Southeastern Grocers Caps Centennial Year with New Florida Focus

JACKSONVILLE, FL – December 29, 2025 – As 2025 draws to a close, Southeastern Grocers (SEG), the parent company of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket, is marking the end of its centennial year not just with reflection, but with a powerful display of forward momentum. The Jacksonville-based retailer is celebrating a historic 12 months defined by substantial community investment, a cascade of national awards, and a strategic realignment that sharpens its focus on its home state of Florida and southern Georgia.

The year served as a bridge between a storied past and a re-energized future, culminating in the announcement that the company will evolve into The Winn-Dixie Company in early 2026. This transition follows a year where the grocer demonstrated a deep commitment to its founding principles of community support while simultaneously laying the groundwork for its next chapter of growth and innovation.

A Strategic Pivot to the Sunshine State

A key theme of SEG’s centennial year has been a deliberate and tangible reinvestment in its core markets. The upcoming transformation into The Winn-Dixie Company signals a clear strategic priority: doubling down on its deep-rooted presence in Florida and neighboring southern Georgia. This strategy was not just a boardroom announcement; it was made visible to customers on the ground.

In November, the company unveiled a newly remodeled Winn-Dixie store in St. Cloud, Florida. The updated location showcases the grocer’s dedication to modernizing its physical footprint, offering expanded product selections and an enhanced shopping experience. More significantly, SEG celebrated the grand opening of a brand-new store in Williston, Florida—its first new location since announcing the statewide transformation. In a remarkable feat of agility, the Williston store was built out and opened in just 45 days, a move that underscores the company’s resolve to serve its communities with speed and efficiency.

Anthony Hucker, Chairman and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, framed the year's activities as a pivotal moment. “Our incredible achievements this year underscore a defining moment in our history as we celebrated 100 years of serving our communities while setting a solid foundation to evolve for the future,” he stated. Hucker emphasized that the company is stepping into its second century with a clear purpose rooted in community, poised to build on a century of legacy.

Recognized for Excellence and Customer Value

The company’s focus on service and quality did not go unnoticed in 2025. SEG amassed an impressive 69 national industry awards throughout the year, a testament to its performance across various facets of its business. This recognition spanned from corporate social responsibility to the quality of the products on its shelves.

A significant portion of this acclaim was directed at SEG’s Own Brand portfolio, which includes nearly 8,000 items. These products, which offer customers an average savings of more than 20% compared to national brands, earned 49 separate industry awards. Accolades came from respected authorities such as the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA), Progressive Grocer, and the American Pie Council, highlighting the company's success in delivering high-quality, innovative products at a competitive price point.

This commitment to value and quality was also reflected in broader corporate recognition. USA Today named the company one of "America's Best Stores," while Newsweek included it on its list of the "Most Trustworthy Companies in America." Furthermore, the grocer’s loyalty program, SEG Rewards, continued its award-winning streak. For the fifth consecutive year, the program was named to Newsweek’s list of "America’s Best Loyalty Programs" and was also honored by USA Today. The program provides customers with points for grocery discounts, exclusive digital coupons, and other perks, reinforcing the company's value proposition.

A Pillar of Community Philanthropy

Beyond its commercial success, Southeastern Grocers reinforced its reputation as a trusted community partner through the extensive charitable work of its SEG Gives Foundation. In 2025 alone, the company donated more than $2.8 million to causes impacting the neighborhoods it serves.

The fight against hunger remained a cornerstone of its philanthropic efforts. SEG provided nearly $700,000 in monetary and product donations to its long-standing partner, Feeding America®, and its network of local food banks. This effort was amplified by customers, who purchased pre-packaged donation bags during the holidays, contributing nearly $200,000 in additional products for local food pantries. The company’s associates also provided hands-on support, participating in 25 mobile food pantry events to bring nourishment directly to food-insecure areas.

The grocer's support extended across a wide spectrum of community needs. A $250,000 investment in the American Red Cross bolstered emergency preparedness and disaster response efforts. In a continued show of support for military families, SEG donated $300,000 to Folds of Honor to fund educational scholarships for the families of fallen and disabled service members. Health initiatives also received significant funding, with $130,000 going to the American Heart Association.

SEG’s commitment to local impact was further demonstrated through its Romay Davis Belonging, Inclusion and Diversity Grant program, which awarded $400,000 to 40 nonprofits working to address racial disparities in health care, education, and food insecurity. During its "Gratitude Month" in November, each store was empowered with a $500 credit to donate to a local nonprofit of its choice, directly connecting store teams with their immediate communities. These comprehensive efforts earned the company a spot on Forbes’ list of "Best Brands for Social Impact" and accolades from industry groups for its community engagement.

As the company closes the book on its 100th year, it carries the momentum of these achievements forward. The strategic focus, renewed store fleet, and unwavering community support set a clear course for the new Winn-Dixie Company as it prepares to serve its customers for the next century.