Wakefern Food Corp. acquired Di Bruno Bros., a Philadelphia-based brand known for its gourmet foods, cheeses and cured meats.

In an Oct. 15 press release, the Keasbey-based supermarket giant said it purchased Di Bruno Bros.’ portfolio of branded products, which distribute nationally to wholesale and retail customers.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1939 in the now-iconic South Philadelphia Italian Market, Di Bruno Bros. is a specialty food retailer and importer of Italian and European specialty groceries. The company was also one of the first food stores to establish an e-commerce presence when it began selling its products online in 1998.

As part of the agreement with Wakefern, Emilio Mignucci, an expert cheesemonger and third-generation Di Bruno family member, comes on board as vice president of the Di Bruno Bros. brand.

“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. The Wakefern cooperative, which is made up of family-owned businesses, understands our history and the importance of preserving that legacy,” said Mignucci.

Wakefern President Mike Stigers noted Di Bruno Bros.’ strong presence in the region. He said the co-op looks forward “to taking this unique brand and experience to the next level.”

“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,” he said.

Committed to growth

Wakefern owns and operates 365 supermarkets across the Northeast. It “will continue to offer the brand to its existing customers as well as its cooperative members and wholesale customers,” said Stigers.

“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,” he said.

The acquisition comes about six months after Brown’s Super Stores Inc., a Wakefern co-op member, took over operations at Di Bruno Bros.’ five retail locations and bottle shop in the Philly region. Westville

Wakefern’s other banners include ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market.

More Wakefern news:

• Wakefern sets fall hiring event for Oct. 19
• Wakefern brings back reimagined Food Showcase (photos)