Fresh Thyme Market is the first grocery partner of Naturally Chicago's Locally Made Retail Access Program. This partnership helps the retailer expand its local assortment on shelves and further its mission of giving back to the communities it serves, according to Fresh Thyme Market.
Through the partnership with Naturally Chicago, Fresh Thyme Market curates relationships with natural product entrepreneurs. By adding more of these products to shelves, Fresh Thyme Market also brings shoppers closer to food that is not only locally grown, but healthy and sustainable.
"Fresh Thyme Market is thrilled to be the first retailer in this exciting initiative," said Jonathan Lawrence, vice president of merchandising for Fresh Thyme Market and board member of Naturally Chicago, in a statement. "As a community-focused grocer, we're proud to support these local brands and be an innovative and collaborative partner in their larger success stories."
Fresh Thyme Market features over 6,000 local products. Most recently, the grocer hosted a pitch competition with Naturally Chicago that resulted in the addition of nine new Locally Made brands to shelves, including:
• Big Star Cocktails, produced by Apologue Liqueurs
• Carolyn's Krisps Snacks
• Evergreen Frozen Waffles
• Forbidden Root Craft Beers
• Inspiro Tequila
• IYA Foods Chipers Crackers
• Ms. P's Gluten-Free Granola
• Popadelics Mushroom
• Windy City Mushroom
"Partnering with Fresh Thyme Market has been a strategic choice for Naturally Chicago, and we're thrilled to collaborate with a grocer that shares our commitment to fostering better-for-you brands," Jim Slama, co-founder and managing director of Naturally Chicago, said in a statement. "Fresh Thyme Market's dedication to community and their support for sustainable brands align seamlessly with our mission. Consumers increasingly seek out local brands, and we appreciate Fresh Thyme Market's role in helping to meet this growing demand."
Related: Giant Sources Local Products for New Store; Target Adds More than 1,000 Wellness Items.