By Jessica Wohl

Mariano's has a new partnership with the Italian Trade Agency to bring products from southern Italy to its stores, a move it could replicate with other countries as the growing grocer hopes such specialty fare will help it stand out from rivals. Bob Mariano, the chairman and CEO of Roundy's who started the Mariano's chain, has personal ties to the country. His father's parents moved from Italy to the United States.

"This will serve as a template for us to work with other countries," Mariano said in an interview, suggesting that countries such as Canada, France and Germany could be next. "It's not just Italy. We will begin this effort with other countries as well."

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Source: http://www.chicagotribune.com/