Winn-Dixie to host "Winn-Local" event in Tampa to seek products made in the region

TAMPA, Fla. — Consumer demand for locally made items is increasing, and Winn-Dixie is seeking vendors in Tampa Bay, Orlando and surrounding areas to participate in its Winn-Local program, which sources local products to bring to neighborhood store shelves.

“Winn-Local” is Winn-Dixie’s initiative to buy products local to the cities it serves. The event will allow Central Florida suppliers to pitch their products to Winn-Dixie in hopes of earning shelf space in more than 150 area stores.

“When we buy local, everyone wins – we want to be able to offer locally made and locally sourced products, so everything is funneled back into the community,” said Nicole Hatfield, Winn-Dixie senior manager of local business. “By featuring local products in each of our stores, we hope to share and encourage the culture of the local community.”

Winn-Dixie is looking for finished goods, pre-packaged products and other general merchandise, including sauces, packaged frozen foods, cleaning products and health/beauty items.

The Winn-Local event will be held in Tampa, July 15-17, at the Winn-Dixie store located at 13508 Florida Ave. The deadline to apply is July 3. Vendors interested in learning more about the program, including product specifications, may send an email with complete vendor contact information to: [email protected].

The Central Florida event is the third for the Winn-Local program, building on the previous successes in Mobile, Alabama, and Jacksonville, Florida.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Tiffany Hutto
St. John & Partners
904-571-5659 (cell)
[email protected]