Food distributors are the middle man between food manufacturers and the end buyers, and several benefits exist for commercial purchasers who order wholesale products from distributors.
Convenience
Food distribution companies offer one-stop shopping for the restaurateur. This convenience saves the time that would be spent ordering different specialty products directly from manufacturers or from multiple suppliers.
Selection
Food distributor warehouses carry everything necessary to operate a restaurant, including dairy, meat, seafood, dry goods and cleaning supplies. If an item is not already carried by the distributor, most will stock the item on request, providing that a minimum quantity is purchased.
Value
In addition to carrying brand name products, food service distributors often contract with manufacturers to allow distribution of a product under a generic (store brand) name. This brings you the quality of a brand label, without the brand label price.
Frequency
Most large food service distributors have several operating companies locations in different cities around the country. This ensures that a location will be close enough to your restaurant to schedule multiple deliveries each week. In some cases, daily delivery is possible.
Other Benefits
If a majority of a restaurant's purchases are from a single supplier, the restaurant has some negotiation power with respect to price structure and freight charges.
Tags: brand label, brand name, food service, food service distributors, service distributors