Meet the Buyer x UPFRONT

Our "Meet the Buyer" sessions are designed to connect passionate food entrepreneurs with potential customers, buyers, and/or category managers. Every month, we invite buyers from a wide range of sectors within the food industry, such as supermarkets, online retailers, hotel chains, wholesalers, and restaurant owners. These sessions offer exclusive sales opportunities, feedback, and/or professional connections that you won’t find anywhere else. In this session, we welcome UPFRONT!

About UPFRONT
Last year, they opened their first UPFRONT Foodstore, and they now operate two locations in Rotterdam. They offer a curated selection of approximately 200 products, covering all daily grocery needs. One of our core principles is that we do not carry any ultra-processed foods—UPFRONT’s mission is to reconnect consumers with what they eat and the impact it has on their overall health. This year, they’re expanding to more than 5 stores.

They have concrete plans to expand their product range to 250 items, and even though they currently operate only two stores, they are able to offer producers significant volumes quickly—because with UPFRONT, you’re the producer, not just one of many. This makes a private label partnership with UPFRONT an attractive opportunity to increase sales volume for your business.

Requirements UPFRONT
– Looking to expand their product range across all categories.
– All products must be free from refined oils, preservatives, and artificial additives (E-numbers).
– They work exclusively with private label products.

Who will you meet during this session?
Jelle Otter – Buyer
Karlijn van der Staaij – Category Manager
Lars Brandwijk – Category Manager

KR’s requirements:
– Be a member of the KR Community
– Arrive on time, with all materials prepared (tasting samples/presentation documents ready) and ready to pitch
– As space is limited and time is precious, please understand that KR and the guest buyer will select the most relevant food companies to meet during each session based on the buyer’s and companies’ focus.
– You can also leave your product(s) behind for the buyer; Kitchen Republic will collect your feedback.
– If you’re unable to attend, please let us know at least 12 hours in advance. If you do not cancel in time, you will not be included in the next selection round for an upcoming session.

How does it work?
– We offer 10-minute time slots per company. This might sound short, but it’s definitely long enough to make a lasting impression.
–Applications for this MTB session close on June 16. If selected, we will contact you the week before with details about your time slot.