Wakefern Food Corp. named Asarasi the winner of its 2026 Local Wellness Supplier Summit, held Nov. 3 at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center.
After a day of presentations and product demonstrations by eight suppliers, Asarasi impressed a panel of Wakefern leaders with its organic Sparkling Tree Water and Nekter Pop Probiotic Soda, earning the top spot at the summit.
Asarasi’s beverages are naturally produced from sustainably-sourced maple tree water, resulting in beverages that are USDA-certified organic and free from cane sugar, caffeine, sodium and artificial sweeteners.
The Sparkling Tree Water comes in flavors like Raspberry, Lemon and Lime, while the Nekter Pop Probiotic Sodas feature options such as Black Cherry, Root Beer and Orange.
The company partners with more than 130 family farms to sustainably source its ingredients, supporting small businesses and promoting agricultural stewardship.
“Having this opportunity in over 300 stores – and being able to tell our story and share fantastic products that are focused on consumer health and wellness – is really important to us, and we are incredibly grateful and honored to have been chosen as the winner by Wakefern,” said Adam Lazar, CEO and founder of Asarasi.
Asarasi’s products are expected to hit shelves next spring at Wakefern supermarket banners ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer and Morton Williams.
“My father asks me every day, ‘When can I go and pick up Asarasi? Where can I pick it up?’ Now I can tell him that we’re going to be in ShopRite. That’s really exciting,” said Aku Orraca-Tetteh, co-founder of Asarasi.
Supplier submissions that align with the growing demand for health and wellness – such as clean-label, organic, plant-based or functional products – were strongly encouraged during the summit application process.
“We were inspired by the creativity and passion of all the finalists who shared their wellness-focused foods and products at the summit,” said Darren Caudill, chief sales officer of Wakefern Food Corp.
“Our customers count on us to deliver products that fit their unique lifestyles – whether they’re seeking better-for-you snacks and meals, functional beverages or other clean-label products. This summit is about expanding choices and bringing exciting new products to our shelves, and Asarasi truly stood out with their offering and work with family farms.”
Wakefern has held similar supplier summits in the past to find new products for its private label lines, Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry. Past winners have introduced store brand sauces, spices, snacks and frozen meals with vegetarian, plant-based and gluten-free options.
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