Meijer Format Stores and MSU Product Center celebrate National Small Business Week by selecting Super Duper Cold Brew Coffee and Bingo Roasters Coffee Chocolate Bars as the Meijer Award Winners for 2026
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EmailNational Small Business Week is May 3-9, 2026.
In recognition of National Small Business Week, Meijer partnered with the Michigan State University Product Center to introduce two emerging local brands to their stores in southeast Michigan. The awards were created to highlight MSU Product Center clients and their products. This collaboration with the MSU Product Center highlights Meijer’s ongoing commitment to supporting local businesses, food entrepreneurs and local agricultural producers.
The two featured products selected are all made in Michigan and are new and growing food businesses that have worked closely with the MSU Product Center to develop, launch and scale their products.
The team at Meijer selected Super Duper Coffee and Bingo Roasters Coffee Chocolate Bars, both of which will be available for purchase at a variety of Meijer Format Store locations this summer.
Natalie Rubino, Operations Manager of the Meijer Format Stores, values the quality and passion of local food entrepreneurs, saying:
“In the Meijer Format Stores, we have the opportunity to connect and strengthen the community, as well as the ability to acquire new local vendors and helping businesses grow. From the beginning, our Meijer Format Stores have been guided by three simple, powerful words – Fresh. Local. Value. Partnering with the MSU Product Center has made it possible for us to identify high quality new Michigan made products that are retail ready as well as delicious!”
Christopher Lasher, owner of Super Duper Coffee based in Detroit, had this to say about his experience with the MSU Product Center: "Joining the MSU Product Center was no doubt the best business decision Super Duper has made. The MSU Product Center makes it feel like I actually have a huge team behind me. I've had a boost of confidence since they welcomed me in, and I'm super appreciative of the guidance, the support, and help getting Super Duper Coffee into some awesome retailers.”
National Small Business Week was first established in 1963 during President John F. Kennedy’s administration to recognize the vital contributions of small businesses to the U.S. economy. Since its inception, the observance has grown into a nationally recognized celebration, with organizations across the country hosting events, educational workshops and award ceremonies that honor entrepreneurs and business innovators. The week serves as an annual reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit that has fueled economic growth since the nation’s founding and continues to strengthen communities today.
National Small Business Week 2026 will take place May 3–9.
Mollie Woods, director of the MSU Product Center, commented, “Meijer has been a strong supporter of our clients for many years, and we are pleased to partner with them during National Small Business Week. Our clients are continually seeking opportunities to showcase their products to new audiences, and placement on the shelves of Meijer Format Stores offers valuable exposure to potential buyers.”
The MSU Product Center, through MSU Extension, leverages the University’s extensive expertise in food, agriculture and natural resources to help entrepreneurs define, develop and successfully launch innovative products. Through business counseling, technical assistance, educational programming and market access opportunities, the MSU Product Center plays a critical role in strengthening Michigan’s food and agriculture economy.
To learn more about the MSU Product Center and its programs, visit
canr.msu.edu/productcenter.
To learn more about Meijer please visit meijer.com.
