The food industry in the US is as huge as $1.5 Trillion and half of this value is from grocery and convenience stores. There are 264,125 units of such stores in the US.
It is crucial that they need to be stocked up with an extensive range of food and grocery products. This will ensure that their customers’ demands for their preferred supplies are met completely and on time. The convenience store food distributors contribute essentially with their wide range of distribution services to meet such demands.
The stores partner with the ideal food distributors because they play an important role in fulfilling the timely store and customer requirements.
The yearly sales of the foodservice distribution industry valued at $280 billion in 2017 functioning with 153,000 vehicles and 131,000 drivers. There were 15000 distribution center locations operating and 8.7 billion cases were delivered.
The figures show the popularity and importance of convenience store food distributors in the US.
However, it becomes essential to choose the right food, grocery, and beverage distributor suitable for your store-specific features. This article gives extensive information about the food distributors for the convenience stores answering all your questions.
Everything about a Food Distributor in the US
The comprehensive knowledge about the food distributors will help you understand who they are, their services, types, etc. Read on to know more about them -
What is the role of a food distributor?
Food distributors are the intermediaries between the producers or manufacturers and the food operators such as retails and convenience stores. They collect the products from the source and supply them to these foodservice operators. They include a wide range of other distribution services.
What services do the food distributors provide?
The distributors supply the various types of items for food, grocery, beverages, tobacco, restaurants, etc. They collect the products from the manufacturers, store with them in their storage facilities or warehouses and distribute or deliver them to the stores. The wholesale food distributors offer their products at wholesale prices.
They may work as per their particular niche in a specific product category such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, etc. Whereas many have multiple products and items under their realm.
They provide logistics, transportation, warehousing, and storage facilities as well for the manufacturers and the stores. They are equipped with extensive infrastructure and technology to give advanced and modern services.
Apart from these, there are other services such as ordering assistance, store planning, stocking store shelves, etc.
What technology do the food distributors use?
The food distributors use the software that processes, track, and schedule the orders. This software data is completely secure. It can manage the stock data, payments & invoices, reports, returns, exchanges, etc. The logistics, storage, and delivery activities are effectively organized through it.
Also, it can track the specific account for sales & purchase history, cost of products, etc. The distributors can further provide guidance for the growth and expansion of the stores with these data by analyzing the specific areas of profit and loss.
Why opt for the food distribution services for your store?
The importance of getting the services of the convenience store food distributors can be explained through the below points:
Choosing the right and reputed food and beverage distributors will ensure the quality product supply at the best prices.
They play the role of a long-term reliable partner for your business. They take care of the delivery of the products in the right quantity to maintain balance and avoid wastage or overstocking.
The delivery process and timelines are managed and planned in such a way that it is fast and on time. Also, they make sure that your stores are always stocked with the required products.
You need not find and deal with different manufacturers for different food items. You can get all your required products from one place.
The distributors with their extensive experience in the field know the customer preferences, trending products, new introductions, and special items as per season. This will help your store get equipped with them and satisfy the customers.
They also have an experienced team that will help you to make your store-specific strategy for ordering, supply, and organization.
The stores will not have to manage logistics, delivery, and other functions. It will be handled by the food distributors. This way you can concentrate on the sales part and customers without worrying about anything else.
Where to look for the food distributors?
There are many places you can find wholesalers including trade shows, networking with other businesses, small business administration, etc. Talking with other people and networking will help you get a better understanding of different wholesalers who are available in your area.
What to look for in the food distributor when choosing for your store?
It is an important task to choose the food distributor. After all, they are the essential supply partners who will be handling a lot many activities for your store. Also, you can meet your customers' demands through sales only if you are stocked properly. For this, you need to carefully consider some essential aspects in your store-specific distributor listed below:
Delivery services
You can ask the food distributor about their delivery processes, activities, cost, and timelines.
According to your requirements, you may inquire if they deliver on weekdays or weekends, inside closing times, or whenever required. Further, you may ask the delivery unloading processes i.e. if they facilitate direct delivery to your storage facility - may it be shelves, freezer, etc.
Pricing and Discounts
When buying in bulk from these wholesale food distributors, it is quite obvious that you will expect fair pricing and discounts for bulk purchases. You may try the negotiations and if the final pricing is reasonable and competitive, the distributor will be right for you in terms of pricing.
Relationships
It is important that the food distributor is able to maintain friendly terms with you. This is a primary requirement for a long-term relationship and proper services. The food distributors should know your requirements and proactively help you increase your sales and profits.
This is possible with their market insights and your store-specific sales requirements. This also helps in getting you personalized services. Their other customers or with your own experience you can know if they meet these requirements.
Reputation and Experience
Know if they have good experience and reputation in the area of services that you want from them for your distribution requirements. You may know if they provide the delivery on time, if the products and supply are of good quality, if their services are consistently good, etc. Their proven experience can help you in your growth and functioning.
Technology and Trends
Know if they use the latest technology and infrastructure to get you the optimum services. Also, they must stay in line with the trends and updates in the food industry.
Further, as per the specific food requirements, they must have refrigerated warehouses and delivery trucks.
Support Services
Another important aspect is the customer support services. They must be there for you to answer your queries, concerns or to solve any issues related to distribution services.
Other aspects
With delivery services, you need to look for the type and quality of products, packaging, and stocking they provide. These should be safe, clean, provide hygiene and prevent any damages to the items.
Also, their product catalog must include everything that you will require for your store.
Atlantic Dominion Distributors - Excellent convenience store food distributors since 1875
It is highly convenient to get a complete supply of your required products and end-to-end distributions services from one place. If you are looking for the perfect convenience store food distributors, hire us today.
Atlantic Dominion Distributors serve as a complete supplier for the convenience store. We have proficient staff, a wide range of products, and extensive experience in the field. In fact, our catalog includes 10,000+ items. We are renowned beverage distributors as well.
Get in touch today with us for the best wholesale food distributors' services in the Virginia Beach, South Carolina, and North Carolina locations. Call us on (757) 497-1001 or visit our website - https://atlanticdominiondistributors.com/