Diversity
Wakefern Announces Own Brands Supplier Diversity Summit Winners
Wakefern Food Corp. has announced the winners of its Own Brands Supplier Diversity Summit. The summit, held June 28, was an opportunity for diverse private label manufacturers to present new and trending products for potential inclusion in Wakefern’s award-winning Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry store brands portfolio. Suppliers selected to join the portfolio are Holic Foods, Thai Culinary Arts Studio, and Cafe Spice. “The winners of this year’s Own Brands Supplier Diversity Summit align with our core values of integrity, innovation and teamwork,” said Bryant Harris, chief merchandising officer (CMO) at Wakefern. “We are excited to build on the
Marks & Spencer Rolls-Out Braille Gift Card Range
UK retailer Marks & Spencer (M&S) has launched a first-of-its-kind ‘Happy Birthday’ Retailer-owned Brand braille gift card, developed in consultation with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). Joining the gift card is a collection of three braille greeting cards – covering different celebrations. The industry-first braille gift card features an embossed outer sleeve to communicate the ‘Happy Birthday’ message and an embossed gift card enclosed within the sleeve which can be used online or in over 700 M&S stores. RNIB estimates more than two million people in the UK are living with sight loss, of which 340,000 people
PetSmart Launches 2023 Pride Pet Collection
PetSmart is celebrating Pride Month with the all-new 2023 You Are Loved collection of Pride-themed clothing, toys, and accessories for pets of multiple species. First launched in 2019, the Retail-owned Brand (private brand) collection was created in partnership with the associate resource group PetSmart PRIDE AT WORK, and is a representation of the retailer's commitment to supporting associates and community members of all orientations, gender identities, and expressions. Furthering its commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, PetSmart has donated $200,000 to GLSEN, a leading organization dedicated to ending violence, harassment, and discrimination against LGBTQ+ youth in K-12 schools. This marks the
Meijer Brings Midwest Artists’ Works to Life in Black History Month Collection
In celebration of Black History Month, Meijer launched a special collection of products featuring the art of three Black Midwestern artists – Dana Powell-Smith, Melina Brann and Shaunt'e Lewis – on products in every Meijer supercenter. The retailer will ultimately donate 5% of sales from the collection to Urban League affiliates in the artists' home states of Indiana and Michigan. The collection includes a mix of paintings and digital art printed on decorative pillows, stationery, gift bags, canvas tote bags, key rings, kitchen towels and throw blankets, featuring the three winning pieces of art. The
Wakefern Own Brands Supplier Summit to Spotlight Diversity
Keasbey, NJ headquartered grocery coop Wakefern Food Corp. today announced its Own Brands Supplier Diversity Summit. The latest summit is an open call to diverse Retail-owned Brand (private label) manufacturers to source exciting new and trending food and beverage products for potential addition to Wakefern’s Vertex Award-winning Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry store brands portfolio. Certified Diverse private brand manufacturers and suppliers interested in participating in Wakefern’s Own Brands Supplier Diversity Summit are encouraged to submit their application through RangeMe from January 9 through January 23. Wakefern’s Retail-owned Brand team will consider submissions for virtual pitch meetings and
Ahold Delhaize / Peapod Digital Labs Selects Private Brand Incubator Participants
Ahold Delhaze USA-owned Peapod Digital Labs announced this week the first cohort of participants in the retailer’s Incubator Program for diverse-owned suppliers, specifically targeting suppliers for its Retail Brand (private Brand) portfolio. The Incubator is designed to develop new, exceptional quality, private-labeled products in partnership with certified, diverse-owned suppliers. The following brands as participants in the program: Nuttin Ordinary, LLC – the certified LGBT and minority-owned company crafts 100% plant-based quality cheese spreads, cream cheese, dops and ravioli products that are lactose intolerant friendly, vegan friendly, and sustainable. Rhythm Roasting Company – this certified minority-owned company is a coffee supplier
Kohl’s Introduces Sonoma Community
Late last week Kohl’s introduced Sonoma Community – a new sub-brand of Kohl’s flagship private brand, Sonoma Goods for Life, offering product collections that celebrate diversity and inclusion, everyday. Aspiring to offer goods that bring us together, the first Sonoma Community collection kicks off with an assortment dedicated to celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring apparel and products that offer customers unique ways to celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture and traditions. “We know Kohl’s has customers and associates who come from all different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities. As a national company with a presence all over the country, it’s imperative
Peapod Digital Labs/Ahold Delhaize Launches Private Brand Incubator for Diverse-Owned Suppliers
Peapod Digital Labs (PDL), the digital, e-commerce and commercial engine for Ahold Delhaize USA, announced late last week the launch of an Incubator Program for diverse-owned suppliers, specifically targeting suppliers for its Private Brands portfolio. The Incubator is designed to develop new, exceptional quality, private brand products in partnership with certified, diverse-owned suppliers. During the two-and-a-half-month program, the chosen participants will learn from PDL’s Private Brands team about the private brand portfolio and goals, will grow their knowledge of the brands of Ahold Delhaize USA, and, ultimately, will propose product concepts for consideration. "Through this program, we’re hoping to
Albertsons Expands Its Supplier Diversity Program
Albertsons announced this week the expansion of its Supplier Diversity Program. The move reaffirms their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. The retailer is seeking to partner and support innovative and diverse suppliers as Albertsons hosts its second virtual summit this week.“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 Companies SVP, Chief Diversity & 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.”One of the biggest challenges
Strengthen Your DEI Initiative: Become a WISE DEI Ambassador
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 1:00 EST | 12:00 CST | 11:00 MST | 10:00 PST Become a WISE DEI Ambassador and use WISE programming to add some muscle to your DEI Initiative in 2022. Join us and our partner ExecuInsight for the introduction to our new WISE DEI Program and learn how you can help foster Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in your organization. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the leading-edge approach that WISE is taking to guide its partner members and the store brands industry in reaping the multiple benefits of creating inclusive cultures. In
