Kroger Plans 2nd Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator

The Kroger Co. will host its second Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator experience that advances the Cincinnati-based retailer’s commitments to building and investing in a diverse network of local, regional and small businesses and to make fresh food available to everyone.

From May 4-23, suppliers can apply to be considered for the accelerator program, a two-day event held in Cincinnati in August. American growers and producers across produce, deli, bakery, meat, seafood, dairy, specialty cheeses and floral categories are encouraged to apply, Kroger said in a statement.

"Last year, the Go Fresh a&d Local cohort brought fresh ideas and innovative new products to the table that blew our judges away," Dan De La Rosa, Kroger's group VP of fresh merchandising, said in a statement. "Every single one of last year's cohort has now seen their products on Kroger shelves, helping us bring the tastes and flavors our customers love straight to local stores. We look forward to building on last year's success and are excited to bring in new suppliers to participate in the opportunity to join the Kroger family."

In collaboration with ECRM and RangeMe, Kroger's category management and fresh director team will review applications in multiple rounds, selecting 30 finalists to attend the event. Finalists will be given the opportunity to show off their products and interact with category managers, leaders and entrepreneurs at various stages throughout the selection process. The Top 15 finalists will present to a panel of Kroger executives where five winners will be named. The prize package for the five overall winners includes product placement on shelf within Kroger's Family of Cos.; recommended partnerships with sponsors; and business development coaching from Kroger merchandising and sales leaders.

"Kroger is fully committed to supporting a diverse group of innovative, local suppliers who can bring a great assortment of fresh products to our customers," said Stuart Aitken, Kroger's chief merchant and marketing officer, in a statement.

Aitken said Kroger is committed to investing $10 billion in diverse suppliers by 2030, and that the Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator is a “successful way to catapult Kroger closer to that goal. We are excited to meet this year's suppliers who will help us advance our commitment to fresh in our nearly 2,800 stores."

Kroger is encouraging growers and producers to apply in the relevant categories below: