Making the Most of Food and Beverage Distributors and Wholesalers in Connecticut

Choose Connecticut food wholesalers to supply your business

Maximize your profits by making the most of food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Connecticut. These companies distribute food at wholesale prices to delis, caterers, grocery stores and restaurants.

Connecticut food distributors deliver foods within a specified delivery area and also may provide cash and carry services that allow you to pick up items directly from the warehouse.

Make the most of food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Connecticut by doing the following:

1. Get frequent price checks from food distributors, especially on seasonal items. A distributor that has a surplus of perishables will be more willing to negotiate on the price. You than can use these price breaks to plan promotions or make advance replenishment orders.
2. Use food wholesalers in Connecticut that deal in specialty foods. Many wholesalers deal in a particular type of food such as pizza ingredients, snacks or desserts. 
3. Select food wholesalers that provide reliable food delivery. This will allow you to minimize lost sales due to lack of stock and make it easier to determine your optimum re-order point.
   

 

Join a group for buying from a Connecticut food distributor

Many small business owners pool their buying power to maximize savings. A food service buying group can use its leverage to negotiate with distributors for the best possible prices.
Try: Urban Oaks Organic Farm is located in New Britain and publishes a blog on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Fort Hill Farm is in New Milford and offers regular newsletters with information on CSAs.

Purchase from a Connecticut food wholesaler through a broker

Foodservice brokers represent manufacturers of food, food equipment and food supplies. They can help you find the best prices for a wide range of food products.
Try: The Connecticut Food Association provides a newsletter on events in the foodservice industry within Connecticut. The Connecticut Restaurant Association publishes an e-newsletter for Connecticut's foodservice brokers.

Place orders with a local Connecticut beverage distribution company

A beverage distributor primarily sells water, soda, beer and sometimes wine. These beverages may not be available from a regular food distributor or wholesaler.
Try: America's Beer Distributors locates beer distributors by state and offers extensive resources including an overview of beer distribution. Connecticut Beverages News publishes information specific to the beverage industry in Connecticut.

 

• Buy perishable foods from a CT food distributor. They can make deliveries faster and help you make a profit on these items. Prompt deliveries also make it easier to manage your inventory.
• Identify any particular buying habits of your customers. For example, if your store caters to a particular ethnic group, you will want to use food distributors in Connecticut that specialize in foods from that ethnic group.

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