SuperValu

SuperValu began in 1926 as a cooperative of independent grocery stores and steadily grew into a major force in American grocery wholesaling and retailing. Over the decades, the company expanded its presence through a series of acquisitions, including a significant purchase of several Albertsons stores in 2006, which marked a turning point in its growth. By July 2018, SuperValu operated approximately 3,400 stores across the United States, serving both company-owned and independent retailers. Its portfolio included a range of store formats, from traditional supermarkets to discount and specialty grocery stores, reflecting an ability to adapt to different markets and consumer preferences.

SuperValu’s broad reach and distribution network made it a central player in supplying groceries nationwide, supporting a wide variety of retail environments. In July 2018, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) acquired SuperValu for $2.9 billion. Following this acquisition, SuperValu shifted away from independent retail expansion and focused primarily on wholesale grocery distribution, with most of its retail operations either sold or rebranded under the UNFI umbrella. Today, SuperValu operates as part of UNFI, with its legacy continuing through its role in grocery distribution and its impact on the evolution of the American supermarket sector. The company’s transition from a retail operator to a wholesale distributor reflects broader changes in the grocery industry and positions it as a critical supply partner for a diverse range of food retailers.