Peapod Digital Labs, the digital, e-commerce and commercial engine for the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA, has launched an incubator program for diverse-owned suppliers, specifically targeting suppliers for its private brands portfolio.
The application process is open, and it closes Aug. 5.
Peapod is the Chicago-based digital, e-commerce and commercial engine for the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA, including Food Lion, The Giant Co., Hannaford and Stop & Shop, according to a news release.
The program is designed to develop new, private-labeled products with certified, diverse-owned suppliers. During the two-and-a-half-month program, chosen participants will learn from Peapod’s private brands team about the private-brand structure and goals and about Ahold Delhaize USA brands. Participants will then propose product concepts for consideration.
“I’m confident there are suppliers that we haven’t engaged with yet that would be a valuable addition to our private brand portfolio,” Peapod’s Senior Vice President of Private Brands Ian Prisuta said in the release.
The program will include educational sessions and discussions on best practices with experts. Participants will also be paired with private brand mentors to help them prepare for their final pitch.
The application link and other information is at www.peapoddigitallabs.com/supplier-diversity. Applicants must not currently offer private-brand items to any brand of Ahold Delhaize USA.
The program will culminate in November with a livestreamed event, where participants will present their product recommendations at Peapod Digital Lab’s Innovation Center in Rhode Island. Suppliers not chosen for the incubator will still be accessible through the RangeMe registration tools and may be reviewed by Peapod Digital Labs again in the future as business needs change.
