Spartan, Chief Ink Distribution Agreement

Spartan Stores Inc. has entered into a distribution agreement with Chief Super Market, Inc., under which Spartan will be its primary wholesale grocery supplier.

Spartan Stores will assume distribution to all of Chief’s banners for grocery, dairy, frozen, bakery and other products in March 2013.

“Chief is known for having strong grocery selections and well-merchandised stores and we look forward to supporting their continued success with our broad selection of private brand and national brand products, as well as value-added services,” said Dennis Eidson, president and CEO for Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spartan Stores. “We are also very excited about our expansion into Ohio as securing new business in contiguous states is one of our key strategic business growth initiatives.”

“We are committed to delighting our customers with great food and experiences, and believe that our new partnership with Spartan will help us achieve our mission as we offer our customers superior value and service,” said Stephanie Skylar, Chief’s president and CEO.

Chief Super Market operates 12 stores in Northwest and West Central Ohio under the Chief and Rays banners.

As the nation’s tenth largest grocery distributor, Spartan distributes more than 40,000 private and national brand products to approximately 375 independent grocery locations in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, and to 100 corporate owned stores located in Michigan.