Share via: LinkedInFacebookTwitterAssociated Wholesale Grocers used its 100th anniversary to press suppliers, brokers and retail partners to treat independent grocers as one of the industry’s largest retail networks, delivering the message at the 10th annual AWG Crossmark Summit in Kansas City. The Kansas City, Kansas-based cooperative, the nation’s largest retailer-owned grocery wholesaler, serves about 1,100 member companies operating roughly 3,500 stores in 33 states, representing an estimated $24.5 billion in retail sales. AWG leaders argued that collective scale is often overlooked when suppliers decide where to direct product innovation, promotional spending and merchandising support. “Our purpose is really to help feed America by strengthening Main Street,” said Dan Funk, president and CEO at AWG. Related: AWG’s Cooperative Strength Positions Independent Grocers For FutureFor More Associated Wholesale Grocers News, View Our Associated Wholesale Grocers News PageMore Associated Wholesale Grocers News