NASH FINCH GAINS FOOD FARM SUPPLY BUSINESS

JON SPRINGER

MINNEAPOLIS -- Nash Finch Co. here said it has gained the distribution business for Food Farm, a Kinston, N.C.-based group of 63 stores operating under the Piggly Wiggly banner.

Food Farm represents more than $200 million in annual sales, Nash Finch said. The chain will be serviced from Nash Finch's distribution center in Lumberton, N.C.

Food Farm was previously supplied by Fleming, Dallas, which serviced the chain from its Warsaw, N.C., center.

"We're pleased to have earned the business of this exciting group of Piggly Wiggly retailers," said Ron Marshall, Nash Finch's president and chief executive officer. "This business substantially increases our presence in the Southeast."

Nash Finch also serves independent chains including Bo's Supermarkets, Star Value Stores and Pak-A-Sak from its Lumberton center, said Brian Numainville, Nash Finch's director of research. The company is in the process of adding 140 new jobs at the Lumberton center, he noted.

Kris Sundberg, spokeswoman for Fleming, told SN that Fleming was "unfortunate" to lose the Food Farm business but added that the company has gained $740 million in new accounts this year. Sundberg said she was not sure what effect the switch would have on the Warsaw center. "There could be new sales that could be gained in that area," she said.

Calls to Food Farm seeking comment were not returned last week.