Wakefern Food Corp. Announces 2026 Local Wellness Supplier Summit
New Jersey-Based Supermarket Cooperative Issues Open Call for Wellness-Focused Foods, Beverages and Products
Keasbey, NJ (July 23, 2025) – Wakefern Food Corp., the nation’s largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative with member companies that own and operate ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market and Di Bruno Bros. stores, invites suppliers to apply for the 2026 Local Wellness Supplier Summit taking place this fall. The event aims to explore new and exciting health-focused foods, beverages and products for potential placement in Wakefern supermarket banners. The application process opened July 22 and is open to suppliers based in the communities Wakefern banners serve.
Submissions that align with the growing demand for health and wellness – such as clean-label, organic, plant-based or functional products – are strongly encouraged. Candidates may submit online applications through RangeMe until August 12. Wakefern will review all submissions and select 10 finalists who will be invited to pitch their products in person to the Wakefern team this fall. Winners will be awarded a minimum one-year product placement at select ShopRite stores and may be considered for broader placement across Wakefern’s other supermarket banners.
“Our goal is to connect with forward-thinking, wellness-oriented suppliers who are passionate about their products and the people they serve,” said Darren Caudill, Chief Sales Officer, Wakefern Food Corp. “From functional beverages and clean-label snacks to household products, we’re casting a wide net to discover items that support our customers’ health and wellness goals.”
Applicants will be asked to share how their products support health and wellness, what makes their offerings unique in the market and whether they can meet the production demands for a retailer with 300+ stores. Suppliers are also encouraged to provide details about their product certifications (e.g., Organic, Kosher, Vegan), current retail placements and their company’s mission.
Local suppliers should also be headquartered in states where Wakefern supermarket banners operate, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.
Wakefern is known for supporting local farmers, businesses and brands, and supplier summits are in line with the cooperative’s mission to help small businesses succeed in a big business world. Wakefern has hosted similar supplier summits in the past to find new products for its award-winning private label lines Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry. Past winners have provided new store brand sauces, spices and even restaurant-quality frozen meals with vegetarian, plant-based and gluten-free options.
To be considered for the latest supplier summit, applicants must fill out the online RangeMe application.
About Wakefern Food Corp.
From a small, local cooperative that began with eight grocery store owners, Wakefern Food Corp. has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. Founded in 1946, the cooperative comprises member families that today independently own and operate hundreds of supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, and Di Bruno Bros. banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. For more information, please visit www.wakefern.com.
