Top Food Distributors for Grocery & Retail in the USA (2024): A Comprehensive Guide

1. UNFI - Best Overall

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI), founded in 1976 and headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, is the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor of health and specialty food in both the United States and Canada. UNFI supplies organic, natural, and specialty products to more than 30,000 customer locations, including supermarkets, natural product superstores, independent retailers, and foodservice operators.

Why Choose UNFI?

• Extensive Product Range: UNFI offers over 250,000 products, including natural, organic, specialty foods, and wellness products. Their catalog includes both national brands and private labels, which makes it easier to cater to diverse customer preferences from one supplier.
• Technology: UNFI provides their own ordering systems, which allows retailers to place orders and track shipments digitally.
• Sustainability Commitment: UNFI is dedicated to environmental responsibility. They focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing waste, and promoting sustainable sourcing practices. Their Better for All initiative highlights their efforts toward social and environmental impact. You can read about it from their reports here.
• Innovative Solutions: UNFI offers various programs to support retailers, such as category management, merchandising solutions, and marketing support, helping businesses stay competitive in a dynamic market.

Website: unfi.com

Read our blog post here to learn more about reasons to order from UNFI.

2. KeHE Distributors - Best for Specialty Products

KeHE Distributors, founded in 1952 and headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, is a leading distributor of organic, natural, specialty, and fresh products. Serving over 30,000 store and retail partners across North America, KeHE is committed to providing products that meet the growing consumer demand for health and wellness.

Why Choose KeHE?

• Product Expertise: KeHE has deep knowledge of health and wellness trends, which means access to the latest and most in-demand products. They also curate a selection that includes organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, and other specialty items.
• Supporting Emerging Brands: KeHE is dedicated to helping new and emerging brands succeed. Through programs like KeHE Elevate™, they provide resources and exposure to innovative products, allowing retailers to offer unique items to their customers.
• Marketing Support: KeHE offers merchandising and promotional assistance, which includes in-store marketing materials, planogram support, and sales analytics.
• Technology: Their KeHE Connect® platform streamlines ordering and provides valuable insights.

Website: kehe.com

Read our blog post here to learn more about reasons to order from KeHE.

3. C&S Wholesale Grocers - Best for Large Retailers

Founded in 1918 and headquartered in Keene, New Hampshire, C&S Wholesale Grocers is the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the U.S. They supply over 7,700 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions with a vast array of products.

Why Choose C&S Wholesale Grocers?

• Scale and Efficiency: C&S has a massive distribution network and logistics capabilities, with over 50 high-tech facilities. This means efficient and reliable supply chain operations for large retailers.
• Wide Product Selection: With over 140,000 products- including national brands, private labels, and specialty items- C&S is very capable of meeting diverse product requests. They cover grocery, fresh produce, frozen foods, general merchandise, and health and beauty care.
• Customized Services: They provide tailored programs, marketing support, and merchandising solutions, which allows larger retailers more flexibility.

Website: cswg.com

4. McLane Company - Best for Convenience Stores

McLane Company, founded in 1894 and headquartered in Temple, Texas, is a leading supply chain services company providing grocery and foodservice supply chain solutions. They specialize in serving convenience stores, mass merchants, drug stores, and chain restaurants across the United States.

Why Choose McLane?

• Specialized Services: McLane offers tailored solutions for convenience retail as they understand the unique challenges and needs of the sector. They supply a comprehensive range of products, including snacks, beverages, tobacco, candy, and general merchandise.
• Nationwide Coverage: Operating over 80 distribution centers, McLane ensures nationwide coverage with efficient and timely deliveries, supporting retailers' need for consistent stock levels.
• Efficient Logistics: Utilizing advanced technology and logistics systems, McLane enhances order accuracy, inventory management, and route optimization, reducing costs and improving service levels.
• Value-Added Services: McLane provides additional services like merchandising support, data insights, category management, and promotional programs to help retailers drive sales and profitability.

Website: mclaneco.com

5. Amazon Fresh - Best for Online Retail

Amazon Fresh, launched in 2007, is a subsidiary of Amazon.com that offers online grocery delivery and pickup services. Available in select cities across the United States, Amazon Fresh provides customers with a convenient way to shop for groceries and household essentials online.

Why Choose Amazon Fresh?

• Ease of Use: Amazon Fresh offers a simple and user-friendly online ordering platform. Retailers and consumers can browse a vast selection of products, add items to their cart, and schedule deliveries with ease.
• Wide Selection: From fresh produce, meat, and dairy to pantry staples and household items, Amazon Fresh provides a comprehensive range of products. They also offer Whole Foods Market selections and Amazon-exclusive brands.
• Fast Delivery: Customers can enjoy same-day or next-day delivery in many areas, with flexible time slots. Amazon Prime members often benefit from free or discounted delivery fees.
• Technological Integration: Leveraging Amazon's advanced logistics and technology, Amazon Fresh ensures efficient order processing, tracking, and customer service.

Website: amazon.com/fresh

6. SpartanNash - Best for Independent Grocers

SpartanNash, formed from the merger of Spartan Stores and Nash Finch Company in 2013, is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They are a leading distributor and retailer of grocery products, serving independent grocers, corporate-owned retail stores, and U.S. military commissaries and exchanges.

Why Choose SpartanNash?

• Comprehensive Services: SpartanNash offers a full suite of distribution and retail support services, including private label offerings, marketing programs, and merchandising assistance.
• Market Expertise: With a deep understanding of independent retailer needs, they provide customized solutions to help stores compete effectively in their markets.
• Community Focused: SpartanNash is committed to supporting local businesses and communities, emphasizing partnerships that foster growth and sustainability.
• Military Support: As a leading distributor to U.S. military commissaries and exchanges, they have experience with diverse supply chain requirements.

Website: spartannash.com

7. Associated Wholesale Grocers - Best Member-Owned Cooperative

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), founded in 1924 and headquartered in Kansas City, Kansas, is the largest member-owned wholesale grocery cooperative in the United States. Serving over 3,800 locations across 31 states, AWG provides a complete assortment of grocery, fresh meat, produce, and general merchandise items.

Why Choose AWG?

• Member Benefits: As a cooperative, AWG is owned by its member retailers, allowing them to share in profits and have a voice in the organization's direction. This structure fosters a collaborative environment focused on mutual success.
• Cost Savings: Through collective buying power, AWG offers competitive pricing, helping independent grocers compete with larger chains.
• Support Services: AWG provides comprehensive support, including marketing programs, merchandising assistance, store design, technology solutions, and educational resources.

Website: awginc.com

Conclusion

Choosing the right food distributor is a key decision for grocery and retail businesses. Each of these top distributors offers unique advantages tailored to different segments of the industry. Whether you're a large retailer seeking scale and efficiency, an independent grocer looking for support and community focus, or a business aiming to meet the growing demand for natural and organic products, there's a distributor on this list to meet your needs.

Consider factors such as product range, technological capabilities, value-added services, sustainability commitments, and the specific needs of your customer base when selecting a distributor. Building a strong partnership with the right distributor can enhance your supply chain efficiency, expand your product offerings, and ultimately contribute to your store's success in 2024 and beyond.

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