The growing population of Texas means that the demand for specialty foods has increased in recent years. Businesses often purchase these goods from broadline distributors but most broadliners have limited product sourcing capabilities and high minimum order quantities (MOQ). That’s why there are many Texas gourmet foods and specialty product distributors. Some of them focus on a specific niche market like ethnic products or luxurious food. Others aim to be the one-stop shop in the sector and offer a wide selection of goods from the specialty food category. In this post, we’ll share more about the industry of specialty and gourmet food in Texas as well as information about reliable Texas gourmet foods distributors. If you’re looking for suppliers in other categories, check out our posts on wholesale produce distributors in Texas, Dallas meat distributors, or seafood in Texas.
Key takeaway: Most distributors of wholesale specialty and gourmet foods also focus on retail sales. Businesses often choose to partner with suppliers of specialty food as they can offer a wider selection of gourmet products compared to broadliners.
The Specialty Food Sector in Texas
As there are many large metropolitan areas across the state, there are multiple gourmet and specialty food stores in Texas. These businesses focus primarily on D2C sales but some also offer bulk deliveries for businesses. Let’s examine some of the characteristics of Texas gourmet foods and the specialty food sector as a whole.
- There’s a growing demand for artisanal products. That’s why businesses such as wholesale bakeries in Dallas or dairy distributors in Texas might focus on high-end products or imported goods from Europe or other regions.
- The increased diversity in food offerings. A variety of sauces, spices, and condiments are popular in the local cuisine. However, the foodie culture has contributed to the popularity of other cuisines as well. Thus, specialty foods from other regions have become popular in Texas in past decades.
- Sustainability and organic products. Business owners aim to benefit from the increased popularity of organic ingredients. Although they are still considered by many to be part of the specialty food category, virtually all major distributors also offer organic products. The same is true for the sustainability trend. Consumers are increasingly interested in goods grown and sourced in a sustainable manner.
- Farm-to-table is on the rise. A lot of people purchase fresh produce or other food products from local farmers’ markets. Furthermore, farms and other businesses have introduced subscription options for individuals. That trend can also be seen in Texas gourmet foods and specialty products.
Broadliners VS Gourmet Food Suppliers
Restaurant managers and other businesses can either purchase specialty products from food distributors in Dallas or partner with suppliers that specialize in gourmet food. The benefit of working with broadliners is that they often have favorable terms for big businesses and can deliver products in all other categories as well. However, specialized suppliers are more knowledgeable in the field of gourmet and specialty foods. These distributors are also a suitable option for businesses that focus on a specific niche and wish to find suppliers that also specialize in that particular field.
Product Categories Sold by Texas Gourmet Food Distributors
Some distributors of specialty and gourmet foods focus only on a single product category. Others offer a wide selection of goods. Here are some of the categories that Texas gourmet foods suppliers sell.
- Halal and kosher food;
- Microgreens, herbs, and spices;
- Specialty seafood such as caviar and roe;
- Truffles and rare mushrooms;
- Artisanal cheeses and other dairy goods;
- Craft chocolate and other sweets;
- Vegan products;
- High-end and imported types of meat;
- Specialty beverages such as tea or specialty coffee (primarily offered by Dallas coffee roasters);
- Ethnic products.
Known Texas Gourmet Foods Distributors
There are multiple suppliers that specialize in a specific type of specialty food. There are also distributors that focus on wholesale sales of a wide selection of gourmet products. Let’s examine a few examples of Texas gourmet food suppliers.
Phoenicia Specialty Foods
Based in Houston, Phoenicia Specialty Foods operates a brick-and-mortar store where individuals can choose between over 20,000 products from over 50 countries. The company also has a wholesale program for business purchases of bulk specialty products. They partner with restaurant businesses, grocery retailers, and the hotel industry.
Known for: One of the most popular specialty food stores in Houston and in Texas.
Simply Texas Gourmet Foods
Many enjoyers of high-quality sauces and salsa in Houston, Texas purchase such products from Simply Texas Gourmet Foods. The company specializes in hot sauces, seasonings, pickled products, and other condiments. They also produce their own products in categories such as salsa, fruit preserves, and pickled vegetables. Although Simply Texas Gourmet Foods is primarily focused on B2C sales, they also offer bulk deliveries for retailers and the restaurant industry.
Known for: Their hot sauces, salsa, and pickled products.
Eat Prime Foods
The company aims to make high-quality products from different regions of the world available to Texans. Eat Prime Foods partners with multiple grocery retailers and other businesses that wish to purchase wholesale products from the specialty food and gourmet niche. From Italian cheeses and extra virgin olive oil to quality snacks and sauces, Eat Prime Foods offers a wide selection of products.
Known for: Their focus on sourcing and importing high-end specialty and gourmet products from different parts of the world.
Food Related
Although the headquarters of the company are in Texas, they can offer nationwide shipping to grocery retailers, hospitality groups, and catering businesses. Food Related is focused on both B2C and B2B sales of specialty foods.
Known for: Being one of the biggest suppliers and retailers of gourmet and specialty food in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Gourmet Foods
The variety of useful articles proves BlueCart’s commitment to helping businesses with both software solutions and valuable tips. Below are the answers to common questions about distributors of Texas gourmet food and specialty products.
What Are the Trends in the Specialty Food Sector?
The gourmet and specialty food industry has been driven primarily by the desire of consumers to try new flavors and experience culinary in a different way. This trend is likely to continue. Another trend in the specialty food sector is that foods from different regions of the world are more accessible than ever.
A growing number of consumers aim to search for sustainable products. That’s why goods such as plant-based milk or vegan meat alternatives are often offered by distributors of specialty food. The same is true for organic and non-GMO products. Their popularity has risen in recent years and manufacturers and suppliers have benefited from this trend.
How to Choose a Texas Gourmet Foods Distributor?
Picking a specialty food or gourmet supplier depends vastly on the needs of your business. For example, a Michelin-starred restaurant is likely to search for distributors that sell a variety of different goods and can also offer product-sourcing services. On the other hand, a restaurant that specializes in ethnic cuisine will choose a supplier that focuses on products from a specific region of the world.
The main factors to consider when choosing a Texas gourmet foods supplier are:
- Flexibility and minimum order quantities;
- Product variety and product sourcing capabilities;
- Competitive wholesale prices;
- Reliable deliveries.
Is Specialty Food the Same as Gourmet Food?
No, not really. Although they are used as synonyms, the two terms actually describe different product categories. Gourmet foods are high-end products that come at a higher price compared to alternatives. For example, Wagyu beef can be considered a gourmet product. There’s no specific definition of what specialty food exactly is. The term is often used to describe products that don’t fall under other major categories. Therefore, specialty foods can be spices, dressings, cooking oils, or smoked meats. The term can also be used to describe imported or artisan products.
BlueCart: A State of the Art Software for Specialty Food Distributors
Whether you wish to easily build eCommerce catalogs or to increase your B2B sales, BlueCart can assist your wholesale distribution business. Throughout the years our software has helped suppliers find new customers, automate their businesses, and streamline processes.