Major Food Distributors In Pennsylvania

• Reputation in the food industry: It’s typically a good sign if a food distributor is reputable among restaurants and other food service establishments, national or regional. More years of experience operating within the industry and keeping their doors open can also indicate resilience.
• Meeting legal requirements: Food distributors should follow the regulations of opening a business and handling food. They must provide certain records to the FDA to identify all food products and processing. If you’re looking for organic products, it’s key to choose a business with USDA certification.
• Prioritizing consumer safety: Safety practices can make or break people’s health. Food distributors must have processes like temperature and humidity control and cross-contamination prevention to ensure the food is hygienic and ready for preparation or consumption.

15 Major Food Distributors In Pennsylvania

Navigating the circle of major food distributors in Pennsylvania takes a while, as there are numerous local businesses to check out. Here are 15 recommendations to put at the top of your list.

1. Feeser’s

Feeser’s is a pioneer in food distribution within Pennsylvania. It started as a small produce stand in 1901 and grew into a full-fledged wholesaler. It services the Mid-Atlantic region, ensuring quality food at a good price. Its customer service department is also helpful with inquiries.

Feesers has an extensive catalog of products, from fresh and frozen items to food service supplies. The independent and family-owned food service distributor knows that partnering with different brands means meeting customer needs. Thus, whether you’re seeking locally sourced appetizers and entrees or national snack brands, you can order them all in one go.

Feeser’s engages in various initiatives. For instance, it switched to more efficient fueling to minimize pollution. It also uses ammonia-based freezer and refrigeration systems to avoid pollutants. Business owners will also appreciate its custom order services, food safety certifications, training and classes that empower establishments.

2. Quaker Valley Foods

Also serving the mid-Atlantic, Quaker Valley Foods under UniPro Food Service is a well-recognized food distributor in Philadelphia. It was originally called “Gary’s Wholesale Meats” in 1975, which showcases how these protein options were its bread and butter.

Quaker Valley Foods features many fresh and frozen items, working with over 200 vendors. You can turn to it for beef, pork and chicken, and it also offers specialty foods like halal and other ethnic delicacies.

3. Driscoll Foods

Driscoll Foods has been in the industry for over 50 years, expanding from Stroudsburg to Amsterdam, NY, and Wayne, NJ. The family-owned and operated company delivers more than 13,000 stocked products with fresh produce and dairy products.

While it works with other brands, it also offers in-house ones. For instance, Starting Line Appetizers offers frozen foods, such as Mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers and zucchini sticks. Stone Peak Coffee includes traditional mainstream and premium specialty coffees.

4. We Are Gourmet

We Are Gourmet is a family-owned specialty restaurant distributor that aims to provide premium ingredients curated with the utmost quality. You can find pantry staples like oil, vinegar and bar essentials from Thailand, Tuscany and other areas worldwide.

One of the brands it’s known for working with is Serrats Preserves. These canned fish products are prepared and packaged using artisanal techniques that ensure fresh, high-quality fish. The Tuna Bonito in Olive Oil comes from “Thunnus Alalunga,” the king of tunas.

5. Schiff’s Food Service

Schiff’s Food Service is an independent distributor that has supplied quality food service products to restaurants, hotels and institutions throughout Pennsylvania and beyond since 1969. Its length of service could stem from the robust selection and empowerment of its businesses.

Customers will be delighted by the in-house USDA-inspected meat-cutting facility. Providing fresh-cut, portion-controlled meats and custom marinades can help food establishments eliminate waste and reduce labor.

Schiff’s Food Service also offers a Cost Control program. Professionals can help you reduce your expenses and potentially adjust your weekly and monthly specials. Rebates and special offers are also available from a wide range of manufacturers.

6. Utz Brands

Utz Brands is snack central in Pennsylvania. It began by selling potato chips in 1921. While it is best known for its self-named Utz line, it also offers other brands like Boulder Canyon, Bachman, Zapp’s Dirty, Golden Flake and more.

Utz offers a variety of potato chips, from original to classic sea salt to salt and vinegar. You can also explore healthier options, like the no-salt version. Combine with dips and salsas to achieve the perfect afternoon munch.

7. Julius Silvert

Julius Silvert is a food distributor created from the love of agriculture. The original owner grew his dairy store business by processing bulk quantities and selling them wholesale to different dining establishments in numerous states.

About 110 years into the business, it has expanded from selling the standard milk and eggs. You can expect fine charcuterie products, from traditional salamis to fine smoked hams. There are also high-quality sugars, flours and purees for bakery businesses.

8. Esh Foods

Esh Foods is a wholesale distributor that aims to help food manufacturers and establishments succeed. It’s thorough when sourcing quality products that can help you achieve unique bakery goods.

You can expect many traditional Pennsylvania Dutch foods from its hub, as well. Whether shoofly pies, whoopie pies or scrapple, you get a little piece of home with each order. You can also accompany it with more common delicacies such as smoked meats and beef jerky.

9. Herr’s Snacks

Herr’s Snacks is a family-owned and operated food distributor that has been making exceptional snacks since the 1940s. It offers other in-house brands, such as Good Natured Selects and Cheyenne Brands, for various flavor profiles.

What makes Herr’s Snacks special is how it prioritizes nutritious snacking. Each packet contains enough dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates to help you feel full. Some even offer vitamin C, calcium and potassium.

10. Land & Sea

Land & Sea has a long history of distributing quality seafood and meat across Pittsburgh and its surrounding areas. It started in 1954 and has grown steadily, achieving milestones such as becoming a licensed distributor of the Certified Angus Beef brand.

Land & Sea works with many local suppliers, so you can find lamb, veal and other specialty cuts. There are also featured brands per week, which help highlight a food supplier and its offerings. This selection is ideal when you’re seeking to try something new.

Sustainability is also a big priority, as Land & Sea provides offerings of farms and fisheries that prioritize responsible harvesting and species conservation. The Marine Stewardship Council recognizes these efforts and certifies products.

11. R&R Provision Co.

R&R Provision Co. is a family-owned business with butchers who have more than 140 years of combined experience. It offers many USDA-approved meats, from pork to lamb to veal. The catalog also includes readily cooked and packaged proteins.

You can also look forward to wholesale R&R exclusives. Classic Pennsylvania scrapple is on the menu, along with finger-link sausage and fresh pork patties. Breaded veal patties in gold, red, and black are also available.

12. Sunfresh Food Services

Sunfresh Food Services is a family-owned produce distributor that has been operating since 1978. It prioritizes supporting local farmers and ensuring the community gets healthy options for a good price compared to the international market.

It works with brands such as Turner’s Dairy Products and Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice. You can also check out its wine products and supplies. Certain batches are only available for a limited time, so stay tuned for the sales.

13. Stanley Marvel Inc.

Stanley Marvel Inc. is a family-owned wholesale food distributor that works closely with independent restaurants like taverns and gastropubs, caterers and country clubs. It also coordinates with food banks and nonprofit organizations.

While Stanley Marvel offers the standard beef, poultry products and more, it’s best known as a specialty Mexican food item distributor. Find unique ingredients such as queso fresco, cotija cheese, tomatillos, tamales and more.

14. Frankferd Farms

Frankferd Farms supplies natural and organic foods to numerous families and businesses across the mid-Atlantic. Its inventory includes about 4,000 products, which is a testament to the growth of the third-generation family-owned business.

You can find various products, from baked goods to canned fruits and veggies. It recently began offering Just Ice Tea and Barmy Soda, both locally made and enjoyed by the community.

Frankferd Farms is actively managing its carbon footprint and owns America’s first solar-powered flour mill. It has been grinding flour with solar power since 2011 to ensure sustainability. All Solar Flour Power is bagged and verified sustainable with a logo.

15. Four Seasons Produce

Four Seasons Produce is a full-service wholesale produce distributor that’s been in business since 1976. It was originally from Denver, Pennsylvania, and has slowly expanded to supply independent retailers and chain supermarkets across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.

You can expect to find meat, dairy and conventional produce. However, Four Seasons Produce’s primary offering is organic produce, which generates about 50% of its total sales. The company’s top growers include brands like Lady Moon Farms and Cal-O.

Other Factors To Seek

The major food distributors in Pennsylvania typically meet the basics of cultivating a reputation, meeting legal requirements and having safety practices. Here are other factors to look out for and appreciate.

• Availability: Imagine being set on buying ingredients from a certain distributor only to find out that almost everything is out of stock. It’s best to buy from a supplier with items available whenever you need them.
• Customer service: If you have a question about a food product, you should be able to contact the company and send an inquiry. Social media, along with regular phone and email, is a good avenue for that.
• Reasonable pricing: It’s a feat to achieve groceries while on a budget. After all, food prices are predicted to rise by 2.2% in 2025. If distributor and delivery fees are too high, it can be tough on the average consumer’s wallet.

Extra Tips For Health-Conscious Buyers

There are extra ways to make healthier choices when shopping for food. Here are several practices to adopt into your ordering routine.

• Read the ingredients list: Understanding the details of your food products can reveal their quality. Before checking out, look for preservatives and unnecessary additives. You can also read about how the products were formulated.
• Create a meal plan: With many options available, it’s quite overwhelming to figure out what would make a well-balanced diet. Create a list of products that you want to get before placing an order and curating a fully nutritious pantry.
• Seek reviews and recommendations: If you have a health condition or dietary needs, someone with a similar situation could have tried the product you’re eyeing. Read through their experience and have the final call when purchasing.

Be A Selective Shopper

The major food distributors in Pennsylvania are committed to making sustenance as accessible as possible. Check out the brands and explore all the various products. Ultimately, choose what you want to purchase wisely and be mindful of your consumption.