Albertsons Looks to Expand Supplier Diversity

Reaffirming its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, Albertsons Cos. has announced a second virtual summit as it seeks to partner with and support more innovative and diverse suppliers through its Supplier Diversity Program.

The Boise, Idaho-based retailer is seeking submissions from suppliers that are over 50% owned and controlled/operated by a U.S. citizen and one of the following categories or ethnicities: African American; Asian American; Hispanic; Native American; lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender; service-disabled veteran; or female. Interested suppliers can apply online through Feb. 7, with acceptance into the Supplier Diversity Program announced in April.

“Albertsons Cos. is dedicated to providing opportunities to diverse suppliers to grow their business and have their products on more shelves,” said Jonathan Mayes, Albertsons Cos. SVP, chief diversity an inclusion officer. “Through this program, we are able to partner with new diverse businesses that also reflect the diverse communities we serve across the nation.”

Albertsons Cos. worked with ECRM, RangeMe and Quantum to host its first virtual event in May 2021 and said it will work with the same companies again this year. During the 2021 event, nearly 1,000 diverse suppliers expressed interested in partnering with Albertsons.

One of the biggest challenges for small businesses is access to working capital, Albertsons said. To help alleviate this challenge, the retailer offers an expanded early payment program through its partnership with C2FO, a secure online platform that provides funding to qualified, diverse-owned suppliers at lower rates.

Albertsons Cos. operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with more than 20 well-known 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.