--- layout: default_v3 language: default permalink: food-supply-chain/food-distributors.html i18n_link: 3562 updated: 2021-04-26 #--- article key-values ---# collection: default_topiccluster t_keyword: Food Distributors tags: food distributors, restaurant management, business management, food safety, zip haccp type: supporting page_id: 3562 hreflang_id: 3562 parent_id: 3539 date_published: 2021-04-26 date_modified: 2021-04-26 #--- javascript schema ---# javascript_schema: - script: jquery_3_2_0_min - script: bootstrap_min - script: article_infinite_scroll - script: article_mix_infinitescroll - script: article_mix - script: article_mix_faq - script: article_mix_toc #--- section schema ---# section_schema: - section: nav-main_menu - section: article_body_v2 - section: footer - section: schedule_demo_cta #--- page key-values ---# meta_tags: t_meta_title: How to Choose the Right Food Distributors t_meta_description: Food distributors provide food and non-food products anywhere food service is provided away from home. It takes an understanding of the restaurant to pick the right food distributor. t_meta_abstract: Food distributors provide food and non-food products anywhere food service is provided away from home. It takes an understanding of the restaurant to pick the right food distributor. i_meta_image: article_body: json-ld_article: v_date_published: 2021-04-26 v_date_modified: 2021-04-26 author: p_author_id: 153 t_author: Cynthia Vespia p_author_url: cynthia-vespia.html i_author: 153.png t_author_description: Cynthia Vespia is a content writer/copywriter helping brands connect with their customers through top quality content. She's also a published fantasy author giving villains a purpose and heroes a hard time. p_author_facebook: //www.facebook.com/HubWorksApp p_author_twitter: https://twitter.com/HubworksApp p_author_linkedin: p_author_instagram: feature_snippet: p_type: text t_title: t_description: content: heading: t_title: How to Choose the Right Food Distributors t_description: Food distributors provide food and non-food products anywhere food service is provided away from home. It takes an understanding of the restaurant to pick the right food distributor. image: i_image: how-to-choose-the-right-food-distributors-1619196210-5843.png t_image_description: food service food distributors v_image_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/macarons-raspberries-pastries-2548827/ v_image_license: Creative Commons Zero v_video: paragraphs: - t_headline: Different Types of Food Distributors t_text: The job of a food distributor is to be the intermediary liaison between food manufacturers and food operations. They separate, ship, and store the food products from large volumes into smaller quantities. Most foodservice operators purchase on a weekly basis from food distributors that are either local or specialty in nature.


Foodservice distribution companies can be a small one-truck business or a large-scale, multi-conglomerate corporation. In the United States, the foodservice industry is spread wide. National companies like Sysco, US Foods, and Gold Star Foods make up the bulk of food distributors while the rest of the percentage goes to smaller, more regional companies.

4 Types of Distributors

  1. Broadline Distributors- They carry thousands of food products that any operation should need. Most of the items are to be sold in high-volume so they are packaged goods that with long shelf life. Broadline distributors are large organizations themselves and serve similar large markets. The bulk of their products are generic to apply to larger markets. Specialized or niche products aren't always available through a broad line distributor.
  2. Specialty Distributor- A specialty distributor has smaller categories available for whichever niche they are trying to fill. Specialty distributors have products available that broad-line distributors don't have. For example items from a specific region or very niche ingredients.
  3. Redistributor- Redistributors purchase items directly from producers rather than selling to foodservice operators. They break up the bulk for small niche distributors who are usually local. Redistributors cater to smaller, individually owned foodservice operations who don't require a high volume of products.
  4. Cash & Carry- The cash & carry model is considered a wholesaler rather than a distributor. They don't transport the the products. Rather, food service operators will go to the warehouse to purchase and pick-up their products on site. It's like a Costco or Sam's Club but for those in the restaurant supply businesses.
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There are many things to consider when selecting suppliers. Price, reputation, food quality management, and more are all things that should be discussed. Here are a few more ideals to factor in when choosing the right food distributor.

1. Know the Details
Find the right distributor for the business begins with knowing what's needed. The manager in charge of choosing the supplier should know what the business itself well enough to decide on what needs to be delivered. Questions to ask are things like whether ingredients should be local or are the delivery dates flexible. These things should be decided in advance of choosing a distributor.

2. Know the Budget
Once the details are in place the budget comes into play. A distributor can't be decided on without first knowing how much of the budget can be spent. Overhead costs and profit margins should be considered here to avoid overspending.

3. Know the Prospective Supplier
A company's reputation precedes itself. So, before choosing a food distributor it's important to know the history of the supplier being considered. Before deciding to do business ask questions and even do research on their operations. Current or former clients are a great place to gather information. Going in blind could be a problem down the line.

How the prospective distributor handles food safety is of utmost importance. If their approach is lackluster and something like an outbreak occurs it can fall back on the business. Safeguard the business operations by asking to see evidence of food safety certificates and accreditation.

5. Communicate the Story
When speaking with potential food service suppliers it's imperative to communicate clearly what the story of the business is. This way, they can connect with what is needed on their end to propel that story into continued success. Knowing the business goals, mission statement, and future development is helpful in trying to find a food distributor to partner with. p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: how-restaurants-choose-the-food-distributors-1619207819-3439.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/coffee-beans-coffee-roasted-1291656/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/coffee-beans-coffee-roasted-1291656/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: - t_headline: Conclusion to Food Service Distributors t_text: p_headline_type: h2 image: i_image: conclusion-to-food-service-distributors-1619217798-5224.png t_description: //pixabay.com/photos/business-food-fresh-vegetables-1869127/ v_attribution: //pixabay.com/photos/business-food-fresh-vegetables-1869127/ v_license: Creative Commons Zero callout_text: event_body: json-ld_event: t_name: Employee Scheduling for Restaurant Managers t_description: Attendees will learn how create excellent schedules. The class teaches managers how to estimate the number of employees they need to staff their locations; how to accurately forecast their customer demand; how to quickly and accuaratly write and communicate schedules to employees; and how to evaluate the accuracy and optimization of their schedules to make adjustments. v_start_date: 2022-08-08 i_image: p_location_name: Altametrics Online Webinar Course p_address: webinar.hubworks.com?site=altametrics v_price: 10.00 t_offer_description: Priority Registration v_registration_url: webinar.hubworks.com?site=altametrics ---