C&S Wholesale Grocers to Become Majority Owner of Winn-Dixie Company, Expanding Retail Footprint

C&S Wholesale Grocers Expands Its Retail Horizons

C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC, based in Keene, New Hampshire, has confirmed a significant step towards expanding its retail operations by proposing to become the majority owner of The Winn-Dixie Company. This move follows a prior acquisition where C&S joined a consortium of private investors to purchase Winn-Dixie from ALDI U.S. in 2025. The finalized transaction is projected to conclude by early 2027, marking a pivotal moment for both companies.

Anthony Hucker, the current CEO of Winn-Dixie, will remain engaged with the company as a special advisor throughout the transition. Until the transaction reaches completion, Raymond Rhee is set to take on the responsibilities of CEO for Winn-Dixie, ensuring continuity in leadership.

Eric Winn, CEO of C&S Wholesale Grocers, expressed optimism about the collective insights gained during their integration with SpartanNash, indicating these insights will be leveraged to better serve their customers across diverse formats in the United States. He emphasized the transformative nature of mergers and acquisitions in amplifying growth, particularly within their retail footprint in the Southeast, where opportunities are abundant.

Winn acknowledged Hucker's transformative leadership and commitment, working towards a robust future for both C&S and Winn-Dixie. He pointed out that the partnership is deepened by a mutual understanding and long-standing trust and emphasizes that the essence of the hometown grocery experience remains vital to the communities they serve.

For over a century, Winn-Dixie has established itself as a reliable neighborhood grocery store in Florida, gaining trust among local shoppers. This longstanding reputation is pivotal as the company embarks on refreshing its brand and enhancing the customer experience. Anticipated strategies include:

1. Brand Refreshing and Customer Experience Enhancement: Plans are already in place to revitalize the Winn-Dixie brand, aiming to connect with modern consumers while maintaining its historical roots.
2. Store Expansion: The commitment to open new stores signals a strategic move to enhance accessibility for customers while retaining their loyalty.
3. Upgrading Stores and Experiences: Modernization efforts will focus on providing a more appealing shopping environment, which is seen as crucial in a rapidly changing retail landscape.
4. Increasing Own Brands Offerings: Enhancing the range of own-brand products, which resonate well with customers, is another critical aspect of their growth plan.

Winn emphasized that the grocery industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace and that this acquisition solidifies their commitment to supporting local grocers. He looks forward to integrating the Winn-Dixie team into the C&S family, leveraging their collective strengths to drive customer satisfaction while building upon a legacy of exceptional service.

About C&S Wholesale Grocers

Founded in 1918, C&S Wholesale Grocers has grown from a supplier to independent grocery stores to a leading food solutions provider nationwide. Their extensive network spans 60 distribution centers, providing a broad array of products that cater to varying needs while also supporting military customers. Today, C&S operates more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores under various banners, including DW® Fresh Market and Martin's Super Markets. The company maintains a strong commitment to corporate citizenship, supporting charitable causes that enrich local communities.

As this transaction unfolds, both C&S Wholesale Grocers and The Winn-Dixie Company are poised for growth, reinforcing their positions in the grocery sector and ensuring they remain vital to the communities they serve.