SpartanNash Earns Fortune 400 Ranking
When Fortune magazine released its 61st annual Fortune 500 listing last month, Michigan-based SpartanNash found itself ranked at 359, becoming the highest-ranking west Michigan company listed.
Previously ranked by Fortune at 811, SpartanNash also came out No. 1 on the financial publication's “Hottest Companies on the Fortune 500” list.
“This is clearly a consolidating industry and the merger was a strategic decision that has allowed SpartanNash to be in a strong position in the grocery wholesale and retail industry, and to be well-positioned for future consolidation opportunities should they present themselves,” said Dennis Eidson, SpartanNash president and CEO. “SpartanNash is a ‘better together’ company, with a vision to be a best in class business that feels local, where relationships matter.”
Robust Plan Following Spartan Stores/Nash Finch Co. Merger
Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spartan Stores merged with Minneapolis-based Nash Finch Co. in November 2013, to form SpartanNash. A robust three-year integration plan has been led by VPs on both sides of the merger, who have been committed to developing a “better together” company operating on collective best practices.
“We believe our greatest asset is our people,” Eidson said, “so it was imperative as we moved forward from the merger that we blended our cultures and our associates, creating one strategic vision coalesced around our 8 core values: Customer Focus, Accountability, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, Respect, Patriotism, Celebration and Fun.”
SpartanNash's growth platform includes a geographic reach that stretches across 46 states; pursuit of alternative supply chains; 165 corporate-owned stores; distribution to 2,100 independent customer locations; and a unique position in a consolidating industry.
The military side of SpartanNash, MDV, exists to serve U.S. service personnel and their families at home and abroad. Today, SpartanNash is the largest supplier to U.S. military commissaries and exchanges in the world, in terms of revenue.
Additionally, SpartanNash is focused on offering a local shopping experience—but with expanded offerings and modern conveniences—and on being engrained in the fabric of its communities.
“What makes SpartanNash different is our associates and our connection to the local communities we serve,” said Meredith Gremel, VP of corporate affairs and communications. “Associates volunteer thousands of hours to help neighbors, and we collaborate with more than 5,000 community partners to advance education and vital services, sponsor over 1,900 events every year, including Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity, and donate nearly 3 million pounds of food a year to fight hunger.”
SpartanNash joins other Michigan-based companies on the Fortune 500 list, including General Motors (6), Ford (9), Dow Chemical (48), Whirlpool (148) and Kellogg (210).