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Associated Wholesale Grocers

Associated Wholesale Grocers began in 1924 after a group of 20 independent grocers met to figure out how to survive amid the increase in big supermarket chains and, two years later, filed articles of incorporation to become a wholesale warehouse. The grocer pays its members at the end of every fiscal year. Prior to 1954, members were paid in dividends on their stock shares.

Associated Wholesale Grocers operates like a cooperative with members in the independent grocery community. The company distributes four private-label brands of grocery products, Best Choice, Clearly Organic, Always Save, and Superior Selections along with IGA. And across its 6 stores, it serves about 4,000 grocery stores in 36 states.

Key Data: Associated Wholesale Grocers

Headquarters: Kansas City, Kansas

U.S. Retail Banners: Homeland, United Supermarkets, Cash Saver and Price Chopper

2020 Sales: $10.6 billion

2020 Store Locations: 6

Annual Growth (Top 50)

CEO: David Smith

Source: Associated Wholesale Grocer