Last updated on August 16th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Friedman’s Freshmarkets, the six-store supermarket company based in Butler, Pa., told The Shelby Report on Aug. 17 that it has chosen a new supplier—AWI (Associated Wholesalers Inc.), Robesonia, Pa.
Carole F. Bitter, president and CEO, said in a written statement: “Our five-year purchase agreement with Supervalu expires on Sept. 30 and we don’t plan to extend the contract with Supervalu.
“We are happy to report that we are in the process of transitioning to AWI and will join the cooperative.”
Bitter said her company’s wholesaler search “began with seven companies, was shortened to four, and an extremely thorough cost study was done over 16 months. We are convinced the cooperative model will work best for us, that AWI is our lowest cost option, and the philosophy, work ethic and commitment to the independent operator at AWI best fits our needs going forward.
According to Friedman’s website, the company began buying from Supervalu in late 2006.
