Fresh Thyme Market Unveils Michigan Brands Following Pitch Thyme Event

In a momentous step towards championing local businesses, Fresh Thyme Market has taken customer feedback seriously by introducing four Michigan-based brands to its shelves after a highly successful inaugural event known as Pitch Thyme. Held at their Farmington location, this unique competition sought to discover and support emerging local brands while allowing customers to participate directly in the selection process.

The competition welcomed seven local businesses, each vying for the attention and vote of Fresh Thyme customers. The event was co-hosted in collaboration with the Michigan State University Product Center, where shoppers and a panel of judges assessed each brand based on various factors including uniqueness, taste, quality, packaging, and price.

The spotlight of the event shone brightly on Bingo Roasters, which earned the title of Customer Choice winner, thanks to the immense support from patrons. Established with the mission to innovate how coffee is enjoyed, Bingo Roasters specializes in creating gourmet coffee spreads and chocolate bars using high-quality ingredients and artisanal beans. Their passionate team of baristas dedicated over four years honing the craft of producing delicious edible coffee products.

Brad Etlin, senior manager at Fresh Thyme, expressed support for local entrepreneurship, noting, "Fresh Thyme has always valued our partnerships with local brands and the Pitch Thyme competition facilitates a platform for these entrepreneurs to showcase their talents in front of a new audience. We’re eager to help these brands grow and flourish."

In addition to Bingo Roasters, Fresh Thyme has embraced three other local businesses to stock their products in the store: Mimidae Beverage Company, Red Truck Orchards, and Gnarly Sauce Co. This means that shoppers will soon be able to enjoy a wider selection of Michigan-made products, enhancing their shopping experience with local flavors.

Kendra Wills from the Michigan State University Product Center highlighted the positive impact such initiatives can have on community entrepreneurs. "It was incredibly rewarding to see these local entrepreneurs connect with customers and witness the overwhelmingly positive feedback on their products," she said.

As a testament to this successful event, all four brands are set to grace the shelves of Fresh Thyme’s Farmington store by late September. Customers can look forward to an in-store sampling event, giving them first-hand experience of these new offerings.

Given the overwhelming enthusiasm shown during the Pitch Thyme event, Fresh Thyme plans to expand this initiative to additional markets across the Midwest. This move promises to foster relationships with even more local entrepreneurs, further enriching the Fresh Thyme shopping experience.

To keep up with future Pitch Thyme events or learn more about their mission of supporting healthier communities through accessible shopping experiences, customers can visit freshthyme.com or follow the brand on social media for the latest updates.

About Fresh Thyme Market

Fresh Thyme Market is dedicated to promoting healthier communities through the provision of real, fresh foods and body care products. Founded with a commitment to quality, experience, and community, Fresh Thyme works tirelessly to be a trusted resource for their customers by facilitating access to affordable, nutritious food. The grocer’s unique shopping experience is tailored to local preferences, ensuring a connection with the community it serves.

For more information on Fresh Thyme Market and its offerings, visit freshthyme.com.