American consumers love bread. Just check out these stats!
- Over 326 million Americans ate bread in 2020, and that figure is set to rise to 335 million by 2024
- According to U.S. Census data, 9.77 million Americans used five packages of bread or more in 2020
- The bread segment accounts for $23.84bn in revenue in the USA
That’s a huge and unwavering market for bread products.
Great news for bread makers and bread sellers. And for bread distributors who provide a crucial link between these two parts of the bread supply chain.
Looking for new products for the bread aisle in your grocery store? Then you should definitely get to know a few of the best bread distributors in the US.
But first…let’s explain a little about what a bread distributor actually does.
What does a bread distributor do?
A bread distributor is a food distributor who works to connect bread producers and manufacturers with retailers, restaurants, and other food service establishments.
With the help of:
- a vehicle fleet (refrigerated or frozen if necessary)
- warehouse space
bread distributors transport bread products quickly and efficiently, getting them to their retail destination while they’re still at their fresh and tasty best.
You’ll find bread distributors who work with a range of different bakeries – as well as those who align themselves with just one of the big bakery brands in operation in the US.
Some offer merchandising services alongside transportation services. They’ll support the sales and marketing of bread products in the retail locations they distribute to.
The best bread distributors do all of this whilst promoting sustainable practices too.
With a focus on developing a low-emission fleet and energy-efficient delivery routes, they aim to distribute bread products without creating a huge carbon footprint.
Different types of bread distributor
If you’re searching for a bread distributor, you’re likely to come across the following terms.
Broadline distributor
Broadline distributors provide a wide range of products in huge volumes. This is often the best bread distributor type for large grocery store chains.
Specialty bread distributor
This is the best bread distributor if you’re looking for niche bread products. For example, you’re more likely to find low-carb, artisan, organic, gluten-free, and vegan baked goods available from a specialty bread distributor.
Cash and carry bread distributor
Cash and carry bread distributors don’t transport bread products to a retail store, restaurant, or other food service location. Instead, they run a warehouse where products are available for sale to visiting food service establishment representatives.
Redistributor
Redistributors purchase bread products in bulk from manufacturers. They then sell smaller quantities of bread products to smaller distributors – guys who don’t have the capacity to transport bread in bulk.
The best bread distributor for you will depend upon the needs of your company.
Looking to stock shelves across your nationwide grocery store chain? Then a broadline bread distributor is most definitely your best bet.
Want niche bread products for your smaller-scale restaurant or retail location? Then a specialty bread distributor could be just what you’re looking for.
Who are the best bread distributors?
The best bread distributors will help you to get a range of baked products onto your grocery store shelves. But which companies really are the best of the batch?
Let’s take a look!
Buffalo Market
Buffalo Market is a specialty bread distributor and merchandiser, focusing on bread products that are good for people and the planet.
Delivering to both major and independent retailers across the US, and with a near-daily direct store delivery (DSD) service available, Buffalo Market makes it easy for retailers to find and stock forward-thinking bread brands.
And – as you’d expect from a bread distributor with an eco-friendly mindset — Buffalo Market is steadily increasing its fleet of electric vehicles.
United States Bakery
Also known as Franz Family Bakeries, United States Bakery cover a range of bread distribution bases.
They deliver fresh and frozen bread products to retailers, food processors, and national restaurant chains. They also offer direct delivery to schools and businesses.
For retailers, there’s the option to buy Franz Family Bakeries branded bread products or opt for private label products instead.
These bread distributors boast a proven track record and a 99% fill rate. And they help to co-pack, market, and sell labels too.
Campbell Soup Co.
Campbell may be most famous for its canned soups. But as the company has grown, they have come to distribute a wide range of processed food products.
Pepperidge Farm, Snyder’s of Hanover, Kelsen Group, Swanson, and V8 now all come under the Campbell Soup Co. umbrella.
That means you can find everything from farmhouse bread to bagels to cookies, all available from this huge bread distributor.
This company started life in Mexico. But after making a number of acquisitions this side of the border, it became the largest bakery organization in the US.
Entenmann’s, Thomas’, and Sara Lee are all now part of the Bimbo Bakeries USA family.
The company has an HQ in Philadelphia and boasts 60 bakeries and around 20,000 employees. They bake bread products and distribute them via 11,000 US sales routes.
They also have an eye on sustainability, with an electric fleet of more than 100 vehicles and over 400 alternatively-fueled vehicles.
In operation since 1925, this family-run bakery has grown to employ 2,000 people and provide fresh baked goods to 17 states.
A Lewis family member still serves as company president, but this bakery has been forward-thinking, developing health-conscious bread products and adapting to changing markets.
Lewis Family Bakers deliver fresh and frozen bread, and other perishable bakery products, throughout the Midwest.
H&S Bakery
Based in Maryland, H&S Bakery is another long-standing family company. Established back in 1943, this organization has been producing bread, rolls, bagels, and other specialty baked goods for decades.
The company has grown by acquiring other brands, including Northeast foods, Ottenberg, and Schmidt Baking Company.
And with distribution routes reaching into 23 different states, and over 300 baked products to choose from, H&S Bakery is now one of the biggest bread distributors in the country.
They offer distribution (via natural gas fleets) to restaurants, retailers, and co-manufacturers, with customized private label products available too.
Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
Aunt Millie’s Bakeries have been in operation since 1901 and now has five bakeries in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. It distributes throughout the US.
From sliced bread to hot dog buns to cinnamon raisin English muffins, Aunt Millie’s has every bread product you could ever possibly want to stock.
The family-run firm is also keen to give back, supporting hunger relief projects within their local community.
Gold Medal Bakery
Since 1912, Gold Medal Bakery has been baking and distributing a range of bread products, including sliced bread, rolls, English muffins, and a wide range of bagels.
This bakery offers DSD to eight North Eastern states and frozen delivery to the whole of the US. Deliveries are made five days a week and seven days a week during Memorial Day and 4th July holidays.
There’s also a range of additional services for retailers to choose from, including merchandising support, weather-sensitive order planning, and packaging design.
A bread distributor who prioritizes the product — and the planet?
Buffalo Market stocks and distributes some of the fastest-growing and most sustainable bread products in California.
We specialize in food distribution solutions that help to get those products straight onto your shelves and into customers’ baskets.
Get in touch with one of the Buffalo Market team to find out more.
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