Dive Brief:
- Wakefern Food Corp. announced Tuesday the acquisition of the specialty food brand Di Bruno Bros.
- Wakefern has acquired the Di Bruno Bros. trademark and its portfolio of branded Italian and European specialty grocery products.
- Di Bruno family member Emilio Mignucci has joined Wakefern as vice president of his family’s food brand, Wakefern said.
Dive Insight:
Wakefern said it will continue to offer the Di Bruno Bros. brand to its existing customers, with Wakefern President Mike Stigers noting that the company is “committed to growing the Di Bruno Bros. brand while remaining true to the Di Bruno family’s tradition of great food and outstanding quality.”
Products under the Di Bruno Bros. brand include several varieties of crostini, tomato sauces, and cheese spreads. The brand’s portfolio of products is currently distributed nationwide to wholesale and retail customers.
Mignucci, a cheesemonger, will bring his knowledge to the cooperative to help position the Di Bruno Bros. brand for future growth and expansion, Wakefern said.
“This new venture represents a tremendous opportunity for Wakefern as we look to expand the distribution of these delicious and distinct groceries nationally through a dedicated sales team,” Stigers said.
Wakefern noted that the brand portfolio acquisition follows the acquisition earlier this year of Di Bruno Bros.’ five retail locations and a bottle shop in Philadelphia by DB Gourmet Markets, LLC. Those retail locations are operated by Brown’s Super Stores, a member of Wakefern’s co-op, and are known for their gourmet foods, sandwiches, cheeses, cured meats and specialty groceries, Wakefern said.
The acquisition comes as Wakefern expands the distribution of its private brands. In August, Heinen’s stores added more than 140 products from ShopRite’s Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry and Paperbird brands.
Wakefern’s member companies run supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market and Di Bruno Bros. banners.
