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KEASBEY, N.J. — Becky Dheri and Sarah Hartmann have turned personal challenges into thriving businesses, and now they'll have a chance to showcase their wares on some of Wakefern Food Corp.'s supermarket shelves.
The two entrepreneurs' companies, Day Out and Vesucre, were recently selected as winners at Wakefern Food Corp.'s Total Store Local Supplier Summit. As a result, their products will get shelf space in ShopRite stores and potentially other supermarket banners in the Wakefern cooperative.
Dheri, a pharmacist from Fair Haven, NJ, founded Day Out in 2019 to create the kind of convenient, nutritious snacks she couldn’t find in stores. Her bite-sized protein balls, made from nutrient-dense, naturally sweetened ingredients, reflect her commitment to health without sacrificing flavor. Available in indulgent options like cinnamon bun and brownie batter, the snacks aim to satisfy on-the-go consumers seeking wholesome alternatives.
Hartmann, based in Oneonta, NY, launched Vesucre to fill a void in the vegan dessert market. Her flagship product, Plant de Crème, is a creamy, dairy-free treat that’s also soy, gluten, and refined sugar-free. Hartmann’s focus on sustainability and inclusivity has garnered her accolades, including the Otsego County Chamber of Commerce’s Breakthrough Business of the Year award in 2024. Vesucre is also a zero-waste company that proudly employs neurodiverse individuals.
Wakefern's Total Store Local Supplier Summit, which launched in September with the initial application process, was an opportunity for local and regional suppliers and manufacturers to present unique, on-trend, and flavorful foods for inclusion at ShopRite stores, with the potential for distribution across other Wakefern supermarket banners.
To be considered, applicants were required to be headquartered in states where Wakefern supermarket banners operate, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. Ten food and beverage makers were selected to present their products on December 6 at Wakefern offices in Elizabeth, NJ. A dedicated panel of judges at Wakefern reviewed applications, selected finalists and ultimately announced the two winners.
“All our presenters had fantastic products and it was difficult to choose, but we are excited to bring Day Out and Vesucre products to our stores in 2025,” said Darren Caudill, Chief Sales Officer for Wakefern. “Our supermarkets are family-owned and operated and committed to the communities they serve. It’s only natural for us to source great products from local suppliers who are an integral part of the communities where our stores operate.”
Wakefern says it has long championed local businesses, offering them the opportunity to scale through partnerships with its family-owned supermarkets. Past supplier summits have also introduced a range of innovative products to Wakefern’s Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry private label brands.
