New products and trends are constantly introduced in the food industry. A lot of these innovations might fall under the specialty food category. Most broadline distributors also offer a variety of specialty and gourmet foods as these ingredients are among the popular restaurant industry trends. In the following lines, we’ll dive deeper into the sector of specialty and gourmet food in Baltimore. We’ll share more about the main subcategories of specialty foods and what are some of the reliable suppliers of such products. This post is part of our series on Maryland suppliers. If you wish to read more about reliable distributors in other fields, check out our articles on distributors of wholesale seafood in Baltimore or wholesale bakeries in Baltimore.
Key takeaway: Most distributors of specialty and gourmet foods in Baltimore specialize in a certain subcategory like kosher products or imported ingredients. Some suppliers also offer services related to product sourcing. Broadline distributors also offer bulk deliveries of specialty food products.
The Sector of Gourmet Food in Baltimore
Baltimore is a large city with a lot of historic sites. As such, it attracts millions of visitors annually. The proximity of Baltimore to the country’s capital is another reason for its popularity. Combined with the large population of the Baltimore metropolitan area, there’s a high demand for various types of specialty and gourmet food in Baltimore.
The Maryland coastal zone is known for its seafood. That’s why there are multiple seafood restaurants in Baltimore and other towns around the Chesapeake Bay. These businesses often search for suppliers that can offer specialty food products such as caviar, roe, and imported seafood.
With the development of culinary and the growing interest in cooking as a hobby, specialty foods have become high-demand products. A lot of home cooks look for specialty grocery stores or ethnic food stores where they can buy quality specialty and gourmet food in Baltimore.
Popular Specialty and Gourmet Food in Baltimore
This industry has multiple subcategories and branches. Let’s examine some of the major ones.
- Artisan cheese and other imported dairy products;
- Specialty seafood like edible seaweeds, caviar, and roe;
- Cold cuts and delicacy products from different regions;
- Rare mushrooms and truffles;
- Ethnic products like kimchi, foie gras, century eggs;
- Halal and kosher food products;
- Different types of meat like expensive cuts or imported products;
- Vegan products like vegan meat alternatives;
Broadline Distributors for Specialty and Gourmet Food
The increased demand and the high markup of specialty food products are the reason why distributors include them in their catalogs. For example, a supplier of wholesale meat in Baltimore might also offer high-end Wagyu beef which is often considered a gourmet product. That’s because wholesalers aim to extend their product selection and be the one-stop shop for restaurant managers, grocery stores, and other clients.
Most well-known broadline distributors also offer various specialty food products. However, they primarily focus on selling wholesale products of high demand. Therefore, if you wish to work with a supplier that offers a wide selection of gourmet food in Baltimore, your best bet is to look for a specialty food distributor. These wholesalers often work with companies from different regions of the world and are able to source various gourmet products.
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Top Suppliers of Specialty and Gourmet Food in Baltimore
As aforementioned, many businesses in the hotel industry or Michelin-starred restaurants choose to work with broadline distributors instead of purchasing from suppliers of specialty and gourmet food in Baltimore. However, if you prefer to find a reliable distributor that specializes in such products, check out the options below.
A&L Foods
They supply businesses throughout the mid-Atlantic region with various kosher and specialty food products. A&L Foods partners with retail chains, restaurants, catering businesses, hospitality groups, and institutions like hospitals and schools. Since its establishment in 1938, the company has been one of the reliable partners for businesses that wish to find suppliers of quality specialty foods.
Known for: The company specializes in wholesale sales of kosher products to restaurant businesses and grocery stores.
Pastore Food
The company specializes in sales of Italian products like sauces, cheeses, oils, olives, and other products popular in the Mediterranean region. They distribute to Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. Many Italian restaurants and other businesses that stock high-end Italian products order various products from Pastore Food.
Known for: Their Sun of Italy line of Italian products and the diverse selection of goods typical for the Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.
City Seeds
Although the company is primarily known for its catering services, it also offers wholesale products to cafes, offices, and other businesses. The company uses local and seasonal ingredients to provide exceptional catering services for businesses or special events. They also supply specialty and gourmet food to Baltimore businesses who wish to offer quality and high-end meals to their customers.
Known for: Being a sustainable supplier and catering company with a focus on local and seasonal products.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gourmet Food in Baltimore
Whether you wish to find a reliable supplier of wholesale produce in Baltimore or you want to know about the specifics of the wholesale food sector, there are multiple valuable tips on our website. Check out the answers to some of the common questions regarding specialty and gourmet food in Baltimore.
What Exactly Is Specialty Food?
Generally speaking, the specialty food category includes a variety of products that don’t fall under any other category. When talking about specialty foods, many people associate the term with gourmet products or ingredients used by ethnic cuisines. There’s no standard definition of specialty food and the phrase can be interpreted in multiple ways. Most people associate specialty foods with products that don’t have a high demand and are less frequently used by the restaurant industry. Others think of specialty foods as luxurious products like caviar and black truffle.
Is Specialty Food the Same as Gourmet Food?
The main difference between gourmet and specialty food is that the former refers to luxurious products that have a high price per pound and are primarily used in fine dining establishments. Gourmet products are often imported from different regions of the world which further limits the supply and increases their price. Specialty foods, on the other hand, can be a much cheaper product that is sold in small quantities or in specific niche markets. Examples of specialty foods that are not gourmet include organic food, plant-based milk, ethnic food products, and sugar-free chocolate.
How to Choose a Wholesaler of Specialty and Gourmet Food in Baltimore?
When it comes to specialty food, business owners might prefer to partner with Baltimore broadline food distributors who can offer a wide variety of products in multiple categories. Companies choose suppliers based on their needs. For example, an Italian restaurant might choose to partner with a distributor of specialty and gourmet food in Baltimore that specializes in importing ingredients from the Mediterranean region. The main factors to consider when choosing a distributor of gourmet food in Baltimore are flexibility, competitive wholesale prices, and the diverse selection of products offered.
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