AWG Named Certified Angus Beef® Retail Distributor Marketer of the Year

AWG has been recognized as the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) Retail Distributor Marketer of the Year, a prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding commitment to growing the Certified Angus Beef® brand and delivering premium beef solutions to independent retailers.

The award was presented during the 2026 Certified Angus Beef® Annual Conference and Beef Bash, recognizing AWG’s leadership in expanding the CAB program, educating member retailers, and driving category growth through best-in-class merchandising, training, and consumer-focused marketing.

Certified Angus Beef® is the nation’s leading premium beef brand and is recognized for its rigorous quality standards. To earn the Certified Angus Beef® label, products must meet 10 science-based specifications for quality, consistency, tenderness, and flavor, making it one of the most trusted names in premium beef.

“Being named Retail Distributor Marketer of the Year is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the strong partnership between AWG and Certified Angus Beef®,” said Heather DeLuca, AWG Vice President of Meat & Seafood. “Together, we’ve helped our member retailers elevate their beef programs through education, merchandising excellence, and a commitment to delivering the highest-quality beef products to shoppers. This recognition validates the hard work of our teams and the dedication of our members who continue to invest in providing a superior meat department experience.”

The partnership between AWG and Certified Angus Beef® continues to strengthen as both organizations focus on helping independent retailers capitalize on one of the most important categories in the store. Beef remains a critical driver of grocery success, generating larger basket sizes and attracting more households than any other protein category.

Over the past year, AWG and Certified Angus Beef® collaborated to bring new retailers into the CAB program, provide comprehensive training opportunities, and share proven merchandising strategies designed to increase sales and enhance the customer experience. The result has been continued growth for both organizations and expanded access to premium beef offerings for consumers across AWG’s membership.

“Quality remains one of the most important factors influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions in the meat department,” DeLuca said. “Today’s shoppers recognize the value of premium beef and are willing to pay for a better eating experience. Our partnership with Certified Angus Beef® allows independent retailers to differentiate themselves with a trusted brand that consistently delivers exceptional quality and flavor.”

Certified Angus Beef® was established in 1978 by the American Angus Association to create a recognizable standard for premium beef. Because only a select percentage of Angus-influenced cattle meet the brand’s strict quality requirements, the CAB label serves as a trusted guarantee of superior quality for retailers and consumers alike.

The Retail Distributor Marketer of the Year award underscores AWG’s ongoing commitment to helping member retailers grow sales, build customer loyalty, and succeed in an increasingly competitive marketplace through industry-leading partnerships and premium product offerings.

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.