LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unified Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western United States, has once again been named to Fortune magazine's Most Admired Companies for 2009.
This year, Unified climbed the Fortune rankings to second overall among the Most Admired Companies in California (Walt Disney was first) and fourth on the list of Most Admired in the Wholesale Food and Grocery industry. In 2008, Unified was ranked sixth in the Wholesale Food and Grocery industry list.
"Throughout our history, it has been a goal of Unified to be a leader in our industry and a strong partner to the many fine independent retailers and communities we serve," said Al Plamann, president and chief executive officer, Unified Grocers. "This recognition is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of our entire organization, from our Directors and retail members, to our company's officers and employees. We appreciate being acknowledged for our ongoing efforts to be the best."
To produce the listings, top executives, directors and analysts were asked to rate all Fortune 1,000 companies in their own industry on nine criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. A company's score must rank in the top half of its industry survey to appear in the listing and only the best are listed as a Most Admired Company.
About Unified Grocers, Inc.
Founded in 1922, Unified Grocers, Inc. is a retailer-owned wholesale grocery distributor that supplies independent retailers throughout the western United States. Unified and its subsidiaries, which generated approximately $4.1 billion in sales during fiscal 2008, offer independent retailers all the resources they need to compete in the supermarket industry.
The Unified Grocers, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1214
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements about the future performance of Unified Grocers based on Management's assumptions and beliefs in light of information currently available to it. There are a variety of factors that could cause actual and future results to differ materially from those anticipated by the statements made above. These factors are outlined in the Company's Form 10-K and other interim reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, Unified undertakes no obligation to update, amend or clarify forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.