Month: January 2024

Albertsons Companies today announced its annual application process for diverse-owned suppliers. As part of the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, the Albertsons Cos. 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.”

The application process is open now to diverse-owned suppliers, which include small and mid-size businesses that are at least 51 percent 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 Albertsons Cos. 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 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, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, ACME and Shaw’s, should submit their application online here by Feb. 2. Diverse suppliers who are selected to meet with the Albertsons Cos. team will be notified by Feb. 16 and appointments will be scheduled for early April.

See original press release here and read more about Albertsons Companies and our Recipe for Change on our website.

ALSIP, Ill., January 22, 2024 /3BL/ – Griffith Foods is proud to announce the addition of two global directors, Michelle Egger and Madeline Patterson Smith. These new roles will play a pivotal role in advancing the company’s 2030 Aspirations and purpose-driven strategy.

Michelle Egger:

Michelle is reporting to Jim Thorne, President, Nourish Ventures, and Senior Vice President, Partnerships and Strategy. Her responsibilities include spearheading the development and implementation of a comprehensive partnership and ecosystem strategy globally. Michelle will collaborate closely with leaders across Griffith Foods, Nourish Ventures, and our partners in the start-up community, NGOs, and the food systems value chain to develop strategies and accelerate the implementation of Griffith’s positive impact on people and planet. She joins Griffith Foods from BIOMILQ, where she was the Founder and CEO of the start-up focused on revolutionizing early-life nutrition. Before her last role, Michelle worked at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and General Mills. She has a food science degree from Purdue University, an MBA from Duke University, and has been recognized as one of Forbes 30 Under 30 and CEO of the Year for North Carolina in 2022.

Madeline Patterson Smith:

Madeline is reporting to Kim Frankovich, Global Vice President of Sustainability. Her primary focus is on assisting Griffith Foods in achieving the company’s 2030 Aspirations with a focus on creating sustainable food system networks, fostering a nutritious and sustainable product portfolio, and serving the underserved. Madeline was previously at BCW, a global communications agency owned by WPP, where she led ESG and sustainability strategy and reporting for international clients across industries. Formerly, she worked in marketing advisory and as a freelance writer, and a speaker on sustainability communications in business. Madeline has a Bachelor of Arts in international studies from Rhodes College and is a GRI Certified Sustainability Professional.

“We are excited to invest in talent like Michelle and Madeline to help Griffith Foods drive positive global change,” said Jim Thorne. “We believe through partnership and transparent reporting, we can create sustainable change together with our ecosystem of suppliers, customers, and communities across the food system”, said Kim Frankovich.

Griffith Foods 
For food companies around the world, Griffith Foods is a global product development partner specializing in high-quality food ingredients. Driven by our purpose to Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World™ we are committed to helping our customers create better products – and a better, more sustainable world. Headquartered in Alsip, Illinois, USA, Griffith Foods operates in over 30 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. We specialize in building strong partnerships with our customers to create great food consumers love. Join Griffith Foods in Creating Better Together™ www.griffithfoods.com