On September 24–25, Associated Food Stores welcomed the Topco Deli/Foodservice/Bakery Member Advisory Committee (MAC) to Salt Lake City for two days of collaboration, learning, and strategy. The gathering brought together 16 retail partners from across the country, representing independent grocers of every size and market. For the uninitiated, Topco is a cooperative purchasing association for independent grocery retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice companies. Topco helps its member companies compete with larger national chains by aggregating their collective buying power. Think of it like a co-op for co-ops!
The goal of the Topco MAC is to create opportunities for independent retailers to aggregate volume, address shared challenges, and exchange ideas that strengthen competitiveness across the network.
Day One centered on store and facility tours, including Macey’s Market (Sugar House), Harmons (Station Park), Kent’s Market (Plain City), and the AFS Farr West Distribution Center. These visits allowed AFS retail operations teams to engage directly with MAC attendees, offering a close look at best practices and showcasing the innovation and creativity being carried out across the AFS system.
Ryan Barnes, director of delicatessen at AFS, said the tours demonstrated the power of collaboration.
“Bringing retailers from across the country into our stores gives us a chance to share ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen the entire network,” Barnes said. “It’s a privilege to see that kind of teamwork in action, and it reinforces how much we can accomplish when we work together.”Day Two shifted to strategic discussions led by the Topco team, covering key industry insights, updates on ongoing initiatives, and opportunities to align volume across participating retailers. Barnes said he left the sessions encouraged about the future.
“I’m excited about the projects on the horizon,” he said. “There are real opportunities to grow our offerings in deli, bakery, and foodservice, and these conversations showed me we’re aligned and moving in the right direction.”
Hosting this year’s MAC was both an honor and a reflection of AFS’s role within the Topco network. By opening doors to our stores, facilities, and teams, AFS showcased not only operational strength but also the spirit of partnership that drives the company forward.
As we look ahead to 2026, the insights and alignment built during these two days will carry lasting impact, ensuring that AFS and its partners remain positioned to deliver excellence to their guests while strengthening the collective voice of independents in the industry.