Vic Savanello has joined Grand Rapids, Mich.-based SpartanNash as its regional vice president of produce and floral merchandising, according to the company.
Savanello most recently served as vice president of produce for Greensboro, N.C.-based specialty retailer The Fresh Market. He previously held leadership roles at Iselin, N.J.-based Allegiance Retail Services and Keasbey, N.J.-based Wakefern Food Corp.
"Here at SpartanNash, I love the commitment to fresh and bringing the best-in-class to market," Savanello said. "This is a company which has stood for great value and great quality, and together with the rest of the produce team, I want to build on that for the future.
"Our biggest opportunities will be found in enhancing our value-added and meal-replacement/meal-complement offerings," Savanello said. "In this fast-paced society, we need to provide to our customers with the items they need to feed their family more easily and with healthier options to fit their budget."
SpartanNash owns and operates more than 155 stores in nine states, and it distributes to more than 2,100 independent locations across the U.S. Working to maximize the value the independents get from SpartanNash is one initiative on Savanello's radar.
"We’re working on ways to enhance our produce and floral offering and better serve our independent customers in the heart of the Midwest," Savanello said. "We have some exciting new opportunities on the horizon, and we can’t wait to deliver the best quality and shelf life possible."
Overall, he is looking to deliver for both those locations and the banners run by SpartanNash.
"Together with the produce team, I’m hoping to continue to establish SpartanNash stores as the go-to produce destination in each of our retail markets, leading the way through innovation, variety and value," Savanello said. "At the same time, we want to help our independent retail customers compete and excel in the ever-evolving competitive landscape. I think that all gets accomplished by delivering a superior product with an incredible value that fulfills all our customers’ needs."
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