Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) launched its centennial celebration at its 2026 Innovation Showcase, marking 100 years since independent retailers united in 1926 to collectively compete against the growing power of chain stores.
Today, the cooperative serves 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations across 33 states, making it the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler.
The Innovation Showcase brought together member retailers, AWG teammates and vendor partners to mark the milestone and look ahead to the cooperative’s second century.
Founding principles
Dan Funk, AWG president and CEO, said the centennial reflects the durability of the cooperative model rather than simply the passage of time.
“Reaching 100 years is rare for any organization, and we don’t take it for granted. For a century, the independent retailers in our cooperative have proven that independence doesn’t mean going it alone; it means having the strength of partnership behind you. The One Team approach is the principle that still drives everything we do,” Funk said.
Member-Owner and Chairman of the AWG Board of Directors Barry Queen said the anniversary belongs as much to the independent retailers who built the cooperative as to the institution itself.
“AWG was born from a simple, powerful idea: that independent grocers are stronger when they stand together. Reaching this centennial isn’t just a corporate milestone; it’s a celebration of thousands of local entrepreneurs who have persevered and prospered because of the collective power of this cooperative,” Queen said.
Century of evolution
AWG’s history spans from pooling buying power for local grocers in the 1920s to running a sophisticated supply chain and full-service member support operation today. Recent investments in supply chain technology, distribution automation and member support programs are positioned to carry that evolution into AWG’s second century.
Funk said the cooperative’s capacity to adapt has been as important as its stability. “The grocery store of 2026 looks nothing like the grocery store of 1926, but our ability to evolve together as a cooperative has never wavered. We’re built for what comes next,” he said.
Yearlong recognition
Throughout 2026, AWG will honor members, employees, vendor partners and communities through enhanced member programs, teammate recognition efforts and community service activities. AWG’s consolidated sales reached $12.1 billion in 2024.
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