Mars to outsource distribution to Bozzuto’s

Baltimore-area supermarket chain Mars Super Markets is closing its distribution center and outsourcing distribution to Bozzuto’s Inc., citing competitive pressures.

Mars informed state officials it would close its Baltimore warehouse March 9, affecting 78 employees. Mars, based in Rosedale, Md., operates 16 Baltimore-area stores. Some reports said Bozzuto’s, based in Cheshire, Conn., would consider taking over the facility. A Bozzuto’s spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

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“Due to ever-increasing competition in the grocery business and to remain competitive with large regional and national chains, Mars is closing our independent distribution center and will be outsourcing our grocery supply and distribution to Bozzuto’s, Inc.,” Chris D’Anna, chairman and CEO of Mars, said in a statement. “While it was a difficult decision to close our distribution facility, our new business model will allow us to leverage the buying power of a premier East Coast distributor serving more than 250 independent grocery stores. This will strengthen our ability to offer competitive pricing and a wide variety of high quality products to our customers and remain a preferred grocery option for Maryland families.”