# data[].attributes.body
provides a bridge between the people who produce food and those who sell it. They gather products from farmers and food processors, store them in warehouses, and then transport them to retail and wholesale buyers.

Kamille Bias

# data[].attributes.body
Without the workers in the warehouses , without all the distributors , from the self owned to the big corporations, if we did not have so many distributors, we could not be able to transport all of the food to where they have to go.

# data[].attributes.body
Food distribution is the vital process that bridges the gap between producers and consumers, ensuring that a diverse array of edibles reaches our tables. It encompasses transportation, storage, and delivery, playing a crucial role in global food security. How does this complex network adapt to our ever-changing demands? Explore the journey your meal takes from farm to fork.

K. Kinsella

Last Modified Date: January 17, 2024

# data[].attributes.headline
Include images/videos etc. along with your text to add interest to your post (Prof. Lassen)

# data[].attributes.subject
Include images/videos etc. along with your text to add interest to your post (Prof. Lassen)

# data[].attributes.body
Food distribution happens in schools , in programs that help those In need, in bigger corporation like Walmart,target, markets, warehouses groceries stories and many more places.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Joel Goldstein is the President of Mr. Checkout Distributors.
Choosing to work with different foodservice distributors can most certainly be a smart thing to do; if you know how to do so properly. In this brief article, I will be shedding a little light on developing a path to market for your product through distribution and the importance of understanding how foodservice distributors work in order to better gain a sense of understanding of how you can use that information to work in your favor to save you time, money and hassle.

Foodservice distribution is largely comprised of an array of different programs, companies and organizations that gather products from food producers, transport them to warehouses for storage, and then distribute products to grocery stores, manufacturers, cafeterias, restaurants, government aid programs, etc. Foodservice distributors not only distribute actual foods but also products used for food consumption such as cups, napkins, utensils, plates and condiments as well.

Many foodservice distributors opt to specialize in a particular food product, such as produce or seafood, and others work for specific food manufacturers. However, the vast majority of foodservice distributors are independently-owned, making the process simpler for producers and manufacturers to be able to create supply chains by way of being able to hire distributors that cater to their uniquely specific needs.

When it comes to storage and transport, these options vary from distributor to distributor. While there are some foodservice distributors who utilize a warehouse to store foods for brief durations, others tend to use only trucks that are refrigerated in order to transport their goods directly from point A to point B. The method and timeline of transport are largely dependent upon the type of foods that are being transported and distributed.
Cash-And-Carry Distributors
There are several types of distributors when it comes to foodservice.
Redistributors
Cash-and-carry distributors do not actually transport their goods. On the contrary, these types of foodservice distributors operate warehouses where operators can go and pick out their desired food products for purchase. Cash-and-carry distributors are largely used by caterers, nonprofits and restaurants.
Specialty Distributors
Redistributors don't directly sell to foodservice operators. They instead purchase products directly from the manufacturer and then distribute smaller amounts of purchased goods to smaller foodservice operators who simply aren't equipped to handle larger, bulk quantities. Redistributors carry less than a truckload (LTL) of products and distribute them to smaller foodservice operators and restaurants.
Broadline Distributors
As the name insinuates, specialty distributors specialize in a specific category of products. Specialty distributors also tend to work with "niche" foodservice operators - kosher or halal caterers and restaurants, for example - in order to be sure that they don't need to fret over issues such as cross-contamination of products.

The most common kind of food distributor is a broadline distributor. Broadline distributors handle larger volumes of different types of products and are most often utilized by grocery stores and other larger retail foodservice chains and businesses. Due to the fact that broadline distributors deal with vast quantities of products, they are often able to provide better discounts and pricing options for those who buy in increased volumes. Many smaller foodservice operators aren't able to keep up with buying those large quantities, so they often will join with other smaller operators until they are large enough to be able to buy larger quantities of products and receive those discounts as well.

There is a tremendous amount to learn within the confines of the foodservice industry. Foodservice distribution is a logistically-based and incredibly complex industry, but it is an industry that our nation heavily relies upon. With the aid of software, in addition to understanding just how the various foodservice distributors work as a whole for specific needs of foodservice operators, we can ensure that we will be able to depend upon this seemingly sound process for decades to come, while potentially even bettering the streamlining process in the future as well.

The foodservice distribution industry is one that is increasingly becoming even more prevalent and relied upon since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that is most certainly opening different lanes in terms of our understanding and how we need to improve upon these various processes as well in order to ensure that this process remains as seamless as possible.

Forbes Business Development Council is an invitation-only community for sales and biz dev executives. Do I qualify?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Council Post: Understanding Four Types Of Foodservice Distributors

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Foodservice distribution is largely comprised of an array of different programs, companies and organizations working to bring food to consumers.

# data[].attributes.body
food goes through many places and people

To get to your table.