Wakefern Food Corp. has acquired the Di Bruno Bros. portfolio of specialty products that is distributed nationally to wholesale and retail customers.
A specialty food retailer and supplier of gourmet cheeses and cured meats in the Philadelphia area since 1939, Di Bruno Bros. was also one of the first specialty grocers to begin selling its products online nationwide in 1998.
The five Di Bruno Bros. retail locations and a bottle shop in Philadelphia were recently acquired by DB Gourmet Markets. They are being operated by Wakefern member Brown’s Superstores, which is owned by the Brown family. In a separate transaction, Wakefern acquired the Di Bruno Bros. trademark and portfolio of branded products.
“We are proud to welcome this incredible line of products into our Wakefern family of brands,” said Wakefern President Mike Stigers. “This new venture represents a tremendous opportunity for Wakefern as we look to expand the distribution of these delicious and distinct groceries nationally through a dedicated sales team.”
Wakefern will continue to offer the brand to customers, as well as its cooperative members and wholesale customers. “We are committed to growing the Di Bruno Bros. brand while remaining true to the Di Bruno family’s tradition of great food and outstanding quality,” Stigers continued.
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The Brown family, which operates 12 ShopRites and a Fresh Grocer store in the Philadelphia area, announced plans in April to take over operations at Di Bruno Bros. stores from the family that had run the business for more than 80 years. The grocer is known for its gourmet foods and sandwiches, cheeses and cured meats and specialty groceries.
Third-generation grocer and Di Bruno family member Emilio Mignucci, a cheesemonger who grew up in his family’s business in Philadelphia, has joined Wakefern as VP of the Di Bruno Bros. brand, using his knowledge and culinary expertise to help position it for growth.
“I’m thrilled to join the Wakefern team and help carry on the Di Bruno tradition of sharing our treasured family recipes and celebrating great food and great people. The Wakefern cooperative, which is made up of family-owned businesses, understands our history and the importance of preserving that legacy,” Mignucci said.
