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 together, Kansas City, Kansas-based AWG has grown into the nation’s largest retailer-owned grocery wholesaler. Yet, according to President and CEO Dan Funk, the cooperative’s greatest strength remains the same today as it was a century ago: alignment among ownership, strategy and service.
“When you think of the governance model and the bylaws and how the company was developed and formed, a lot of those same principles have withstood the 100 years,” Funk said.
“Early on, when that first group came together, they had an idea about how to be fair and equitable and transparent and work together. To be part of a team and do something that was going to help them just thrive and survive at that time. And then over generations, you saw that continue to build out at AWG…