7-Eleven Inc. is seeking innovative and emerging brands to apply to the retailer’s fifth annual Brands with Heart showcase, which offers the chance for companies to see their products on the shelves of 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes convenience stores.
Companies can apply on 7-Eleven’s website through the end of July. Eligible categories include fresh food, beverages, alcoholic beverages, snacks, better-for-you products and non-food items.
7-Eleven routinely seeks up-and-coming, exciting new products that enhance the customer experience and complement its food and beverages like Slurpees, Big Bite hot dogs, pizza and more, the Irving, Texas-based convenience-store chain said. Through the Brands with Heart program, companies can pitch their products to be sold at 7-Eleven stores.
Whether a product is ready to hit shelves or is still being developed, 7-Eleven is encouraging all emerging brands to apply. It will review submissions in August and will invite standouts to attend the Brands with Heart showcase in Irving, Texas, Nov. 1- 3. At the showcase, brands will present to company employees and meet with merchandising teams for coaching and mentoring. After the showcase, 7-Eleven will invite some brands to participate in an in-store test at select locations nationwide.
- 7-Eleven is No. 1 on CSP’s 2023 Top 202 ranking of U.S. convenience-store chains by store count.
“7-Eleven has a legacy of innovation, from to-go coffee to self-serve soda fountains, and Brands with Heart is just another example of how we’re innovating to meet customers’ needs,” said Nikki Boyers, vice president of private brands at 7 Eleven, which earlier this month celebrated 96 years. “The Brands with Heart showcase allows us to scout for the best new products for our customers while also giving smaller brands the chance to shine.”
Adam Franks, director of private and emerging brands at 7-Eleven, said, “It’s inspiring to see the innovation and creativity that’s out there, and of course enjoy some tasty treats along the way. We love helping these up-and-coming brands grow and thrive.”
7-Eleven Inc. operates, franchises or licenses more than 83,000 convenience stores in 19 countries and regions, including more than 13,000 7-Eleven convenience stores in the United States and Canada. In addition, it operates and franchises Speedway, Stripes, Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits locations.
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