Unified Sees Increased Sales and Earnings

Cost containment efforts and additional sales have resulted in an increase in sales and profits for regional wholesaler Unified Grocers’ fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2011.

"The business environment is improving, albeit slowly," said Al Plamann, CEO, Unified Grocers. "Sales during the quarter were up, although the results were somewhat mixed among our retailers. Those with upscale formats, for example, experienced strong sales during the period as specialty and gourmet products were in great demand over the holidays.”

Sales were $991.1 million for the fiscal quarter, up from $980.3 million last year, a result of additional sales to existing customers, the company said. The increase was partially offset by the loss of a significant customer during 2011 and the impact of customer store closures.

The Los Angeles-based cooperative reported net earnings of $4.1 million for the 2012 period, as compared to $3.5 million last year. The increase in earnings was due to strong performance in its Market Centre subsidiary and the results of its cost containment efforts.

"Overall, independent retailers throughout the western United States performed well during the quarter because they were able to respond more quickly to changing consumer preferences than were the chains," Plamann said. "Agility and adaptability are key components to success in this business environment."

Founded in 1922, Unified Grocers is a retailer-owned wholesale grocery distributor that supplies independent retailers throughout the western United States.