Food Universe

Food Universe Marketplace is a banner operated under the Key Food Stores Co-operative, one of the largest grocery cooperatives in the Northeast. Key Food itself was founded in Brooklyn, New York on April 20, 1937, and today operates stores across Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. The Food Universe banner was created in 2014 to facilitate the integration of approximately 30 stores acquired during the bankruptcy of DiGiorgio Food and Associated Food Holdings — meaning most original Food Universe locations were previously Associated, Met Foods, Pioneer, or Compare Foods stores. The banner has expanded steadily since, with each location independently owned and operated under the Key Food cooperative umbrella. Stores are typically smaller-format neighborhood supermarkets with a strong emphasis on fresh produce, international foods, and everyday value.