C&S Wholesale Grocers has announced a proposed transaction to become the majority owner of The Winn-Dixie Co. The deal is expected to close in early 2027.
C&S, as part of a consortium of private investors, acquired Winn-Dixie from Aldi U.S. in 2025. Under the new agreement, Anthony Hucker, CEO of Winn-Dixie, will continue to serve as a special advisor over the coming months. Raymond Rhee will serve as Winn-Dixie CEO until the transaction closes. Winn-Dixie remains committed to its Jacksonville, Florida, community and will continue to have an office presence there.
“The collective insights gathered during our C&S-SpartanNash integration have enabled us to further enhance our support of customers, in all formats, across the United States. Our combination has already strengthened the skills and capabilities we need to win in the marketplace while clearly demonstrating that our continued growth has been greatly enhanced with our transformative M&A,” said Eric Winn, CEO of C&S.
“To continue to grow in the industry, not only today but well into the future, there is even more opportunity within our retail footprint, especially in the Southeast. I want to thank Anthony Hucker for his leadership as we continue the strong legacy of C&S and Winn-Dixie for many generations to come.”
Winn-Dixie growth plans continue
According to the company, the combination will support Winn-Dixie’s strategic growth plans by providing long-term solutions to structural costs and supply chain capabilities. The Florida-based grocer plans to:
- Refresh the Winn-Dixie brand and customer experience;
- Open new stores and continue its growth momentum;
- Refresh stores and upgrade experiences; and
- Offer more of what customers love, including its Own Brands.
“Winn-Dixie has always been more than a business to me. It is home,” Hucker said. “This proposed next step with C&S is a natural evolution of a partnership built on trust, shared purpose and a deep belief in what the hometown grocer still means to the communities we serve. As my role evolves, my commitment to Winn-Dixie only grows stronger, and I have full confidence in Raymond and this leadership team, as they are deeply experienced and fully committed to the future we are building.”
Winn noted that C&S and Winn-Dixie have been partners for more than 20 years. “This will be a seamless integration that will enable us to leverage efficiencies and economies of scale to drive growth for our team members, customers, shoppers and communities to build on our legacy of braggingly happy customers,” he said.
Keene, New Hampshire-based C&S was established in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores. Today, the C&S family of companies, including Grocers Supply, Hansen Distribution Group, Davidson Specialty Foods and SpartanNash, delivers supply chain solutions, products and services to chain, independent and military customers from 60 distribution centers nationwide. The company also operates more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores primarily under the D&W Fresh Market, Grand Union, Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets and Piggly Wiggly banners.
Related: Southeastern Grocers To Rebrand As The Winn-Dixie Co.
This is a great opportunity not only for C&S but also for Florida residents!
Joel Albrizio