DOWNERS GROVE, IL - Naturally Chicago's new Locally Made Retail Access Program just gained its first grocery partner: Fresh Thyme Market. This is just one example of how Fresh Thyme Market is expanding its local assortment on shelves and furthering its mission of giving back to the communities it serves.

"Fresh Thyme Market is thrilled to be the first retailer in this exciting initiative," said Jonathan Lawrence, Vice President of Merchandising for Fresh Thyme Market and Board Member of Naturally Chicago. "As a community-focused grocer, we're proud to support these local brands and be an innovative and collaborative partner in their larger success stories."

Through the partnership, Fresh Thyme Market carefully curates relationships with natural product entrepreneurs to create jobs and thrive in the competitive retail grocery segment. By adding more of these products to shelves, Fresh Thyme also brings shoppers closer to food that is not only locally grown, but healthy and sustainable.

To date, Fresh Thyme Market features over 6,000 local products chain wide, a press release stated. Most recently, the grocer hosted a pitch competition with Naturally Chicago that resulted in the addition of nine new Locally Made brands to shelves, including:

• Big Star Cocktails, produced by Apologue Liqueurs
• Carolyn's Krisps Snacks
• Evergreen Frozen Waffles
• Forbidden Root Craft Beers
• Inspiro Tequila
• IYA Foods Chipers Crackers
• Ms. P's Gluten-Free Granola
• Popadelics Mushroom
• Windy City Mushroom

"Partnering with Fresh Thyme Market has been a strategic choice for Naturally Chicago, and we're thrilled to collaborate with a grocer that shares our commitment to fostering better-for-you brands," Jim Slama, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Naturally Chicago, stated. "Fresh Thyme Market's dedication to community and their support for sustainable brands align seamlessly with our mission. Consumers increasingly seek out local brands, and we appreciate Fresh Thyme Market's role in helping to meet this growing demand. This partnership not only reinforces our mission but also strengthens our community-driven approach. As we continue to expand our reach, we're excited about the opportunities this collaboration brings and are grateful for Fresh Thyme Market's support."

We look forward to seeing what’s to come from this impactful partnership.