Casey’s General Stores Inc. is holding its first Casey’s Innovation Summit, a competitive event that will focus on finding brands with new, innovative products to distribute across the retailer’s more than 2,600 convenience stores in 17 states. It is encouraging food and beverage brands to apply for the opportunity to become part of the company’s merchandising mix with potential to be distributed in stores.
“We are … giving a range of brands the opportunity to showcase why their food and beverage products should be available in our stores and reach the guests we serve every day,” said Chris Stewart, vice president of merchandising at Ankeny, Iowa-based Casey’s. “Our team at Casey’s is always looking for opportunities to ensure our guests can try and enjoy a variety of new, differentiated and exclusive products while providing them an unexpected convenience experience.”
Through Aug. 19, Casey’s is inviting food and beverage companies to apply online at www.rangeme.com/caseysinnovation to be considered for an opportunity to showcase their products, engage with the chain’s merchants and gain exposure to Casey’s customer base. It is managing the applications through RangeMe, and those selected must be able to attend an initial virtual meeting with the possibility of being invited to the in-person Innovation Summit in Ankeny on Oct. 30.
“This collaboration highlights the importance of product innovation and connecting suppliers with Casey’s merchant team to foster sales growth and deliver more relevant and engaging products to their guests,” said Wayne Bennet, senior vice president of retail at ECRM/RangeMe, San Francisco.
- Casey’s General Stores is No. 3 on CSP’s 2024 Top 202 ranking of U.S. c-store chains by store count.
Casey’s General Stores operates more than 2,650 convenience stores in the greater Midwest under the Casey’s and goodstop brands and in Texas under the Lone Star brand. The company is the third-largest convenience-store retailer, the fourth-largest holder of liquor licenses and the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States. In late July, Casey’s also agreed to acquire Temple, Texas-based Fikes Wholesale Inc., owner of 198 CEFCO Convenience Stores, in an all-cash transaction for $1.145 billion.
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