Big Supermarket Chains, Many Newly Merged, Invest in Kosher

Cherry Hill, NJ… ShopRite of Garden State Pavilions, recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation that includes an expanded Kosher Experience section. Owned by the Ravitz’ family, the Shoprite has always been one of the flagship kosher stores of Wakefern. The Cherry Hill store includes a certified-kosher bakery, a dedicated kosher sushi section, a wide selection of kosher wines and liquors, and kosher catering options for the high holidays, or anytime. In Brooklyn, the Stop & Shop on Avenue Y recently reopened with an expanded kosher selection. Many other chains have also expanded their kosher sections. In a year of many mergers, kosher may be the beneficiary. Some notable mergers and acquisitions include the Basha family of nearly 100 stores was acquired by Raley’s Supermarkets with 129 stores. Roughly half have kosher offerings and the Muslim owned Basha family also has kosher sections in many of their stores. Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets merged, while C&S Wholesale Grocers purchased Piggly Wiggly Midwest, as well as 12 Tops Markets stores that it rebranded as Grand Union, a name from the past. These were all included in the Annual Report of the Progressive Grocer. The nation’s largest grocers (top 10) are also very much invested in kosher, including Walmart USA, Amazon, Costco, Kroger, Walgreens, Target, CVS, Sam’s Club Albertson’s and Ahold.