Food and Beverage Distributors and Wholesalers in Illinois Key Terms

Learn a few terms associated with the commercial food and beverage business in Illinois
By Jason Wood Food & beverage distributors and wholesalers supply the food and beverage industry in Illinois. Food and beverage distribution companies rely on these distributors and wholesalers to make sure that the shelves and kitchens are always stocked.

The food and beverage distribution and wholesale business has a lingo specific to the industry. Before contacting one of these companies, take a moment to understand some of the terms you may come across. Here are a few of those terms, along with some links to help get you started.

Space management

Space management refers to the physical stocking of shelves by the Illinois distributors when they refill shelves in the store. The goal of space management is to make an aesthetically pleasing display that promotes products to the consumer.
Try:  Visit the website for S. Abraham & Sons, a food and beverage distributor and wholesaler that serves Illinois, for more information on the space management program they offer.

Market trends

Market trends are reports and analytical tools used by food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Illinois to understand what consumers want and where they are spending their money. By understanding the market trends, products can be tailored to the consumer, enhancing the bottom line and reducing wasteful costs for products that aren't being bought.
Try:  Visit the website for Performance Food Group, which has locations in Illinois, for an in depth analysis of market trends and how they translate into giving the consumer what they want at the store.

Retail technology

Retail technology refers to the ability of a wholesaler or distributor in Illinois to be able to track items from their arrival in the warehouse, to their shipment, stocking and ultimate purchase by the consumer. Everything from the price the consumer paid to how long an item sat on the shelf is discovered using retail technology.
Try:  Visit the website for Nash Finch. A food and beverage distributor that distributes in Illinois, they have a great deal of information regarding the retail technology they employ.

Non-food items

Non-food items are items that are not edible, but are commonly shipped alongside produce, meat and boxed items. These items are shipped by Illinois wholesaler to the distributor, who ultimately stocks them on the shelves. A food and beverage distributor will carry non-food items like soap, chemical cleaners and light bulbs.
Try:  Visit the website for Fox River Foods, an Illinois-based distributor, for further information on items that qualify as "non-food" in the eyes of wholesalers and distributors.

Retail pack

A retail pack refers to a packaged item that is readily packaged for a consumer to buy. An example would be a package of hot dogs. The Illinois distributor will ship a case of hot dogs, then that case is opened and the individual "retail packs" are placed in the store for customers to buy.
Try:  Visit the website for Bobak, a Chicago-based company. Makers of fine sausages and meats, they are also a wholesaler and distributor of their product. They have examples of a "retail pack" on their website.

Area service map, distribution area

The area service map or distribution area is found on many Illinois food and beverage wholesaler and distributor websites that alerts potential commercial buyers if they are in range to the company. If not, it might be wiser to find a closer distributor to save transportation costs.
Try:  Visit the website for Eby Brown, an Illinois based food distributor, for additional information on their distribution areas.