If you serve any dishes or products that qualify as Mediterranean specialty and gourmet foods, you already know sources are sometimes hard to come by. But your customers also know how tough it is to find quality Mediterranean food, so if you provide it, they will come to your establishment again and again. Buying certain food items--like spices or specialty breads--ready-made can also make your business a whole lot easier. Buying quality prepared foods allows you and your employees to focus on other food areas where you excel, saving time and energy in the long run.

There are a wide variety of Mediterranean specialty food products and distributors to choose from, offering everything from general Mediterranean foods to foods specific to certain regions. When deciding what Mediterranean specialty and gourmet foods to purchase for your business, you should:

1. Determine which Mediterranean gourmet specialties your customers most crave;

2. Research reputable Mediterranean gourmet food distributors;

3. And buy directly from the best suppliers who offer Mediterranean specialty food.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find Greek Mediterranean gourmet specialties

Greek food is rich and varied. Greece is well known for its cheeses, fruits, grains, oils, nuts and vegetables, and these food items are the foundation of Greek Mediterranean recipes.

I recommend: Grecian Delight offers Greek bread, meat, sauces, pastries, appetizers and entrées. Prima Foods sells a variety of Greek foods such as dolmades, feta and goat cheese, phyllo, Greek coffee, Greek yogurt, gyro meat and sauce, stuffed grape leaves and much more.

Purchase Italian Mediterranean gourmet foods

Italian food is better known than some Mediterranean foods in the United States, although most people now eat dishes that are 'Americanized.' Each region of Italy has its own specialty dishes, and while Italian food has many similarities with Greek food, it has its own distinct flavor.

I recommend: Strenafoods distributes Italian Mediterranean food internationally, including sauces, vegetables, oils and olives. All Things Sicilian offers wholesale Italian food, from oils and vinegars to pasta.

Discover Turkish Mediterranean specialty foods

Turkish dishes often use eggplants, onions, garlic, green peppers, lentils, tomatoes and nuts. Turkish spices also take a front and center seat in Turkish cuisine, making Mediterranean meals taste truly exotic.

I recommend: AMK Partners offers Mediterranean specialty and gourmet food, from Turkish butters and cheeses to beverages and sweets, including items sold in bulk. TasteofTurkey.com sells Turkish beverages, breads, canned vegetables, sweets, dairy products, grains, meats, nuts and much more.

Purchase other Mediterranean gourmet cuisine items

If you want sources for a variety of Mediterranean specialty food products, there are a few sources out there with nice inventories. Most carry plenty of spices, teas, coffees, oils and breads.

I recommend: Dayna's Market is a Mediterranean food distributor carrying a variety of foods, including beans and grains, coffee and tea, dairy, desserts, spices, oils and breads. Casablanca Market offers Moroccan spices and condiments like preserved lemons, harrissa, argan oil, saffron and more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Mediterranean diets are often praised as being among the most healthy in the world. When you sell Mediterranean food products and dishes, be sure to emphasize this; you may well gain customers who otherwise would have passed your establishment by.