Grocery wholesaler and retailer operating multiple supermarket chains.
Acquired by Cerberus Capital Management2013-07-15
Major grocery wholesaler and operator of regional supermarket chains
Supervalu will likely replace higher-quality ingredients in their private label and store-brand grocery products with cheaper alternatives, leading to noticeable decreases in taste, freshness, and nutritional value
Supervalu will likely reduce package sizes of their grocery products while maintaining or increasing prices, a practice known as 'shrinkflation'
Supervalu will likely switch to lower-cost suppliers and manufacturing options for their grocery products, leading to inconsistencies in quality and availability
Supervalu will likely alter the recipes of their grocery products to reduce costs, changing the taste, texture, and nutritional profile that customers are accustomed to
Supervalu will likely close some of their less profitable supermarket locations and consolidate production, leading to reduced convenience and selection for customers in affected areas
Minimal visible changes as ownership transition takes place
Behind-the-scenes changes to suppliers, ingredients, and formulas begin
Customers start to notice quality differences in Supervalu's grocery products, with complaints about taste, freshness, and nutritional value increasing
Other companies that followed a similar path after PE acquisition
Closely monitor the quality and pricing of Supervalu's grocery products, especially their private label and store-brand items
Be prepared to switch to alternative grocery retailers if Supervalu's product quality and value significantly deteriorate
Voice concerns and complaints to Supervalu's customer service if you notice significant changes in the taste, freshness, or nutritional content of their products
Look for family-owned or employee-owned businesses