Haggen, Charlie’s Produce Form 5-year Partnership

Haggen, the largest independent grocer in Washington state, has signed a five-year partnership with Charlie’s Produce, a full-service produce company based in Seattle. Arriving on the heels of Haggen’s launch of its “Northwest Fresh” program, the partnership extends an existing 20-year relationship that has enabled Haggen to offer customers quality regional produce.

“Charlie’s commitment to working with as many local farmers as possible makes this partnership a great fit for us as we continue to grow our Northwest Fresh brand,” noted C.J. “Gabe” Gabriel, Jr., president and CEO of Bellingham, Wash.-based Haggen, which operates 28 supermarkets in Washington and Oregon under the Haggen Food & Pharmacy and TOP Food & Drug banners.

While the grocer and the produce supplier have been working together for two decades, this is their first official business partnership since 2002. Following a growth surge in last year, both felt the timing was right to unite officially once more, making Haggen the largest locally based partnership for Charlie’s.

“We feel a strong connection to Haggen and their mission for all things fresh in Northwest,” said Charlie’s Produce CEO Charlie Billow. “We are equally invested and involved in the success of our respective businesses, and when good companies with similar missions stick together, it’s a win-win for customers.”

The deal includes a majority exclusive that gives Charlie’s the opportunity to provide Haggen with all of its produce needs. Both Haggen and TOP Foods stores will receive deliveries seven days a week to ensure that the freshest produce is always available to the banners’ shoppers.