VALLEY FORGE, Pa. — AmerisourceBergen Corp. has inked a long-term distribution deal with Publix Super Markets Inc. for branded and generic pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter products.

The agreement also enables Publix’s more than 980 pharmacies across the Southeast to expand patient access to specialty medications.

“Publix continues to push the boundaries of how our pharmacy business operates in order to improve the experience and health outcomes we create for our customers,” said Fred Ottolino, the chain’s vice president of pharmacy. “With AmerisourceBergen we’ve found a partner who shares our passion for patient care and who has the knowledge and capability we need to execute our ­strategies.”

The deal, which includes direct delivery to all Publix pharmacies as well as warehouse and central fill facilities, extends beyond traditional distribution and includes access to AmerisourceBergen’s Cubixx inventory management program. This radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled technology will be used by Publix to facilitate dispensing of a range of specialty medications.

Publix will also benefit from technologies designed to support overall inventory efficiency and will have access to consultative services from AmerisourceBergen as it continues to evolve specialty pharmacy services.

The chain is the in-house pharmacy of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, and specialty drugs, especially oncology medications, are vital to the care of cancer patients.

“Innovative pharmacy leaders are simplifying and improving the patient experience of getting needed medications,” said AmerisourceBergen president and chief executive officer Steve Collis. “Publix is doing just that, and we are thrilled to have the solutions and expertise in place to support their mission and to help them unlock additional value in their pharmacy ­operation.”

Publix, based in Lakeland, Fla., ranks among the top 12 pharmacy operators in North America by store count. It has the No. 3 share in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach chain drug market, the fifth-largest in the country. A Publix spokeswoman said AmerisourceBergen has been a valued drug distributor for the chain.