The AWG Brands sourcing team works diligently with current and potential vendor partners to continuously improve the cost of goods, quality, and service levels through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Key categories are identified at the beginning of the year through planned Category Initiatives. Other categories warrant review as opportunities arise. AWG Brands’ sourcing activities begin 9-12 months ahead of retail implementation to allow for full internal evaluation and testing processes to ensure products meet AWG Brands’ 100% guarantee.
Throughout 2024, the AWG Brands sourcing team evaluated a number of categories through the RFP process. Some of these categories underwent major assortment changes, including cereal, ice cream, and salty snacks, as a result of refining the assortment to meet consumer trends and better match the competitive landscape.
Other categories, such as frozen fruit, peanut butter, pasta, salad dressings, eggs, and more, did not see major changes but still proved as beneficial in improving the cost of goods savings, quality, and supply.
AWG Brands conducts RFPs to help member retailers compete in the competitive marketplace, and as cost of goods savings are realized, those savings are passed onto the retailer. In 2025, sourcing efforts remain aggressive, with many already in progress.
Have what it takes to get a 100% on the AWG Brands QA Test?
1. How many AWG Brands are tested each year for quality assurance?
500 1000 2000 All of them
2. Which role is NOT a position in the AWG Brands Quality Assurance lab?
Lab Manager Technologist Procurement Specialist Data Scientist
3. Where is the AWG Brands Quality Assurance lab located?
Fort Worth, TX Lenexa, KS Springfield, MO Nashville, TN
4. What is the name of the specifications platform AWG Brands uses to store product information?
Mountain Stream RIVIR Pond
5. Where do the QR codes on AWG Brands products direct consumers to?
Social Media More Product Information To Sign Up for Email Newsletters
6. What does a consumer do if they aren’t satisfied with an AWG Brands product?
Return it to the Store Call Customer Care Send a Message on Social Media Any of the Above
Answer Key:
- All of them – All AWG Brands products are tested annually to ensure their quality and that products are made to the supplier-provided specifications. If it is a Best Choice product, it is tested against its national brand equivalent to ensure comparable or better quality.
- Data Scientist – There are three roles in the AWG Brands Quality Assurance lab: the lab manager, the technologists who conduct the QA tests, and the procurement specialists who procure AWG Brands products from retail.
- Lenexa, KS – The AWG Brands Quality Assurance lab moved to Lenexa, KS in 2024 to be closer to the AWG Support Center. This allows AWG’s dedicated quality team and others to visit the facility often and be more hands-on with product testing when needed.
- RIVIR – All AWG Brands vendor partners are required to enter product specifications into the RIVIR platform. This includes product testing attributes, ingredient information, allergen declaration, nutrition information, certifications, and product claims. Many of these specifications end up on packaging, and many of them also feed the AWG Brands websites’ product landing pages.
- More Product Information – Almost all AWG Brands items have QR codes on them that help consumers find out more information about the product they are interested in. The landing pages have images of the products, ingredient and allergen information, nutrition panels, and broader specification information than what can be included on the product’s packaging.
- Any of the Above – AWG Brands takes consumer satisfaction seriously. To back up the 100% guarantee on all products, consumers can return the product to a store for a full refund, call or email customer care, or send the AWG Brands team a message on social media. If a product is returned to the store, the retailer is reimbursed by AWG Brands. If a consumer reaches out directly, the consumer is compensated directly for the selling price of the item.
Did you get a 100%? If not, and you have questions, please contact the AWG Brands team, and they will get you any answers you need about how the AWG Brands 100% guarantee is maintained and enforced.
