Applications are being accepted for Albertsons Cos. Supplier Diversity Program, which is designed to discover, support and give diverse-owned suppliers the opportunity to expand their businesses with the grocer and its stores.
The application process is open to diverse-owned suppliers, which include small and mid-size businesses that are at least 51 percent owned, controlled and operated by women, Black, indigenous and people of color, LGBTQ+, veterans or people with disabilities.
The program also works with diverse business owners to overcome challenges and various barriers, including access to working capital. Through its partnership with C2FO, diverse-owned brands can receive early payment terms on approved invoices, unlocking fast and flexible access to low-cost capital.
Last year, about 500 businesses submitted applications for the program, with more than 60 selected to meet with the Albertsons merchandising team. As a result, six diverse-owned brands – Blue Elephant, Catalina Crunch, Mr. Kooks, Partake Foods, Radius and Watcharee’s – were added to the more than 200 certified diverse suppliers selling products nationwide at Albertsons stores.
Diverse business owners interested in having their products considered to sell in Albertsons stores can submit their application online here by Feb. 2. Those who are selected for meetings will be notified by Feb. 16, with appointments scheduled for early April.
“At Albertsons Cos., we are committed to providing opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs and businesses to successfully grow their brands and sell their products on our store shelves,” said Monique Lanaux, group VP and chief diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging officer.
“Through our supplier diversity program, we are building an inclusive culture in our stores that values diversity and reflects the many communities where we live and serve.”
About Albertsons Cos.
Albertsons Cos. is a leading food and drug retailer in the U.S. As of December, the company operated 2,271 retail food and drug stores, with 1,726 pharmacies, 401 associated fuel centers, 22 distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities.
The company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lovers Market.
In 2022, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company contributed more than $200 million in food and financial support, including more than $40 million through its Nourishing Neighbors Program.
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