As Virginia attracts millions of visitors annually, it’s no surprise that the state has a well-developed and diverse gourmet sector. Most Virginia gourmet distributors focus on a specific niche market like imported products from the Mediterranean region or Asian goods. However, some specialty food stores and suppliers aim to grow their catalogs and include a variety of specialty and gourmet products. In this post, we’ll shed some light on the specifics of gourmet and specialty foods. We’ll also share more about some of the top Virginia gourmet and specialty food distributors. Business owners who wish to find reliable suppliers should also check our posts about the Virginia and Richmond wholesale meat sector and the industry of wholesale seafood in Virginia Beach.
Key takeaway: Most Virginia gourmet and specialty food distributors focus on products from a specific niche or region of the world. Some suppliers can offer a wide selection of specialty goods and can also source products for their customers.
The Virginia Gourmet and Specialty Food Sector
The main driver of the specialty food industry is the increased demand for interesting and unique products. A growing number of people wish to try new food-related experiences. That’s why Chinese, Thai, and other cuisines have had great success in the US.
The local specialty food sector is greatly helped by organizations such as the Virginia Specialty Food Association (VASFA). They help restaurants, stores, and suppliers become more successful through sales and marketing assistance, collaborations, and partnerships. Most businesses in the Virginia gourmet and specialty food sector are focused on D2C retail sales. That includes primarily specialty and ethnic food stores. Some of them also offer catering services and product sourcing.
Broadline Suppliers VS Specialty Food Distributors
A lot of businesses purchase specialty food products from broadline food distributors in Virginia. These wholesalers aim to offer a wide selection of goods in multiple categories. The main benefit of working with broadline distributors is that they can be the one-stop shop for restaurant managers and other businesses. They also have well-established quality control procedures and technological integrations that make it easy for their customers to order, track, and analyze.
On the other hand, there are also benefits of working with specialized Virginia gourmet and specialty food suppliers. The main one is that they are more knowledgeable in this field and can better consult customers regarding different products. Furthermore, as broadline suppliers focus on high-demand products, specialty food distributors also offer a wide range of less-known goods.
Products Sold by Virginia Gourmet Distributors
There’s no strict definition of what specialty food is. Thus, importers of Italian products can also be considered specialty food wholesalers. Here are the main categories of foods offered by Virginia gourmet and specialty food suppliers.
- Truffles and other rare mushrooms;
- High-end types of meat products such as Wagyu beef;
- Kosher and halal food;
- Imported dairy products and artisan cheeses;
- Vegan products such as plant-based milk;
- Foie gras, kimchi, and other ethnic products;
- Caviar, roe, and other specialty seafood;
- Specialty chocolate and other sweets.
Top Wholesalers of Specialty Food in Virginia
Many restaurant businesses, hotels, and other companies prefer to partner with large distributors like Sysco and US Foods for their specialty food and gourmet products. However, small companies might opt for niche or local suppliers. Here are a few examples of reliable Virginia gourmet and specialty distributors.
Gourmet Foods International
The company has over a dozen distribution centers across the country. Their Mid-Atlantic division is based in Ashland, VA. The main focus of GFI is to source the best products from different areas in the country and the world. The company also organizes trade shows and other events where businesses can find out more about the latest restaurant industry trends and examine the products offered by GFI.
Known for: One of the biggest US companies focused on distribution of gourmet and specialty food products.
Ripe Specialty Foods
A fairly small Virginia gourmet supplier, Ripe Specialty Foods is dedicated to delivering superior products to retailers and food service businesses across the state. Based in Alexandria, VA, the company serves the Washington metropolitan area and other communities across Virginia and neighboring states. Ripe Specialty Foods offers classes and educational programs for businesses interested in gourmet wholesale products.
Known for: Their superior customer service and the premium brands they work with.
Hana Food Distributors
The company is focused on sales of organic and gourmet foods and beverages for catering businesses, hospitality groups, retailers, and the hotel industry. Hana Food Distributors offers a wide selection of sweets, snacks, dairy products, and canned goods. They also focus on specialty and imported beverages such as teas, coffee, and sodas. Hana Food Distributors serves customers in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, and DC.
Known for: Their specialty beverages and organic products.
International Gourmet Foods
Although the company is based in Woodbridge, VA, it partners with clients like grocery stores, hotels, and Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions. From Asian specialties and deli products to luxury goods like truffles and artisan cheeses, IGF can be the right choice for businesses that want to find suppliers of high-end specialty food.
Known for: Their focus on wholesale sales of a wide array of specialty products from different parts of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Gourmet and Specialty Food
BlueCart’s website is the place where wholesalers and other business owners can find valuable advice in multiple fields. Whether you’re interested in reading more about Virginia and Richmond coffee roasters or wish to know how to find sustainable suppliers, our website is the right place.
What Services Do Virginia Gourmet Companies Offer?
In addition to offering bulk deliveries of wholesale goods, companies that specialize in gourmet food also provide various services. For example, they might consult businesses regarding the different types of specialty foods and how they can be used. Some specialty food suppliers also operate brick-and-mortar shops where they sell to retail customers. It’s not uncommon for companies in the specialty food sector to also offer catering services. They are suitable for weddings, corporate events, or other special occasions. Product sourcing and import is also a service offered by some Virginia gourmet companies.
What Are the Trends in Gourmet and Specialty Food?
Organic food products are one of the biggest trends in the specialty food sector. A growing number of people search for meat, dairy, vegetables, and other food categories that are produced with no GMO and chemical preservatives.
Eco-friendly food products are another popular trend. Examples include vegan meat alternatives, lactose-free products, and cultured meat. These products are considered to be more sustainable and to play a huge role in their respective industries.
Flavor exploration is a continuous trend in the gourmet sector that is likely here to stay. Consumers wish to try new flavors and combinations in search of a rich and luxurious experience.
How to Choose a Specialty Food Supplier?
The main reason why businesses in the restaurant industry or other sectors work with Virginia gourmet food distributors is that they can offer unique products from different regions of the world. Therefore, when picking a specialty food wholesaler, make sure they have a diverse selection of products that fit your needs. Another factor to consider when picking a gourmet food distributor is their ability to source products. Flexibility and reliability are other important factors as well.
BlueCart: The Gourmet Software for Specialty Food Distributors
Many specialty food wholesalers use BlueCart’s tools to streamline their business. Thanks to our solutions, wholesalers can easily create eCommerce catalogs, increase their B2B sales, and find new customers. Schedule a free demo today and see why BlueCart is the tool for you!