Food & Beverage Distributors and Wholesalers in Connecticut Key Terms

Know important concepts when dealing with Connecticut food and beverage distributors and wholesalers

When you are ready to begin purchasing from Connecticut food and beverage distributors and wholesalers, consider where you will buy your produce. Customers look for the freshest produce and meats, so finding Connecticut-based distributors and wholesalers not only means faster service, but perishable products will usually be fresher. Check into Community Supported Agriculture distributors for top-quality seasonal produce.

When you are dealing with food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Connecticut, you need to be aware of state regulations to be sure you are operating within the law. Know what licenses and permits you need to operate your grocery, convenience store, or restaurant. Also be aware of professional organizations that support food industry professionals.

 

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Connecticut has many farms that participate in Community Supported Agriculture. The farms act as distributors to local customers, providing fresh produce in season. While many of the people who use CSAs are individual consumers, it can be a good source for wholesalers, distributors and restaurants who are looking for top-quality produce.
Try: Urban Oaks Organic Farm discusses the advantages of buying from Connecticut CSAs.

Bottle Bill

Connecticut has a Bottle Bill, a law that requires purchasers to pay a deposit for each beverage bottle they purchase. Retailers who buy beverages from a distributor owe $.05 a bottle. When the retailer returns the empty bottles, the distributor returns the deposit minus a handling fee--$.02 for soft drinks and .015 for beer. Distributors keep all unclaimed deposits.
Try: For more about the Bottle Bill, see the Container Recycling Institute website.

Connecticut Food Association (CFA)

The Connecticut Food Association (CFA) is a trade organization for food service professionals. Membership is open to anyone in the food industry, including manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. CFA lobbies for more favorable rules and regulations for the food industry and keeps its members informed of any changes to food legislation.
Try: Find out more about the Connecticut Food Association at their website, which has links to additional information.

Connecticut Restaurant Association

The Connecticut Restaurant Association, a state arm of the National Restaurant Association (NRA), offers food industry professionals a variety of educational and networking opportunities as well as specialized services, such as an electric co-op and access to insurance and legal services.
Try: The Connecticut Restaurant Association discusses some of the benefits to those in the food industry.

Connecticut Liquor Control Commission

The Connecticut Liquor Control Commission oversees liquor sales and licensing in the state. Both wholesalers and retailers are required to have liquor licenses. The Department of Consumer Protection handles liquor control investigations.
Try: The State of Connecticut provides information on the Connecticut Liquor Control Commission and the required licenses.

MOQ

Often when you order a product, the distributor or wholesaler may impose an MOQ, or minimum order quantity. For stores doing a small business or needing to restock only a few items, this can pose a problem. Ordering in bulk often cuts costs, but if you don't have the storage space or turnover to support large quantity orders, look for Connecticut distributors or wholesalers who do not require MOQs.
Try: For an explanation of MOQ, visit sticky-marketing.net.

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