Chicago Area Retailers Partner With AWG 

Chicago, Illinois – Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) announced they have partnered with a growing number of Chicago area supermarket retailers, adding unique flavor and perspective to AWG’s successful lineage.

One of these new-to-AWG retailers is Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets, which was established in 1958 in Elmwood Park, IL. Over the decades Caputo’s has become well known for its extensive product variety as well as their own house brand “La Bella Romana,” which is a staple for anyone that makes authentic Italian cuisine. Caputo’s now has eight stores throughout the Chicago area and are the go-to place for fresh, made from scratch sausage, pasta, sauces, bakery and deli treats, hot traditional entrees and many other types of delicacies.

“One of the things that we liked about AWG was that they speak the retail language” said Robertino Presta, CEO of Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets. “They’re retailer driven, which is what we were looking for.”

With all of the new Chicagoland business coming on board, AWG is currently ramping up full scale deliveries out of its Kenosha, WI division, which will be the main distribution center for the Chicago area. Along with delivering groceries, AWG offers numerous other services for independent grocers in Chicago and throughout its 36 state distribution footprint, including advertising, marketing, retail training, store design and decor, engineering and more.

“Our co-op members make our ongoing success possible" said AWG’s CEO David Smith. "We strive to give them the best services and do the best job possible for them day in, day out. We're glad these Chicago retailers chose us.”

Treasure Island Foods, another established Chicago food market also joined AWG. Treasure Island started back in 1963 on the north side of Chicago. They now operate seven stores with plans for future growth. Called “the most European supermarket in America” by Chef Julia Child, Treasure Island Foods prides themselves on their extensive variety and high quality of international products.

“Joining AWG was about finding the right partner who would, in the long term, help us meet our goals.” said Christ Kamberos Jr., Vice President of Development for Treasure Island Foods. “When my dad started the business his goal was to become THE PLACE to shop for foodies and those looking for true European food and he succeeded. We are now focused on continuing to innovate and grow our foot print through expansion. We believe AWG will provide a strong platform and partnership for us to continue to build our brand throughout the next several decades.”

“These families have some great stories about how they began, the struggles they overcame and it’s all amazing. Several of these businesses were started by first generation Americans. They’re truly American Dream success stories.” said Smith. "We look forward to a bright future with them in Chicago.”

ABOUT ASSOCIATED WHOLESALE GROCERS, INC.

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is a retailer-owned cooperative serving retail member stores with a complete assortment of grocery, frozen foods, dairy and refrigerated products, fresh meat, and fresh produce, together with a full array of specialty foods, health and beauty care products, international foods, dollar products, and general merchandise items supplied by its wholly owned subsidiary Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC). AWG and VMC operates an extensive distribution network of eleven highly efficient distribution centers, serving over 3,800 retail outlets, representing well over $20 billion in retail supermarket sales, and generating annualized sales of approximately $9.18 billion on a consolidated basis. For more information, visit www.awginc.com or follow @AWGCorporate on Twitter.

Source: Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc.