COMMERCE, Calif. and BELLINGHAM, Wash., March 24, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Haggen and Unified Grocers today announced that they have extended their supply partnership for an additional five years. Haggen is the largest independent grocery retailer in the Pacific Northwest and Unified is the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western United States. Unified took over the original supply agreement when it acquired Seattle-based Associated Grocers in 2007.
"We're excited to build on and strengthen the relationship between two companies with a strong local presence in the Pacific Northwest," said Leon Bergmann, EVP, Sales & Procurement, Unified Grocers. "The extension of our partnership with Haggen was made possible by the close working relationships we have. The new agreement will provide additional efficiencies for both companies while providing consistent execution with access to the greatest variety of products for Haggen's customers. It's the latest example of our commitment to help our retail members and customers improve their competitiveness in the marketplace."
The flexibility and structure of this agreement will complement Haggen Northwest Fresh's go-to-market strategy.
"We have renewed our partnership and are looking forward to building upon the strong foundation we've already established," said Clement Stevens, Senior VP of Merchandising and Marketing. "We're confident that Haggen's vendor partners — and ultimately, our customers — will benefit from the ever-growing selection of quality products."
About Haggen
Founded in 1933, Haggen, Inc. is one of the Pacific Northwest's leading grocery chains. The Bellingham, Washington-based company operates stores in Washington and Oregon under the Haggen Northwest Fresh and TOP Food & Drug names and is the state's sixth-largest private company. Haggen is dedicated to providing its guests with the best of the Northwest. For 80 years, it has supported regional farms, ranches, fisheries and other businesses, creating a lasting and sustainable local food economy. Haggen is also deeply rooted in the communities it serves, providing support to local events and partnerships. For more information about what's happening at Haggen, visit: haggen.com and top-foods.com.
About Unified Grocers, Inc.
Founded in 1922, Unified Grocers is a retailer-owned wholesale grocery distributor that supplies independent retailers throughout the western United States. Unified, which generated approximately $3.8 billion in sales during fiscal 2012, offers independent retailers all the resources they need to compete in the supermarket industry. For more information about Unified Grocers, visit: unifiedgrocers.com.