7-Eleven, Inc. Selects Purpose-led Emerging Brands for 2026
Based in Irving, Texas, 7-Eleven, Inc. has unveiled its selection of 27 promising brands for the 2026 Brands with Heart showcase. This initiative not only highlights innovation but also celebrates the commitment of these brands to purposeful consumer products. Now in its seventh year, the initiative aims to connect burgeoning brands with vital retail opportunities across 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes locations nationwide.
Innovation and Purpose in Every Sample
The 2026 showcase is particularly notable, as participants were chosen from over 700 applicants who underwent a rigorous selection process by 7-Eleven's Emerging Brands team. This year's selection emphasizes products that not only capture consumer interest but also demonstrate tangible social and environmental responsibility.
Connecting with the Retail Ecosystem
In preparation for the Brands with Heart event, finalists participated in engaging virtual sessions designed to provide crucial insights into the 7-Eleven retail system. During the event at the 7-Eleven Store Support Center, founders showcased their products, had face-to-face pitch meetings with senior category teams, and explored educational opportunities related to merchandise strategy and scaling in the convenience retail sector.
Opportunities Await After the Showcase
After the showcase, a select number of Brands with Heart participants received invitations to initiate regional tests within 7-Eleven stores. These trials are scheduled to begin in the early part of the year and will provide an essential opportunity to assess product performance and gauge consumer reactions.
A Vision for Future Retail
Jesus Delgado-Jenkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer at 7-Eleven, expressed the company's view on emerging brands. "At 7-Eleven, we see emerging brands as crucial contributors to the future of convenience retail. Initiatives such as Brands with Heart facilitate partnerships with innovative entrepreneurs who are reshaping products and business models to align with the needs of today’s consumers."
Purpose-Driven Selection
Every brand included in the 2026 program embodies a strong sense of purpose. This is reflected through various initiatives including responsible sourcing, sustainable packaging, community involvement, or mission-driven operations aimed at making a positive impact.
Meet the 2026 Brands with Heart Participants
Here are some of the standout brands selected for this year's showcase:
- Focus Fuel: Energy gummies offering a clean source of energy through natural caffeine and nootropics.
- Hormbles Chrombles: A creation of RX Bar founders featuring high-protein, zero-sugar candy bars.
- Smash Foods: A woman-owned brand focusing on sustainably sourced, organic snack bites with plant-based ingredients.
Celebrating a Diverse Range of Brands
The roster of participants for the 2026 Brands with Heart includes a range of innovative products. Each brand contributes uniquely to the landscape of convenience retail, with various options catering to diverse consumer lifestyles and preferences.
- Bum Energy
- COBA
- Doughlicious
- Flerish Hydration
- Focus Fuel
- G2G Bar
- GoMacro
- Good Candy
- Gorilla Mind
- Hormbles Chrombles
- Incredifulls Pizza Cupcake
- Life Raft Treats
- Loco Coffee
- Loom Brands
- Low and Slow Snacks
- Nantucket Crisp
- Noka
- Nutcase Milk
- Popcrunch
- Shameless
- Slate
- Smash Foods
- So Good So You
- The Anabar
- The Only Bean
- Toom
- YAW Snacks
About 7-Eleven, Inc.
7-Eleven, Inc. stands as a leader in the convenience retail industry throughout the U.S. With over 13,000 stores operating across the U.S. and Canada, the company is well known for its iconic offerings such as Slurpee, Big Bite, and Big Gulp. Beyond just conventional retail, 7-Eleven prioritizes fresh, quality food options, including sandwiches and salads, as well as household brands under its own label, 7-Select. Additionally, customers engage through loyalty programs like 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards, making their shopping experience more rewarding. Explore more about what 7-Eleven has to offer at their official site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Brands with Heart initiative?
The Brands with Heart initiative by 7-Eleven highlights emerging brands focused on innovation and positive social impact.
How are participants selected for the showcase?
Participants are chosen through a competitive review process from hundreds of applicants based on their brand values and potential.
What opportunities do brands have after the showcase?
Selected brands may launch regional in-store tests to gauge consumer interest and product performance.
Who is involved in the showcase process?
Founders of selected brands engage with 7-Eleven's category teams during the showcase, presenting their products and receiving critical feedback.
What types of products are featured in the Brands with Heart showcase?
The showcase includes a variety of innovative products that cater to health-conscious consumers, with a focus on sustainability and purpose-driven initiatives.
