Independent distributor organization AD reported 2021 member sales were $58.5 billion, a 30% increase from 2020, with purchases by member companies from AD supplier partners up 39% to $16.6 billion.

AD also achieved a 49% increase in net distributions to its members, surpassing the $1 billion milestone for the first time in the group’s four-decade-long history.

In 2021, 83 independents joined the group, 62 of which came over from other groups, bringing AD’s total member count to 845 across 13 divisions and 3 countries. AD’s members also made 73 acquisitions during 2021, the organization reported.

By country, same-store sales of members in the U.S. were up 18%, Canada same-store member sales increased by 27%, and Mexico same-store sales increased by 31%.

“I’m incredibly proud of our community of vibrant independents and grateful to our valued supplier partners for the support they showed us during this year of unprecedented supply chain challenges,” said AD’s Chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg. “We found great strength in partnerships and discovered new ways to innovate and create value together. We are looking forward to another great year in 2022.”