Wakefern expands private label program

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. Wakefern has expanded its operation to provide private label products to retailers outside of its ShopRite system and may begin offering a range of services as well.

The co-op, which is taking on distributor-oriented operations in the wake of Supervalu’s retail expansion, has developed a wide range of support services for the ShopRite supermarkets – ranging from single-unit operators to local chains – and Joseph Colalillo, Wakefern chairman and ceo, said those may become available to supermarket operators if the product initiative proves successful. Colalillo addressed the issue at a networking reception sponsored by the Network of Executive Women’s New York Metro Regional Group.