A&P Inks Distribution Deal With C&S Wholesale Grocers

Ten serious violations involve failing to document inspections and tests performed on process equipment to maintain its mechanical integrity; not performing inspections and tests at applicable manufacturers’ recommendations; not following generally accepted good engineering practices when performing inspections and testing of process equipment; not establishing and implementing written procedures to maintain the integrity of process equipment; and not annually certifying that operation procedures were current and accurate.

Finally, the hazard analysis did not address the hazards of the process and operating procedures, and it did not address normal operations for each operating phase. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Safeway, United Natural Foods Announce Distribution Partnership

Providence, RI-based United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has signed a three-year distribution agreement with Safeway Inc., Pleasanton, CA. A brief transition period from Safeway’s current distributors is expected, which will coincide with the termination of the current distributors’ distribution agreements.

UNFI will assume distribution to all of Safeway’s banners in the US for non-proprietary natural, organic and specialty products effective October 2011. The company anticipates incremental annual volume from this contract will increase annual revenues by approximately 4 percent in fiscal 2012.

“We are pleased to establish a distribution relationship with Safeway and are excited about the opportunities this agreement provides,” comments Sean Griffin, senior vice president, national distribution of UNFI. “Our ability to continue to gain market share reflects the ongoing efforts by all of our associates to service our customers’ needs and further strengthens our position as the nation’s leading distributor of natural, organic and specialty products. We are in the process of finalizing a transition plan with Safeway in order to provide them with excellent service levels and support, while ensuring there are no disruptions to any of our existing customers.”

“We are looking forward to our new partnership with UNFI to provide the variety of specialty, natural, organic, and regionally relevant products that will meet our customers’ needs,” says Kelly Griffith, Safeway’s president of merchandising.

UNFI will incur approximately $1.5 millionto $2.5 million in total start-up expenses during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012 to transition this business. It is anticipated that approximately $0.5 million to $1.0 million in costs will occur in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, ended July 30, 2011, with the remaining costs being incurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.