Company Directory - Wakefern Food Corp.
Company Details - Wakefern Food Corp.
Wakefern Food Corp.
WebsiteWakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned grocery cooperative in the United States, serving independent retailers and providing a wide range of grocery products and services. Their cooperative model allows them to support local grocery stores while providing competitive pricing and brand offerings.
CCI Score
CCI Score: Wakefern Food Corp.
3.18
Latest Event
No Lobbying Activity Reported in 2024 Cycle
According to FEC and Senate Office records, Wakefern Food Corp. did not report any lobbying activities during the 2024 election cycle, which limits its direct engagement in political influence channels that could support authoritarian agendas.
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OBJECTOR
Wakefern Food Corp. is currently rated as an Objector.
Latest Events
- APR242025
According to FEC and Senate Office records, Wakefern Food Corp. did not report any lobbying activities during the 2024 election cycle, which limits its direct engagement in political influence channels that could support authoritarian agendas.
+50
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
June 18
The absence of reported lobbying activities during the 2024 election cycle suggests that Wakefern Food Corp. is not using political contributions as a tool for exerting influence over policy in ways that could promote authoritarian or fascist-aligned agendas. This non-engagement is viewed positively from an anti-fascist perspective.
- APR242025
OpenSecrets data indicates that Wakefern Food Corp. did not report any federal government lobbying activities during the 2024 election cycle, as evidenced by data released by the Senate Office of Public Records on April 24, 2025.
+30
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
June 18
Wakefern Food Corp.'s lack of reported federal lobbying during the 2024 election cycle indicates a limited direct engagement in political activities that could favor authoritarian influences. From an anti-fascist perspective, abstaining from such lobbying efforts is viewed positively as it avoids the potential for corporate support of authoritarian measures.
- SEP172024
Wakefern Food Corp. is expanding the deployment of Tally, an AI-powered item-scanning robot, across its member stores. The technology is helping optimize inventory tracking and customer service by alerting teams to low stock and misplaced items, based on a four‑month pilot program.
+30
Technology and Services Impact
June 18
The adoption and expansion of Simbe’s Tally robot reflects a commitment to technological innovation that enhances operational efficiency and customer service. Although the technology could have labor implications, the article emphasizes its role in assisting retail teams rather than replacing them outright, earning a modest positive score in technological impact.
- JAN012024
The OpenSecrets profile indicates that Wakefern Food Corp’s PAC raised $152,584 in the 2023-2024 election cycle and highlights the firm’s use of public relations agencies that have engaged former White House and Congressional staffers to lobby on its behalf, reflecting a strategic engagement in political influence.
-15
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
June 18
The PAC activity, which saw Wakefern Food Corp raise over $150K for political contributions, suggests an active investment in influencing policy. Given the involvement in hiring lobbying firms with ex-political staffers, this financial engagement is viewed as reinforcing corporate political influence that may serve authoritarian interests.
-10
Executive Political Engagement
June 18
The article notes that Wakefern Food Corp employs public relations firms that have signed up former White House and Congressional staffers to lobby on its behalf. This executive political engagement further underscores the firm’s direct investment in political networks, an action seen as problematic from an anti-authoritarian perspective.
- JAN012024
The OpenSecrets PAC Profile for Wakefern Food Corp. outlines the corporation's involvement in political contributions and lobbying efforts, including the engagement of former White House and Congressional staffers to lobby on its behalf. This profile places Wakefern within the broader context of corporate political activity that can influence legislative and regulatory outcomes.
-40
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
June 18
The PAC profile indicates that Wakefern Food Corp. is involved in significant political contributions and lobbying activities. From an anti-fascist perspective, such actions can serve to influence public policy in ways that undermine democratic accountability and favor corporate interests over those of workers and marginalized communities.
- OCT012023
The Federal Election Commission data page details the Wakefern Food Corp. Political Action Committee, outlining its financial activities with $152,584.36 raised and $156,560.00 spent. This disclosure highlights Wakefern’s engagement in political financing through its PAC.
-15
Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts
June 18
The operation and transparent reporting of the Wakefern Food Corp. Political Action Committee demonstrates the company's active involvement in corporate political financing. From an anti-fascist perspective, such PAC activities often serve to channel corporate interests into the political arena, potentially bolstering policies that undermine progressive labor and social protections. Although the amounts involved are relatively modest, the very function of a PAC can facilitate undue corporate influence on policymaking.
- JAN172023
Wakefern Food Corp. officially opened its AI-powered, cashier-less convenience store pilot called 'The Pantry' at its corporate offices in Edison on January 17, 2023. The initiative, in collaboration with Israeli technology firm Trigo, aims to test frictionless checkout technology. However, concerns have been raised that such automation could lead to reduced human interaction and potential job losses among store associates, reflecting broader trends in worker displacement.
-30
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
June 18
While the pilot program leverages advanced AI and frictionless checkout technology to enhance shopping efficiency and potentially level the playing field for independent grocers, it raises significant labor concerns. The shift to automated, cashier-less stores can lead to job displacement and diminish opportunities for human interaction, undercutting workers' rights and job security—a trend that worries advocates for fair labor practices.
Wakefern works toward frictionless future for its supermarkets
- JAN132022
Wakefern Food Corp. announced a pilot program for an autonomous supermarket using Trigo’s frictionless checkout technology, enabling customers to walk in, select items, and leave without traditional checkout. The system uses AI-driven camera surveillance to track shopper movements and compile a virtual shopping list.
-15
Technology and Services Impact
June 18
While the adoption of innovative AI-based frictionless checkout technology enhances convenience, its reliance on ceiling-mounted cameras and data analytics raises concerns regarding privacy and the potential for surveillance misuse. In an anti-fascist perspective, such technology can be a precursor to repressive surveillance practices if left unchecked.
-10
Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices
June 18
The pilot program for autonomous checkout technology, while innovative, also poses potential risks to labor by reducing the need for cashiers and other frontline employees. From a workers' rights perspective, increased automation can lead to job displacement and weakening of labor protections, which is concerning in the current anti-authoritarian framework that advocates for fair labor practices.
- JAN132022
Wakefern Food Corp. has initiated a pilot program in New Jersey in 2022 to test Trigo's AI-based frictionless checkout technology, aiming to enhance consumer convenience. The initiative, while promoting advanced retail innovation, raises concerns over potential job displacement and the broader impact of automation on worker rights.
-15
Technology and Services Impact
June 18
Although the frictionless checkout technology offers streamlined shopping experiences, its deployment may accelerate automation in retail, potentially undermining worker rights and contributing to job losses. From an anti-fascist perspective, such a move could erode workers' economic security and exacerbate power imbalances.
- JAN012019
Wakefern Food Corp. has implemented a series of sustainability measures, including joining the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, increasing the use of reusable plastic containers for transporting produce, and replacing polystyrene egg cartons with recyclable alternatives. These efforts reflect the company’s commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental stewardship.
+50
Supply Chain Ethics
June 18
Wakefern’s sustainability strategy shows a proactive move towards responsible sourcing and supply chain ethics by reducing waste and adopting recyclable packaging. These measures support environmental responsibility and community well-being, aligning with progressive, anti-authoritarian values.
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Corporate Financials
- Revenue
- 2022
- $18.60B
Industries
- 424410
- General Line Grocery Merchant Wholesalers
- 445110
- Supermarkets and Other Grocery Retailers (except Convenience Retailers)
- 445299
- All Other Specialty Food Stores