WinCo Foods

In 1967, Ralph Ward and Bud Williams launched their first discount store in Idaho, USA. The company operated as Waremart and during the 70s, the business grew into a chain of grocery stores before the owners transformed all their stores into supermarkets. 

In 1985, the employees of the company formed their own company WinCo Foods ESOP after the death of Ralph Ward. Concerned about their future, they decide to take over the stores by purchasing a controlling stake from Waremart. 

By 1999, the retail chain was rebranded and began operating under a new banner, WinCo Foods. During the 2000s, WinCo Foods expanded all over the US. Nowadays, there are 167 stores across the country and an online store.

WinCo Foods achieved a turnover of € 7.6 billion in 2021, indicating a rise in its revenue by 10.35 %. At present, 20000 employees work for the business. 

Forbes listed WinCo Foods as one of the largest privately owned companies in the US in 2020. In fact, WinCo Foods is ranked 59 on this list. 

Products in the following categories are available:

• Savory Grocery: ramen, pasta, snacks, nuts, etc.
• Sweet Grocery: sugar alternatives, confectionery, spreads, etc.
• Drinks: lemonade
• Chilled & Fresh Food: fruits, vegetables, ready-meals, meat, poultry, etc.
• Personal Care: hygiene, oral care, cosmetics, etc. 

There is a wide range of specialty foods from India, Asia and Mexico. Furthermore, dairy-free alternatives can also be found. 

The supermarket chain has also developed its own brand, WinCo which consists of a wide range of food and non-food items such as lemonade, sauces, cleaning products, etc.

In the case of fresh foods, the company works with local farmers and partners.  

At present, WinCo Foods operates 6 distribution centres across the US.

As an active member of the community, WinCo Foods supports schools in the regions where its stores are based. In fact, it has set up a portal on its website where schools can apply for donations. 

WinCo Foods’s online shop can be found on www.wincofoods.com