Stew Leonard’s announced the launch of its “Stew’s Tank” competition, which is their take on the popular TV show Shark Tank.

New Jersey food companies are invited to apply online (Apply Online), giving vendors the opportunity to present their products directly to Stew Leonard’s Buying Team and earn the chance to be sold at the Stew Leonard’s store in Paramus – and eventually all locations.

This is the second Stew’s Tank competition – the inaugural event last year resulted in four new products produced in New York and currently sold at Stew Leonard’s: Bacaro Original Foods Eggplant Meatballs (Massapequa Park), Halesite Habanero Hot Sauce (Halesite), Kitu Super Coffee (New York City) and The Famous Meatballers (Wantaugh).

“Stew Leonard’s launched rock star brands like Newman’s Own, Bear Naked Granola, Rao’s Marinara Sauce, and Long Island’s Butera’s Meatballs,” notes president and CEO Stew Leonard, Jr. “My family and I are excited about Stew’s Tank in New Jersey and we can’t wait to taste our next best-selling products from the Garden State!”

Stew Leonard’s buyers are always on the lookout for what will be the “next big thing”, and while dozens of food vendors pitch them every week,  they don’t accept slotting fees – an industry practice where big brands pay for retail shelf space.

Interested vendors located in New Jersey should upload their best sales pitch video to the Stew’s Tank website by Sunday, March 15th and include information about the product’s background, why it’s unique, and why Stew Leonard’s shoppers will like it.

Selected vendors who advance to the next round will meet with Stew Leonard’s Buying Team for a sales presentation – then a small chosen few will demo and sell their products at Stew Leonard’s in Paramus from April 18th thru May 10th. Stew Leonard’s Buying Team will track sales throughout the month and the best-selling products will earn a spot on the shelves at Stew Leonard’s in June.