Southeastern Grocers to increase supplier diversity

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, announced Tuesday its commitment to enhance the company’s supplier network to include a broader range of inclusive business partners that reflect the diverse communities in its Southeast footprint of stores.

The Jacksonville, Fla.-based grocer will work to identify and increase sourcing from suppliers that are at least 51% owned, operated and managed by people who are: disadvantaged, disabled, LGBTQ , military veterans, minorities and/or women and sell grocery, general merchandise and/or beauty and personal care products.

“It is our responsibility to take purposeful steps to form stronger partnerships with our minority suppliers and connect with new, diverse businesses whose products reflect the tastes and preferences of our associates, customers and communities that we serve in our stores,” said Dewayne Rabon, chief merchant for Southeastern Grocers.  “We are truly stronger together, and we are committed to being a culture of belonging and fostering an inclusive environment where differences are celebrated. We plan to reflect those values in the products we offer on our stores’ shelves every day.”

In partnership with ECRM and RangeMe, Southeastern Grocers will hold a virtual sourcing conference this spring to enhance partnerships with existing minority suppliers and connect with new, diverse businesses to expand store offerings tailored to its unique customers and communities. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with SEG buyers and category managers to share their company background, product information and marketing plans.

Related:Southeastern Grocers launches minority grant program

This latest effort is part of SEG’s continued commitment to being a catalyst for lasting change and inclusion throughout the organization, its suppliers, associates, customers and communities, according to the company. To extend that commitment to its vendors, the retailer has nearly doubled its spend with diverse suppliers since 2019.

Southeastern Grocers is seeking to include a broader range of inclusive business partners that reflect the diverse communities in its Southeast footprint of stores.

Additionally, the grocer, together with customer support and the SEG Gives Foundation, raised more than $170,000 during Black History Month to help support nonprofits that serve minority communities throughout the Southeast in the fight for racial equity and social justice. In 2020, SEG and the SEG Gives Foundation founded the Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program and donated more than $3.7 million to community partners with missions that aid in supporting diverse populations throughout the grocer’s footprint.

Related:Benefits of supplier diversity go way beyond the bottom line

Potential supplier partners interested in participating in the virtual sourcing conference are encouraged to to review the required diversity certifications online and apply to attend.

Southeastern Grocers operates more than 500 stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina under the Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie banners.