Brookshire Brothers joins Topco Associates

Brookshire Brothers has joined Topco Associates as a member-owner, which will enable the Lufkin, Texas-based retailer to leverage Topco’s buying clout and knowledge management platform.

“Topco offers a unique opportunity for its members to dramatically increase our scale, gain industry insight from other regional grocers and more effectively compete in our respective markets,” said John Alston, president and CEO of Brookshire Brothers, in a statement.

With store formats ranging from contemporary grocery stores and convenience store – supermarket hybrids to traditional convenience stores, Brookshire Brothers owns and operates nine banners: Brookshire Brothers, Brookshire Brothers Express, Cormie’s Grocery, David’s Supermarkets, David’s Express, Pecan Foods, Polk Pick-It-Up, Brookshire Brothers Pharmacy, and Tobacco Barn.

Founded in 1921, Brookshire Brothers became a majority employee-owned company in 1999. In 2006, the employees bought the remaining shares, enabling the retailer to become of one of largest 100 percent employee-owned companies in the United States.

“Brookshire Brothers’ philosophy of innovation and commitment to serving customers’ needs makes it a great addition to Topco’s membership, especially as we drive new ways to advance as one in the marketplace,” says Randy Skoda, president and CEO of Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based Topco.

Topco Associates is a more than $14 billion privately held company that provides aggregation, innovation and knowledge management solutions for its food industry members, including grocery retailers.