Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) distributed a record $293.1 million in year-end patronage at its Annual Shareholders Meeting, capping a fiscal year in which the cooperative reported net sales of $11.6 billion and consolidated company sales of $12.2 billion – up 0.63 percent and 0.91 percent, respectively, on a comparable basis.
The total distribution of cooperative benefits returned to shareholders, including interest, allowances and patronage, reached a record $660.1 million, up 2.80 percent. Total members’ investment and equity climbed to a record $719.7 million, and the trading value for Class A shares rose 5.5 percent to $1,740 per share.
Driving the results
Dan Funk, AWG President and CEO, said the performance came from a disciplined focus on same-store sales growth, purchase concentration and membership expansion – along with sustained cost reduction across the supply chain.
“We continued strengthening supply chain infrastructure to reduce operating costs and build long-term competitiveness. For the second consecutive year, we offset significant inflationary pressures, increased returns on capital projects, and delivered year-over-year cost reductions of 3.11 percent – positioning our supply chain for future capital reinvestment and success,” Funk said.
Notable progress during the year included expanding member and non-member business through AWG’s Mid-South Division Support Center in Hernando, Mississippi. The expansion added volume in variety grocery, dairy, frozen, health and beauty, wellness, general merchandise and specialty foods – maximizing utilization of one of the cooperative’s leading automated facilities. AWG also advanced a strategic produce initiative positioning fresh for accelerated growth.
[RELATED: AWG Invests $110M To Automate Gulf Coast Distribution Center]
100 years of cooperative strength
The results land as AWG marks its centennial year. Funk framed the milestone as both a reflection and a forward commitment.
“For 100 years, AWG’s cooperative membership has empowered independent retailers to compete, adapt, and thrive together. Through enduring partnerships, shared purpose, and a cooperative model that delivers collective strength and lasting impact, AWG will continue to empower independent grocers to grow, serve their communities, and succeed,” Funk said.
Barry Queen, AWG’s chairman of the board, said the cooperative’s member retailers demonstrated resilience throughout 2025 that set up a stronger entry into 2026.
“Throughout 2025, our cooperative and our member retailers turned market challenges into opportunities, ensuring we entered 2026 stronger than ever. As we look ahead, we are committed to the same principles of partnership and service that brought us here, while pursuing the innovations necessary to strengthen the communities we serve,” Queen said.
AWG serves 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations across 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers.
[RELATED: AWG’s Cooperative Strength Positions Independent Grocers For Future]