Kroger Enlists Unique Logistics International as a Ocean Transport, Logistics Provider

Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. has a new 12-month ocean freight contract with Unique Logistics International Inc. The global logistics and freight forwarding company announced June 20 that Kroger is a new customer for the company.

Under the terms of the agreement, Unique Logistics International said it will serve as an ocean transport and logistics provider for the grocery retailer from the Asia Pacific region to North America through April 2023.

As the food and beverage industry grapples with supply chain issues, a report by Mazars, an audit, tax and advisory firm in the U.S., found that 54% of food and beverage industry executives said their top concern was shipping and container costs and other unexpected fees when it comes to navigating the current supply chain disruption—all while trying to push forward sales and growth strategies.

"This is an exciting new partnership for Unique Logistics,” said Sunandan Ray, CEO of Unique Logistics. “Kroger is a leading name in supermarket retail with over $137 billion in annual sales, 45 distribution centers and 2,726 supermarkets and multidepartment stores. The company has been operating for over 100 years and its unique logistics needs include fresh and nonperishable food, fuel and prescription medication."

Serving the retail industry is Unique Logistics’ strength, Ray said, and that the “team looks forward to working with Kroger to solve problems and provide innovative solutions to strengthen Kroger's supply chain performance."

Last month, Kroger added a "spoke" facility in Central Ohio. The facility, measuring 61,000 square feet, will be located on Shook Road in Lockbourne in the Columbus area. The grocery retailer said the facility will employ up to 200 associates and will collaborate with the fulfillment hub in Monroe, Ohio, and serve as a last-mile cross-dock location allowing the fulfillment network to reach customers up to 200 miles away from the hub.