Unified Grocers regional Sell-abration events for

LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unified Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western United States, achieved record sales for its Pacific Northwest and California “Sell-abration” buying events at the Greater Tacoma Trade and Convention Center (Feb. 9–10) and Ontario Convention Center (March 1–2). Combined sales for the two shows were $80 million — up eight percent over last year’s sales results.

These events offered Unified’s retail Members and customers an opportunity to sample new and on-trend products and receive great deals and special seasonal offers on items across all grocery store categories. Retailers got a firsthand look at Unified’s new lineup of Corporate Brands, including TopCare health and wellness products; Simply Done homecare products; @ease frozen meals and snacks; Tippy Toes baby care; Wide Awake Coffee; and Paws and Pure Harmony pet food and accessories. Unified’s popular, established brands — Springfield, Western Family, Natural Directions, Special Value, IGA and Golden Creme — also featured many new items at the shows.

“The increased sales and strong attendance demonstrate the value of Unified’s buying shows in the industry,” said Bob Ling , President and Chief Executive Officer, Unified Grocers. “Our community of independent grocers know they can find the best deals and a huge selection of the latest natural/organic, specialty, fresh, conventional grocery and general merchandise products for the upcoming seasons at Sell-abration. We’re also very pleased to provide these tremendous networking and selling opportunities to our growing number of vendors and supplier partners.”

This year, Unified also held SMART Shows (Sales, Marketing and Retail Technology Shows) in conjunction with Sell-abration. The SMART Show format, featuring exhibits and informational sessions, provided a one-stop-shop for store operators to learn about the latest advances in grocery industry technology and cutting-edge marketing programs. They also gave retailers an opportunity to receive personal guidance from experts representing more than 20 retail technology solutions.

On August 9 and 10, Unified will host EXPO 2017, the largest, longest-running annual grocery selling show in the West, at the Long Beach Convention Center. EXPO 2017 will mark another milestone as Unified celebrates its 95 ^th anniversary.

About Unified Grocers, Inc. Founded in 1922, Unified Grocers is a retailer-owned wholesale grocery distributor that supplies independent retailers throughout the western United States. Unified and its subsidiaries, which generated approximately $4 billion in sales during fiscal year 2016, offer independent retailers all the resources they need to compete in the supermarket industry. For more information about Unified Grocers, visit: www.unifiedgrocers.com .

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/Attachm...9a7982ab3c

Contact:   Bob Hutchins, Communications Manager (206) 763-7966           bhutchins@unifiedgrocers.com