Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates
| Company type | Cooperative corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wholesale food distribution |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Wholesale food distribution services |
| Website | www |
Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA) is a cooperative network comprised of wholesale food distributors owned by independent grocery retailers across the United States. ROFDA promotes collaboration by facilitating information exchange, pooling shared resources, and creating tools designed to empower independent grocers in their competition against large retail chains. According to data from the National Grocers Association, the independent grocery sector accounts for roughly one percent of the U.S. economy.
Relationship classifications
ROFDA identifies three distinct types of affiliations:
Regular members
These consist solely of Retailer Owned Food Distributors mainly engaged in wholesale food distribution within the U.S., where at least two-thirds (66⅔%) of voting shares are held by actively operating retail stores.
Associates/suppliers
Companies that consistently provide goods or services to Regular Members.
Honorary members
Individuals or entities formerly involved as members or associates who have exited the industry but remain recognized for their prior contributions.
Historical overview
Originally established in 1962 under the name Southeastern Food Cooperative Association (SFCA) by cooperative food distributors located in the southeastern region of the U.S., ROFDA broadened its reach beyond this area during the 1980s. The organization adopted its current designation in 1988 and transitioned into a cooperative corporation in 1996, moving away from its nonprofit association status. The year 2012 marked ROFDA’s 50th anniversary.
Organizational identity
In 2013, ROFDA introduced initiatives aimed at reinforcing its industry presence by crafting clearer Purpose and Mission Statements to define its strategic objectives.
Purpose statement
"A cooperative established to support and advance the success of Independent Retail Grocers."
Mission statement
"United cooperatively to utilize all accessible resources, implement industry-leading practices, and foster business partnerships that deliver enhanced value to our Independent Retail Grocers."
Logo and tagline
The logo was redesigned through collaborative efforts among members. Developed by a member company’s marketing department, it represents ROFDA’s three primary relationship groups: Members, Associates, and Suppliers. The phrase “Strength in Unity” was contributed by another member team as the organization’s tagline.
Maintaining effective communication among members and affiliates is fundamental to ROFDA’s cooperative framework.
Biannual conferences
ROFDA organizes two conferences annually—held in spring and fall—providing opportunities for members, associates, and affiliates to engage directly, fostering stronger connections and deeper business insights.
Website
The official ROFDA website offers essential information alongside a secure portal that grants Members, Associates, and Suppliers access to directories, relevant data, and private forums for discussion.
Members geographic distribution
- Associated Food Stores, Inc. – Salt Lake City, Utah
- Associated Grocers of New England, Inc. – Pembroke, New Hampshire
- Associated Grocers, Inc. – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Associated Wholesale Grocers – Kansas City, Kansas
- CERTCO, Inc. – Madison, Wisconsin
- Piggly Wiggly Alabama Distributing Co., Inc – Bessemer, Alabama
- U.R.M. Stores, Inc. – Spokane, Washington