#United States #Irving #7-Eleven #Brands with Heart #Emerging Brands

7-Eleven, Inc. Launches 2026 Brands with Heart™ Showcase

In an exciting move within the convenience retail sector, 7-Eleven, Inc. has chosen 27 innovative brands to showcase during its 2026 Brands with Heart™ initiative. This program, which has been running for seven years, aims to connect these emerging brands with retail opportunities that can expand their reach. The selected brands were chosen from an overwhelming pool of over 700 candidates, indicating a competitive selection process that emphasizes innovation and purpose in consumer products.

According to 7-Eleven, the emerging brands featured in the showcase have demonstrated a commitment to social and environmental conscientiousness. Their offerings are not only appealing to consumers but are also rooted in responsible business models. The selected participants represent a diverse array of products, each bringing unique value to the retail landscape.

The journey to the showcase wasn't just about selection; finalist brands benefited from a series of virtual sessions designed to integrate them into the 7-Eleven retail ecosystem. They were coached on aspects such as merchandising strategy and retail scaling, which are crucial in understanding the convenience retail market. During the showcase event, which took place at the 7-Eleven Store Support Center in Irving, Texas, the founders had the opportunity to engage directly with category teams while also pitching their respective brands. This interactive format allowed for sampling of products, valuable feedback, and discussions about the future of convenience retail.

"At 7-Eleven, we view emerging brands as essential agents of change in convenience retail," noted Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer. He emphasized that initiatives like Brands with Heart™ are instrumental in partnering with innovative entrepreneurs who redefine traditional product offerings to better suit modern consumers' needs. The 2026 cohort includes:

• - Focus Fuel: Specializing in energy gummies formulated with natural caffeine and nootropics for clean energy.
• - Horbles Chrombles: Created by the team behind RX Bar, this brand offers high-protein, sugar-free candy bars with crunchy cores.
• - Smash Foods: A woman-owned brand focused on developing sustainable and organic snack bites with plant-based ingredients.

Other notable participants include Bum Energy, COBA, Doughlicious, G2G Bar, GoMacro, and more, each highlighting different aspects of responsible sourcing, community engagement, and mission-driven operations. Following the showcase, select brands will undergo regional in-store tests poised to further evaluate their performance and consumer appeal.

7-Eleven's Commitment to Innovation

7-Eleven's decision to feature these up-and-coming brands underscores its ongoing dedication to innovation within the retail space. Each brand selected for the showcase carries a clear mission that aligns with the values increasingly sought by today's consumers. As brands commit to positive impacts, such as eco-friendly packaging and socially responsible sourcing, 7-Eleven positions itself at the forefront of modern convenience retailing. By fostering these forward-thinking brands, 7-Eleven continuously enhances its offerings while addressing the evolving preferences of its customer base.

For consumers, the Brands with Heart™ showcase not only represents an exciting opportunity to discover fresh products but also serves as a window into the future of convenience retail. The collaboration needed to support these brands marks a significant step toward an industry in which businesses actively seek out ways to make a positive difference.

As 7-Eleven continues down this path, it provides both a platform for emerging brands and a model of how retail can evolve to embrace sustainability and social responsibility. As we look to 2026 and beyond, the Brands with Heart™ initiative not only reflects the changing landscape of consumer goods but also highlights a collective journey towards a more conscious and connected retail environment.