Wakefern Food Corp. has made a significant move in the specialty foods market by acquiring the Di Bruno Bros. portfolio of products. This acquisition is poised to enhance Wakefern’s offerings and strengthen its presence in the gourmet food sector.
Di Bruno Bros., a renowned purveyor of gourmet cheeses and cured meats, has a rich history in the Philadelphia area dating back to 1939. The company was also a pioneer in the online grocery space, going live with national sales as early as 1998. Acknowledged for its unique selection of gourmet foods, Di Bruno Bros. operates five retail locations alongside a specialty bottle shop. In April, these retail locations were acquired by DB Gourmet Markets LLC, which now falls under the operational umbrella of Wakefern member Brown’s Super Stores. This strategic transaction comes after the Di Bruno family managed the business for over eight decades.
The acquisition of the Di Bruno Bros. trademark and its portfolio of branded European specialty products, which include popular items like dips and crostini, was carried out as a distinct transaction. Wakefern President, Mike Stigers, remarked, “We are proud to welcome this incredible line of products into our Wakefern family of brands. 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.”
This acquisition aims to ensure continuity for existing customers while expanding the reach of the Di Bruno brand. Wakefern’s commitment is to uphold the Di Bruno family’s legacy by delivering high-quality products that meet the expectations of gourmet food enthusiasts. Stigers emphasized, “We are committed to growing the Di Bruno Bros. brand while remaining true to the Di Bruno family’s tradition of great food and outstanding quality.”
To further solidify the transition, Emilio Mignucci, a third-generation grocer from the Di Bruno family and an expert cheesemonger, has been appointed as Vice President of the Di Bruno Bros. Brand at Wakefern. Mignucci brings invaluable culinary knowledge and expertise to the role, which will be crucial in positioning the brand for future growth. He articulated his excitement, stating, “I’m thrilled to join the Wakefern team and help carry on the Di Bruno tradition of sharing our treasured family recipes and celebrating great food and great people.”
Wakefern Food Corp., based in Keasbey, N.J., is the largest retail-owned cooperative in the United States, comprising 45 member companies that independently own and operate over 365 supermarkets. These supermarkets operate under several banners, including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, and Fairway Market. This acquisition places Wakefern at No. 31 on the PG 100, the 2024 list of top food and consumables retailers in North America.
The Di Bruno Bros. brand is well-established in the Philadelphia region, known for its premium products and exceptional customer service. As the brand transitions under Wakefern’s cooperative structure, it is anticipated that the unique offerings will not only reach existing customers but will also expand into new markets. This move signals Wakefern’s dedication to enhancing its gourmet food selection while preserving the traditional values associated with the Di Bruno Bros. legacy.
In conclusion, Wakefern’s acquisition of Di Bruno Bros. is more than a mere business transaction; it represents a strategic initiative to marry heritage with modern retailing practices. This is particularly relevant as consumers continue to trend toward specialty and gourmet products in their shopping habits, presenting a ripe opportunity for growth in the specialty food segment.
This acquisition demonstrates Wakefern’s commitment not just to growth, but to maintaining the quality and uniqueness of its new brand offerings. As this partnership unfolds, the focus will undoubtedly be on leveraging both Di Bruno Bros.’ rich history and Wakefern’s expansive network to reach a wider audience of gourmet food lovers across the nation.
