Peapod Digital Labs, the digital and e-commerce specialist for Ahold Delhaize USA, has announced an incubator program to increase diversity within Ahold Delhaize's roster of private label suppliers in the U.S.
Peapod Digital Labs is seeking to “develop new, exceptional quality, private-labeled products in partnership with certified, diverse-owned suppliers.”
Peapod serves as the innovation lab for Ahold Delhaize's Eastern U.S. banners Stop & Shop, Hannaford, Food Lion, Giant Food, and The Giant Co. Suppliers who are selected to participate in the program will learn about Ahold Delhaize USA's private brand structure and goals from the PDL Private Brands team.
Participants will also receive guidance from industry experts and will be paired with mentors to help them prepare a final product pitch. A product recommendation presentation will occur during a livestream event in November at PDL’s Innovation Center in Rhode Island.
Peapod’s SVP of private brands, Ian Prisuta, explained “Through this program, we’re hoping to identify a select number of innovative food and beverage manufacturing companies with products made from high-quality, distinctive ingredients or healthy options that will appeal to the widely diverse customers of the brands of Ahold Delhaize USA. I'm confident there are suppliers that we haven’t engaged with yet that would be a valuable addition to our private brand portfolio.”