Wakefern Food Corp., the Keasbey-based retailer-owned supermarket cooperative, has officially opened applications for its 2027 Local Supplier Summit. The initiative invites emerging brands and local businesses across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to pitch their products for potential placement in Wakefern’s vast network of retail banners, including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer and others.
Wakefern, which operates as a cooperative of family-owned businesses, is seeking to discover standout products that resonate with local consumers. The summit serves as a direct pipeline for regional suppliers to get their goods in front of key buyers and decision-makers.
“Supporting local business remains central to our mission,” the company said in its announcement. By helping emerging brands scale, Wakefern aims to provide its customers with unique, on-trend options while bolstering the economies of the communities it serves.
Wakefern is encouraging suppliers based in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland and New Hampshire to submit their applications via RangeMe.
The cooperative is seeking products across a broad range of categories, including:
- Food & Beverage: Including fresh produce, meat, seafood, deli, and bakery.
- Consumer Goods: Beauty, personal care, and hygiene.
- Lifestyle: Baby products, home goods, school supplies, travel gear, and pet products.
The selection process
The path to store shelf placement is competitive and structured to identify high-potential brands:
- Application: Interested suppliers must apply online through the RangeMe platform.
- Virtual Pitching: Selected applicants will participate in virtual meetings with Wakefern buyers later this summer.
- Finalist Presentations: Ten finalists will be selected to pitch their products in person this fall.
- Placement: Successful finalists will secure a minimum one-year placement at ShopRite stores, with the potential for further expansion across other Wakefern banners such as Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage, and Di Bruno Bros.
This summit is part of Wakefern’s broader, ongoing strategy to prioritize local sourcing and foster innovation within its retail network. Suppliers interested in taking the next step in growing their business are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
