DALLAS, TX – APRIL 30, 2012 – Today, the Food Marketing Institute (FMI) announces its strategic business partnership with TopSource LLC, a sourcing company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Topco Associates LLC. This partnership will provide FMI members the opportunity to support the foundations of their growing businesses with significant savings related to costs in not-for-resale areas.

Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI, said, “This new partnership with TopSource addresses FMI members’ needs as they enhance their businesses, create efficiencies in operations and address their ultimate bottom lines.

"TopSource and FMI will bridge membership value and provide access to savings in not-for-resale areas,” Sarasin continued.

From the TopSource point of view, Randy Skoda, President and CEO of Topco states, “We are proud to be in partnership with FMI.  The synergy between our two organizations is unparalleled as we both work with retailers and wholesalers to help them be successful.  TopSource will provide FMI with a not-for-resale solution that will benefit hundreds of companies.”

Steve Smith, president and CEO of K-Va-T Food Stores, Topco’s Chairman of the Board and Past FMI Chairman said, “As an active member of both FMI and Topco, I am confident that this partnership will provide tremendous value to independent retail members of both organizations.”

FMI and TopSource will work together on program initiatives to help food retailers and wholesalers identify business opportunities and better serve the needs of their customers.  More details on the partnership will be announced in the coming months.