Distribution

Almost all food and beverage items purchased by consumers at the retail and foodservice level are made available through a network of food and beverage distributors.  Additionally, a broad range of Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and foodservice goods are generally made available to food and beverage retail and foodservice outlets through this same or related network of food and beverage distributors.  A myriad of specialty distributors provides fresh produce, seafood, meats, ethnic, and artisanal food, and beverage items.

Food and Beverage Distributors can generally be grouped into distribution industry segments designated as Grocery Distribution, Food Service Distribution, Convenience Store Distribution, and Public Cold Storage.

The same consumer safety standards that apply to food and beverage processing facilities also apply to food and beverage distributors.  The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) gives the FDA the authority to inspect food and beverage distributors for compliance against consumables being exposed to improper contact from humans, vermin, debris, pathogens, potentially hazardous chemicals, and to environmental factors that can potentially compromise product integrity, such as storage temperature fluctuations.  A critical defense against food and beverage distributor food safety risk are Distribution Center (DC) facilities that provide a food-safe environment.  The design professionals at The WEBBER/SMITH Group® branded companies are ready to add value and reduce food safety risk on your next food and beverage DC renovation, expansion, or greenfield project.