What is Food Distribution

What is Food Distribution

Food distribution is the distribution of food to an intended public. Food distribution includes the movement of food from one stage in a processing facility to another. Food is distributed to stores, restaurants, homes, schools or other organizations on demand. Food distribution consists of many stages including farm to table, farm to factory, kitchen to warehouse and street shopping. In other words, food distribution refers to the process whereby a particular population is provided with food.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) classifies food distribution as a specialized subset of the food supply. Processed food products are distributed to retail food services operators, institutional food producers, restaurants, caterers, hospitals and other institutions. The methodology and process behind food distribution differs by location. Some food distributors have their own trucks while others may use a combination of private vehicles and delivery vehicles operated by delivery service operators.

Retail Food Distributers

Retail food distributors are direct suppliers of food products to retailers and groceries. The majority of wholesale food distributors operate in the UK. The food wholesalers have warehouses, holding centers, depots and sales outlets where they purchase from the manufacturers. In turn, these manufacturers sell the food to retailers, who are then able to sell to consumers.

Food distribution Companies

The food service distribution companies offer a wide range of foods such as ready made food, frozen foods, frozen snacks and tinned foods. Ready to eat products are distributed in grocery stores, market stalls and street corners. Frozen snack foods are distributed to convenience stores and to premium restaurants. Tinned foods are distributed to supermarkets and other retail food outlets. The food service distributors buy directly from the manufacturers and deliver directly to retail outlets.

Restaurant Food distribution

Restaurant distribution involves deliveries to restaurant owners. A franchisee has to apply for a restaurant distributor's licence. The restaurant owners will have to supply the food product to be distributed. Food product must meet the requirements of the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The food distributors' standards include the food quality, packaging, ingredients and the manufacturing process.

Rules and Regulations for Food Distributers

The food distributors must be member of the Food Distributors. This association has set the criteria for the quality and performance of food wholesalers and suppliers. The association has also set the criteria for food manufacturers and suppliers to be included in the list of approved food manufacturers and suppliers. The food distributors must meet the guidelines of the FDA. They are restricted by law to obtain an approval from the FDA prior to selling food to retailers. There are some food wholesalers who directly contact retailers without a formal agreement with the retailers.

The food distributors have to adhere to various rules and regulations imposed by the FSA. The rules limit food operators or food manufacturers to sell and distribute food products to retailers that they approve of and to those customers who agree with their marketing plan. The food distributors are also bound by law to provide assistance to retailers. These include providing training regarding the production, handling, packing, sale and distribution of food products. They must conduct random quality assurance tests of food products before distribution.

The food distributors and food manufacturers need to follow all government laws and regulations that apply to them. The food distributors must not operate any food business that obtains revenue without being registered. They have to operate within a reasonable and appropriate framework created by the government. Finally, food distributors and food manufacturers need to ensure the food products they distribute are brought into the country in a condition that is safe for consumption by consumers.