Diversity and inclusion have become a huge priority to many companies in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, and at RangeMe we’re seeing this movement as a fundamental pillar of many retailers we have recently partnered with. Take a look at three ways we’re encouraging supplier diversity on store shelves through our recent partnerships with retailers and certification providers below. 

Southeastern Grocers is on a mission to encourage diversity 

Southeastern Grocers, Inc. (SEG), the parent company of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket, and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is one of the largest supermarket companies in the United States. Progressive Grocer magazine reported Southeastern Grocers’ commitment to including and partnering with minority suppliers in the grocery, general merchandise, and beauty sectors. Their goal is to create a culture of belonging and foster an inclusive environment where differences will be celebrated. 

Together, Southeastern Grocers, Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing (ECRM), and RangeMe will be tackling these efforts by holding a virtual sourcing conference in early May 2021.  This diversity summit will help improve and grow partnerships with minority brands while giving a voice to suppliers who may align with what Southeastern Grocers’  buyers are looking for. Participating brands will have the opportunity to share their history, product attributes, and marketing plans. 

This initiative is only the beginning of RangeMe partnering with catalysts for change and inclusion. Other grocers such as Meijer and Schnucks plan on launching similar programs with ECRM and RangeMe. By partnering with RangeMe, retailers can easily tailor their shelf preferences to various communities and customers. 

Interested in working with Southeastern Grocers? Submit your brand to their stores on RangeMe

FabFitFun uses RangeMe to find minority-owned brands

In March 2021, Glossy covered the relationship between the lifestyle subscription retailer FabFitFun and RangeMe. By partnering with RangeMe, FabFitFun can search for and expand the number of BIPOC-, women-, and LGBTQ-owned and operated brands they feature in their monthly subscription boxes. FabFitFun currently carries minority-owned brands like Uoma Beauty, hair device brand Kim Kimble, and Wei skincare. Their monthly subscription boxes have the opportunity to give smaller brands billion-plus impressions, which is an excellent opportunity for emerging suppliers to build brand awareness.  

RangeMe provides brands with a way to upload their product information in a standardized digital sell sheet, where buyers can then seamlessly filter and search for specific brands and products with certifications. Allowing brands to upload the most accurate and relevant information gives buyers the ability to refine their search for more diverse brands.

“Supplier diversity isn’t really a new trend, but the level of consumer demand and retailer awareness has reached a point to where this is a defining time for the industry,” said Brandon Leong, SVP of Marketing and Growth at RangeMe. “The increase in buyer searches and interest for diverse brands has grown exponentially over the past year.” The efforts and importance concerning diversity and inclusivity will continue to grow for CPG brands and retailers, no matter how big or small. 

Are you a diverse supplier looking to work with FabFitFun? Submit your products here.

Certifications as a step towards inclusivity 

Diversity Certifications for Brands

Since January, RangeMe has been offering retailers and suppliers resources through partnerships with leading certification providers. Drug Store News shared how RangeMe is partnering with certification bodies to encourage retail buyers to find higher quality products and push for transparency and advocate for diversity. 

Achieving certifications for your brand and products shows buyers and consumers that you took the extra steps toward providing quality products. Certifications can also instill trust and show values that consumers can identify with when shopping throughout stores. RangeMe makes it easy for retail buyers to browse brands with specific certifications and allows suppliers to search for certification providers and directly contact them through RangeMe Services

Health and beauty buyers on RangeMe, for example, actively searched for Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certified brands over the last few months. Celebrating companies with unique backgrounds is an important part of many buyers’ sourcing plans. To the right is a list of some of the top diversity certifications brands can apply for that buyers actively search for on RangeMe. Please note these are in no particular order.

Prioritizing diversity and inclusivity is a growing business practice for many CPG retailers and brands. As consumer education of certified brands and products grows, understanding how certifications may benefit your brand’s success is crucial. 

Discover five key takeaways of the power of certifications according to retailers here.

Explore upcoming opportunities where buyers and suppliers can connect here.

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