GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — SpartanNash turned up the heat on grocery innovation last week as nearly 2,000 independent grocers, suppliers, and industry professionals gathered in Grand Rapids for the company’s annual Food Solutions Expo. Held at DeVos Place Convention Center, the two-day event celebrated emerging consumer trends, forged new connections between suppliers and retailers, and spotlighted standout performers across the grocery ecosystem.
A cornerstone event for the food solutions company, the Expo featured curated displays highlighting SpartanNash’s 2025 Consumer Taste Trends, supplier showcases, customer and vendor award ceremonies, and live auctions.
“Independent grocers are the heart and soul of neighborhood supermarkets, and they bring a distinctive, vital perspective to the industry,” SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam said. “The Food Solutions Expo offers our attendees the opportunity to turn shelf space into success stories. They come for the savings and stay for the strategy. Most importantly, it helps SpartanNash, our customers and our vendors find new ways to partner together, ultimately elevating the grocery shopping experience for consumers.”
SpartanNash supports over 2,100 retail locations nationwide, offering tools and services to help grocers remain competitive and community-focused. According to the National Grocers Association, independent grocers account for 33% of U.S. grocery sales—more than $250 billion annually—and play a vital economic role.
During the event, SpartanNash honored standout partners with its 2024-25 Vision and Impact Awards.
The Impact Awards recognized four supplier partners for their commitment to delivering value:
Vision Award winners included:
- Discount Drug Mart® (We Serve Award) for raising over $400,000 for disaster relief and charitable causes
- Berens Market (We Have Fun Award) for community events and engagement in Milbank, S.D.
- Harding's Friendly Markets (We Create Solutions Award) for launching a comprehensive digital shopping platform
- Neiman's Family Market (We Win Award) for strong sales growth and marketing investments
- Northland Foods (Delivering the Ingredients for a Better Life Award) for boosting OwnBrands sales and deep community roots
“At SpartanNash, our vision is that we see a day when our customers will say, 'I can't live without them,' and these five independent retailers embody that vision in their stores and in their communities,” Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Amy McClellan said. “Across the country, independent grocers serve as critical food destinations where neighbors can connect, careers can grow, and family meals and traditions can be created. We are honored to serve these grocers, supporting the role they play in nourishing our communities.”
For more highlights from the 2025 SpartanNash Food Solutions Expo, follow SpartanNash on Instagram or visit the event website for full event coverage.
