Winn-Dixie, trying to lure in Whole Foods shoppers, seeks local Tampa products to stock its shelves
Fresh produce takes center stage in a newly revamped Winn-Dixie.
Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. is calling on Central Florida suppliers of everything from groceries to beauty items to help stock its shelves with local items.
The grocer will hold pitch sessions at the store at 13508 Florida Ave. in Tampa from July 15-17. Vendors from Tampa Bay, Orlando and the surrounding areas must apply by July 3 by emailing svc_localdsdsupplsup@segrocers.com.Those selected will have their products on shelves in more than 150 stores in Central Florida.“When we buy local, everyone wins — we want to be able to offer locally made and locally sourced products, so everything is funneled back into the community,”Nicole Hatfield, Winn-Dixie senior manager of local business, said in a statement. “By featuring local products in each of our stores, we hope to share and encourage the culture of the local community.”
Winn-Dixie, which is owned by Jacksonville-based Southeastern Grocers, has struggled in recent years as Publix Super Markets Inc. and Walmart Stores Inc. duke it out for market share in Florida. The expansion of specialty grocers, from Trader Joe's to Whole Foods Market, also has hurt Winn-Dixie as customers choose an upscale shopping experience over a basic grocery store.
The "Winn-Local" program, as the grocer is calling it, is a play to lure in some of those shoppers — locavores, people who prefer locally sourced, locally made food products. Both Whole Foods and Publix emphasize locally sourced products with signage and stickers.
Winn-Dixie has been remodeling stores throughout Central Florida for years, offering more organic options and prepared foods like sushi.
The Central Florida program is the grocer's third "Winn-Local," following similar events in Mobile, Alabama and its hometown of Jacksonville.
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