Wakefern Food Corp., the nation’s largest grocery cooperative, is continuing a multiyear trend of revenue growth at the supermarket banners within its fold.

At its Oct. 17 shareholder meeting, the Keasbey-based company reported sales of $20.1 billion for the fiscal year ending Sept. 28, a 2.2% increase from the prior year.

As a privately owned entity, Wakefern does not publicly release its financial results. However, according to information provided by the company, it recorded sales of:

• 2024: $20.1 billion
• 2023: $19.6 billion
• 2022: $18.6 billion
• 2021: $17.8 billion
• 2020: $18.3 billion (pandemic year)
• 2019: $16.6 billion

In addition to discussing financials, Wakefern’s leadership also celebrated accomplishments, such as the opening of four state-of-the-art ShopRite supermarkets.

The company also recently acquired Di Bruno Bros., a Philadelphia-headquartered brand known for gourmet foods, cheeses and cured meats.

Wakefern Chairman Sean McMenamin said, “There is excitement we can all feel in the air with what’s happening at Wakefern right now, and the possibilities of what we can achieve together.”

“I think that excitement comes from the fact that we have a bold plan for growth, and we are embracing our brand and legacy as the trusted neighborhood grocer,” said McMenamin, who is also president of McMenamin Family Markets, which operates two ShopRite stores in Philadelphia.

Wakefern President Mike Stigers added, “That pioneering spirit that drove this cooperative in the beginning will drive us into the future. We are putting in place an exciting new strategy that will help our family-owned businesses grow and continue to serve their customers and communities.”

Tech-focused

Founded in 1946, Wakefern’s 45 member companies independently own and operate 365 supermarkets across the Northeast under the banners of ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market and Di Bruno Bros.

Over the past year, Wakefern has made continued advancements in e-commerce, as well as technology, such as the rollout of artificial intelligence-powered shopping carts and inventory-checking robots.

The company also remains focused on growing its private label brand offerings, McMenamin and Stigers said.

Incoming board members

During the meeting, shareholders elected the following individuals to Wakefern’s board of directors:

• Larri Wolfson and Dominick Romano, vice chairmen
• Nicholas Sumas, treasurer
• Lawrence Inserra Jr. and Neil Greenstein, assistant treasurers
• Richard Saker, secretary
• Ned Gladstein, Shawn Ravitz and Marshall Klein, assistant secretaries

Stigers was also appointed as president and was chosen to once again serve as chairman.

The meeting also included presentation of a Chairman’s Award to former Wakefern chairman Joseph Colalillo. The president of ShopRite of Hunterdon County – a five-store chain in New Jersey and Pennsylvania – Colalillo was the co-op’s chairman for for 18 years before McMenamin took over last year.

“Joe served this cooperative with pride, distinction and integrity – always working tirelessly for our team members and all the stakeholders in our cooperative. We thank him for his 18 years of distinguished leadership as chairman. He’s made Wakefern stronger and better through his guidance and friendship,” said McMenamin.