Gristedes markets Wakefern private label products

Wakefern Food Corp., the largest wholesale purchasing and distributing cooperative group for supermarkets in the US, has entered into a wholesale agreement with New York-based Gristedes. Wakefern Food Corp. will provide Gristedes with its ShopRite private label brand products, including its line of ShopRite Organic products, health and beauty care and imported specialty items to the chain. Wakefern will also be servicing Gristedes with branded non-food products.

Although Wakefern had been wholesaling to other customers for a number of years, it officially announced the establishment of its Wholesale division in May 2007. Dave Baer, director of Wakefern's Wholesale division stated: "We have serviced the independent grocer for years and understand the challenges they face," stated Baer. "As a wholesaler, we are uniquely positioned to address the needs of the independents with the products and services they need to compete successfully."

"By making our line of specialty products available to other retailers, we are providing them with a quality, exclusive brand that provides a real point of competitive difference in the marketplace," said Joe Colalillo, chairman and CEO of Wakefern. "Helping independents grocers succeed in a space dominated by much larger competitors has always been our primary focus and our strength."

Wakefern Food Corporation is the wholesale purchasing and distributing cooperative for approximately 190 ShopRite supermarkets.