As meat is one of the main categories in the food industry, it’s no surprise that many distributors specialize in sales and deliveries of various meat products. Hospitality businesses, hotels, and grocery stores are just a few examples of businesses that need reliable meat distribution partners. As the global meat market grows and changes, companies in the meat sector aim to adapt to the demand and the trends. In this post, we’ll share some details about the Virginia and Richmond wholesale meat sector. We’ll also look at some of the top distributors of meat products. This post is part of our series on Virginia suppliers. Check out our previous blog about Richmond coffee roasters.
Key takeaway: Virginia has a well-developed cattle farming sector. Therefore, there are multiple farms and meat wholesalers in Richmond, Chesapeake, and other cities across the state.
The Meat Sector in Virginia
With more than 23,000 livestock farms across the state. The average herd size is 30 animals. It’s not surprising that most local farms are family-owned and operated. The state has a well-developed cattle farming industry. According to estimates, there are around 700,000 beef cows across Virginia. That’s why the state is a net exporter of beef products. There are also many farms that specialize in poultry and dairy farming.
In terms of meat consumption, Virginia is no different than most US states. However, being a coastal state means that seafood is also embedded in the local cuisine.
Most Popular Types of Meat
- Beef. As the state has a large cattle industry, beef is among the most popular meats in Virginia. Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Richmond are the biggest cities across the state and the places where beef is delivered the most. Suppliers of Virginia and Richmond wholesale meat primarily partner with local farms and meat processors.
- Chicken. The low price and the high protein content have made chicken a popular meat.
- Turkey. It’s primarily used in different types of deli meat but it’s not uncommon to use turkey meat for hearty stews or other dishes.
- Pork. It’s a main ingredient in various dishes and also a popular type of meat for barbecue.
- Lunch meat. This is often a separate category of products offered by some meat suppliers. There are also distributors that specialize in wholesale deli meat sales. They import products from Italy, Germany, and other countries that are known for their delicatessen.
- Other types of meat. Lamb, goat, seafood, game meat, and other products are also used by the restaurant industry and sold by many Richmond wholesale meat distributors.
Richmond Wholesale Meat Distributors VS Broadline Suppliers
When picking a meat distributor, business owners have two options – to choose a vendor that specializes in meat products or to purchase from broadline food distributors. Specialized wholesalers often have a wider selection of cuts and products. On the other hand, the benefit of working with large food suppliers is that they can also deliver other food groups and products. Generally speaking, large businesses tend to partner with broadline suppliers while smaller ones choose specialized suppliers that can offer them better flexibility.
Virginia Beach and Richmond Wholesale Meat Suppliers
The well-developed cattle farming niche market of Virginia means that hospitality businesses have multiple options for distributors of meat for restaurants. Many small and large farms aim to skip the middleman and focus on B2B sales. Below are some examples of reputable Virginia farms and Richmond wholesale meat distributors.
Sunrise Farms
They specialize in the production of non-GMO feed. This animal feed is shipped nationally to cattle farms and other companies. In addition to feed production, Sunrise Farms also offers all-natural meat, eggs, and honey. Businesses in Virginia can order frozen or fresh beef, lamb, pork, and poultry. Sunrise Farms is a family farm that is focused on all-natural and non-GMO products.
Known for: Their high-quality animal feed and the variety of fresh and frozen meat products offered.
Tom's Meat & Produce
Established in 1975, the company specializes in bulk sales of meat and produce at wholesale prices. Although the company is based in Richmond, Virginia, it also delivers products to Newport News, Suffolk, Charlottesville, Virginia Beach, and other locations across the state. In addition to offering quality produce and meat products, they also source and sell products in other categories such as food packaging supplies and wholesale paper goods for restaurants.
Known for: Their fast deliveries, flexibility, and dedication to the needs of their customers.
Central Meats
From beef and poultry to deli meats and BBQ smoking supplies, Central Meats aims to be the one-stop shop for businesses. Their diverse selection of meat products and supplies makes them a preferred choice for many restaurants, hotels, and other companies. In addition to focusing on wholesale sales of quality meat, the company also offers catering services, grill rentals, and meat processing.
Known for: The variety of products offered by Central Meats and their customer-oriented approach.
Southern Packing Corporation
For more than 80 years, Southern Packing Corporation has been serving companies and individuals in the greater Hampton Roads metropolitan area. From fresh meat cuts to processed products like hot dogs and burger patties, Southern Packing Corporation is a preferred Virginia wholesale meat distributor because of the wide variety offered.
Known for: Being one of the oldest wholesale meat distributors in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia and Richmond Wholesale Meat
Whether you’re wondering how to start a meat business or wish to find out more about the wholesale food distribution businesses, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for on our website. Check out the answers to some common questions regarding the Virginia and Richmond wholesale meat sector.
What Are the Trends in the Meat Sector?
Sustainability is one of the biggest trends in the meat industry. As consumers aim to reduce their ecological footprint, a growing number of people choose vegan meat alternatives. Livestock farms have also adapted to this trend by optimizing their water usage and making their business more sustainable. Organic meat is another major meat trend. Sales of meat from organically grown and grass-fed animals have increased substantially in recent years. That’s true not only for beef but also for poultry meat and for dairy products. Cultured meat is also shaping to be one of the trends in the meat sector. However, lab-grown meat is still a controversial topic for many.
Can Individuals Buy Bulk Meat?
Yes. Some wholesale meat distributors also do deliveries or offer pick-ups for individuals who wish to purchase bulk meat. These are usually meat enthusiasts, people with specific dietary needs, or households that buy in bulk and preserve meat products. It’s important to keep in mind that meat is a highly perishable product. Thus, it’s important to preserve it properly and not for too long. The most common method households use for preserving bulk meat is freezing. Canning is also an option but it’s not suitable for all types of meats.
How to Choose a Richmond Wholesale Meat Distributor?
When picking a supplier of wholesale meat, quality is among the most important factors. Many distributors in this sector have high quality and safety standards. Cutting corners in that field can lead to spoilage, cross-contamination, and losses for both suppliers and clients. Another factor to consider when picking a Virginia or Richmond wholesale meat distributor is the variety of products offered. Most businesses wish to find suppliers that can offer all popular meat products. Some businesses also look for less common products such as alligator or game meats.
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