Central Grocer VP new CEO

Central Grocers Inc. said Friday its longtime chief executive officer is retiring and its former vice president, Jim Denges, is the grocery cooperative's new CEO.

The Franklin Park-based Central Grocers said Joe Caccamo, a Wood Dale resident, stepped down as CEO Tuesday. At age 73, Caccamo has been CEO for 25 years and has been employed by the cooperative for more than 50 years.

On Wednesday, Denges, a 29-year veteran, took the helm of the fast-growing firm.

"Our plan is always to build more stores but the timetable is undetermined right now," Denges said.

Central Grocers grew 10 percent last year with 2007 sales of $1.4 billion, the company said. It has more than 5,000 employees.

Denges, an Arlington Heights resident, predicted double-digit growth in 2008.

"They are helping to drive and are benefiting from the non-chain grocery business in the Chicago area," said Willard Bishop, chairman of Willard Bishop LLC in Barrington. "I think they are in a very strong position for growth."

Bishop praised Central Grocers' procurement and distribution system and said the company will grow with the growth of independent groceries it serves.

The cooperative bought 14 Cub Foods stores last year. Five of the stores became Ultra Food stores in Downers Grove, Hanover Park, Joliet, Lombard and Wheaton.

Two former Cub stores became Strack & Van Til stores and the rest were either spun-off or are renovating.

Central Grocers currently is re-evaluating its Franklin Park headquarters.

"Our role has been to support, protect and enhance the viability of the independent grocer," Caccamo said in a statement. "I am very proud of how healthy and vibrant the role of the independent grocer is in this market."