ZAGARA'S BRAND TO SHOW UP ON SHELVES AT GENUARDI'S

AMITY K. MOORE

NORRISTOWN, Pa. -- Several Zagara's brand products will soon appear on Genuardi's Family Markets store shelves as a result of Genuardi's recent acquisition of Zagara's.

Bruce Wuerth, vice president of acquisition integration at Genuardi's here, confirmed that Zagara's brand chips, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, spices, spaghetti sauce, salsa and soup mix are likely to be found in Genuardi's stores. Zagara's is based in Marlton, N.J.

Though Genuardi's has some existing private-label items, Wuerth said the overlap won't matter because the Zagara's products will be marketed as a premium private-label option. Genuardi's products would be known for their value.

The transition program is still in the planning stages, and Wuerth expects implementation to begin in about three months. Demographics will be considered in the rollout of Zagara's products to ensure the right product mix for each market area, Wuerth added.