EXCLUSIVEBRANDSOURCING RETAILER/WHOLESALER ...

Fax: (323) 268-3432
www.uwgrocers.com www.unifiedgrocers.com
Net Fiscal 2010 Sales: $3.9 Billion -3.2%
Percentage of Total Sales in Exclusive Brands: 12%
Principal Business: Formerly called Unified Western Grocers, Unified Grocers is now the largest
retailer-owned wholesale grocery cooperative in the West with the takeover of Associated
Grocers, Inc., Seattle WA. The retailer-owned cooperative supplies some 2,800 independent
retailers (single store up to multiple store operators) in 8 states plus Hawaii, Mexico and some
countries in the South Pacific and elsewhere). The co-op was formed in September 29, 1999 from
the merger between Certified Grocers of California, Ltd., Los Angeles, California’s largest
grocery wholesaler, and United Grocers, Inc., Portland, OR, the largest retailer-owned grocery
cooperative in the western United States. Started with approximately 725 members, this co-op
supplies 2,700+ retail stores in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, western Washington,
Hawaii, and some countries in the South Pacific. Unified Western Grocers also operates a bakery
and milk, water and juice bottling manufacturing facilities.
EB Identities: Springfield, Golden Creme (high quality dairy and ice cream), Cottage Hearth
(bakery), Special Value, Western Family, IGA, Natural Directions (natural and organic foods),
and other brands.
EB skus: 5,000+
Profile: Poor economic conditions, which lowered consumer confidence and raised
unemployment, impacted on Unified Grocer's fiscal 2010 results. Its operating income was off by
16.9% to $ 38.1 million. Membership dipped as well to 473 versus 498 the previous year; although
the cooperative did pick up $ 13.7 million in new customer business. Also, a new corporate brand
debuted: Natural Directions, covering natural and organic foods and beverages. Fiscal 2011 shows
improving results, as the coop has added some new members.
Procurement Contacts: Philip Smith, Executive VP, Chief Marketing & Procurement Officer;
Joanne Murdock, Executive Director of Corporate Brands; Jan Tiel, Exe. Director, Corporate
Brands; Barry Jaynes, Manager of Private Label (grocery, deli, frozen foods); Randy Delgaldo,
Manager of Sales (health and beauty care, general merchandise) Robert Lutz, Vice-President of
Procurement
UNIPRO FOODSERVICE
2500 Cumberland Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30339 USA