Wakefern highlights growth, innovation, and community impact at annual shareholders’ meeting
PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS, N.J. (Morris County) — Wakefern Food Corp. emphasized innovation, expansion, and community commitment during its annual shareholders’ meeting held Oct. 16 at the Hilton in Parsippany, where more than 500 shareholders, store leaders, and teammates gathered to review the cooperative’s strong fiscal year and plans for the future.
New Jersey-based Wakefern reported retail sales of $20.7 billion for the 52-week fiscal year ending Sept. 27, 2025—a 3.1% increase from the previous year. The cooperative’s members opened three new ShopRite® stores and one The Fresh Grocer® location while acquiring New York City-based grocer Morton Williams, adding 17 stores across Manhattan, the Bronx, and Jersey City.
“We are embracing bold ideas, exploring new business models, and seizing opportunities — all with a clear focus on building a sustainable future,” said Wakefern Chairman Sean McMenamin. “The entrepreneurial spirit and bold thinking that established Wakefern nearly 80 years ago – building us into the largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative – will continue to guide us in the future.”
As part of its vision-forward plan, Wakefern welcomed Morton Williams to the cooperative in 2025, preserving the family grocer’s legacy and neighborhood roots while expanding Wakefern’s logistical and retail reach. The move follows the 2024 acquisition of Philadelphia-based specialty grocer Di Bruno Bros., bringing Wakefern’s supermarket banners to eight, including ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Morton Williams, Di Bruno Bros., and Dearborn Market.
“We’re focused on growing our brands and wholesale business and expanding market share—without losing sight of what makes us unique,” said Wakefern President Mike Stigers. “We will continue to unlock our full potential and push the limits of what is possible while never taking our eye off our core business and family-owned Member companies.”
The cooperative also added new wholesale customers and continues to integrate innovative technology and AI to improve the shopping experience in stores and online. Wakefern leadership commended members for investing in new store development and renovations throughout the year.
Wakefern reaffirmed its commitment to fighting food insecurity through its long-standing ShopRite Partners In Caring initiative and expanded its LPGA partnership to include new scholarships, athlete sponsorships, and a TeamSmile dental clinic that provided care to more than 140 children during the ShopRite LPGA Classic. The event also distributed a record $1.8 million in charitable grants.
During the meeting, McMenamin announced the retirement of longtime board members Irv Glass (Glass Gardens), Ned Gladstein (Sunrise ShopRite), and Larri Wolfson (ShopRite of Lincoln Park), recognizing their decades of service.
The Chairman’s Award was presented to Paul Patten, Wakefern’s Group Vice President of Center Store, for his 43 years of service. “Paul’s leadership and vision helped drive Wakefern’s success over the years, but his kindness, empathy, and humor have shaped his friendships and relationships in this industry. Paul is a reminder of how our people are always the most important part of our business,” McMenamin said.
Shareholders also elected the 2025–2026 Board of Directors, including McMenamin as chairman and Stigers as president, as the cooperative looks ahead to its 80th anniversary and continued growth across the region.
