AWG Brands, the private brands owned by Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers, introduced more than 130 items in 2022.
New items were launched in all four AWG Brands (Always Save, Best Choice, Clearly by Best Choice and Best Choice Superior Selections) and across categories including center store, frozen, bakery, over-the-counter, health and meat.
“We’re focused on building an innovative item portfolio for AWG member retailers to bring to their markets,” said AWG Brands Executive Director Greg Shotkoski. “Through research, category reviews and testing, our team is discovering what customers want and are meeting their needs.”
Five AWG Brands products were recognized by two organizations as Best New Items. Best Choice Superior Selections Garlic & Basil Quinoa & Brown Rice won the PLMA Salute to Excellence Award.
The Best Choice Garlic Parmesan Wing Seasoning Mix, Best Choice Lavender Baby Powder, Best Choice Superior Selections Orange Chicken and Best Choice Superior Selections Chicken Sandwich Sauce were all recognized by Store Brands Editors’ Picks. Items were judged based on taste, packaging, product concept and value, among other criteria.
“AWG member retailers can call out these award-winning items to their shoppers with custom signage created by the AWG design team,” Shotkoski said. “From product ideation all the way through in-store marketing, we’re committed to building a comprehensive product innovation program for AWG member retailers.”
The AWG Brands team plans to continue its focus on item innovation during the new year and beyond.
AWG is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving more than 1,100 member companies and over 3,400 locations throughout 31 states from nine wholesale divisions. Consolidated run-rate sales for AWG are over $11 billion.
In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, print and digital marketing services, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods, and natural and organic products.
For more information, visit AWGinc.com.
