Publix, AmerisourceBergen Forge Pharmacy Distribution Agreement

Publix Super Markets and AmerisourceBergen Corp. have inked a long-term agreement covering the distribution of branded, generic and over-the-counter health and pharmaceutical products. The agreement will also enable Publix’s 980-plus in-store pharmacies to make specialty medications more accessible to patients.

“Publix continues to push the boundaries of how our pharmacy business operates, in order to improve the experience and health outcomes we create for our customers,” noted Fred Ottolino, VP of pharmacy at Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix. “With AmerisourceBergen, we’ve found a partner who shares our passion for patient care and who has the knowledge and capability we need to execute our strategies.”

The agreement, which includes direct delivery to all of the grocer’s pharmacies as well as warehouse and central-fill facilities, extends beyond traditional distribution to include access to AmerisourceBergen’s Cubixx inventory management solution. The solution's radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled technology will allow Publix to facilitate the dispensing of various specialty medications in its community pharmacies. Additionally, the supermarket operator will be able to leverage technological solutions designed to aid overall inventory efficiency, and take advantage of AmerisourceBergen consultants.

“Innovative pharmacy leaders are simplifying and improving the patient experience of getting needed medications,” observed Steven H. Collis, president and CEO of AmerisourceBergen, one of the largest global pharmaceutical sourcing and distribution services companies. “Publix is doing just that, and we … have the solutions and expertise in place to support their mission and to help them unlock additional value in their pharmacy operation.”

Privately owned and operated by its 179,000 employees, Publix has 1,114 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina.