Food and Beverage Distributors and Wholesalers in Florida Basics

Learn the fundamentals of buying Florida food wholesale

Learning food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Florida basics requires an understanding of the overall objective of this branch of the food service industry. The general purpose of food distribution is to unite food producers with food consumers. This requires skills common to many types of distribution such as logistics, storage and transportation. Food distribution also involves more specific areas such as food safety, refrigerated transportation and the storage of perishable items. The potential for widespread disease and other forms of contamination also means that food distribution is regulated to a much greater extent than the distribution of other types of products.

There are a variety of information sources on food distribution. These sources on food distributors in FL may be grouped in the following three general categories:

1. Organizations of Florida food wholesalers. Florida has a variety of professional associations for food distributors and grocers.

2. Food safety training classes. A distributor for Florida food needs food managers that are certified by the state.

3. Individual food and beverage distributors in Florida. These businesses may provide regional food distribution or they may distribute food specifically in Florida.

 

Join professional organizations for Florida food distributors

Food distributor organizations allow food distributors to exchange information on food distribution. These organizations may also include lobby groups for the food distribution industry in Florida.
Try: Associated Grocers of Florida is dedicated to helping distributors and retailers in the Florida food service industry. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is an influential trade organization in Florida that lobbies for legislation favorable to food distributors.

Research the food safety requirements for a Florida food and beverage wholesaler

Food safety training is an essential part of food distribution in Florida. These classes must meet specific state requirements in order to certify food safety managers.
Try: Florida Food Service offers food certification classes that the state of Florida requires. Safe Food Systems in Fort Lauderdale provides food safety training and general information on food certification in Florida.

Examine specific Florida food and beverage wholesalers

Food and beverage wholesalers provide information unique to their businesses. They may also have current news on the food service industry in general.
Try: Seidman Hudon is based in Florida and provides food distribution services throughout the southeastern United States. Food Supply is a leading food distributor in the Florida marketplace.

 

• A Florida food distributor may also distribute food through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). This food distribution program is called the USDA Commodity Food Distribution Program and it acquires various agricultural commodities through direct purchases, price support initiatives and surplus removal. The state of Florida contracts with commercial providers to acquire these foods and also contracts with various recipient agencies for the proper distribution of these commodity foods. The objectives of this program are to improve the nutrition of the program participants and to strengthen the American agricultural market.

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