Central Grocers Joins Topco Associates

Joliet, Ill.-based Central Grocers has joined the Topco Associates cooperative, expanding its retail, wholesale and foodservice companies’ membership.

“I am excited for this strong retailer-owned wholesaler to join our membership,” says Randy Skoda, Topco president and CEO. “We look forward to partnering together to help Central Grocers fulfill their mission of serving the true independent grocer in their local market.” 

Central Grocers supplies grocers such as Strack & Van Til, Tony’s Finer Foods, Ultra Foods and Sunset Foods, and will participate in Topco’s grocery, dairy/bakery, meat, deli, produce and floral programs. Topco expects to have the wholesaler fully transitioned by first quarter of 2017.

“Central Grocers is pleased to join the Topco family. Topco’s innovative approach to finding business solutions in the grocery industry will be of significant benefit to the members we serve in more than 500 independent grocery stores. We envision that their buying power will help us maintain customer-friendly pricing in our intensely competitive markets, while Topco’s expertise in quality assurance, packaging and sustainability will help us improve overall in-store efficiency,” said Ken Nemeth, President & CEO of Central Grocers.