Associated Wholesale Grocers Reports Record Results at Annual Shareholders Meeting

AWG reported net sales for the cooperative of $11.6 billion, up 0.63% and consolidated company sales of $12.2 billion, up 0.91% on a comparable basis. AWG distributed a record $293.1 million of year-end patronage immediately following its Annual Shareholders Meeting held today.

The total distribution of cooperative benefits returned to shareholders, including interest, allowances, and patronage, was a record $660.1 million, up 2.80%. Total members’ investment and equity increased to a record $719.7 million. Additionally, the trading value for class “A” shares increased to $1,740 per share, an increase of 5.5%.

“We achieved these results through our focus on expanding same-store sales, increasing purchase concentration, and growing our membership base,” said Dan Funk, President and Chief Executive Officer of AWG. “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% — positioning our supply chain for future capital reinvestment and success.”

Noteworthy developments include further advancing growth strategies by expanding member and non member business through AWG’s Mid South Division Support Center in Hernando, MS. These efforts added meaningful strategic volume across expanded variety grocery, dairy, and frozen along with health, beauty, wellness, general merchandise, and specialty foods—maximizing the investment in one of the world’s leading automated facilities. Additionally, AWG advanced their strategic produce initiative to position the department for accelerated growth. Fresh remains a competitive advantage for AWG members and the cooperative as a whole.

“This year, AWG celebrates its 100th anniversary and a century of member ownership and service to communities across America,” said Dan. “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.”

“The resilience of the independent grocer was on full display this past year as we mark AWG’s 100th anniversary,” said Barry Queen, AWG’s chairman of the board. “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.”

ABOUT ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS, INC.
Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations throughout 33 states from 9 wholesale division support centers. Consolidated sales for AWG in 2025 were $12.2 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide certain real estate and supermarket development services, and pharmaceutical products.