Keasbey, New Jersey-based Wakefern Food Corp. has announced its Own Brands Supplier Innovation Summit, an open call to private label manufacturers in an effort to source new and trending food and beverage products for potential addition to its Bowl and Basket and Wholesome Pantry store brands.
Private label manufacturers and vendors interested in participating in Wakefern’s Own Brands Supplier Innovation Summit can submit their applications through RangeMe from March 7-28.
Once submitted, Wakefern Own Brand category managers will review submissions and invite suppliers first to a virtual pitch meeting. Finalists selected after the virtual pitch meeting will be invited to a one-day summit in June at Wakefern headquarters.
During the one-day summit, suppliers will present their innovative products to a panel of Wakefern executives for potential addition to the Bowl and Basket or Wholesome Pantry brands.
“We are excited to announce the official launch of our Own Brands Supplier Innovation Summit. Since launching Wholesome Pantry and Bowl and Basket, Wakefern’s own brands have experienced consistent growth. Our retail banners have our consumers’ trust, creating a need for new and innovative products and line extensions to meet the brand’s rapid expansion and consumer loyalty,” said Chris Skyers, VP of Own Brands at Wakefern.
“To meet this demand, we are searching for new ideas and products to bring to market. Our search will cap off with an exciting one-day summit in June, when we will connect and network with manufacturers to learn about innovations at the forefront of the industry. Our end goal is to form long-term partnerships with manufacturers to expand our popular store brands.”
Wakefern’s premium private label products offer consumers on-trend, high-quality food options at prices they have come to expect across its portfolio of brands. Like the cooperative, its store brands have seen consistent growth throughout its retail footprint since their introduction.
Wakefern’s Bowl and Basket brand was awarded the Private Label Manufacturers Association Salute to Excellence Award in 2021 and its Wholesome Pantry brand was awarded two of these awards in 2017.
To be considered for the Own Brands Supplier Innovation Summit, manufacturers must fill out a RangeMe application online. At this time, Wakefern will not be accepting submissions for non-food items, supplemental and nutritional items or baby food. All other food items will be considered.
Applicants must provide a complete and accurate description of the product and product line, including a brand profile, to be considered.
For more information and to complete an application, visit rangeme.com/WakefernOwnBrands2022.
