US (PA): Whole Foods Market seeks local suppliers for new store

Whole Foods Market is looking for unique products from local growers and producers to feature in its new South Hills store. Interested suppliers can submit information online at www.wholefoodsmarket.com/malocal. The submission deadline is Wednesday, October 12.

Whole Foods Market defines local products as grown or produced within 100 miles of a store, or within the same state as a store. The South Hills location is seeking a variety of products, from grocery and specialty items to produce, meat and seafood, to body care and lifestyle goods. Across the U.S., Whole Foods Market stores source from more than 6,500 local suppliers.

“Whole Foods Market is proud to partner with local producers to offer our customers exciting and innovative artisan products,” said Ben Rose, executive coordinator of purchasing for Whole Foods Market’s mid-Atlantic region. “All of our local producers adhere to the same quality standards that we apply throughout the store, which ensures these products are free from artificial colors, flavors, hydrogenated fats and preservatives.”

Interested local suppliers should carefully review Whole Foods Market’s quality standards. The South Hills store is scheduled to open in early 2017.