WASHINGTON, DC -- Businesses run by minorities and women will attract a special spotlight at this year's Supermarket Industry Convention of the Food Marketing Institute, based here.
f workshops on the topic of diversity. "Supplier Diversity: A Key Ingredient to Future Profits" aims is to educate executives about the rationale of expanding the circle of vendors and suppliers they use. Additionally, an Idea Exchange breakfast entitled "Business Building: They Are A' Changing" will be held. The meeting will focus on emerging consumer trends and product sourcing, as well as how to market to the changing consumer base.
These activities are part of a three-year supplier diversity program aimed at expanding opportunities for minority and women businesses throughout the food-distribution industry. FMI formed a task force on supplier diversity in the spring of 1997, charging it with identifying and promoting strategies for establishing partnerships between supermarkets and these suppliers.
Diversity suppliers that will be exhibiting at the FMI show include: Advanced Dispensing Systems; American Comfort Foods; Asbury Towel Co.; Azteca Foods; Baldwin Richardson Foods; Forcefield Marketing; Glory Foods; Jemm Meats, c/o Hensaal Management Group; Johnson Bryce; KDI/LUV'N Disposables; and also La Salle Industries.
Other diversity suppliers exhibiting include Michele Foods; Ms. Mollye's Chitterlings and Meats, c/o Hensaal Management Group; Polyfab Display Co.; Reggio's PIzza; Robert Brothers; Smokin' Joe Products, c/o Hensaal Management Group; Starko; Tennessee Mountain Pure Distribution; Thomas Foods.
