Published on: July 1, 2026

Associated Grocers, Inc. is proud to be featured in a special corporate profile by The Shelby Report, documenting our journey from a 1950 regional collective into a modern powerhouse of independent retail grocer support.

The feature details how 17 local families in the Greater Baton Rouge area originally united to form a wholesale alliance. This partnership allowed neighborhood stores to harness collective buying power and successfully compete against emerging big-box supermarkets without losing their community identity.

Today, that foundation has expanded to serve more than 200 retail members across Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas. The Shelby Report highlights Associated Grocers’ evolution from a traditional “cash and carry” supplier into a total Retail Operations Support and Solution Center. By leveraging technological advancements—such as advanced warehouse management systems, optimized retail data tools, and strategic merchandising programs—AG continues to ensure independent grocers are positioned to thrive for generations to come.

As our President and CEO, David Politz, noted in the feature:

“Associated Grocers legacy is SERVICE…to local grocers, communities, families and our employees.”

Read the full, unabridged feature article directly on The Shelby Report Website once it goes live. To see how these milestones fit into our decades-long timeline, explore our official Associated Grocers History page.

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