#99 Navigating the Foodservice Landscape: Key Players and Their Roles (Distributors, Buying Groups, Operators, & more)

The Startup CPG Podcast · 18 Jul 2023 · 54m · Episode 76

What this episode covers

Jenna Cameron, sales lead at Simulate and former early employee at Just and Alpha Foods, explains the complex foodservice landscape for CPG brands. She details the roles of major distributors like Dot Foods, Sysco, and US Foods, and buying groups such as Compass and Sodexo, emphasizing the 'push and pull' strategy of building operator demand before securing distribution. Cameron also covers niche channels like college universities, convenience stores, and the 'groceraunt' segment, offering advice on using regional brokers and managing margins.

Mentioned

Companies
Simulate, Dot Foods, Sysco, US Foods, Just, Compass, Sodexo, Aramark, BiRite, Vegan Distribution, Chef's Warehouse, PFG / Vistar, Gordon Food Service, Follett Bookstores, Red Robin, Peet's Coffee, Bareburger, 7-Eleven, Plaid Pantry, Herspring-Gibbs

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