Freson Brothers joins UGI

United Grocers Inc. has welcomed another member under its roster.

Alberta’s Freson Brothers will be joining the buying group as of Jan 1, 2015.

Earlier this year, British Columbia-based Quality Foods, convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard and distributor Core-Mark also joined the group.

Freson Brothers announced in mid-September a deal that will see Overwaitea Food Group supply grocery products to Freson’s 15 stores.

The deal also takes effect Jan 1, 2015, at which point Overwaitea will become Freson’s exclusive grocery supplier. Overwaitea is also a member of the UGI buying group.

“With the addition of this new member to the UGI group, UGI will now have annual sales over $27 billion with a market share of over 20% in all channels,” said Denis Gendron, president of UGI in a statement.

Last year, UGI last one of its biggest members, Canada Safeway, when the chain was purchased by Sobeys.