Mar 22, 2006 9:50 AM, from staff and wire reports

Miami-based Associated Grocers of Florida Inc has created a new division, International Distributors of Grand Bahama. The retail distribution group also has acquired a Freeport, Bahamas, location where it will construct an 800,000-square-foot warehouse and showroom to import overseas products. These facilities also will enhance distribution to the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Roy Deffler will serve International Distributors of Grand Bahama as president and chief executive officer. Calvin Miller, president and CEO of AG of Florida, will be the new division's chairman. A lack of tariffs should boost distribution efficiency at the Bahamas site, which also might source product from overseas to wholesalers and cooperatives in the United States.