10 Largest Food Distribution Companies in the USA 

The food industry stands as one of the most dynamically evolving sectors in today's modern world. From cutting-edge innovations in production methods to the continuous advancement of culinary techniques, this field has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible. Its scope extends far beyond mere production, encompassing the critical stages of transportation, storage, and distribution to ensure that products reach consumers efficiently.

The journey of the Largest Food Distribution Companies begins with agriculture, where crops are cultivated and harvested, and culminates with the presence of these products on the shelves of local stores. Furthermore, the food industry's reach extends to catering, a significant sector closely intertwined with food consumption trends. It's this multifaceted nature that distinguishes the food industry from other sectors today.

What truly sets the food industry apart is its intrinsic connection to consumer demand. As people's tastes evolve or seasons change, so too does production. This responsiveness to shifting consumption patterns showcases the industry's unique ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing marketplace.

The Stats:

According to statistics, the global food industry generates an astonishing $4 trillion annually. The introduction of innovative packaging solutions, which enhance product safety and freshness, has played a significant role in driving these impressive figures. Over time, as society has evolved, the quest for convenience in acquiring food has led to the emergence of processed, ready-to-eat, and packaged foods as a prevalent solution.

The growing demand for such products has spurred extensive research and development efforts aimed at creating even better offerings to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

The food industry encompasses a diverse array of sectors, including dairy, seafood, fruits, vegetables, organic foods, meat, and functional foods such as vitamins, among others. Its scope is virtually limitless; if it's edible, it falls under the purview of the food industry. Currently, approximately 84 percent of the food consumed worldwide is sourced from terrestrial farming, with the remaining percentage attributed to fish farming.

Following the production phase, the critical task of distribution comes into play—an indispensable step in the food business. Virtually every major food-producing company boasts an extensive cargo fleet responsible for collecting products from warehouses and delivering them to retail outlets.

Notably, the food industry exerts a significant impact on the United States economy, with enduring contributions over the years. This sector constitutes approximately 5 percent of the country's GDP and accounts for 10 percent of its employment opportunities. American food products, renowned for their exceptional taste and quality, enjoy global distribution, thereby fostering positive ripple effects within the U.S. economy, and that is how these Largest Food Distribution Companies are taking over! 

Let’s take a look at some of the largest food distribution companies in the US.

Sysco Corporation

Sysco Corporation, founded on March 19, 1969, has celebrated its golden jubilee. This publicly traded corporation operates in the wholesale industry and is headquartered in Texas. It stands as one of the foremost suppliers of food products to hotels, constituting a significant portion of its customer base, which spans across approximately 100 countries and serves over 6 million clients worldwide.

According to 2017 statistics, the company employs 70,000 people and reported a net income of US$1.143 billion. Sources suggest that they own about 8,600 distribution trucks.

US Foods

US Foods, a publicly traded food distribution corporation, was founded on August 1, 1989, by John Sexton and is now headquartered in Illinois. Falling under the food industry category, it deals with a wide range of products, including frozen foods, prepackaged foods, and fresh meats. In 2017, the company reported a net income of $444 million and generated revenue of $24.147 billion.

In 2018, it employed around 26,000 people and owned approximately 5,700 trucks. US Foods primarily serves restaurants, the healthcare sector, the tourism industry, and educational institutions.

Reinhart Food Company

This for-profit company, founded by DB Reinhart in 1972, currently operates 29 distribution centers and boasts a fleet of 1,400 trucks. Its primary product offerings include ingredients, meats, and various fresh products. Major customers encompass food chain networks, healthcare centers, and schools. Reinhart Foods employs around 2,200 individuals and generated an estimated revenue of $666 million.

Ben E. Keith Company

Ben E. Keith Company, a private food distribution company, was established in 1906 in Texas by Ben E. Keith. The company employs 4,000 people and achieves an annual revenue of $5.5 billion. Its product range encompasses meats, frozen foods, and beverages, including beer and energy drinks, distributed through a fleet of 1,070 trucks. Key customers include restaurants, healthcare facilities, and schools.

Performance Food Group

Performance Food Group is a publicly traded food distribution company founded in 1885 in Virginia. With over 14,000 employees dedicated to producing top-quality food products, its main customer base consists of independent restaurants and chain restaurants. The company offers a comprehensive range of food items. According to 2017 statistics, it generated an annual revenue of approximately $18 billion.

Golden State Foods

Golden State Foods is one of the largest suppliers to McDonald's and stands as one of the premier food distribution companies in the US. Established in 1947 in California, it initially specialized in providing meat to McDonald's. The company employed 6,000 people in 2010 and reported a revenue of around $7 billion in 2017. In addition to McDonald's, it supplies food to Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, KFC, and Taco Bell, primarily focusing on beef and other meat supplies. Golden State Foods operates a fleet of approximately 600 to 700 trucks.

United Natural Foods

United Natural Foods is a publicly traded food distribution company founded in 1976, headquartered in the United States, and serving both the United States and Canada. The company's revenue reached approximately $20 billion, and it holds a market value of $1,781 million according to Forbes. In 2019, it employed 19,000 people and primarily deals in organic and health-related foods, including importing, roasting, and packaging nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and snack items.

H. T. Hackney Company

H. T. Hackney Company is an American wholesale distributor founded in 1891 by Henry Tate Hackney. Its product range includes groceries, tobacco items, frozen foods, deli products, snacks, and beverages. The company primarily serves 21 different states in the Eastern United States, with grocery stores and drug stores being the main retail centers. In 2019, this distribution company reported revenue of approximately $6 billion, with 4,300 employees contributing to its success.

McLane Food Services

McLane Company, founded in 1894 in Texas, is currently one of the leading wholesale suppliers to 49,000 grocery stores and 37,000 restaurants. Remarkably, it also provides services to military bases. The company employs 21,000 individuals and reported earnings exceeding $205 million in 2017. McLane Food Services operates a fleet of 2,200 tractors.

Performance Food Services

Performance Food Group Company, a publicly traded food distribution company, was founded in 1885 by James Carper and has its headquarters in Virginia. The company's workforce comprises approximately 14,000 employees. According to 2017 statistics, it achieved a total revenue of $17.5 billion. Its product offerings span seafood, cheese and dairy, bakery items, fruits and vegetables, spices, and beverages, serving grocery stores and restaurants as its primary consumer base.

Let's Wrap it Up

These 10 food distribution giants stand as some of the most prosperous and prominent companies in the United States. When we delve into their annual revenues and net income, it becomes evident that virtually all of them are experiencing consistent growth. With the continual expansion of new stores, and restaurants, and the integration of innovative technologies, it's safe to say that the Largest Food Distribution Companies are poised for ongoing success, delighting palates and satisfying appetites for years to come.

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