New Grocery Stores Seeks Local Produce, Products To Sell

October 22, 2012

A new grocery store opening soon on Airport Boulevard in Pensacola is looking for local produce and products to sell.

Since opening in 1982, The Fresh Market has made the support of local manufacturers and farmers one of its main points of focus. For the past 30 years the specialty grocery retailer headquartered in Greensboro, N.C., has helped many start-up and artisan manufacturers grow their brands.

“Supporting local food manufacturers has always been a core part of The Fresh Market’s business,” said Marc Jones, the company’s senior vice president of marketing and merchandising. “As we continue to grow our company throughout the United States, we are also growing our local programs, increasing our focus on finding fantastic local products that our customers will love.”

To realize this goal and become better acquainted with vendors in the  area, The Fresh Market is hosting a “Local Vendor Product Pitch Day” in Pensacola on Wednesday, November 7. The purpose of the event is two-fold: local food manufacturers can introduce their retail-ready products to The Fresh Market as well as learn about the company’s process for selecting, promoting and selling local products in its stores. With two new Gulf Coast area stores – one in Daphne and the other in Pensacola. – set to open later this year, the company is also looking to build its offering of local products in these and existing stores.

Space is limited and available by appointment only. Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance by sending an email with their contact, company and product information to buylocal@thefreshmarket.com.

Fresh Market currently operates 126 stores in 24 states.

Comments

4 Responses to “New Grocery Stores Seeks Local Produce, Products To Sell”

  1. bigbill1961 on October 22nd, 2012 7:24 pm

    @Henry Coe

    I agree that we should keep as much as we can in NW Florida. In this case, however, I’m ok with some of my dollars going to this business. Our local growers and farmers have had it rough, and I think this would give them a nice little boost.

  2. Henry Coe on October 22nd, 2012 3:28 pm

    I’d rather see a local produce market sell local produce and keep that money in NW Florida.

  3. Ben Thar on October 22nd, 2012 2:08 pm

    MM is right. Fresh Market rocks.

    I got hooked on them while on a trip to Destin.

  4. Molino Mom on October 22nd, 2012 9:21 am

    So glad to hear this store is coming to P’cola., it’s about time. I love this store in Destin, it will be a good thing for Pensacola and so good for local farmers/growers.