The Kroger Co., the country’s largest grocery chain, has chosen Soupergirl as one of five winners in its first Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator competition to become a supplier to the chain, the company announced.
Located at 314 Carroll St. N.W., Soupergirl creates readymade heat-and-eat soups, chilis and gazpacho made from fresh local produce.
“We invented the Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator to discover the best, most innovative, and freshest local and regional products—and our group of winners is just that,” said Dan De La Rosa, Kroger’s group vice president of fresh merchandising, in a press release. “We are proud to partner with these extraordinary suppliers to bring exciting new products to our stores across the country – and introduce customers to more locally made favorites.”
Soupergirl was founded in 2008 by Sara Polon, who was joined in the business by her mother, Marilyn (known as Soupermom).
The company was chosen from more than 1,000 applications to become one of 15 finalists invited to a pitch competition at Kroger’s headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Kroger will launch the five winners’ products on its shelves by Q1 of 2022, the company said, along with providing business development coaching and collaboration opportunities to expand the business.
This story was first reported by Washington Business Journal.
Sara Polon (left) at the pitch competition. Photo courtesy The Kroger Co.