Following the news that EVP and COO Roger White will be leaving the company in June to become the next CEO of URM Stores Inc., Salt Lake City-based Associated Food Stores (AFS) has announced the promotions of three executives. The appointments, which will take effect following White’s departure, include: Glen Keysaw will become EVP of […]
Category: Associated Food Stores
Since 1940, Associated Food Stores have been advocating for independent grocers throughout the Intermountain West. In that time, membership has grown from 34 independent grocers to over 400 today; operating a 1-million-square-foot warehouse in Farr West, Utah; and the integration of new technologies in the grocery industry.
Strong competition from national chains, increased prices from wholesalers and low margins left many families and independently owned businesses with boarded windows. Determined to succeed against the competition, 34 independent retailers and Donald P. Lloyd, the then president of the Utah Grocers Association, joined together to combine their buying power and open a warehouse, leading to the birth of AFS.
We have since grown from 34 retailers in Utah to nearly 450 independent grocers across Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon.
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS Begins Distribution Center Automation Project With Symbotic
Associated Food Stores (AFS) and Symbotic Inc. have begun a warehouse modernization initiative at AFS’ Utah distribution center that will transform it into a next-generation facility equipped to meet future demands. The project also advances the wholesaler’s 85-year commitment to efficiency and service for nearly 500 independent grocers in the Intermountain West Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS Selects Procurant For FSMA 204 Rule Compliance
Salt Lake City, Utah-based Associated Food Stores (AFS) has selected Procurant, a collaborative software platform for retail grocers, to be a core component of its compliance solution for FSMA 204 rule reporting and traceability. The selection enables AFS to meet the FDA’s enhanced food safety requirements, set to take effect in January 2026, using Procurant’s […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS, Kent’s Market Make Holiday Donation To Utah Hospital
Associated Food Stores (AFS) and Kent’s Market, a family-owned grocer with roots in northern Utah, donated $40,000 to Shriners Children’s Salt Lake City during the hospital’s annual patient holiday event Dec. 17. Themed this year as the “Twelve Days of Christmas, the event provided patients and their families with an afternoon of activities, an appearance […]
Posted inMeat/Seafood/Poultry, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS Wins Global Awards At CAB Annual Conference
Associated Food Stores (AFS) received two awards at the recent Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Annual Conference for excellence in retail distribution and execution of initiatives. AFS earned the “CAB Retail Distributor Marketer of the Year” award and was ranked third globally for sales volume, receiving the “CAB Retail Distributor No. 3 Sales Volume” award. The […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS Opens Campus Corner Store At Utah Tech University
Campus Corner, a new 1,800-square-foot grocery store served by Associated Food Stores (AFS), has opened on the campus of Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah. The store is designed to serve the growing student population with convenience, fresh options and innovative technology. Located within the new Campus View Suites building, the store was developed […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Food Stores, West
Associated Food Stores, Symbotic Implement Automation System
Associated Food Stores has entered into a commercial agreement to implement Symbotic’s A.I.-powered robotic warehouse automation technology in its Utah distribution center. Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic case pick capabilities, will allow AFS’ distribution center to improve a variety of retail-facing experiences, including overall supply, expanded selection and delivery of products to stores. “We appreciate the […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Food Stores, Executive News, West
Associated Food Stores Names New Executive Vice Presidents
Salt Lake City, Utah-based Associated Food Stores has named two new EVPs, following the recent appointment of David Rice as president and CEO of the 82-year-old company. Justin Atwater, who also serves as general counsel, and Travis Boman, who serves as CFO, have added EVP to their titles. “Justin and Travis are incredibly important parts of […]