Food and Beverage Distributors and Wholesalers in Hawaii Key Terms

Learn some terms associated with food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Hawaii

Food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Hawaii play an important part in keeping the state well fed. Because Hawaii is an island, there are additional costs and challenges to overcome when distributing food amongst the eight islands.

Take the time to learn about some terms associated with food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Hawaii so that you can understand the process and negotiate the best contracts for your food-based business. Here are some of those terms along with some resourceful links to get you started.

 

Quality assurance department

The Quality Assurance Department is found in many food and beverage wholesalers and distributors, and is charged with the responsibility of making sure that food is safely handled and processed. It also strives to ensure excellence in freshness and taste of the products.
Try: Visit the website for Sysco, a food distributor with a location in Hawaii, which offers additional information on how the Quality Assurance Department operates.

Market reports

Market reports are published every week by various food associations and agencies and detail the latest trends in terms of prices, consumption and other related information on a specific food group. For instance, there are market reports on such categories as beef, pork, poultry and more. Commercial kitchens use this information along with food and beverage distributors to plan menus and maximize profits.
Try: Go to the website for VIP Food Service in Hawaii for more information and the latest market reports.

Delivery schedule

The delivery schedule refers to the pre-planned times that a food based distributor will use to deliver food to supermarkets and commercial kitchens. In Hawaii, the schedule also takes into account ferry times for travel between the islands. Many Hawaiian-based food distributors require orders to be placed a certain amount of time ahead of the delivery schedule for processing.
Try: Check out the website for HFM Foodservice, a Hawaii based food and beverage distributor, for an example of a delivery schedule.

Temperature controlled trucks

Temperature controlled trucks are vehicles that have refrigeration systems built in, which allows the food distribution company to keep meat, cheeses, beverages and other cold pack items cold during transport.
Try: Visit the website for Y. Hata and Company for more information on temperature controlled trucks which transport and distribute food.

Product list, product portfolio

The product list or product portfolio refers to the items that a particular food distributor carries. These items are often listed on their website so that the client can tally their order before contacting the distribution company. The term "portfolio" is usually used in relation to beer, wine and spirits.
Try: Go to the website for Suisan, a Hawaii based food distributor, for additional information and an example of a product list.

Distribution center

The distribution center refers to the actual location where the suppliers and vendors send their products. Distribution centers are often climate controlled or refrigerated to keep the products at the proper temperature. Items are then shipped from the distribution center to the appropriate supermarket or commercial kitchen.
Try: Visit the website for Southern Wine and Spirits for an example of a distribution center. Southern Wine and Spirits has a location in Hawaii.

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