the summit has fostered durable commercial relationships. For instance, Hess Brother’s Fruit Co., a Pennsylvania-based apple grower, has successfully supplied apples for Wakefern’s private label Bowl & Basket line as a result of this program.
Mattie Leid, Head of Sales for the company, stated, “Wakefern’s cooperative of family-owned supermarkets truly shares our company ethos. It means a lot to work with a retailer that supports local growers and understands the care that goes into producing high-quality fruit for families across the region.”
How to Apply
To apply for the Local Produce Supplier Summit, visit the RangeMe application page at rangeme.com.
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