Albertsons looking for diverse suppliers

Albertsons Companies is seeking new, diverse-owned suppliers as part of its ongoing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy.

The application process is now open for the Idaho-based grocer’s fourth annual supplier diversity program. The company is seeking diverse-owned suppliers, which include small and mid-size 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 Albertsons Cos.’ customer base.

The program is open to business owners interested in having their products considered to sell in one or more Albertsons Cos. stores, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME and Shaw’s. 

“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.”

Last year, Albertsons Cos. said nearly 500 businesses submitted applications for the program, with more than 60 brands selected to meet with the grocer’s 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.

The annual supplier diversity program announcement comes after the grocer’s proposed acquisition by Kroger was delayed. The $24.6 billion deal is now expected to close in the first half of Kroger’s fiscal year 2024 instead of early this year, according to a recent joint statement made by The Kroger Co., Albertsons Cos. Inc. and C&S Wholesale Grocers LLC. The first half of Kroger’s fiscal 2024 ends on Aug. 17.

As of Dec. 2, 2023, Albertsons Cos. operated 2,271 retail food and drug stores with 1,726 pharmacies, 401 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities.