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

Reynolds Market Celebrates 100 Years of Serving Montana Communities

Reynolds Market is marking a major milestone this year as it celebrates 100 years in business. What started in 1925 as a small grocery store in Glendive has grown into…

Sweet Partnership, Sweeter Treats: Red Button Novelties Have Arrived

Sometimes, the best ideas start with a little serendipity. For Red Button Vintage Creamery’s new line of ice cream novelties, the spark came after the 2024 Associated Food Stores (AFS)…

Kent’s Honors Military Families With Nearly $300K in Groceries

On Armed Forces Day, Kent’s Market in Plain City once again showed its deep commitment to military families by partnering with Operation Homefront for a large-scale grocery donation event. This…

Macey’s Spanish Fork Anchors Kids Fishing Day with Heart and Hard Work

Nearly 1,500 children and adults with special needs spent a day in the sunshine recently, casting lines and catching fish during the 34th annual Kids Fishing Day at Salem Pond….