Former Safeway exec to develop A&P's private label

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc., the US division of the Tengelmann Group (Germany) said that Douglas Palmer, Safeway's former VP of consumer brands and one of the orchestrators of the successful "O" line of store brand organics, had joined it as A&P's VP of own brands.

At Safeway, Palmer oversaw the development of the company's brand rationalization and consolidation initiative, the redesign of its store-brand labelling, and the introduction of its corporate organic products brand. Palmer previously served with Ahold USA, Daymon Worldwide, Meijer, and Farm Fresh.

"From past experience, I know that he will elevate our own brands development and execution to best-in-class levels, aligned with our exciting store format, merchandising, and marketing initiatives," noted Senior VP of merchandising and supply & logistics Rebecca Philbert.

Before joining A&P last December, Philbert was corporate VP at Safeway and senior lead of its "Lifestyle" store format.

A&P operates 406 stores in nine states and the District of Columbia under the A&P, Waldbaum's, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, Super Fresh, Farmer Jack, Sav-A-Center and Food Basics banners.