AWG to Join ROFDA Co-op

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) will become a member of the Retailer Owned Foods Distributors & Associates (ROFDA) national cooperative. The addition of AWG will increase the aggregated total of ROFDA to more than $24 billion in wholesale revenue, with 9,000-plus independent grocers and more than $60 billion in retail sales.

“While AWG’s size is impressive, it is their expertise, perspective and attitude under the leadership of President and CEO David Smith that will bring value to our group,” said Francis Cameron, president and CEO of Pinson, Ala.-based ROFDA. “We share the same commitment to bringing more strength to the independents we serve. As such, we are totally aligned in our purpose and mission.”

“It is a great organization, with fine leadership and honorable members, and one that we have had aspirations of joining for many years,” said Smith about ROFDA, adding that AWG hoped “to be able to make a worthwhile contribution to an already strong and vibrant organization.”

Smith will be joining ROFDA’s board of directors for the first time at the co-op’s fall conference in San Antonio, at which he will also address attendees during the general session.

Kansas City, Kan.-based AWG is a retailer-owned cooperative serving member stores with a complete assortment of grocery, fresh meat, fresh produce, specialty foods, health care and general merchandise items. It has an extensive distribution network and nine distribution centers supplying retail outlets in 30 states.