Albertson Seeks Diverse-Owned Suppliers
Albertsons Cos. has opened its annual application process for diverse-owned suppliers. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, its Supplier Diversity Program is designed to discover, support and give diverse-owned suppliers the opportunity to expand their business with Albertsons Cos. and its stores.
“At Albertsons Cos., we are committed to providing opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs and businesses to successfully grow their brands and sell their products on our store shelves,” said Monique Lanaux, GVP and chief diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging officer. “Through our Supplier Diversity Program, we are building an inclusive culture in our stores that values diversity and reflects the many communities where we live and serve.”
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The application process is open now to diverse-owned suppliers, which include small- and midsize businesses that are at least 51% owned, controlled and operated by women; Black, indigenous and people of color; LGBTQ+; veterans; or people with disabilities who can offer products that appeal to the varied preferences of Albertsons Cos.’ diverse customer base.
The Supplier Diversity Program also works closely with diverse business owners to overcome challenges and various barriers, including access to working capital. For many small- and medium-sized businesses, obtaining working capital is critical to growing their operations. Through Albertsons Cos.’ continued partnership with Leawood, Kan.-based fintech company C2FO, diverse-owned brands can receive early payment terms on approved invoices, unlocking fast and flexible access to low-cost capital.
Last year, nearly 500 businesses submitted applications for the Supplier Diversity Program, and more than 60 diverse-owned brands were selected to meet with the Albertsons Cos. merchandising team. As a result, six diverse-owned brands, Blue Elephant, Catalina Crunch, Mr. Kooks, Partake Foods, Radius and Watcharee’s, were added to the more than 200 certified diverse suppliers already selling their products nationwide at Albertsons Cos. stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco and Shaw’s.
Diverse business owners interested in having their products considered to sell in one or more Albertsons Cos. stores should submit their application online here by Feb. 2. Diverse suppliers selected to meet with the Albertsons Cos. team will be notified by Feb. 16, and appointments will be scheduled for early April.
As of Dec. 2, 2023, Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons operated 2,271 retail food and drug stores with 1,726 pharmacies, 401 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. It has stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia under 24 banners, among them Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. Albertsons is No. 9 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2023 list of top food and consumables retailers in North America. PG also named the company one of its Retailers of the Century.
