MATTHEWS, NC - One thing that more and more shoppers are looking for when they enter a grocery store these days is a diverse assortment of offerings to choose from. On a mission to foster more diversity and inclusion within its stores, Harris Teeter has announced it is hosting a virtual Supplier Diversity Summit from May 3-5.

"This summit will help further Harris Teeter's overall Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts," said Senior Vice President of Marketing, Merchandising, and Operations, Tammy DeBoer. "Our goal is for Harris Teeter—our people and our products—to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Through the identification and support of minority-owned businesses, Harris Teeter will cultivate new vendor relationships to empower diverse suppliers and enhance economic growth."

During the virtual summit, the retailer will work to increase sourcing from suppliers that are at least 51 percent owned, operated, and managed by individuals who are disadvantaged, disabled, military veterans, LGBTQ+, minorities, and/or women, according to a company release. Perishable products such as fresh produce will be one of the categories included.

To make the Supplier Diversity Summit possible, the retailer is partnering with online product sourcing platform RangeMe to manage all submissions by qualifying suppliers. Harris Teeter will review the applications and select vendors to meet virtually through the company’s Connect meeting platform, and suppliers who are not chosen for the event will still be accessible and may be reviewed by the grocer again in the future.

Qualifying businesses can apply for the summit by Monday, March 29 online.

As always, keep reading ANUK for the latest news in the retail sector.

Harris Teeter