Roundy's Mariano to Keynote United Fresh Session

Robert A. Mariano, chairman, president and CEO of Roundy’s Inc., will address leading produce retail industry executives at the United Fresh 2015 Opening General Session on Tuesday, June 9 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Mariano started out in the retail grocery business at the age of 17, working as a part-time deli clerk at Dominick’s Finer Foods, where he went on to become president and CEO in 1995. In June of 2002, Mariano began his present duties at Milwaukee-based Roundy’s, which employs more than 22,000 and operates 149 stores and 98 pharmacies in Wisconsin and Illinois. In 2010, Roundy’s introduced Mariano’s Fresh Market, a unique grocery banner offering a highly differentiated food shopping experience fashioned from Mariano’s four decades of experience. Today, the Mariano’s banner consists of 30 stores located throughout the metro Chicago market.

“From appreciating the unique roles that customers, employees and suppliers all play in business cycles to understanding the direction in which public policy, technology and next-generation strategic thinking could shape the industry’s future, Bob, perhaps better than anyone, grasps the complex nature of today’s produce retail environment,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “We are excited to have him share his insight, experience and perspective on how he sees our industry evolving.”

United Fresh's Opening Breakfast General Session will be held June 9, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. in the Vista Ballroom at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Participation in the keynote session is available only to those attendees who have purchased United Fresh’s educational packages.

Co-located with FMI Connect 2015 and the International Floriculture Expo, United Fresh 2015 will bring together retail, fresh produce and floral leaders searching for unique products and looking to enhance relationships with valuable business partners. Registration is available at www.unitedfreshshow.org.