Wakefern Food Corp. has appointed industry veteran Rick Brindle to an advisory role, supporting the expansion and distribution of its Di Bruno Bros. portfolio of products.
“We are thrilled to have Rick support the Wakefern team,” said President Mike Stigers. “His extensive background in CPG and online grocery retailing will be invaluable as we expand the Di Bruno Bros. brand and enhance product offerings for customers and wholesalers nationwide.”
A supplier of gourmet cheeses and cured meats in the Philadelphia area since 1939, Di Bruno Bros. was also one of the first specialty grocers online when it began selling its products nationwide in 1998.
“I am excited to work with this outstanding team and contribute to the growth of this one-of-a-kind brand,” Brindle said. “Di Bruno Bros. has a tradition of providing great food and specialty groceries that people love, and I’d encourage anyone who hasn’t tried the products, to do so. When it comes to their charcuterie, nothing beats the flavors from the old country.”
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Brindle brings decades of leadership experience from roles at Mondelēz International, Kraft Foods, Nabisco, Procter & Gamble and Safeway Food Stores. He has extensive experience advising retailers and wholesalers in the grocery, club, mass merchandising, and e-commerce retail segments.
Before leaving Mondelez, Brindle led its industry development practice as VP, working with industry influencers representing major retailing segments. He developed and led Nabisco’s global e-sales efforts from 1997 to 2001 and continued to lead Kraft Foods North American e-sales until 2010.
Brindle has served on numerous industry boards, including FMI Industry Collaboration Council (co-chair), NACS Board of Directors, NACS International Board, NACDS Supplier Advisory Board (chair) and GMA Industry Development Advisory Board (chair).
In 2023, Brindle received FMI’s “William H. Albers Industry Relations Award” and the National Grocers Association’s “Industry Service Leadership Award.” He also has been inducted into the Candy and Convenience Halls of Fame.
To expand the distribution of the Di Bruno Bros. product portfolio and build a consumer products sales and marketing organization positioned for growth and success, Brindle will work with Michael Day, SVP of business development, wholesale and member services; Emilio Mignucci, VP, Di Bruno Bros. Brand; and Wakefern’s wholesale division.
