Associated Wholesale Grocers has appointed Joe Kelley as COO, effective May 4, overseeing merchandising, procurement, distribution, sales, marketing and division support center operations across AWG’s 33-state footprint. Kelley comes from Kroger, where he most recently served as SVP of retail divisions, leading 11 divisions across the central and western United States. His grocery career began […]
Category: Associated Wholesale Grocers
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and over 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale divisions.
In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies which provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods, and natural and organic products.
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AWG Launches Wellwerks, Nüwerks Private Brand Wellness Program
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) is rolling out two exclusive wellness brands – Wellwerks and Nüwerks – for its network of more than 1,100 member retailers and 3,500 retail locations in 33 states. AWG said the launch represents one of the most comprehensive private brand wellness sets introduced at retail, combining functional grocery formats with modern […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, Midwest, News
AWG Reports $293M Patronage Distribution During Annual Meeting
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) distributed a record $293.1 million in year-end patronage during 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 […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, News, Southeast
AWG Invests $110M To Automate Gulf Coast Distribution Center
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) will invest $110 million to modernize its Gulf Coast Division Support Center in Pearl River, Louisiana, installing advanced automation in the facility’s ambient section to improve order accuracy and service reliability for independent grocery retailers across the Southeast. Construction begins in January, with automation installation in April 2027 and full operations […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, Midwest, News
AWG Celebrates 100th Anniversary At 2026 Innovation Showcase
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) launched its centennial celebration during its 2026 Innovation Showcase, marking 100 years since independent retailers united in 1926 to 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 […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Anniversary Issues, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Feature, Featured News, Finance News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year
AWG’s Cooperative Strength Positions Independent Grocers For Future
As Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, the cooperative is reflecting on a century defined by independent spirit, shared success and an unwavering commitment to its members – while keeping its focus firmly on what comes next. Founded in 1926 by a group of independent grocers who believed they were stronger […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, Midwest, News
AWG Rolls Out SmartMeals AI Shopping Assistant
Associated Wholesale Grocers‘ (AWG) SmartMeals, its artificial intelligence-powered meal planning and shopping assistant built in partnership with Breez AI Corporation, has moved from pilot to wide-scale deployment across its member network. Nearly 100 AWG member stores are now onboarded, with 85 stores going live in January and additional rollouts under way. The announcement comes as […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, Midwest, News
AWG Brands Adds 63 New Products In Q1 2026
Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) is rolling out 63 new private brand items across its Best Choice, Superior Selections by Best Choice, Tippy Toes, TopCare and Simply Done lines in the first quarter of 2026, with products hitting shelves throughout the quarter. The expansion spans food, wellness and household categories, with a notable debut: four Tippy […]