MATTHEWS, N.C. — Supermarket chain Harris Teeter is hosting a virtual Supplier Diversity Summit May 3-5 in an effort to increase the diversity of its suppliers.

The company said it is working to identify and increase sourcing from suppliers that are at least 51% owned, operated and managed by people who are disadvantaged, disabled, LGBTQ+, military veterans, minorities and/or women and who sell grocery, general merchandise and/or beauty and personal care products

"This summit will help further Harris Teeter's overall Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts," said Harris Teeter’s senior vice president of marketing, merchandising and operations, Tammy DeBoer. "Our goal is for Harris Teeter – our people and our products – to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Through the identification and support of minority-owned businesses, Harris Teeter will cultivate new vendor relationships to empower diverse suppliers and enhance economic growth."

Harris Teeter is partnering with RangeMe, an ECRM company and the industry standard online product sourcing platform, to manage all product submissions by qualifying and connecting suppliers with the appropriate Harris Teeter associates. Upon receipt of applications,

Harris Teeter will review and select the vendors they would like to meet with virtually through the ECRM Connect meeting platform. Suppliers not chosen for the event will still be accessible through RangeMe and may be reviewed by Harris Teeter again in the future.