Press Releases

(LOS ANGELES) — Directors of Unified Western Grocers, Inc., the largest wholesale grocery cooperative in the Western United States, elected Philip S. Smith, executive vice president and chief marketing/procurement officer.  The announcement was made October 15, 2003 by Alfred A. Plamann, Unified's president and chief executive officer.

"This promotion is recognition of the key role Phil plays in development of new business, in enhanced marketing and procurement activities, and in overall contributions to the success of Unified Western Grocers over the past several years," said Plamann.  "Phil is a creative and talented individual who is well-equipped to manage the broad array of activities assigned to him.  I am confident he will continue to provide strong leadership and managerial direction to everyone within his organization."

Smith had served as senior vice president, procurement since December, 1999 when he was named to the post following the completion of the merger between Certified Grocers of California and United Grocers of Oregon. Prior to the merger, Smith was vice president, procurement, at Certified Grocers, a company he joined in 1994.  During his tenure with Certified, Smith also held the positions of manager, product sales; general manager; and executive director, purchasing.

Before joining Certified Grocers, Smith spent 23 years with Market Wholesale Grocers, Ltd., an independent distributor of food and grocery products based in San Rafael, Calif. He began his career as a warehouse manager and later served as purchasing manager and division manager, responsible for managing the company's perishable and dry grocery distribution centers. He was also instrumental in the development and management of Market Wholesale's marketing and merchandising programs.

Smith is active in the community and contributes his time to the City of Hope, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and the American Red Cross. He recently received the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Timothy Lautrup Humanitarian of the Year Award. Smith also serves on the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Red Cross, Food for All, and was recently elected to serve on the National Grocers Association's Board of Directors.

Unified Western Grocers, Inc. is a retailer-owned grocery distributor that supplies independent retailers throughout the Western United States.  Unified and its subsidiaries, which generated approximately $2.8 billion in sales during the 2003 fiscal year, offer independent retailers all the resources they need to compete in the supermarket industry.