Food & Beverage Distributors and Wholesalers in Connecticut

Locate food wholesalers in Connecticut to stock your shelves
By Emmet McMahan Choosing the right food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Connecticut is essential for convenience and grocery store owners. Buying food wholesale in Connecticut is a highly competitive business with high customer expectations and complex factors that affect product replenishment.

Food distributors in Connecticut must allow you to implement proper inventory management. This is especially important in maintaining profitability on low-margin items where knowledge of customer buying patterns is critical when choosing a food distributor in CT. Food and beverage distribution can be further complicated by promotions, seasonal availability and the large differences between wholesale and resale purchase units.

When selecting one of the food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Connecticut, choose one that will increase your bottom line by allowing you to do the following:

1. Maintain your stock levels to prevent lost sales by minimizing the impact of excessive shrinkage and expiration. Reliable delivery, therefore, is crucial for determining the optimum order quantity and re-order point.

2. Save on shipping costs through advance replenishment, order consolidation and optimized price breaks. This will help you plan promotions and other sales-related events.

3. Increase customer retention and service levels.

Buy food and beverage from major Connecticut food wholesalers

Some food and beverage wholesalers cover most of the country and usually cater to grocery store chains. However, they also may be able to deliver to regional franchises and independent stores.
Try:  US Foodservice provides food and related products primarily to restaurants. You can select a region of the United States on its website to display specific locations within that region. Sysco is a leading supplier of food, preparation and serving items. A clickable map on Sysco's website displays its locations throughout the United States and Canada.

Purchase food wholesale from regional Connecticut food distributors

Regional suppliers usually serve smaller businesses in second tier markets. They may also distribute gourmet and other specialty food items.
Try:  Roma is a leading broadline foodservice distributor for New England states and specializes in Italian foods. Bozzuto's is a wholesale food distributor to retailers in New England, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York and New Jersey.

Select local independent Connecticut beverage distribution companies

A local Connecticut beverage distribution company can provide more personalized service to smaller convenience and grocery store owners. This additional time and attention can create a business relationship not found with larger distributors.
Try:  Wallingford-based G&G Beverage Distributors distributes a variety of beverages to New Haven County. Orange-based Dichello Distributors is an Anheuser-Busch wholesaler for Fairfield, Middlesex and New Haven.

• Identify any particular buying habits of your customers. For example, if your store caters to a particular ethnic group, you will want to use a food wholesaler in CT that specializes in foods from that ethnic group. Many wholesalers also specialize in a particular type of food such as ice cream, cookies or chips.