Southeastern Grocers Rolls Out New Supplier Program to Boost Regional Products; Dewayne Rabon Discusses
JACKSONVILLE, FL - While I definitely maintain my tried-and-true list of grocery items, I also expect a diverse selection of unique and local products to add to my basket. I know I am not alone in this, and Southeastern Grocers (SEG) is aiming to meet the demands of my fellow food-curious shoppers with its Local Supplier Connect program. SEG is hosting an event to collaborate with local businesses and provide its Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie banner stores with an expanded variety of local products.
“Our communities are our heart and soul, and we are committed to helping them thrive,” Dewayne Rabon, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchant, said. “The Local Supplier Connect program allows us to expand local offerings in our stores and source products from the very communities we serve. As a grocer in the Southeast, we are proud of our roots, and we strive to share and encourage the culture of our communities by highlighting local products in each of our stores.”
Like many other grocers with a similar strategy, SEG is partnering with ECRM and RangeMe to source, qualify, and connect suppliers with its buyers. During the virtual event in Spring 2022, participants will be able to engage with SEG buyers and category managers to share their company background, product information, and marketing plans.
This follows SEG’s successful Supplier Diversity Conference in May of this year when merchants met with 85 suppliers that were at least 51 percent owned, operated, and managed by women; Black, Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, LGBTQ+ people; military veterans; or people with disabilities who sell grocery, general merchandise, and/or beauty and personal care products. These events are part of SEG’s continued commitment to being a catalyst for lasting change and inclusion in the industry.
Interested businesses in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, may apply to participate in SEG’s Local Supplier Connect program here by Monday, December 6.
We wish the best of luck to SEG’s applicants!
