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

Choose a food distributor in MN to supply your business

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

Minnesota 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 a MN food distributor 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 can then use these price breaks to plan promotions or make advance replenishment orders.
2. Use food wholesalers in Minnesota that specialize in foods from your customers’ ethnic groups. Many wholesalers also specialize 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 Minnesota food wholesalers

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: The Minnesota Food Association partners with many community-based organizations to build a more sustainable food system. Learn more about farmer’s markets in Minnesota that have buying clubs at eatwild.

Purchase from a food wholesaler in MN 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: Foodservice News lists food brokers in Minnesota and also provides news articles on the foodservice industry. Hockenberg Newburgh is a major food brokerage in the upper Midwest with locations in Minnesota, Nebraska and Iowa.

Place orders with local Minnesota beverage distribution companies

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: The Winona Daily News provides a look at the daily life of a beer distributor in Minnesota. CareersinFood.com allows you to search for beverage distributors by state and also provides links to resources for the food and beverage industry.

 

• 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 Minnesota that specialize in foods from that ethnic group.
• Buy perishable foods from local Minnesota food distributors. These companies can make deliveries faster and help you make a profit on these items. Prompt deliveries also make it easier to manage your inventory.

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