Associated Wholesale Grocers reports $7.25B in sales

Kansas City, Kan.-based Associated Wholesale Grocers, which has a distribution center in Springfield, reported $7.25 billion in year-end net sales during its annual shareholders meeting on March 20.

The privately held, retailer-owned cooperative's sales increased by $196 million, or 3 percent, compared to its previous year results, according to a news release.

AWG's brands, Best Choice and Always Save, posted sales of approximately $1 billion, a company milestone.

"We are pleased with this year’s financial results," AWG CEO and President Jerry Garland said in the release. "Our marketing direction stressed value, and as a result, AWG brands Best Choice and Always Save had a record-breaking year, achieving sales in excess of $1 billion in 2010."

According to the release, the trading value for AWG stock increased 4 percent to $1,570 per share.

Associated Wholesale Grocers delivers to more than 2,500 retail outlets in 24 states, according to its Web site. AWG's Springfield distribution center employs roughly 700 workers, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.