Kroger 2021 Go Fresh & Local candidates - Source: Kroger promotional video
Kroger is bringing back an accelerator program designed to help local fresh food suppliers from across the country gain access to the supermarket giant’s store shelves.
The Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator is part of Kroger’s ongoing expansion of its fresh departments across the store.
Kroger is encouraging suppliers to apply for the program between today and May 23. Those selected will be invited to a two-day event to be held in Cincinnati in August. Kroger will invite a total of 30 finalists to attend with the top 15 getting the opportunity to present to the chain’s executives. In the end, five winners will be named.
Winners will get their products on store shelves at Kroger-owned chain stores. They will also get recommended partnerships with sponsors and business development coaching from leaders drawn from Kroger’s merchandising and sales teams.
"Kroger is fully committed to supporting a diverse group of innovative, local suppliers who can bring a great assortment of fresh products to our customers," Stuart Aitken, Kroger's chief merchant and marketing officer, said in a statement.
Suppliers seeking consideration for the accelerator program are welcomed to apply as local or regional suppliers. Kroger distinguishes firms by the following criteria:
Local:
- Small producers;
- Located in-state or the immediate market;
- Community-inspired and locally relevant items;
- Merchandised in less than approximately 100 stores.
- Larger producers;
- Cross state and division boundaries;
- Still locally relevant to customers;
- Merchandised in approximately 100 or more stores.