Are you looking for a food broker?
Finding a food brokerage for your restaurant or caterer is difficult. There are so many options and it’s hard to know what you should be looking for.
If you’re like most people, the thought of hiring a new food distributor makes you nervous. You probably feel overwhelmed by all of the choices out there and don’t know where to start.
But don’t worry! We’ve written this guide to help make finding a new food broker easier than ever before! It includes insider tips on how to choose the right one for your business, as well as questions you can ask potential brokers during your initial phone call with them.
Let’s dive in!
1 . Make Sure They Are Experienced in Your Type of Product
This may seem like it needs no explanation, but there is a difference between someone who sells produce and someone who has managed many perishable food accounts. Brokers work with their own strengths, so make sure you pick one with experience in your type of product if at all possible.
For example, the produce broker will have trouble pitching fruits when you are making pickled vegetables.
2 . Make Sure They Have Industry Contacts Relevant to Your Business
If you plan on selling tortilla chips, chances are high that you will need to meet with key people in the snack food manufacturing space. A broker that only works with restaurants or does not have experience working with manufacturers simply won’t be able to help you grow.
3 . Make Sure That They Understand Your Product and Its Needs During Different Stages of the Supply Chain
It may sound like this goes without saying, but your food broker should be able to make suggestions about ways to improve sales for each stage. Remember, not all products are created equal (even if it is sold in a brown box with no branding aside from the store’s own logo).
Your broker should be able to take into account considerations such as shelf life and distribution distance.
4 . Look at Their Available Location Options and Choose One That Works Best for Your Company and Customers
This goes hand-in-hand with point 2, but lots of times food brokers will have offices spread out around the country or even around the world. If you are unsure about where they have their contacts, this is another good reason to ask for references from current customers.
5 . See if They Offer Additional Marketing Services Besides Sales
Food brokers can’t sell your products if no one knows about them! Some may offer limited free marketing such as press releases and exposure at trade shows, but it’s still worth considering which companies will provide additional exposure for your product through online campaigns or other means.
Want More Help Finding a Food Broker?
Having the right food broker can make all the difference for your company. The tips we’ve provided to help you find that perfect match should be easy to follow, and will also give you a better understanding of how this decision is an important component in creating success for your business.
Have any other questions? Feel free to check out our blog for more articles on what is a food broker, and finding the best food broker companies.