Chicago Grocery Run with Norman Distribution - April 2026

Chicago: join us for a Grocery Run with Norman Distribution!

We’ll have brand samplings (apply below, tables are granted by application only), networking with your favorite CPG community, and VIP guests from Norman Distribution, Fresh Thyme Market, and Whole Foods Market.

Join us for buyer introductions and networking while enjoying samples and refreshments. Even if you aren’t sampling, bring product with you to show buyers! Sample packets/trial sizes and backpack sampling highly encouraged.

Come meet these featured guests:

• Ryan Meczyk - President/Founder @ Norman Distribution
• Nicole Fernandes - Director of Business Development @ Norman Distribution
• Kenneth Hausmann, Director: Natural Living @ Fresh Thyme Market
• Kristen Ready , Director of Grocery @ Fresh Thyme Market
• Margaret Omastiak - Senior Category Merchant @ Whole Foods
• Chris Russo - Director of Merchandising @ Norman Distribution
• Brooke Blazei - Grocery Category Manager @ Foxtrot

Here are the amazing brands sampling at this event:

Coming soon!

Want to sample at this event? Apply here!

Space is limited! You must apply to sample with a table. A ticket to the event does NOT grant you a sampling table. You can still bring samples in a bag though.

Please note: this event is open to founders, co-founders, and C-Suite equivalent employees of CPG brands only – no sales reps, brokers, or anyone else is permitted.

Sponsors:

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Email partnerships@startupcpg.com

About Startup CPG

Startup CPG is the biggest community in the world for emerging brands. We have 30k+ Slack members, produce the #1 podcast in CPG, host 100+ events per year, and are the #1 education hub for brands trying to improve our CPG ecosystem. It’s free — join today!

Instagram: @startupcpg