Wakeferns Expands Wholesale Agreement with Gristedes Markets

KEASBEY, N.J. - Wakefern Food Corp. announced that it will now include grocery products and consumer-packaged goods in its wholesale agreement with New York City-based Gristedes Markets. Since 2008, Wakefern has worked closely with Gristedes to provide the 33-store chain with its ShopRite private label brand, as well as health and beauty aids, dairy, frozen and specialty grocery product offerings.

"Over the last two years of our relationship, Wakefern has consistently delivered on the quality and value it is known for in this industry," said Charles Criscuolo, senior executive vice president of Gristedes Markets. "We have also benefitted greatly from the services made available through Wakefern, which cater to the individual needs of our stores. Extending these benefits to include our grocery departments is a natural next step in our ongoing collaboration."

"Expanding upon our existing agreement with Gristedes represents the steady growth of our wholesale business," said Joseph Colalillo, chairman and CEO of Wakefern Food Corp. "Leveraging Wakefern's buying power and expertise in procurement, as well as the company's full range of brands, products and services, results in a significant point of differentiation for our customers."

In 2007, Wakefern Food Corp. expanded its business to include wholesale sales to other retailers, taking the company beyond its traditional Northeastern market. Wakefern creates wholesale programs and store-specific solutions that provide a diverse mix of product offerings and retail strategies to address the needs of any customer.