Heritage Grocers Group (HGG), a leading specialty grocer serving Hispanic communities, has appointed industry veteran Suzy Monford as its new Chairman and CEO. The company aims to leverage Monford’s extensive experience in food retail to drive its next growth phase.
Extensive Industry Expertise
Monford brings over 25 years of leadership experience in the food retail industry. She has held executive positions at top retailers and led transformative growth initiatives throughout her career. Most recently, she served as CEO of Food Sport International, a global consultancy advising retailers on financial strategies and value creation.
Before that, Monford served as CEO of PCC Community Markets, where she achieved significant milestones, including growing membership to over 100,000 for the first time in the co-op’s history. Additionally, she held leadership roles at Kroger as president, group vice president, and CEO of Andronico’s Community Markets. Her achievements earned her recognition as a Top Woman in Grocery twice in four years.
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Vision for Heritage Grocers Group Growth
Monford expressed her enthusiasm about joining Heritage Grocers Group. “I’m honored to lead Heritage into its next chapter,” she said. “We will build on our strong foundation and operational excellence to grow sustainably. Heritage’s differentiated value proposition will allow us to capitalize on macroeconomic tailwinds and scale over the coming years.”
She emphasized her commitment to customers and communities. “I am excited to serve our customers, team members, and communities while honoring the uniqueness of each of our banners across the country,” Monford added.
Strategic Advantage
Apollo Partners and Heritage board members Andy Jhawar and Joanna Reiss expressed their confidence in Monford’s leadership. “Suzy’s unparalleled industry experience and track record of driving transformational growth will lead Heritage into its next phase. The company is well-positioned in the Hispanic and ethnic grocery sector, serving some of the fastest-growing demographics in the United States,” they stated.
They highlighted Heritage’s mission to provide fresh, affordable groceries to diverse communities. “Under Suzy’s leadership, we expect Heritage to enhance its operations and continue delivering value to the communities it serves.”
Heritage’s Unique Market Position
Heritage Grocers Group operates with a customer-first approach, focusing on freshness, authenticity, and affordability. The company’s stores offer a wide variety of authentic Hispanic and ethnic foods, catering to local tastes and cultural preferences.
With a presence in six states—California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Kansas, and Illinois—HGG runs 115 stores under four primary banners:
- Cardenas Markets: 58 locations offering traditional Hispanic products and freshly prepared foods.
- El Rancho Supermercado: 29 stores focusing on fresh produce, meats, and specialty Hispanic goods.
- Tony’s Fresh Market: 21 locations known for their diverse selection of international and local products.
- Los Altos Ranch Market: Seven stores delivering an authentic Mexican market experience.
Focus on Innovation and Community
Monford’s leadership style emphasizes innovation, operational excellence, and community engagement. Throughout her career, she has spearheaded initiatives that boosted sales and profitability. She focused on enhancing merchandising, marketing, and digital capabilities to drive customer satisfaction.
Her experience aligns with Heritage’s goal to offer a differentiated shopping experience. The company’s unique store formats, fresh food offerings, and localized assortments set it apart in the competitive grocery landscape.
Heritage Grocers Group Looking Ahead
With Monford at the helm, Heritage Grocers Group plans to strengthen its market presence and expand its reach. The company aims to meet the growing demand for ethnic and specialty foods, particularly among Hispanic and multicultural consumers.
As the U.S. Hispanic population grows, Heritage’s commitment to authenticity and affordability positions it well for future success. Under Monford’s leadership, the company seeks to enhance its operations, increase customer loyalty, and drive sustainable growth.