Happy Pride Month! In celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the world of grocery, we’re putting the spotlight on several certified, LGBT-owned product brands, suppliers, and service providers who partner with Peapod Digital Labs to support the brands of Ahold Delhaize USA. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting and uplifting diverse-owned businesses, all the brands highlighted are certified by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), an organization that plays a crucial role in advancing procurement opportunities between LGBT-owned businesses and corporations.

Let’s dive in! Here are some incredible LGBT-owned suppliers to look out for:

First up is Hootology, an innovative market research firm that’s in its second year of partnership with PDL! This LGBT-owned business designs engaging studies that get to the heart of consumer behavior. Their market research helps us gauge customers’ perceptions of overall diversity and supplier diversity. Led by founder Stefanie Francis, Hootology brings together research, technology, and psychology for a holistic approach to market research.

Next we have GT’s Living Foods! This LGBT-owned supplier has been family-owned and operated since 1995, when GT Dave founded the business at 15 years old in the kitchen of his parent's Southern California home. Today their kombucha and other offerings can be found on the shelves of all five brands of Ahold Delhaize USA!

Epicurean Food & Beverages is a provider of high-end beverages imported from France, such as Val de France sparkling juices, Rième artisanal sparkling limonades, and Liese still & sparkling spring waters. Led by French American businessman Didier Arnaud, this LGBT-owned business participated in PDL’s first-ever Accelerator for diverse-owned suppliers last year, which helped grow and accelerate a handful of deserving brands.

At several of the brands of Ahold Delhaize USA, you can find ShineWater! This LGBT-owned beverage supplier promotes health through sports drinks packed with vitamins, electrolytes, and minerals. Using only natural ingredients and zero sugars, ShineWater was founded by an FDA physician, and all products are made in the USA.

Last, but never least, is Brand|Pride! Brand|Pride is a lesbian-owned, LGBT-certified branding solutions company. You might have seen associates from several of the brands of Ahold Delhaize USA walking around with Brand|Pride swag and gear on recently, or you might have seen Brand|Pride flags and straws featured in this month’s Savory Magazine. For over 20 years they’ve provided brands with promotional items to encourage brand advocacy, not only supplying merchandise but also strategy.