Whole Foods hosts product fair for local growers, producers

In preparation of the new Whole Foods Market set to open in Palm Desert this September, the store will host a local product fair on June 10 to connect with local growers and producers, along with members of the community.

Small businesses in the Coachella Valley and Riverside County are encouraged to join and pitch products to the Whole Foods Market team and the region’s local forager on Tuesday from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs, officials said.

“We are always seeking new and innovative products that will delight our customers and support our local economy,” said Kimberly Albright, local forager for Whole Foods Market in Los Angeles County. “This is an opportunity to find those special, unique items that will make the new Whole Foods Market in Palm Desert a true reflection of the community.”

Suppliers who would like to pitch products to Whole Foods Market must meet the company’s quality standards:

No artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or fragrances
No hydrogenated oil, no high fructose corn syrup
No added nitrites
Meat or poultry must not contain added hormones or antibiotics

For a complete list of quality standards, including body care and lifestyle products, visit wholefoodsmarket.com.

Companies interested in submitting a local product pitch can RSVP to: sp.pmd.marketing@wholefoods.com.

The community is invited to attend Tuesday’s product fair as well. Folks will have a chance to sample some of the potential new products, along with products already confirmed for the new store.

For those who would like to attend, spots can be secured by sending an RSVP to: RSVP@goldpr.com.

The J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa is located at 74-855 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert.

The new Whole Foods Market is located at 44-459 Town Center Way and is slated to open on September 24.