Whole Foods Names Local and Emerging Accelerator Program Participants
Whole Foods Market has announced the participants for its latest cohort in the Local and Emerging Accelerator Program, celebrating brands selected for the program’s Early Growth track. Launched in 2022, LEAP highlights Whole Foods Market’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with local and emerging brands through specialized, educational programming and individual mentorship. Participants may also qualify for a $25,000 equity investment from a donor-advised fund overseen by the Austin Community Foundation, with the funds supporting the Whole Foods Market Foundation through the work of Whole Cities, Whole Kids and Whole Planet.
The 2024 Early Growth cohort consists of 10 innovative brands not yet available in Whole Foods Market stores: Aahana’s, Bowlcut, Date Better Snacks, Edenesque, Freezcake, Geem, Maté Party, Sam + Leo, Sibeiho and Tuyyo Foods. After completing the 12-week curriculum, these suppliers’ products will be considered for inclusion on Whole Foods Market shelves in their own cities or regional areas. This year, Whole Foods Market’s Local and Emerging Brands team reviewed more than 1,600 applications for the Early Growth cohort, marking a 60 percent increase from 2023.
“Our Local and Emerging Brands team is thrilled to have selected a mix of diverse founders and products from various backgrounds for this year’s Early Growth program track,” said Alyssa Vescio, senior vice president of merchandising at Whole Foods Market. “Connecting with new brands and business owners who are hungry to grow allows our team to diversify product selection in stores, support small businesses, and stay committed to our local communities. We look forward to seeing these 10 brands strive for continued growth and carve their path to success through Whole Foods Market’s mentorship.”
Brands seeking more information on LEAP can visit the Information for Potential Suppliers page on the Whole Foods Market website.
Founded in 1980, Austin-based Whole Foods Market is the world’s leading natural and organic foods retailer and the first certified organic national grocer in the United States. Part of Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores, Whole Foods Market serves customers in more than 530 stores across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. To learn more about Whole Foods Market, please visit https://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/.
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Imperial Dade Acquires Nevada’s Inland Supply Co.
Imperial Dade, a leading North American distributor of foodservice packaging supplies, industrial products and janitorial supplies, has acquired Inland Supply Co. The transaction represents the 92nd acquisition for Imperial Dade under the leadership of Robert Tillis and Jason Tillis, chairman and CEO of Imperial Dade, respectively. Financial terms of the private transaction were not disclosed.
Owned and operated by T.J. Elliott, from humble beginnings and over seven decades of commitment, Inland has grown into a market leading distributor of janitorial supplies, foodservice products and facility maintenance supplies throughout Nevada. Leveraging its multiple facilities, the Company is able to service customers throughout the state and beyond, reinforcing its stated dedication of promoting wellness and cleanliness. The Company commands an exceptional reputation in the market and operates with the same hyper focus on customer service as it had when it was founded.
By leveraging Imperial Dade’s market leading platform, Inland’s customers can expect the same exceptional customized service coupled with an even diversified offering of products and solutions.
“I welcome T.J. and the Inland family to Imperial Dade. Inland is a great strategic fit with Imperial Dade. Their relentless focus on customer service aligns well with Imperial Dade,” said Robert Tillis. “I would like to enthusiastically welcome the Inland family into Imperial Dade. We are excited to partner with T.J. and Inland’s outstanding employees. Imperial Dade looks forward to building upon our already established success and continuing to find ways to better serve our customers and vendor partners,” said Jason Tillis, CEO of Imperial Dade.
“The Inland family is humbled to become part of Imperial Dade, the leading distribution platform across North America. We share the same core values and focus on our employees and customers and could think of no better fit,” said Elliott, president of Inland Supply Company.
Founded in 1935, Imperial Dade serves more than 120,000 customers across North America. Since Chairman Robert Tillis and CEO Jason Tillis assumed their roles in 2007, the company has grown both organically and through acquisitions to become a leader in the foodservice, packaging and janitorial supplies industry. For additional information, visit www.imperialdade.com.
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SEG Launches Annual American Red Cross Fundraiser
Southeastern Grocers Inc. has launched its annual in-store community donation program benefiting the American Red Cross.Through Sept. 17, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers can donate $1, $5 or round up their purchase at checkout to support the American Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts during peak hurricane season and aid neighbors affected by natural disasters now and in the future.
SEG, together with the SEG Gives Foundation, kicked off hurricane season by donating water, shelf-stable items and $250,000 to the American Red Cross to help the organization prepare for the season. Every dollar donated through SEG’s community donation program will help support the Red Cross’ disaster relief efforts, which provide essential aid to those affected by disasters across the country, including food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance. Throughout SEG’s lifetime partnership with the American Red Cross, the grocer has donated more than $12 million and provided relief for countless storms impacting local communities across the Southeast.
Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said, “We have nearly 100 years of experience serving the Southeast, and we’ve witnessed too many times the devastation hurricanes can bring. Our longtime partner, the American Red Cross, provides vital aid when disaster strikes, but we encourage all our Southeast neighbors to prepare now as we enter peak hurricane season. Time and again, our communities have bravely risen to face natural disasters, but the takeaway is always the same: preparation makes a difference.”
Earlier this month, Hurricane Debby proved even a slow-moving category-one storm could wreak havoc on the Southeast, damaging more than 420 homes, according to preliminary reports. To date, the Red Cross has provided more than 1,948 overnight stays to displaced individuals and has more than 250 trained Red Cross responders on the ground to continue aiding impacted communities.*
Christian Smith, regional CEO for the American Red Cross, said, “Our partnership with Southeastern Grocers is a cornerstone of our ability to act decisively during critical moments. Their unwavering commitment ensures we are always ready to deliver lifesaving aid and essential support when communities need it most. Together, we deliver more than just preparedness before a storm and immediate relief after; we also bring the resilience and hope that empower communities to rebuild during their darkest hours.”
As peak hurricane season arrives, SEG is encouraging its neighbors to create or restock their hurricane kits. To prepare, customers are encouraged to review the Red Cross’ Survival Kit Supplies checklist for essential items needed during and after a disaster. Each household should be prepared with the appropriate amount of water, nonperishable food, batteries and first aid kits, as well as any necessary baby supplies and pet food.
The grocer is also committed to helping customers save money while replenishing their disaster relief kit as well as maximizing discounts on everyday grocery essentials. Through its signature Price Hold program, SEG lowers and holds down prices on more than 1,000 commonly shopped products each season to help families stretch their grocery budget. Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers can easily shop for emergency preparedness staples like shelf-stable foods, batteries, cleaning supplies and hygiene items and save nearly 20% on products identified by blue Price Hold signs.
For more information on shopping at neighborhood stores for disaster preparedness needs, visit www.harveyssupermarkets.com/community/hurricane-preparedness and www.winndixie.com/community/hurricane-preparedness.
Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is an omnichannel retailer serving customers in brick-and-mortar grocery stores and liquor stores, as well as online with convenient grocery delivery and curbside pickup throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie are well-known and well-respected regional brands with deep heritages, strong neighborhood ties, proud histories of giving back, talented and caring associates and a strong commitment to providing the best possible quality and value to customers. For more information, visit www.harveyssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com.
SEG Gives Foundation is the charitable arm of Southeastern Grocers Inc. The SEG Gives Foundation aligns giving with causes that are priorities to the communities SEG serves, including the fight against hunger, support for military service members and their families, relief to those affected by extreme weather and natural disasters and championing belonging, inclusion and diversity by combating social injustice to bridge the gap of inequities faced by many individuals, families and communities. Southeastern Grocers strives to be ingrained in its communities and, through the SEG Gives Foundation, better the lives of its customers and neighbors.
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