Posted in, National, West

WAFC Names 2013-14 Board Leadership

The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has named its 2013-2014 officers and board of directors, elected during last month’s 92nd Annual WAFC Convention in Palm Desert, Calif. The 2013-14 officers are: • President and chairman: Steve Junqueiro, Save Mart Supermarkets; • VP: Sue Klug, Unified Grocers; • Secretary: Rick Rayford, Brookshire Grocery Co.; • […]

Posted in, Uncategorized, West

Edwards Adds CEO Title At Safeway

Robert L. Edwards will succeed Steve Burd as CEO when Burd retires on May 14 from Safeway Inc. in Pleasanton, Calif. Edwards, who is president, also will join the company’s board of directors at that time. Burd also holds the chairman’s title. T. Gary Rogers, currently lead independent director on the board, will become non-executive […]

Posted in, Suppliers, West

Inventure To Acquire Berry Processing Biz From Willamette Valley Fruit

Inventure Foods Inc., a leading specialty food marketer and manufacturer, has signed a non-binding letter of intent for the purchase of the berry processing business of Willamette Valley Fruit Co. LLC (WVFC), including building and ground leases. Terms were not disclosed, as the transaction remains subject to completion of due diligence, agreement on a definitive […]

Posted in, National, West

Unified Grocers Advancing Waste Reduction Efforts

Unified Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western U.S., is making significant advancements in its ongoing effort to reduce waste and encourage earth-sustaining practices throughout the organization, the Commerce, Calif.-based wholesaler says. As part of Unified’s commitment to being a good steward of the earth while responsibly growing its business, the company has […]

Posted in, National, West

The Independent Impact On The West

In the West, independent grocers provide 178,335 direct jobs, along with $6.4 billion in direct wages. West grocers do $33.2 billion in sales annually and pay approximately $6 billion in taxes. In terms of sales, California brings in the most with $19.7 billion each year, followed by Arizona ($3.6 billion) and Washington State ($3.2 billion). […]

Posted in, Store News, West

Sprouts Opening 35th L.A. Area Store On May 1

The countdown is on in Westwood, a neighborhood in the north-central portion of Los Angeles’ Westside, as Sprouts Farmers Market gets closer to opening its 35th store in the area. The 22,558-s.f. store will open Wednesday, May 1, at 1751 Westwood Blvd., just off Santa Monica Boulevard. “We’re pleased to be moving into such a […]