Vestavia-based Grocers Association recognizes year’s vendor, retailer and wholesaler at annual luncheon

The Alabama Grocers Association held its annual Food Industry Finest Luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 21 honoring its Vendor, Retailer and Wholesaler of the Year Award winners. The association is based out of Vestavia Hills

More than 150 people attended the event, held at The Club, and witnessed as the AGA recognized Retailer of the Year Chris Litz, Regional Director, West Region of Publix Supermarkets, Inc.; Wholesaler of the Year David Bullard, President and CEO, Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Company; and Vendor of the Year Bob Crawford, President, United-Johnson Brothers of Alabama, LLC.

Audience members also heard discussion on the work of the Alabama Grocers Association in 2015 and those in the food, beverage and grocery profession in Alabama.

Across the state, according to a news release about the event, grocery stores generate more than $3.6 billion in annual sales and provide more than 25,000 jobs. More than $750 million is paid to those employees annually. Grocery stores pay in excess of $300 million in state and local taxes and Alabama food product sales have a $2 billion impact on the state’s economy.

“We are proud to have honored each of these fine individuals today,” said Ellie Taylor, President Alabama Grocers Association, according to the release. “They are an asset to the Alabama Grocers Association and to our industry in Alabama. We are fortunate to have a thriving grocery industry in our state and each of these individuals make this possible.”

Vendor of the Year, Bob Crawford, said his love of the grocery industry began when he was in high school where he was a bagger for a small independent grocer in Atlanta. Today, Crawford’s wine, beer and spirit distributor is the largest in Alabama with offices in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile. He oversees more than 200 associates statewide and works to provide best service to over 6,000 customers from their supplier’s brands.

“The grocery industry accounts for more than 60 percent of United Johnson Brothers total business and we are honored to receive this award and continue to help retailers, wholesalers, brokers and all of the Alabama Grocers Association members in protecting and growing our industry,” said Crawford, according to the release.