Meet the Go Fresh & Local Winners
Here’s the skinny: Every year, the Kroger Co. Family of Companies hosts a competition to discover fresh and local products to add to our shelves. The top competitors are invited to pitch their fresh fare in person to a panel in Cincinnati. In the end, five brands are selected to sell their items at select stores in different regions of the country. Check out our 2022 recap video.
Congratulations to all the winners of the Supplier Accelerator! Make sure to stop by and try their fare on your next culinary road trip, and keep your eyes out for their fresh products on the shelves of your local store. Products can be found in select stores in select divisions per brand.
2022 Winners
Zacca Hummus (Boise, ID)
From the family farm to your table, the Zacca company makes delicious, traditional-style Mediterranean hummus in a variety of flavors, just the way it should be: without the use of GMOs, gluten or artificial preservatives.
Where to find Zacca Hummus: Smith’s, Fred Meyer & QFC.
Coro Foods (Kent, WA)
Providing culinary-driven charcuterie for more than 20 years in the Seattle area, this woman-owned company has worked to master the art of old world salumi without being bound by its traditions.
Where to find Coro Foods: Fred Meyer & QFC.
The Ugly Company (Kingsburg, CA)
Turning perfectly healthy fruits with an imperfect appearance into a beautiful opportunity by upcycling “ugly” produce into dried fruit snacks, these treats prove it’s what’s inside that counts.
Product locations coming soon!
Hiatus (Baltimore, MD)
Offering a number of decadent flavors, Hiatus provides consumers with premium cheesecakes made from natural ingredients – for when you need a hiatus and want to enjoy a sweet escape with every bite.
Product locations coming soon!
j. berry Nursery & Genetics (Grand Saline, TX)
Committed to bringing beautiful plants into lives, homes and gardens around the world, the j. berry team elevates the beauty of gorgeous hibiscus, crape myrtles and begonias with the science of plant genetics.
Product locations coming soon!
Congratulations to the 2022 Go Fresh & Local Cohort!
When small businesses get the chance to bring their grocery dreams to fruition, big things are bound to happen. Learn about what fresh means to us, get a sneak peek at our Shark Tank-style competition and meet the winners of the 2022 Go Fresh and Local Accelerator.
2021 Winners
Nona Lim (Oakland, CA)
Nona Lim’s small-batch rice noodles are made with clean ingredients and offer the authentic texture and flavor you crave. Toss them with the included sauce for a Thai street-food favorite in minutes.
Where to find Nona Lim: Ralphs (California); Fry’s (Arizona); Fred Meyer (Oregon and Washington); Smith’s (New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho); City Market (Colorado)
Maazah (Minneapolis, MN)
Maazah, which means “flavor” in Farsi, is run by a mom-and-daughters team who certainly understand the term. Their authentic Afghan chutney, primarily made from cilantro and spiced jalapeños, adds delicious flavor to just about everything.
Where to find Maazah: Kroger (Michigan); Pick 'n Save, Metro Market, or Mariano's (Wisconsin)
Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese Royale (Charlotte, NC)
Made with simple and classic ingredients that stay true to their Southern roots, Queen Charlotte’s premium pimento cheeses are gluten-free, keto-friendly and seriously flavorful.
Where to find Queen Charlotte’s Pimento Cheese Royale: Kroger (Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Houston and Dallas, Texas)
Booker’s Soul Food Starters (Macedonia, OH)
Husband-and-wife team Claude and Crystal Booker have turned their family recipes into pantry-ready seasoning kits, so you can easily prepare delicious Southern favorites on your own, without any fuss.
Where to find Booker’s Soul Food Starters: Kroger (Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, greater Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Houston and Dallas, Texas)
Soupergirl (Washington, DC)
Soupergirl and her trusty sidekick Soupermom are bringing you delicious, ready-to-heat-and-eat soups, chilis and gazpacho made from farm fresh local produce. Whatever your dietary needs, there’s a soup to fit your lifestyle.
Where to find Soupergirl: Kroger (Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia).