7-Eleven Inc. has launched its sixth annual Brands with Heart program, designed to offer emerging brands the opportunity to showcase their products in U.S. 7-Eleven, Speedway and Stripes convenience stores. The retailer is encouraging “innovative and purpose-driven” brands to apply at 7-Eleven.com/Emerging-Brands through Nov. 3.
The Brands with Heart program aims to provide emerging companies with a platform to enter a new retail channel and grow their businesses within the 7-Eleven Inc. family. This year, 7-Eleven is seeking innovative consumer packaged goods (CPG) “that disrupt their category and meet the needs of the on-the-go convenience-store customer.”
“At 7-Eleven, we’re committed to being a launchpad for fresh, innovative ideas,” said Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at 7-Eleven. “Our goal is to curate a diverse range of innovative products that resonate with our customers and create solutions to meet their needs. We believe that partnering with new, high-potential brands is key to building the most forward-looking portfolio.”
Interested brands will provide details on their product offerings, unique positioning and leading innovative practices including sustainability initiatives. 7-Eleven is specifically looking for brands that are ready to launch and test their products in a meaningful number of stores. Selected brands will receive virtual programming ahead of the showcase to prepare for their in-person pitches to 7-Eleven team members.
Following the virtual sessions, the company will hold an in-person showcase in early 2025 at the 7-Eleven Store Support Center in Irving, Texas. The in-person program will include additional educational sessions, the opportunity to pitch to the respective category manager and a product showcase to the broader Store Support Center.
“We are thrilled to open doors for emerging brands, especially those that make a difference for the planet and the people who occupy it,” said Marissa Jarratt, executive vice president and chief marketing and sustainability officer at 7-Eleven. “We’re eager to discover new products that taste great and provide the cutting-edge offerings that 7-Eleven’s customers are looking for, while also helping to support up-and-coming brands interested in the convenience store channel.”
Following the showcase, the retailer will choose select brands for an in-store test at participating stores, providing them with invaluable exposure and the chance to reach new customers.
To apply, brands can visit 7-Eleven.com/Emerging-Brands. Submissions close Nov. 3.
7-Eleven is No. 1 on CSP’s 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
7-Eleven 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. In addition to 7-Eleven c-stores, the company operates and franchises Speedway and Stripes c-stores and the Laredo Taco Company, and Raise the Roost Chicken and Biscuits restaurant brands.
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