<p><strong>Glen Allen, VA</strong></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Legacy Foodservice Alliance, of Glen Allen, VA, and Bellissimo Foods Co. of Walnut Creek, CA, announced they have formed a joint venture to collectively manage their supply side efforts. The new entity named, Group Purchasing Alliance, was created to provide greater value for Legacy and Bellissimo distributor and supplier members.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Peter Thor of Bellissimo and Stephen Push of Legacy will act as co-CEOs of GPA, and both are quick to point out that this is not a merger, but rather a strategic combination of supply chain strengths. "We¹ve come together to further punctuate our belief that collaboration is critical for the future of independent distributors. GPA will be comprised of more than 150 distributor locations," commented Thor.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>While the supply chain efforts are uniting, the groups are steadfastly guarding their own go-to-market identities. “To our distributor members and to our operator customers, Bellissimo will be Bellissimo, and Legacy will remain Legacy," said Thor. "Both companies have great investment in brand equity, and we don¹t want to do anything to dilute or negatively impact that equity. Just as importantly, we love the distinct cultures the two organizations have developed."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>For the short term, Group Purchasing Alliance will focus on expanding supplier program reach, harmonizing common supplier programs, and improving rebate tracking and reporting. Longer-term objectives include expansion of group marketing programs, expansion of proprietary brands offerings, open access to shared service providers, and combined hosting of some group events. "Distributor support and development will continue to come through normal processes and people currently in place," added Deb Winter, executive vice president of distribution at Legacy.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Bringing the two organizations together was no coincidence. "As we began to get acquainted, we quickly realized we share a common vision. Distributors and suppliers are considered customers by both groups, and the only lasting successes are created when all parties win. We believe that having a focused group of distributors and suppliers working together creates the best outcomes and that we all have a vested interest in the future of independent distributors. So we quickly found a large parcel of common ground," stated Push.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>GPA will be responsible for managing group supplier agreements, procurement, brand development, marketing, and service programs. "We see huge upside sales potential for both distributor and supplier members, as GPA gains prominence in the industry," stated Don Hughes, executive vice president of merchandising for Legacy. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.legacyfoodservicealliance.com" target="_new"> Legacy Foodservice Alliance </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
