Food & Beverage Distributors & Wholesalers in Massachusetts Key Terms

Learn some terms associated with food and beverage wholesalers and distributors in Massachusetts
By Jason Wood Food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Massachusetts play a vital role in keeping commercial kitchens, supermarkets and other food based businesses stocked with the supplies they need. From the beer that's served at a bar to the parsley garnishing the side of a cheeseburger, all of the products and produce move through the wholesale and distribution process.

Take the time to learn about some of the terms you'll come across when doing business with food and beverage distributors and wholesalers in Massachusetts so you can negotiate for the best prices possible. Here are some of those terms along with resourceful links to help get you started.

Market updates, market reports

Market updates are reports that are generated every week by the American Restaurant Association and detail the prices and trends of various food items. Food wholesalers and distributors in Massachusetts often exhibit their reports so that their clients can spot trends and adjust their menus accordingly.
Try:  Check out the website for US Food Service for additional information on market updates. Simply click on the update you'd like to read for an example of how the report is formulated. US Food Service has two locations within the state of Massachusetts.

Automatic rebate tracking system

The automatic rebate tracking system is a function that many distributors and wholesalers offer to their clients. Large food companies often offer rebates for restaurants and commercial kitchens to use their products. These automatic tracking systems keep tabs of the rebates a commercial kitchen qualifies for, simply based on the order that was placed. The commercial kitchen then receives a check for the rebate several weeks later.
Try:  Check out the website for Performance Food Group, which is a food wholesaler and distributor with a location in Springfield, Massachusetts, for more information on their automatic rebate tracking system.

Three tier system

The three tier system is specific to the state of Massachusetts and refers to the licenses a business receives in order to deal with alcoholic beverages within the state. Retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers make up the three tier system, each needing to obtain their own license before they sell or distribute alcohol.
Try:  Go to the Massachusetts Beer Distributors Association for an additional explanation of the three tier system.

Territory map

The territory map refers to the area that a food and beverage wholesaler or distributor will service within the state of Massachusetts. Many of these companies list the territory maps on their website so potential clients know if it is feasible to obtain their services based on proximity.
Try:  Visit the website for Atlas Distributing for an example of a territory map.

Cold chain

Cold chain refers to the process of keeping perishable foods at the proper temperature throughout the distribution process. Food wholesalers and distributors in Massachusetts will often discuss their "cold chain" process to ensure the food stays fresh.
Try:  Go to the website for Agar Supply for more information on how the cold chain process operates during the distribution process.

Resale certificate

The resale certificate is a document, which must be on file with the wholesaler or distributor within the state of Massachusetts, that declares that a business intends to resell or reuse the products for profit. In essence, this allows the wholesaler or distributor not to charge sales tax since it will be charged at a later date for those same products.
Try:  Visit the website for Colony Foods for more information about the resale certificate and how it operates with food and beverage distributors and wholesalers within the state of Massachusetts. The state of Massachusetts also has more information on its website.