Keasbey-based Wakefern Food Corp. has hit $16.6 billion worth of sales this year, it announced at its annual shareholder meeting on Thursday.
Sales were up by 0.7% when compared to fiscal year 2018, according to Joseph S. Colalillo, chairman and CEO; Joe Sheridan, president and chief operating officer; and Chris Lane, executive vice president; who addressed company shareholders and staff at the meeting.
The retailer-owned cooperative also said during the year which ended on Sept. 28 2019, it opened five new ShopRite stores and welcomed a new banner, Manhattan-based Gourmet Garage.
“It’s a time of great change and challenge in our industry, but we’re excited for the journey ahead. With every new program we roll out, we are committed to providing the best shopping experience for our customers and creating the supermarket of the future,” Colalillo said to an audience of 800 at the Hilton in East Brunswick.
In July, the company also opened its first standalone micro-fulfillment center in the United States.
“We are embracing change because customers are embracing change – the way they shop, the way they work and the way they live,” Sheridan said. “We are pairing high tech with a human touch to provide the very best shopping experience. Today’s customers want great online shopping options, but they also want a personalized experience. Our promise is that we will deliver all of that to our customers.”
In November, two new store brands — Bowl & Basket and Paperbird — will be introduced.
“With these pioneering launches we are truly elevating the ShopRite experience for each and every customer who walks through our doors,” Lane said. “We are ready to deliver to the next generation of shoppers the products and store experience that will make ShopRite their market of choice for their family meals, foods on-the-go and grocery needs.”
