MINNEAPOLIS - Supervalu here said Tuesday it would become the primary supplier for all Western Beef supermarkets, a 29-unit chain based in New York City.
The wholesaler said it currently supplies the chain's two Florida locations, and will add Western Beef's 22 supermarket locations and five limited-assortment stores in New York and New Jersey, effective in January. It will also supply a third Florida store slated to open soon.
Supervalu said its Lancaster, Pa., distribution center will supply the 27 Western Beef stores in New York and New Jersey. The Florida stores will continue to be supplied by Supervalu's Southeast region.
Western Beef is known in part for its assortment of product catering to the Hispanic market.
"This is an exciting time for Supervalu as we expand our relationship with Western Beef and increase our presence in the New York market," said Kevin Kemp, president of Supervalu's Eastern region, in a prepared statement. "For decades, Western Beef has done an excellent job of serving customers in its local markets. With this expanded partnership, Western Beef will be able to increase the variety of products offered in their Northeast stores while taking advantage of a wide array of support services that we offer."
In the release, Supervalu said Western Beef operates its own warehouses in New York City for meat, grocery and produce. A spokesman for Western Beef could not be reached for further comment on the transition to Supervalu as its primary supplier.