Distributor Focus: C&S Wholesale Grocer
C&S Wholesale Grocers (C&S) is a leader in food solutions across the United States. They are the largest US wholesale distributor, delivering more than 140,000 products (SKUs) from 50+ high-tech distribution centers to approximately 7,000 stores in the Northeast, Southeast, West Coast and Hawaii.
The company is well known for its supply chain innovation, high-tech warehouses, and its own retail chains, such as Piggly Wiggly. Besides Piggly Wiggly, C&S operates more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores primarily under the banners: D&W Fresh Market, Grand Union, Family Fare and Martin’s Super Markets. The C&S family of companies includes Grocers Supply, Hansen Distribution Group, FreshKo Produce Services, The Davidson Specialty Food Group and SpartanNash.
C&S delivers innovative supply chain solutions, products and services to chain, independent and military customers from 60 distribution centers nationwide. C&S also offers a comprehensive range of products from fresh produce to household goods, including their own private label portfolio.
C&S Wholesale Grocers’ specific 2025 earnings aren’t public as a private company. But according to S&P Global, C&S Wholesale Grocers’ 2025 revenue was under $20 billion as of March 2025, a decrease from previous years because they acquired SpartanNash in a $1.77 billion deal in June 2025. Revenues have hovered around $30 billion historically.
History
C&S Wholesale Grocers was founded in 1918 in Worcester, MA, by Israel Cohen and Abraham Siegel as a small supplier to independent grocers. They grew from a 3-story warehouse to a national leader by innovating distribution, expanding through acquisitions—such as the recent SpartanNash acquisition—and developing supply chain solutions.
Throughout the years, C&S has remained family-owned and is now headquartered in Keene, NH. Now in 14 states, C&S continues to grow today through acquiring companies like Grocers Supply, Hansen Distribution, and The Davidson Specialty Food Group.
As their website states: With more than 106 years of challenging the status quo, C&S is an industry leader known for being a driving force behind customers’ success.
C&S CEO Eric Winn reinforced this customer dedication in a press statement: “At C&S, we have a legacy of braggingly happy customers, and our team members strive every day to take care of our customers’ stores as if they are our own.”
Community & Sustainability
C&S takes pride in taking care of the families and neighborhoods in their communities. They have a purpose-driven focus to keep their communities fed and fight hunger. They collaborate with some of the nation’s most effective hunger relief, training and advocacy organizations and provide direct contributions of food and funding. They also invest in the nation’s foremost hunger alleviation organizations, such as Feeding America and No Kid Hungry.
The company also supports the health and well-being of the children by partnering with a number of organizations that are committed to ending childhood hunger. Employees are matched dollar-for-dollar by C&S to support local United Ways. The United Way Worldwide has given C&S the honor of being named a Global Corporate Leader due to the company’s long tradition and depth of support.
One of C&S’s values includes a commitment to a healthier future. They have numerous sustainable operations and business practices with a goal to eliminate waste and reduce their carbon footprint. They utilize “Waste-to-Energy” outlets and composting options where available and are increasing their recyclable material strategies to support the diversion of waste from landfills. The company has an overall commitment to improving waste diversion by 15 percent during the next three years. Efficiency of transportation is a key area of focus to lessen their carbon footprint. They have been piloting trailer reefers on zero-emission technology and tractor fleets on non-fossil-fueled power units.
Acquisition Activity
When it comes to acquisitions, C&S has had a focused strategy. Throughout the years, they’ve enhanced their supply chain, expanded their grocery store footprint, and aimed for greater scale and efficiency in wholesale grocery.
In September 2025, C&S announced the completion of its acquisition of SpartanNash. Their press release reported that the combined company employs more than 30,000 team members and operates almost 60 complementary distribution centers covering the US and serves close to 10,000 independent retail locations, as well as military commissaries and exchanges, with more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores.
“The combination of these two great companies creates a platform for future success. As one, we bring the best team in the industry to provide advanced solutions to ensure braggingly happy customers and feed our communities for generations to come,” Winn said in a statement about the merger.
In February 2025, a consortium of private investors, spearheaded by C&S and the current CEO and President of SE Grocers, acquired SE Grocers and its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket banners from ALDI US. ALDI previously purchased Southeastern Grocers in March 2024.
What’s their ultimate goal with each new acquisition? Executive Chairman Rick Cohen said it best, “To build a company that will redefine our industry and drive future growth for the next phase of our collective legacy as the best food solutions company in the industry.”
Recent News
C&S’s goal to create braggingly happy customers can be seen in their own retail chains like Piggly Wiggly, which aimed to deliver the lowest cost turkeys in November 2025. And who in September 2025 also lowered the cost of more than 1,000 grocery staples.
Mark McGowan, Executive Vice President, Retail and Chief Merchandising Officer of C&S, discussed the price focus in a press release: “We know price plays a vital role in the everyday choices families make at the supermarket. That’s why we’re making it easier for shoppers to save on the items they need most without sacrificing quality or selection. With more than 1,000 prices already lowered, Piggly Wiggly Midwest is helping feed our communities while keeping all our shoppers—braggingly happy customers.”
C&S also looks for innovative ways to provide a competitive advantage to their retail partners. In September 2025, the company rebranded and expanded its media program under the C&S Omnichannel Media Network—a program that helps grocery retailers with digital marketing, promotions, and advertising.
In August 2025, C&S wanted to reach new customers for their stores, Piggly Wiggly and Grand Union. They partnered with Upside, a leading digital marketplace that connects consumers with retailers nationwide through personalized cash-back offers.
McGowan shared in a statement, “Our partnership with Upside continues C&S’s strong legacy of braggingly happy customers and our commitment to providing franchisees, independent retailers and shoppers with a differentiated experience that drives value and loyalty. It’s a win for retailers and consumers.”
As C&S Wholesale Grocers enters its next chapter, scale, innovation, and partnership remain at the center of its strategy. From cutting-edge supply chain solutions to disciplined acquisitions and a deep commitment to customer happiness and partner success, C&S has built a platform designed to help retailers and brands compete in an increasingly complex grocery landscape.
