Wholesale Independent Grocery Store Suppliers
Wholesale Independent Grocery Store Suppliers to independent specialty stores focus on satisfying the store’s needs in what type of products their customers demand. Retailers want a product that has been established and will sell quickly. Contacting local Wholesale Independent Grocery Store Suppliers is a good first step to get a feel for what products do well in that market.
Finding a wholesale distributor or wholesale supplier who already has an established relationship with independent retailers is essential. The wholesaler and retailer relationship is important in product placement in retail stores. If a wholesaler has a good reputation with a retailer the process of getting products into the store is a lot smoother.
Building a relationship and a positive track record is a very important part for the distributor. It is important for the distributor to do some research on what kind of specialty products do well in each store, which can be dependent on where they are located. If a product does well in one retail store the likeliness the wholesaler will recommend it to other stores is high. In independent retailers and stores in general it is all about shelf space and what sells well will claim that shelf space. Products that do not, will be given less space or no space in order to move in a new product that sells well.
Wholesale Independent Grocery Store Suppliers look for products that are innovative and will set them apart from competitors. So, new products have a better chance of making it into an independent wholesaler that works with independent retailers vs. a big box store. A wholesale supplier will have a stronger personal relationship and knowledge with products compared to big box stores as well. This is beneficial to everyone involved because having knowledge about the product in stores will improve sales.
In order to get a product into a wholesale specialty market contacting the correct supplier is the first step. The next step would be sending samples and other pertinent information to that wholesaler if requested. They like to see proof of sales and selling points of that product. Communicating about price points and minimum order quantities is very important. If the distributor likes the product and thinks it would be a good fit for their route they will purchase the product.
If the product does well in stores, the wholesale supplier will continually order more. Proof of sales will bring more orders and getting in contact with other distributors, wholesalers and suppliers in other parts of the country is the next step. A product with proven sales in a few independent specialty stores will make its way to independent retail stores all across the nation through different distribution channels. Establishing and building relationships with distributors and wholesalers is the best way to get products into retail stores.
Here are the 6 steps you need to take to have your product picked up by a Suppliers.
1. Start with the right questions.) Before you try supplying your product, you need to ask yourself a few basic questions. Do you need to build demand for your product, or is there already a demand for it? Do you know that the supplier would be interested in selling your product? If you can strike a deal with them, can you handle the production volume? Do you want to sell directly to the supplier, or do you want to license your product to a manufacturer that will handle supply?
2. Be prepared to profit.) Does your product offer enough of a profit margin for a supplier? Can you sell your product at a reasonable enough profit to cover the packaging, shipping, commissions, marketing and wholesale distribution? Check the supplier’s guidelines for other fees that you will have to build into the cost of your product in order for you to be able to turn enough of a profit to make the effort worth your while. If you work with a discount retailer, they will try to strip your profits down to zero in order to keep their prices as low as possible.
The typical breakdown of margins are: If a products costs $1 to produce, that product will retail for $4. That product that retails for $4 will wholesale for $2 to supplier and stores that purchase direct. Big box retailers like Walmart may offer to pay $1.25 to the manufacturer if the product costs $1 to produce. That is the typical profit margin.
3. Determine if the supplier is the right one for your product.) The relationship between you and the supplier starts with you browsing the store’s that they service for competing products. If the stores already has a similar product, it is going to be very difficult to get your product picked up. Picture in which zone your product would best fit on the shelf and keep in mind that the most precious asset that these big box stores value are their shelf space. Keep this information in mind when you are preparing your presentation to the supplier.
4. Pitch your product.) Decide whether it will be you or a representative to present your product to the supplier. Your presentation depends heavily on your strengths as a businessperson as they will most likely ask financial questions and logistics questions.
It’s common for companies to hire a broker to pitch their product to a supplier, as it will be more likely that your product will make it to the next stage if the individual pitching your product has industry knowledge or a personal relationship with them. The percentage of commission verses, however generally a broker will take around 5% to represent your product.
We at Mr. Checkout have experience dealing with brokers and know that there are several retail brokers that have poor business practices that can potentially damage your brand. If you are seeking a legitimate broker, please give us a call for a recommendation. It could save you a huge headache and a lot of money.
5. Complete the required paperwork.) Often a supplier will have you go through an application process. However, before submitting the paperwork required, you should contact them and let them know your intentions. Having a contact inside of the company will potentially move your application more smoothly through the process.
6. Anticipate the need for increased volume.) Having a supplier pick up your line will most likely mean a significant increase in volume. You should be prepared to ramp up your production and informing your manufacturer of this opportunity.
Having production, logistics and distribution to sync is not only difficult, it requires a significant amount of time invested in customer relations. Also, supplier may have stipulations in the contract that may penalize you for delays in shipping and production. Have an attorney explain all contracts to you if you don’t understand the terms.
If you’re looking to distribute your product through a supplier, be sure to thoroughly assess the marketplace, carefully prepare for production growth, and take full advantage of resources available to help you grow your business.
Top 5 Wholesale Independent Grocery Store Suppliers List
Apart from water, food is next. No matter the principles of a person: vegan, vegetarian, neither of both, everyone needs food.
We need these food items to be in the accessible grocery stores. This is why grocery store suppliers are in the chain. Grocery store suppliers source for products from different parts of the country to feed the local markets.
Below is a list of wholesale independent grocery store suppliers:
Southeastern Food Supplies
Southeastern Food Supplies is Florida’s market leader in Asian Food Service. They service their restaurant, market, and distributor customers with the leading brands of authentic imported Asian foods as well as a full line of domestic commodity, grocery, 
packaging, meat, poultry, seafood, and produce items.
For 50 years, Southeastern Food Supplies has been a market leader in Asian food service through a personalized approach to nurturing business relationships and a commitment to quality products and reliable service.
Souto Foods Wholesale & Distributors
By remaining closely involved with demand and industry changes, Souto Foods offers an extensive selection of products from Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as 
other countries around the globe. They have become a preferred food distributor thanks to their high quality standards. The totality of our products meets all the necessary norms and regulations. Their relationship managers and experienced buyers work together to carefully select all lines of products to ensure solid relationships with both Souto Foods clients and their clients.
VehGro
VehGro is a wholesale for natural and organic food products and a wholesale for natural body care. The distributor is specialized in the import & export and distribution of high-
quality natural organic food, nutrition (semi-finished products) and natural cosmetics.
As part of its wholesale activities, the distributor offers more than 2,000 ingredients for your product. Approximately 80% of our assortment is certified organic. We offer ingredients for both food and non-food industries.
Besides the import and wholesaling of organic products in bulk, the distributor is also an exclusive distributor of several quality brands in Europe.
Hummingbird Wholesale
Hummingbird wholesale has collaborated with local mills and farmers to grow and process organic foods previously unavailable in our region, sometimes in response to 
requests for specific food crops from its customers.
This small family-owned company states that it is “taking large steps to achieve a tiny footprint and zero waste.” For example, a lower carbon footprint is achieved by delivering up to 2,000 pounds per delivery to local Eugene businesses via energy-efficient electric-assist cargo tricycles.
United Natural Foods
United Natural Foods, Incorporated, also known as UNFI, is a distributor of natural and 
organic foods, specialty foods, and related products in the United States and Canada. The company distributes to grocery and natural food stores and is the primary distributor to Whole Foods Market. UNFI offers dry, refrigerated and frozen groceries, personal care products, supplements, fresh produce, perishables, and non-food items such as household cleaning products.