The third annual Casey’s Innovation Summit is underway, and the convenience-store chain is encouraging food and beverage brands to apply for the opportunity to become part of the company’s merchandising mix, with the potential for in-store distribution.
The annual event focuses on discovering brands with innovative products to potentially distribute across the retailer’s 2,900-plus stores in 19 states, Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey’s said.
- Casey’s is No. 3 on CSP’s 2026 Top 40 update to the 2025 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count. Watch for the full 2026 Top 202 ranking in June.
Now through May 8, food and beverage companies are invited to apply online to be considered for an opportunity to showcase their products, engage with Casey’s merchants and gain exposure to their customer base. Applications are being managed through RangeMe, a San Francisco-based product discovery platform owned by ECRM, Solon, Ohio.
Initial introductory meetings will be scheduled for June. Finalists will be invited to attend the in-person Innovation Summit in Ankeny on July 9. More information also can be found on the application page.
“The Innovation Summit process has led to mutually successful partnerships with new brands and the introduction of new products across our stores,” said Chris Stewart, vice president of merchandising at Casey’s. “Building on that success, we’re excited to see the next wave of brands and ideas this year—differentiated, potentially exclusive products that give guests something new to discover when they shop at Casey’s.”
The following suppliers advanced past the test phase from the 2024 Innovation Summit and are currently available in Casey’s stores:
- Neuro Gum and Mints
- Magic Spoon Snack Bars
- Archer Meat Snacks
The 2025 summit selected the following brands to move into testing, the first phase following the event:
- Kindling Snacks
- Beefcake Meat Snacks
- Love Corn
- Like Air
“Casey’s ongoing commitment to innovation reflects the importance they place on discovering products and brands that can fuel growth and enhance the customer experience,” said Wayne Bennett, senior vice president, retail, at ECRM/RangeMe. “We are proud that ECRM/RangeMe has the opportunity to support Casey’s merchants with a more streamlined path to product discovery, helping connect their team with high-growth innovation and emerging opportunities across the market.”
Casey’s, a Fortune 500 company, operates more than 2,900 c-stores in the greater Midwest under the Casey’s and goodstop brands and in Texas under the Lone Star Food Stores and CEFCO brands. The company is the third-largest convenience-store retailer, the fourth-largest holder of liquor licenses and the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.