Food and Beverage Distributors in the US

Amcon Distributing Company FLEMING COS INC Fresh America Corporation

Gardenburger Incorporated International Multifoods Corporation Performance Food Group Company

Supervalu Inc. United Natural Foods Inc

Guide to Food and Beverage Distributors in the US

Find experienced wholesale food distributors to stock your grocery or convenience store
By Marianne Moro

When locating food and beverage distributors in the US, a grocery or convenience store needs to weed through small and fly-by-night operations and find usable distributors in their area. If you run a mom-and-pop store or independent grocery, the task takes a bit of work. With all the mergers taking place between well-known grocery distributors, such as Associated and Unified Grocers in the Western US, its hard to keep track of reputable organizations.

Wholesale food distributors keep your store shelves stocked on a timely basis, offer volume discounts and a wide selection of goods and they have a helpful delivery and sales staff. When you are looking for a food and beverage distributor in the US, you have the following choices:

1. Choose from small independent grocery distributors;
2. Buy from large, nationwide wholesale food distributors;
3. Check out grocery wholesalers who offer specialty foods and beverages; and
4. Purchase food and beverages directly from the manufacturer.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose from small independent grocery distributors Small mom-and-pop grocers and convenience stores benefit from using local grocery wholesalers. These small firms offer personalized service, and can give more time and attention to small retailers, fostering business relationship they can't get from larger grocery distributors.

I recommend:  Search for regional grocery and convenience store distributors at Local.com or contact local grocery distributors like Merchant Distributors if you live in the Southern US or Unified Grocers
in the Western US.

Buy from large, nationwide wholesale food distributors Some wholesale food and beverage distributors in the US cover most of the country. They cater to big chain grocery stores that order in high volume, but can also deliver to smaller regional franchises and independent stores.

I recommend:  Call C & S Wholesale Grocers to stock your store. C & S operates in most of the 50 states and delivers to nationwide and regional chains. To find other large food and beverage
distributors in the US, go to sites like Careers in Grocery and Wholesale Distributors Net.

Check out grocery wholesalers who offer specialty foods and beverages Many wholesalers specialize in a particular food type, like ice cream, snack foods or Mexican foods. If your store caters to a particular ethnic group or has customers who buy certain food brands or types of food, consider utilizing these specialty food and beverage distributors.

I recommend:  Explore grocery wholesalers and convenience store distributors like Bulk Foods for nuts, healthy snacks, candies and other specialty foods in both bulk and wrapped forms. Find world-class bakery goods, imported candies and unusual soda brands at Gourmet Food Mall.

Purchase food and beverages directly from the manufacturer If a search for food and beverage distributors in the US still leaves a few products you want unaccounted for, contact manufacturers directly. Manufacturer's sales reps can assist you with advertising and display as well as stock.

I recommend:  Look for food and beverage manufacturers by searching Global Sources Contact individual companies that distribute food and beverage lines you’re interested in stocking. For example, Nestle offers a service for grocers to help them stock the most appropriate products for their store. Check the extensive lists of manufacturers from the International Foodservice Manufacturers and the American Beverage Association.