WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee is expanding its efforts to identify emerging brands, announcing that its 2026 Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit will return Sept. 9-10 at the retailer's corporate headquarters in West Des Moines.
The two-day event is designed to connect small businesses and entrepreneurs with Hy-Vee category managers while providing education, networking opportunities and the potential for immediate retail partnerships. The company said selected participants will receive guidance on navigating Hy-Vee's supplier process, scaling their businesses and growing within the grocery industry.
Hy-Vee is accepting applications from businesses offering products in grocery, produce, deli, general merchandise, frozen, dairy, beauty, or health and wellness categories. Applications must be submitted through the RangeMe platform by 11:59 p.m. PDT on July 13. The retailer plans to select 80 businesses to attend the summit in person.
In addition to educational sessions and networking opportunities with procurement, merchandising and store operations leaders, attendees will meet one-on-one with Hy-Vee retail and supply chain executives to present their products and explore potential partnerships. The retailer said some suppliers could receive on-the-spot product approvals or contract purchases.
The summit will also feature a supplier expo, where selected participants can showcase their products to Hy-Vee decision-makers, and a resource roundtable covering topics including distribution, food safety, finance, merchandising and marketing.
A centerpiece of the event will be a live pitch competition on Sept. 9 for early-stage businesses. Three companies will be selected from applicants nationwide to compete for a share of a $30,000 prize pool.
Hy-Vee said the annual summit reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting small businesses and expanding opportunities for emerging brands. Products from previous summit participants are now carried on Hy-Vee store shelves, underscoring the program's role as a pathway for entrepreneurs seeking broader retail distribution.
The 2026 Hy-Vee Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit will be held at the Ron Pearson Center at Hy-Vee's corporate headquarters in West Des Moines.
