Kroger Announces Retail Supplier Accelerator Program

Kroger is looking for you! Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator, a program designed to enhance and accelerate the selection of local items sold in over 2,700 Kroger stores. The Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator program provides a pathway to entry for local businesses of all sizes by allowing American-based growers and producers the chance to work directly with the retailer, according to Kroger. A total of 30 small businesses will be selected for the accelerator for it’s two-day event held in Cincinnati in August. The Top 15 finalists will be invited to present to a panel of Kroger executives where five winners will be named. The prize package for those winners includes product placement on Kroger shelves; recommended partnerships with sponsors; and business development coaching from Kroger merchandising and sales leaders. Apply here: https://www.thekrogerco.com/gofreshlocal/ Download Small Business Retail Resource here: https://www.thekrogerco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Small-Business-Resource-Guide.pdf “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. “Kroger committed to investing $10 billion in diverse suppliers by 2030, and 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."