The facility, which totals more than one million square feet of space and is some 80 feet tall throughout, features advanced intelligence, automation and an expanded variety of offerings to improve system-wide distribution and logistics performance. 

The automation technology and evolved organizational infrastructure will enable long-term, sustainable growth and support success and a competitive advantage for member retailers. Furthermore, it will help AWG and the region continue to attract, develop and retain an engaged and high-performing workforce. 

AWG partnered on the hub with WITRON, a leader in designing and realizing dynamic food warehouse automation and order-picking systems. The WITRON system is integrated into every area of the facility, including the handling of case and pallet goods, ambient temperature, refrigerated perishables, frozen foods and fulfillment of individual unit product orders. 

According to AWG, the automated system will increase the throughput of products, maximize efficiencies, improve accuracy and reduce product loss and waste due to damaged goods.

Due to the closed system of the AWG cooperative model, this will allow member stores to realize savings in overall product cost and transportation and benefit from the accuracy and lower salvage rates. Member retailers will reap cost savings while experiencing the highest possible product integrity and safety levels in the food supply chain. 

The hub, which has room to expand, accommodates all products and categories within today’s full assortment and specialty supermarkets.

It also has unique features, such as an earth-friendly non-ammonia refrigeration system and 10 pressurized banana rooms. There also are docks on both sides of the building to ensure end-to-end temperature control and five high-capacity generators for uninterrupted wall-to-wall operations. 

AWG President and CEO David Smith told the gathering that the company was “incredibly proud” to unveil the hub.

“[This] represents a significant leap forward for AWG and our commitment to delivering  exceptional service to our members and fulfill our mission to provide our member-retailers with all the tools, products and services they need to compete favorably in all markets served at the lowest possible cost,” Smith said. “This facility showcases our dedication to innovation and operational excellence.” 

Barry Queen, chairman of AWG’s board of directors, echoed Smith’s remarks, noting the hub marks “a milestone in our cooperative’s history.”

“With this cutting-edge facility, we reinforce our position as industry leaders, setting new standards for grocery distribution efficiency,” Queen said. “We are excited to celebrate this achievement and look forward to its positive impact on our members and communities.

“The grocery business is changing fast. And with this new All-In-One Distribution Hub, AWG will be well-positioned to meet the needs of retailers for many, many years to come.” 

AWG is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently-owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and more than 3,400 locations throughout 31 states from nine wholesale divisions.

In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide real estate and supermarket development services, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods and natural and organic products.

For more wholesaler and distributor news from The Shelby Report, click here.

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Customers who visit any participating SpartanNash-owned retail stores including Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets, D&W Fresh Market, Forest Hills Foods and fuel centers during the fundraiser can choose to donate $1, $5 or $10 at checkout or round up their totals to the nearest dollar. Online donations are also possible through Fast Lane.

All funds raised during the fundraiser will be equally distributed among the three nonprofits.

“Thanks to the generosity of our store guests and our Associates, we are honored to extend the spirit of Memorial Day to support our troops, Veterans, their families and those in need,” said SpartanNash EVP and Chief Customer Officer David Sisk, who also serves on the board of directors for Honor and Remember.

“Our trio of partners make a difference for our heroes and their families every day, and we are incredibly proud to support and elevate their life-enhancing work.”

Since 2015, SpartanNash and its communities have provided $2 million in donations to patriotic and hero partners through the SpartanNash Foundation. The recipient organizations benefiting from this fundraiser will provide support to people in need, including providing disaster response, honoring fallen service members and offering financial aid and support to military families.

“We cannot thank SpartanNash enough for their generosity and support of Honor and Remember over the past seven years. Their support is instrumental in recognizing our nation’s fallen heroes and their family’s enduring sacrifice,” said George Lutz, Honor and Remember founder, who will spend time visiting store guests and employees ahead of the fundraiser.

“Because of their store guests’ generosity, we have fulfilled countless flag requests for Gold Star Families. We look forward to continuing the patriotism, honor and remembrance tradition with SpartanNash.”

To learn more about the SpartanNash Foundation and its impact, visit spartannash.com/foundation.

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Once complete, the complementary strengths of the two entities will provide a nationwide fresh offering and an expanded customer portfolio.

“KeHE is dedicated to being a source for good, and this expansion provides an opportunity to deliver enhanced experiences for customers, suppliers and, ultimately, consumers,” said Deb Conklin, president and CEO.

“This year we’re celebrating seven decades of serving and feeding America, and this acquisition continues to position KeHE as the preferred supply chain partner in North America.”

The transaction advances KeHE’s partner success and growth objectives through two primary strategic initiatives:

• Enhanced capabilities in the fresh market. KeHE’s fresh food portfolio will grow, which will allow retailers to respond more quickly to customer demand.

• Broadened, complementary customer base. Backed by powerful data-driven insights, business intelligence tools, and additional warehouse space to help drive scalable growth, it will add more than 1,000 DPI customers across all channels delivering products in a one-truck solution. KeHE’s and DPI’s experts will continue to offer support to all customers.

“Both DPI and KeHE have built impressive networks, deep industry and category expertise and value-added services over decades of operation,” said Russ Blake, CEO at DPI Specialty Foods.

“Combining our complementary strategies allows us to further capitalize on those strengths to offer superior value for the U.S. food industry.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and government regulatory approvals. KeHE and DPI will continue to operate independently until the transaction is closed.  

BMO Capital Markets Corp. served as the financial advisor to KeHE.

KeHE Distributors is a distributor of fresh, natural, organic and specialty products to more than 30,000 natural food stores, chain and independent grocery stores, e-commerce retailers and other specialty products retailers throughout North America.

For more information about the distributor, visit kehe.com. To learn more about DPI’s network of wholesale specialty food distribution, visit dpispecialtyfoods.com.

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“We are thrilled to welcome the CDM team into our family as we develop the Latino category,” said John Pawlowski, president and COO of Lipari Foods.

“Roberto and Martha [Gomez] did an incredible job focusing on the customer and supplier relationships, while building out their program as a trusted partner. We are excited to integrate their expertise with our distribution footprint, leading to significant opportunities for all of our business partners.”

Founded in 2007, the CDM team serves more than 380 customers in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin, and has about 26 employees. CDM globally sources 1,200 items from more than 12 countries throughout Central America, South America and the Caribbean Islands.

“We knew Lipari was a trusted partner that would build upon our company values centered around people, relationships, trust and focus on the customer,” Gomez said. “We are excited to see the growth and development as our companies work together, creating new opportunities for all of our customers and suppliers.”

Claudio Zarate will continue to serve as the leader for Comercializadora Del Midwest.

Comercializadora Del Midwest was established in Burnsville, Minnesota, as a wholesaler of grocery, frozen, and dairy products to supply niche Latino communities with nostalgic products. As the Latino communities began to grow throughout the Midwest, CDM relocated to Clive to develop more efficient distribution logistics to service its customers. In 2013, CDM received the “Outstanding Immigrant Business Award” from the Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit Awards for its model performance and success in both profit and philanthropy.

Lipari Foods was founded in 1963 by Jim Lipari, who began his career delivering products from the back of his Buick station wagon. Today, Lipari Foods is an independent “perimeter of the store” distributor, delivering a range of quality bakery, dairy, deli, packaging, seafood, meat, grocery, foodservice, confectionery and convenience food and beverage products to more than 11,000 customers across 28 states.

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The partnership will feature a “Fill the KeHE Truck” campaign that will benefit the Chicago Fire Foundation’s Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth Soccer program, which is committed to supporting underprivileged youth through enhancing the academic performance and development of key social and emotional skills of youth through a sports-based curriculum.

The campaign kicked off at the Chicago Fire home match on May 20, asking fans to donate $25 for each youth soccer ball given to the P.L.A.Y.S. participants. The goal is to reach 500 soccer balls, with a supporting sponsor matching the first 250 balls donated. Fans who donate will receive a 10 percent discount on Chicago Fire merchandise.

Donations can be made at fillthetruck.givesmart.com.

“As a Chicago-based company of great people who work hard every day to help feed communities across the U.S., we are thrilled to be an official partner of Chicago Fire FC,” said Deb Conklin, president and CEO at KeHE.

“We appreciate and share the Chicago Fire’s commitment to serving and investing in Chicago’s youth and the under-resourced. I speak for all KeHE’s Chicagoland-based employees when I say we look forward to being a bigger part of the mission, energy and passion that is the Chicago Fire community.”

As part of the partnership, Sparky, the Chicago Fire mascot, will visit KeHE’s Romeoville distribution center for an employee appreciation event on May 25, where Sparky will meet with KeHE employees and tour the facility.

“We are excited to welcome KeHE to the Chicago Fire FC family,” said Dave Baldwin, Chicago Fire FC president of business operations.

“KeHE’s commitment to serving communities and investing in our youth, aligns with our mission as an organization. We look forward to a successful partnership with KeHE as we work together to strengthen our community.”

To learn more about KeHE’s commitment to serving and feeding America, visit kehe.com/about.

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KeHE, through a partnership with Cornerstone Consulting and its brand Cornerstone for Natural, is offering Smart Shelf Tags to enable a tech-forward experience for suppliers, retailers and consumers.

Consumers want more information on the products and brands they use and consume daily, and Smart Shelf Tags offer instant digital content on in-store products via hyperdynamic QR codes.

“We’re in a new era of consumer access, and we want to empower our suppliers and retailers to deliver what customers want – instant information about an item on the shelf,” said Katie Paul, SVP of merchandising. “We’re thrilled to offer this technology to our partners as we work together to innovate the in-store experience.” 

Smart Shelf Tags provide enhanced capabilities and security above and beyond typical QR codes. Suppliers provide information for the tags that automatically populate for each UPC, which could include promotional offers, nutrition and allergen information, testimonials, traceability information, brand stories, videos and images. Retailers never have to source, manage or update content, and the tags include automatically printed codes.

“The best way to immediately reach a consumer is offering them the information they need the moment they see your product,” said Dave Boos, president of Cornerstone Consulting. “No other technology allows companies to instantly connect with the consumer while they are in the shopping aisle.”

Customers often spend more time researching categories like vitamins and supplements, natural and organic products, functional foods, local items and new brands. With immediate, in-store access to product details, consumers can find the information they need to make an informed purchasing decision.

Adding Smart Shelf Tags to KeHE’s value-added sales and marketing services complements the company’s portfolio of optimal distribution solutions for retail partners and suppliers. To learn more about KeHE, visit www.kehe.com. For more information about Cornerstone or the ELi QR Codes, visit smartshelftags.us.

Naperville, Illinois-based KeHE is the largest distributor of natural and organic, specialty and fresh products to more than 30,000 natural food stores, chain and independent grocery stores, e-commerce retailers and other specialty products retailers throughout North America. With more than 6,800 employee-owners, KeHE, a Certified B Corporation, drives its mission of serving to make lives better, throughout all aspects of its operation.

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CHEF’STORE offers a one-stop-shop for restaurant operators, food industry professionals, community groups and at-home chefs to stock up or replenish ingredients and supplies by the case and in individual quantities.

The upcoming warehouse format stores will range between 20,000-23,500 square feet and will offer an assortment of products, from fresh produce, meat, dairy and beverages to restaurant equipment, catering essentials, janitorial supplies and other restaurant essentials. CHEF’STORE is open to the public seven days a week and no membership is required.

“As part of the US Foods omni-channel strategy to provide enhanced delivery and retail options to foodservice operators, we are excited to continue to grow the CHEF’STORE footprint,” said Irfan Badibanga, president.

“Our CHEF’STORE locations provide an unmatched solution for restauranters, smaller foodservice operators and price-conscious community members to get the products they need when they need it, and we look forward to serving new and existing customers.”

The Greenville and Fayetteville stores will join two CHEF’STORE locations in North Carolina. The Greenville store will be located at 901 Mall Drive, and the Fayetteville store is located at 505 Cross Creek Mall.

The Roanoke store will be the second CHEF’STORE location in Virginia, joining the location in Lynchburg. The Roanoke store will be located at 1372 Towne Square Blvd.

Since acquiring Smart Foodservice Warehouse Stores in April 2020, US Foods has continued to expand its cash and carry market footprint. With the additions, US Foods will have a network of more than 90 CHEF’STORE locations across 13 states.

To learn more about CHEF’STORE, visit CHEFSTORE.com.

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Warren, Michigan-based Lipari Foods hosted its annual food show March 22, with more than 7,000 people attending. The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, was filled with 752 booths and more than 800 brands. It was the largest show in the company’s history.

The theme of the show, “Roll Out the Red Carpet of Savings,” was observed throughout the venue. Movie-themed displays, including a giant Oscar statue, a Rolls Royce and giant film reels, along with posters of famous movies and movie stars, helped convey the desire to celebrate Lipari Foods’ vendors and retailers for their “role” in the company’s history.

Lipari Foods CEO Thom Lipari and President and COO John Pawlowski took a moment to speak with The Shelby Report of the Midwest on the show floor.

The company, which was started by Thom Lipari’s father, the late Vincent “Jim” Lipari, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Lipari Foods is an independent “perimeter of the store” distributor, delivering a wide range of quality bakery, deli, packaging, seafood, meat, specialty grocery, international specialty, foodservice, confectionary and convenience food and beverage products to more than 11,000 customers in 28 states.

The business was founded in 1963. Thom Lipari became the fourth employee when he joined the company in 1971, helping his grandfather make sauce.

“The company has grown tremendously…we’ve had a lot of great people over the years who have supported us and worked with us, both on the employee side and the customer side,” he said. “They’re what makes today what it is.”

Lipari said employees have been key to the success of the business. “I’ve had so many good people that had been with me for many years, and many new people now have joined the company. That’s what makes the difference. We all sell groceries…it’s the people that make the difference – how you take care of the customer and how you go to market.”

The business remains family-oriented, with Thom Lipari’s three sons involved in different departments. Jimmy Lipari is SVP in charge of category management; Chris Lipari, VP of sales, is based in the Chicago area; and Matt Lipari is VP of financial planning and analysis. Thom Lipari’s sister, Lori, joined the company in 1974 and serves as an EVP.

“We’ve all worked together. And if a family can get along in a business, it’s a really great thing,” Thom Lipari said. “And we’ve been real fortunate that the business never interfered with family.”

The company just acquired Swiss-American, a St. Louis, Missouri-based specialty cheese solutions provider focused on retail deli. It is the latest in several Lipari acquisitions.

“Probably 50 percent of our growth comes from organic growth, just growing within our existing customer base,” Thom Lipari said. “The other 50 percent comes from acquisitions, M&A that we’ve done.”

He said acquisitions allow the company to get into new markets and categories. “Today, with so many stores struggling with labor, we’ve got a solution that can help them supplement some of that labor at store level, where we can deliver them product that’s already case-ready.”

Lipari added the company is always looking to grow. “We’re always looking for the next opportunity and how we can service more customers.”

After the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic – including two years of virtual food shows – Lipari said everyone is excited to be back at live shows. Last year was the first live show post-pandemic, and attendance was good.

“This year, it’s like the pandemic is over and everybody’s back. They want to see new items. They want to see new opportunities. And so the attendance, the excitement about the show this year, is just off the charts.”

While the show is an opportunity to get good deals on products that retailers buy every day, Lipari said it’s also an opportunity to highlight what’s new. 

“You’re not selling the same thing today that you sold five years ago. It’s constantly changing. This is a great vehicle for our customers to see what’s out there, what’s available and to help them grow.”

Pawlowski, who joined the company in October 2021, said the show allows Lipari Foods’ customers and vendors to connect, “getting to know each other in a way that’s deeper than a traditional food show.”

He said the show allows the company to provide “an incredible amount of value” between the Memorial and Labor Day holidays “to really drive opportunities to engage consumers to do things that are new and innovative in their categories.”

He said it is a company tradition to host a dinner for out-of-town customers and vendors the night before the show. It is a time for them and the Lipari family to spend time with each other “in a way that has nothing to do with selling, nothing to do with what’s going to happen in the store.”

Pawlowski said it is “an enormously wonderful, high-charged event with people that are just excited to see each other again and to catch up.”

He added that the show helps people move product through their stores, but it does so “in a way that excites consumers, engages their customer base and does it in a way that they can’t do anywhere else.”

For more information, visit liparifoods.com.

To view the photo gallery from the show by The Shelby Report, click here.

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JOH has promoted Matt Robillard to the position of director of client management, grocery, frozen and dairy division. He has 23 years of experience in the food industry. Since joining JOH as an account manager in 2018, Robillard has built relationships with his customers and clients. In his new role, all GFD account executives will report to him.

“He is extremely well-rounded and we know that his industry knowledge, personable nature and dynamic approach will fuel the growth of our clients and customers,” said Ryan Tierney, EVP, grocery, frozen and dairy.

JOH has also welcomed Ted Sovey to the Great Lakes Region as an account manager. 

Sovey joins the team with a wealth of experience in the food industry. He spent 19 years in retail store management roles with Roundy’s/Kroger. He then spent more than 20 years with a national sales and marketing agency, managing several teams and engaging with a number of clients and customers, such as Woodman’s, UNFI, Jewel, Kroger and Piggly Wiggly. 



JOH has named Joseph “JP” Saidnawey as its omnichannel marketing manager.

Saidnawey joins the team with nearly a decade of experience in the marketing and business development fields. In this position, his primary responsibility will be to help build an omnichannel and retail media center of excellence. He will be the point of contact for clients and customers.

Saidnawey has spent the last seven years at the digital marketing agency, Razorfish, where he has served in a variety of digital strategy and analytics roles. A primary focus has been working with Razorfish clients to enhance their commerce, digital marketing and data capabilities.

During his time at Razorfish, Saidnawey worked with clients to improve their digital customer experiences, optimize digital marketing programs for growth and maximize the value of their first-party data. His efforts have helped clients build transformational digital marketing capabilities and drive incremental revenue through their digital channels.

The company has also added Amy Kadzban to its Grand Rapids team as an account executive. Kadzban joins the team with 18 years of experience in the grocery business. Her CPG experience includes working with brokers, manufacturers, category managers, distributors, sales representatives and store directors.

In addition, it has also hired Angie Bercier as an administrative assistant in its Great Lakes Region. She joins the team with 11 years of experience in sales and marketing. Bercier has a history of building strong relationships with clients and customers.

The company has also named Ann Cornell as an administrative assistant in its Great Lakes Region. She joins the team with 20 years of administrative experience in the food industry. Cornell has held roles with national sales and marketing agencies in deductions, customer service and contracts.

For more information, visit johare.com.

To read more news from JOH by The Shelby Report, click here.

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The show features more than 800 exhibitors, 900 retail buyers and thousands of industry leaders in attendance. The event offers an opportunity for attendees to learn about and have sensorial experiences with the latest innovative natural and organic, specialty and fresh products coming to market.

The show is geared toward grocery retailers looking to stock their shelves with new products for the holidays and established brands seeking to accelerate growth. The show floor provides attendees with an immersive experience to sample brands and buy products.

“After a historic return-to-show in 2022, we are beyond excited for this year’s holiday show,” said Ari Goldsmith, VP of marketing and digital media of KeHE.

“Not only are the show exhibitors and participants better than ever, but KeHE is also celebrating its 70th anniversary. We are looking forward to sharing our appreciation for achieving this milestone anniversary with our partners and retailers who have made the last 70 years possible. Looking towards the future and growth, we are pleased to welcome KeHE’s new CEO and President, Deb Conklin.”

The 2023 KeHE Holiday Show will feature a “State of the Industry: President’s Address” from Conklin, the KeHE On Trend Awards, New Product Showcase and a KeHE Serving Goodness Event powered by Hanson Faso. The in-person show will close out with KeHE’s “Party with a Purpose,” an after-show celebration event at the Museum of Science and Industry.

In addition to the in-person event, KeHE will also host a virtual holiday show that will feature more than 850 exhibitors from June 7-21 on the KeHE Connect Platform. 

KeHE Distributors is a distributor of natural, organic, specialty and fresh products to more than 30,000 natural food stores, chain and independent grocery stores, e-commerce retailers and other specialty products retailers throughout North America. With more than 6,800 employee-owners, KeHE drives its mission of serving to make lives better, throughout all aspects of its operation.

For more information about the 2023 KeHE Holiday Show, visit kehe.com/news-blog/events/2023-kehe-holiday-show.

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