Winn-Dixie sells off last of non-core operations

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores announced that, with the sale of its Deep South beverage manufacturing facility, it has completed itsprogram to sell all non-core manufacturing operations.

Polar Beverages of Worcester, Mass., will own the Fitzgerald, Ga.-base facility effective April 29.

“In 2005, Winn-Dixie announced a strategy that would allow the company to focus on its core business: operating grocery stores that provide our guests with superior service, great selection and variety. Part of this mission included Winn-Dixie exiting our manufacturing operations,” said Bennett Nussbaum, Winn-Dixie’s SVP and CFO.

Polar will continue operation of this facility, and Winn-Dixie has negotiated a five-year agreement with Polar Beverages as the exclusive supplier of its market-leading Chek brand carbonated soft drinks.

Polar said it intends to operate the facility as it is today, with minimal change to existing employees or their wages and benefits. Upon completion of the sale, employees of this facility will become employees of Polar Beverages.