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
Kent’s Fills Cars With Hope for More Than 400 Military Families
Kent’s Market in Plain City turned its parking lot into a staging ground of gratitude on Armed Forces Day, hosting its annual Meals for Military event in partnership with Operation…
Bakery Director Wins Back-to-Back at IFA Cowboy Poetry Roundup
For the second year in a row, Dan Hilgenberg, director of fresh bakery at Associated Food Stores (AFS), has claimed first place at the IFA Cowboy Poetry Roundup—this time with…
Associated Food Stores Receives Instacart Award
At the recent National Grocers Association (NGA) event, Instacart held its 2026 Independent Grocer Award Winners ceremony, where Associated Food Stores (AFS) received the Wholesaler Partnership Excellence Award. AFS was recognized for its deep collaboration with Instacart throughout the onboarding process, as…
Fresh Market Bagger Places in National Best Bagging Contest
MaKenzie Wood, a bagger from Fresh Market in Layton, Utah, earned a second-place finish at the National Grocers Association’s Best Bagger Competition last week, taking home $5,000 and a trophy. Her…
