ENCINO, CALIF. – For the third year in a row, Gelson’s is asking local brands to pitch new products to be sold at the retailer’s stores across Southern California.  

Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2021, Gelson’s says it has become the top Southern California retailer for locally sourced products and currently carries more than 1,500 locally sourced items. 

The pitch event will be held online early next year and is open to local vendors within 50 miles of a Gelson’s store spanning Los Angelos, Orange, San Diego, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Bernardino counties. All applicants should be prepared to explain what distinguishes the product, including any attributes like organic, gluten free, vegan, etc. The winners will earn coveted shelf space in all 28 Gelson’s stores across Southern California, and Gelson’s will actively promote the winners in-store, online and via local media. 

Submissions will be accepted online from Nov. 1-14. Finalist meetings will take place in person during the week of Jan. 17. For complete entry details and to apply, please click: https://www.rangeme.com/gelsonslocaldiscoveries.   

“Giving local brands the opportunity to showcase their best products – and the chance to be sold in Gelson’s stores across Southern California – is both essential to what Gelson’s has done for many years as well as responsive to rising consumer demand for locally sourced products,” said John Bagan, chief merchandising officer for Gelson’s. “We look forward to meeting new entrepreneurs and introducing some great local discoveries to our customers.”