August 18, 2014 — A major local vendor says it has canceled its business with Market Basket after several issues receiving payments from the embattled grocery chain’s current management.
Many vendors have struggled in light of the ongoing conflict that has slowed business to a near halt at Market Basket. But seafood vendor Boston Sword & Tuna has received payments to cover some of its losses on seafood sales during the dispute.
According to CEO Tim Malley, Boston Sword & Tuna provides Market Basket with 30,000 pounds of salmon per week, as well as upwards of 25,000 pounds of other seafood items. The company has done business with Market Basket for about 10 years, he says.
The sale and stocking at Market Basket of perishable items (including seafood) have been affected since July 18, when employee protests resulted in the slowing and stoppage of many deliveries. The effect of that action on vendors has been previously reported by The Boston Globe.
Malley says payments from Market Basket to Boston Sword & Tuna have been erratic since then, at one point falling behind by two weeks. That prompted the vendor to send a letter threatening legal action. A quick response from co-CEO Felicia Thornton followed, and attempted to reassure the vendor.