Being the most populous city in America, New York has an enormous meat industry supported by hundreds of wholesale meat distributors in NYC. These companies act as intermediaries between meat processing plants and businesses that serve and sell meat products. The Big Apple also attracts a lot of young people from different corners of the world. That’s why it’s one of the places where the latest meat trends come to life. In the following paragraphs, we’ll examine the meat culture of NYC and some of the aspects related to meat consumption in the metropolitan area. We’ll also share details about some of the reputable meat distribution companies in New York. If you’re a business owner or a manager, you can also check BlueCart’s articles on distributors of wholesale seafood in NYC and coffee suppliers in New York.
Key takeaway: There are hundreds of different meat distributors in NYC. That’s because there are roughly 20 million people living in the metropolitan area and there’s a lot of demand for different meat cuts and sliced meat products. Business owners often work with distributors that can offer the optimal combination of high quality, competitive price, and flexibility.
Meat Consumption and the Meat Industry in NYC
America is among the world leaders in meat consumption per capita. That’s why it’s not surprising that New York City, as the largest metropolitan region, has a well-developed meat distribution network. Consumption of meat and seafood is deeply rooted in the local cuisine. Hot dogs and New York strip steak are among the most iconic foods in NYC. However, the population of the metropolitan area is primarily made of young and liberal people who aim to reduce their environmental footprint. That’s why products like cultured meat and vegan meat alternatives are among the hot meat trends in both food service establishments and households.
In the past, New York played a major role in the meat sector. Due to its importance as a port city and its large population, there were many meat-related businesses in the region. Many of them were located in what is now known as the Meatpacking District. In the past, the area was home to hundreds of slaughterhouses and meat-processing plants. Nowadays, it’s the place where many high-end boutiques and fashion brands have stores.
Most Consumed Types of Meat in NYC
The cuisine of New York City is influenced primarily by Italian and Jewish cuisine. However, other ethnic cuisines are popular in different boroughs or have influenced the eating culture of the metropolitan area. Examples include Mexican, Irish, Indian, German, Chinese, and Latin American cuisines. That’s why meat distributions in NYC that specialize in wholesale sales offer a wide variety of popular meat products.
- Poultry (primarily chicken and turkey);
- Beef and veal;
- Pork;
- Fish and seafood;
- Lamb;
- Chevon (goat meat);
- Venison and other game meats;
- Various types of deli meat;
Top Meat Distributors in NYC
There are many meat distributors in NYC. Some of them serve customers and businesses in their local community while others offer deliveries to the whole metropolitan area or nationwide. Some wholesale meat suppliers focus on the most popular products such as poultry, beef, pork, and lamb. However, high-end distributors also offer a wide range of additional products like game meat or free-range meat. The demand for high-end products is high in New York as there are hundreds of reputable restaurants, including dozens of Michelin-star restaurants.
Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors
Although their processing facilities are based in North Bergen, New Jersey, the company is known as one of the most reliable meat distributors in NYC. They serve various businesses in the metropolitan area and nationwide. In addition to its wholesale meat distribution business in New York, the company also operates restaurants. The business partners with some of the renowned food service establishments across the country.
Known for: Pat LaFrieda’s custom burger blends.
Paisanos Provisions
Paisanos is a butcher shop and meat distributor in Brooklyn. However, their quality products are available to businesses in other boroughs of New York. The company has been family-owned and operated since 1960. They specialize in both B2C and B2B sales of the most popular meat cuts and products. They also sell vegan meat alternatives, game meat, seafood, and other goods at wholesale prices.
Known for: Their wide variety of meat products, including exotic meat like rattlesnake, elk, and alligator meat.
The Hunts Point Cooperative Market
Being the world's largest food distribution center, the Hunts Point market is among the preferred places for restaurant managers and chefs to find vendors. By visiting the market themselves, they can examine the quality and freshness of products and communicate directly with vendors. Another reason why the Hunts Point Cooperative Market is a preferred place for many business owners is the fact that there’s a wide variety of products there. From the fresh seafood catch of the day to imported high-end Wagyu beef cuts.
Known for: The world’s biggest food distribution center.
Lobel's of New York
For six generations, this family-owned company has been among the well-known meat wholesalers in Manhattan. In addition to their brick-and-mortar butcher shop, they also operate a carving station and a demonstration butcher shop in Yankee Stadium. From prime-grade USDA beef to smokehouse specialties, the company can offer a wide variety of high-end meat cuts.
Known for: USDA Prime Steak and Lobel's carving station in Yankee Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions about Meat Distributors in NYC
Whether you want to find out more about the characteristics of the global meat market or you’re interested in how to start a meat business, our useful articles will guide you through your journey. Below we’ve gathered and answered some common questions regarding meat distributors in NYC.
What’s the Role of Kosher and Halal Meat in NYC?
Kosher and halal meat are very popular in New York. That’s because a number of people follow either Jewish or Muslim dietary restrictions. The meat industry has answered the increased demand for such products and they have become a separate niche market within the meat sector. A lot of ethnic restaurants that focus on cuisines from the Middle East or other parts of the world might work exclusively with distributors that offer kosher or halal products. Other food service businesses will make sure to have dishes and meat in their restaurants that follow these codes.
What Businesses Search for Meat Distributors in NYC?
Grocery stores and businesses in the food service industry are the main purchasers of meat products. The NYC restaurant industry is well-developed and diverse. That’s why there is demand for all kinds of meat products. The residents of New York also have busy lifestyles. That has made meat subscriptions popular in the “city that never sleeps”. In addition, people in NYC need other convenient options in terms of food. This has led to an increase in revenue for various fast-food chains, sandwich shops, and other food service businesses. They often purchase wholesale deli meats.
How to Choose a Meat Distributor in NYC?
Choosing a supplier of meat products requires consideration of various factors. The quality of the meat cuts is one of the most important ones. Here are the other things to take into consideration when choosing between wholesale meat distributors.
- Variety. It’s important to find suppliers that offer a wide range of meat products.
- Flexibility. Businesses require flexibility in terms of shipping and minimum order quantities.
- Additional categories. Some companies prefer to work with broadline distributors in order to reduce the number of vendors and streamline the ordering process.
- Pricing. Naturally, a meat distributor in NYC should offer products at competitive prices.
- Innovations. When choosing a distributor, consider the ones that follow the market trends and offer innovative products like vegan meat alternatives.