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 […]
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 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 […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Featured News, Midwest, News
AWG’s Save-A-Label Program Directs $106K To Nonprofits In 2025
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc.’s (AWG) Save-A-Label program contributed $106,508 to nonprofits and schools in 2025, supporting 997 organizations across a 17-state footprint. The program, which has run since 1987, converts UPC labels from AWG’s Best Choice Family of Brands into direct cash donations for qualifying organizations. How the program works Shoppers collect UPC labels from […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Finance News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AWG Selects RELEX For AI-Driven Forecasting Across 3.5K Stores
Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) has selected RELEX Solutions to optimize distribution center forecasting and replenishment across its network of 3,500 member locations. AWG will implement the RELEX artificial intelligence-driven forecasting and replenishment solution to replace its legacy in-house proprietary systems and manual processes. The platform will deliver scalability and automation to improve forecasting […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG Best Choice Wins Big During PLMA Salute To Excellence Awards
Best Choice, the flagship private brand of Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), received four 2025 Salute to Excellence Awards from the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA). The awards, which recognize innovation and quality in private label products, were announced Nov. 16-18 during PLMA’s 2025 Private Label Trade Show in Chicago. The four items are: Best Choice […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG, Kellogg’s Expand Athletic Opportunities For Middle Schoolers
Tony the Tiger and Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes Mission Tiger initiative have joined with Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) to donate $32,500 through DonorsChoose to help schools like Turner Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas, keep students active and engaged through athletics. Since its launch in 2019, Tony the Tiger and Mission Tiger has expanded access to […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG Promotes Private Label Brands Amid Economic Pressures
As shifting economic factors and changes to benefits place increasing strains on family budgets, Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) is reinforcing its commitment to its legacy private brands, Always Save and Best Choice. The brands provide an option for shoppers seeking relief from rising grocery prices, enabling them to find quality and savings at AWG […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG Brands Unveils 35 Products To Boost Holiday Sales
Ahead of the holiday season, AWG Brands, the private brands program of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG), has expanded its portfolio with 35 new products from Always Save, Best Choice and Superior Selections by Best Choice. The launch includes grocery and household items aimed at helping AWG member retailers increase sales and offer value to […]
Posted inGrocery Store Layout, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG, Decorworx Enhance Design Services For Independent Grocers
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. and design and production firm Decorworx have begun a partnership to provide enhanced store solutions to AWG member retailers. As a part of the collaboration, AWG has discontinued its Design and Decor Source Group (DSG), which for more than 30 years provided interior design, production and installation services to AWG members. […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG Rebrands, Expands Best Choice Brand With Superior Selections Line
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) has rebranded and extended its elevated private brand with the launch of Superior Selections by Best Choice. Introduced in 2000 as Best Choice Superior Selections, the brand began as a multi-serve frozen entrée program with 12 items. Over the years, it has grown into a line of 125 products, including sauces, […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Marketing News, Merchandising News, Midwest, News
AWG Brands Adds 36 New Private Label Products
AWG Brands, the private brands program of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG), has introduced a lineup of new grocery items. The wave of products, developed to align with the latest consumer and category trends, is helping member retailers capture sales and gain a competitive edge. “The AWG Brands items that launched in July are strategically […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG, University Of Illinois Collaborate On Data Research Projects
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) has collaborated with the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on two data research projects for the 2024-25 school year. These initiatives supplement AWG with sophisticated analytics, strategy recommendations and an AI dashboard. At the same time, participating students gain valuable, real-world experience, enhancing their career […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG Brands Introduces New Items To Cater To Consumer Trends
AWG Brands, the private brands program of Kansas City, Kansas-based Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG), has introduced a new lineup of grocery items launching in the second quarter 2025. “All of these items were strategically developed throughout category reviews driven by consumer and category trends to help AWG member retailers remain competitive within private brands,” […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG Elects Houchens Food Group’s Rush To Board Of Directors
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) has elected Greg Rush, president of Houchens Food Group (HFG), to fill an open position on its board of directors. A 100-percent employee-owned company, HFG operates in the grocery, convenience, hardware and restaurant industries. It has more than 400 locations across 15 states, including Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Alabama, […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News, Private Label Brands
AWG Brands Scores Slam Dunk With Frozen Food Happiness Campaign
AWG Brands, the private brands of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG), celebrated National Frozen Food Month in March with a marketing campaign, “Frozen Food Happiness,” designed to showcase the wide array of frozen food products available to both AWG member retailers and their customers. This year’s campaign emphasized the convenience, variety and fun that frozen […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Center Store, Midwest
AWG Brands Introduces Hello World By Best Choice Product Line
In response to the growing demand for budget-friendly baby care solutions, AWG Brands, the private brands program of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG), has introduced Hello World by Best Choice. A line of baby products, Hello World by Best Choice features everything from diapers and wipes to health and wellness essentials. “Hello World by Best Choice […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Center Store, Midwest, News
AWG Brands Introduces Pure Wonder By Best Choice
AWG Brands, the private brands program of Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG), has launched Pure Wonder by Best Choice, a new brand dedicated to pets. Available this month, the brand offers a comprehensive range of pet products, including food and essentials for dogs, cats and birds. The decision to introduce Pure Wonder by Best Choice […]
Posted inProduce News, Associated Wholesale Grocers, News, Southeast
Healthy Family Project Celebrates 9-Year Partnership With AWG
Healthy Family Project has begun its 2025 Produce for Kids campaign in Associated Wholesale Grocers’ (AWG) Springfield and Gulf Coast divisions, marking a nine-year partnership dedicated to promoting healthier families and supporting communities in need. Through this year’s campaign, participating produce partners are collectively donating 170,000 meals to local Feeding America food banks. Shoppers will […]
Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News
AWG’s Best Choice Brand Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) member retailers and teammates celebrated the 40th anniversary of its flagship private brand, Best Choice, during the recent Innovation Showcase. In 1985, Best Choice debuted with a mission to help member retailers offer shoppers a line of products that could compete with national brands in quality and price. In its […]