Broker/Wholesaler Corner

Supervalu begins supplying acquired Rainbow stores

Supervalu Inc., Eden Prairie, Minn., said it began supplying the first of 18 Rainbow stores that were acquired as part of the transactions between Milwaukee-based Roundy’s and a consortium of Supervalu and independent retailers. Supervalu will supply all 18 of the acquired stores out of its Hopkins, Minn., distribution center.

According to Supervalu, 10 of the 18 stores became Cub Foods locations; two now operate as Byerly’s; and the other six remain Rainbow stores.

“I am very pleased that we are now adding these 18 stores to Supervalu’s distribution network and that we are expanding our supplier relationship with a group of very strong independents and longtime customers of our Independent Business segment. We expect these fine retailers will serve the Twin Cities better than ever with an expanded store base,” said Sam Duncan, president and CEO of Supervalu. “Each of these independent retailers, along with Cub, are longtime grocers who know this market and their customers and are actively involved in their stores and communities.”

Topco names Aptaris preferred provider

Tampa, Fla.-based Aptaris, an enterprise marketing and promotions management software developer, announced a multi-year agreement with Topco Associates LLC, Elk Grove Village, Ill., to deliver marketing and merchandising management solutions to Topco’s member-owners and other clients. This new partnership will be managed by Topco’s Indirect Spend Program, which handles indirect spend areas for Topco, including marketing and advertising initiatives.

“The Aptaris software allows instant visibility into the entire promotions process, boosting communication between marketing and merchandising teams and connecting effective promotions with profitable growth,” said Greg Magrisi, vice president of sourcing, Topco Indirect Spend. “We know collaborating with Aptaris will allow our members and customers to strengthen their strategic positioning.”

Associated Wholesalers to sell White Rose Food subsidiary

Robesonia, Pa.-based Associated Wholesalers Inc. (AWI) said its board of directors decided to pursue the sale of its White Rose Food subsidiary. The action is a key part in steps AWI is taking to set a strategic direction that will provide the cooperative with the opportunity to refocus on its core legacy business — a business built on the entrepreneurial spirit of AWI’s members.

AWI said its board formed a special committee to pursue the sale and has retained Lazard Middle Market as its investment banker to assist in this process.

According to AWI, White Rose Food is the largest independent wholesale food distributor in the New York metropolitan area. Through its well-developed logistics and transportation infrastructure, White Rose efficiently services an area ranging from lower New England to upper Virginia. With three core product divisions — grocery, dairy, and frozen — White Rose provides customers with a wide assortment to meet the many needs of the complex metro market. AWI acquired the business in 2006.

Unified Grocers names Vic Versino vp of logistics

Unified Grocers Inc., Los Angeles, said that Vic Versino joined the company as vice president, logistics. He previously worked for DVD rental kiosk company Redbox, where he was vice president of logistics and inventory. Prior to Redbox, Versino held logistics leadership positions with Supervalu, Kellogg and Martin Brower/McDonald’s.

Versino takes over the position from John Wiedmann, who recently announced his retirement from the company. Versino will oversee companywide distribution, transportation and maintenance functions. He will be responsible for developing logistics and distribution strategies to ensure the needs of members are met, Unified Grocers said.