Wakefern Food Corp. is accepting applications for the 2026 Local Wellness Supplier Summit this fall.
The event will explore new health-focused foods, beverages and products for potential placement in the grocer’s supermarket banners.
Suppliers should be headquartered in states where those banners operate, including Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
Submissions that align with the growing demand for health and wellness – such as clean-label, organic, plant-based or functional products – are encouraged. Applications will be accepted through RangeMe until Aug. 12.
Wakefern will review all submissions and select 10 finalists that will be invited to pitch their products in person to the Wakefern team this fall. Winners will receive a minimum one-year product placement at select ShopRite stores and may be considered for broader placement across Wakefern’s other banners.
“Our goal is to connect with forward-thinking, wellness-oriented suppliers who are passionate about their products and the people they serve,” said Darren Caudill, chief sales officer.
“From functional beverages and clean-label snacks to household products, we’re casting a wide net to discover items that support our customers’ health and wellness goals.”
Applicants will be asked to share how their products support health and wellness, what makes them unique in the market and whether they can meet the production demands for a retailer with more than 300 stores.
Suppliers also are encouraged to provide details about their product certifications (e.g. organic, kosher, vegan), retail placements and their company’s mission.
Wakefern has hosted similar supplier summits in the past to find new products for its private label lines Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry. Past winners have provided new store-brand sauces, spices and restaurant-quality frozen meals with vegetarian, plant-based and gluten-free options.
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About Wakefern Food Corp.
From a small, local cooperative that began with eight grocery store owners, Wakefern Food Corp. has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the U.S.
Founded in 1946, the cooperative comprises member families that independently own and operate hundreds of supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market and Di Bruno Bros. banners.