Grocery stores, restaurant businesses, and other companies in the hospitality sector need to partner with reliable suppliers of food products. Some businesses choose to work with different wholesalers in different sectors while others prefer to partner with broadline distributors that offer complex automation solutions like vendor-managed inventory (VMI). These large suppliers are a great solution for medium and large businesses. That’s because ordering from only one distributor can save the company time and resources. In this post, we’ll share more about the sector of food distributors in Virginia. If you wish to find suppliers for your business, below you will also find some of the top picks. This post is part of our series on Virginia wholesalers. Check out our articles on Richmond wholesale meat distributors and suppliers of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach.
Key takeaway: Most of the biggest food suppliers have distribution centers in Virginia. There are also smaller broadline wholesalers that operate within the state or the nearby communities. Broadline food distributors in Virginia offer a wide selection of food products, beverages, and supplies.
Food Distribution in Virginia
Generally speaking, there are two types of broadline food distributors in Virginia – local and nationwide ones. Nationwide suppliers include large companies like Sysco that have dozens of distribution centers across the country and multiple international offices. These companies can source products from different areas of the country and the world. Local broadline food distributors in Virginia are much smaller in size. They usually operate within the state and might also deliver to businesses in neighboring states. They usually have lower MOQ (minimum order quantities) and can offer more flexible terms.
What Is Broadline Distribution
The term refers to businesses that supply a variety of products in multiple categories. Some broadline food distributors in Virginia focus on major categories such as meat, produce, seafood, essential ingredients, and other high-demand products. Others aim to offer a wide selection of goods including restaurant supplies and wholesale paper goods.
Product Categories Sold by Food Distributors in Virginia
Suppliers usually start by offering products in a few categories while they gradually expand their eCommerce catalogs. This allows them to benefit from economies of scale and to be the right choice for businesses that wish to buy wholesale products in multiple groups. Let’s examine some of the main food categories sold by broadline food distributors in Virginia.
- Produce. Fruits, vegetables, microgreens, herbs, and specialty produce such as edible flowers or seaweeds;
- Meat. From beef cuts to vegan meat alternatives, broadline suppliers offer a wide variety of meat products;
- Dairy. This category includes milk, different types of yogurt, various cheeses, and plant-based milk alternatives;
- Supplies. Bulk restaurant supplies like wholesale plastic containers and paper products are needed by food service companies;
- Grains and other dry products. Beans, lentils, flour, and other staple foods;
- Baked goods. Artisan bread, delicious pastries, and other baked products;
- Sweets and snacks. This includes packaged products like chips, nuts, chocolate, and other confectionery goods;
- Beverages. Soft drinks and beer are purchased in large quantities. Some broadline distributors also offer wine and spirits.
Broadline Food Distributors in Virginia
Although the wholesale prices of the largest distributors are often hard to beat, many business owners prefer to partner with local suppliers that can offer a customer-oriented service. Below are a few examples of such food distributors in Virginia.
Schenck Foods
The company is based in Winchester, VA but offers deliveries within 100 miles of its location. Therefore, even restaurant managers and business owners in the Washington–Baltimore metropolitan area can benefit from their services. Schenck Foods offers not only beverages and foods but also paper goods, cutlery, wholesale cleaning supplies, and various other products used in day-to-day business activities.
Known for: The wide variety of food products offered and their commitment to quality and reliability with all their bulk deliveries.
Layman Distributing
Based in Salem, VA, the company partners with restaurants, stores, institutions, and various businesses in the food and beverage industry. With an annual revenue of more than 200 million USD, they are among the major food distributors in Virginia. Layman Distributing organizes an annual buying expo where customers can examine the products offered and their services.
Known for: Its superior customer service and being one of the fastest-growing wholesale food distributors in Virginia.
RRS Foodservice
Since its establishment in 1939, the company has been serving as a distributor in the Greater Richmond area. Although the products and services offered have gradually expanded, the company has stayed true to its core in terms of quality and customer service. RRS Foodservice specializes in B2B sales for restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality businesses. The company also offers wholesale sales for institutions like schools, daycares, and correctional facilities. RRS is a proud member of Unipro Foodservice, the biggest foodservice distribution cooperative in America.
Known for: Being the largest independent and family-owned foodservice distributor in Virginia.
Atlantic Dominion
With offices in Virginia Beach and North Carolina, Atlantic Dominion is one of the preferred food wholesalers in the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition to offering a wide range of products, the company can also help customers with various services such as order advice, store planning, and advanced insights. The company specializes as a distributor for convenience stores, micro markets, and other retailers. They distribute food, beverages, tobacco products, health and beauty products, and products for vending machines.
Known for: Being one of the biggest distributors that specializes in products for vending machines and convenience stores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Food Distributors in Virginia
Whether you wish to know how to become a sustainable supplier or you’re interested in finding specialty food suppliers that offer imported and artisan products, BlueCart is the right place for you. Below are the answers to some common questions regarding food distributors in Virginia.
How to Choose a Reliable Food Distributor in Virginia?
When picking a wholesaler, it’s important to check their reputation and reviews. This will give you a glimpse of their reliability as a supplier. Here are some additional factors.
- Products offered. Most businesses wish to find broadline food distributors in Virginia that offer products in all categories.
- Terms and conditions. Some wholesalers offer more flexibility and better terms to their customers.
- Quality. Most broadline distributors have well-established quality standards and controls. However, it’s recommended to constantly double-check the quality of the delivered products.
Are Broadline Suppliers Better Than Specialized Ones?
Many business owners and managers prefer to work with broadline food distributors in Virginia because of the wide selection of products they offer. Another benefit of working with large suppliers is that they often have more procedures and implemented technological solutions. The main advantage of partnering with distributors that specialize in a single category of products is that they are often more knowledgeable in their niche market. For example, the best Virginia and Richmond coffee roasters will likely have much better coffee offerings compared to broadline food distributors in Virginia. Furthermore, they can also offer latte art and barista training and help businesses build their coffee programs.
What Are the Biggest Food Distributors in the US?
Sysco is the biggest food supplier in America. The company has a few locations across Virginia as well. They distribute to grocery chains, businesses in the food service and hotel industries, and other large companies. Other large broadline suppliers include US Foods and Performance Food Group. They are currently the second and third largest broadline food distributors in the country. United Natural Foods, Chefs’ Warehouse, and SpartanNash are also among the preferred options for businesses that wish to partner with large suppliers.
BlueCart: The All-in-One Solution for Broadline Distributors
From large food suppliers to small family-owned farms, a variety of food distribution companies use the tools of BlueCart to make the ordering process easier for them and for their customers in the restaurant industry. Schedule a free demo today and find out how BlueCart can take your business to the next level.