Serving Independent Grocers Since 1940
Our Purpose
In 1940 the grocery industry was a rough place for independent retailers. Strong competition from national chains, increased prices from wholesalers and low margins left many families and independently-owned businesses with boarded windows. Determined to succeed against the competition, 34 independent retailers and Donald P. Lloyd, the then president of the Utah Grocers Association, joined together to combine their buying power and open a warehouse, leading to the birth of AFS.
OUr HISTORY
The Story of AFS
Since 1940 we have grown from 34 retailers in Utah to nearly 450 independent grocers across Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon.
Recent News
AFS Flips the Switch on Innovation with ‘First ROAR’ Celebration
Associated Food Stores celebrated a major milestone in its distribution center modernization project with the official activation of Symbotic Inc.’s cutting-edge automation system. The event, dubbed “First ROAR,” celebrated the…
AFS Distribution Leader Named as Top Fleet Operator
Justin Johnson, director of logistics and transportation at Associated Food Stores, has been named to Samsara’s prestigious 100 Fleet Operators to Watch in 2025. Samsara is a tech company that helps organizations…
Associated Food Stores Powers Up Phase One of ROAR
Associated Food Stores is excited to announce the successful activation of phase one of project ROAR, an ambitious warehouse modernization initiative at AFS’ Utah distribution center. This milestone advances AFS’s…
Discover Who Took Home This Year’s NGA Honors
Two members of Associated Food Stores were recognized for their exceptional marketing and merchandising efforts at the National Grocers Association (NGA) Show this week. The annual Creative Choice Awards, presented…
