AWG Private-Label Sales Top $1B

SN STAFF

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Associated Wholesale Grocers here said Monday its private-label sales in the most recent fiscal year exceeded $1 billion for the first time.

"Our marketing direction stressed value, and as a result AWG brands had a record-breaking year,” said Jerry Garland, president and chief executive officer, in a prepared statement summarizing year-end results. The company’s private brands include Best Choice and Always Save.

AWG, a member-owned cooperative wholesaler, said net sales rose 3% for the year, to a record $7.25 billion, and the company distributed $151.6 million in year-end patronage, or 2.64% of qualifying warehouse sales. Including allowances, AWG said it rebated $496 million to its members, up 7.8% from the prior year, while internal gross margins remained even. AWG also said the trading value for its stock rose 4% to $1,570 per share.

AWG supplies more than 580 members operating more than 2,700 retail stores in 23 states through eight distribution centers.