Food And Beverage Distribution Models

Posted by Gauri Satpute on June 20th, 2019

In the contemporary era, when supermarkets and superstores have become the go-to destination for shoppers, most food reaches your table after passing through a number of stages that constitute  a complex supply chain. It moves from growers, producers, and factories, to a network of wholesale food distributors and grocery store distribution centres. Following this, these products are delivered to store shelves. When it comes to large inventories for shelf-stable, packaged food, this type of distribution network is the most efficient. These types of food command higher margins, thanks to lower shopping and storage expenses. It is also noteworthy that these are relatively less prone to spoilage and damage during shipping.

Packaged goods are also distributed in large crates and boxes, so they generally do not need very careful handling. The Al Maya Group has, over the years, successfully introduced more than 50 of the finest food brands of the world to the region.

Foods that cannot be stored and handled follow a different pattern of distribution service as they cannot be as easily distributed via other models. Specialty items that have seasonal availability or come in limited quantities, and are not shelf-stable, belong to this category. Some items, such as produce, are shipped by specialty food distributors. They usually invest in the equipment necessary to store and maintain the freshness of these products.

Yet another category of food producers/distributors are suppliers of food products that occupy the space between shelf-stable products and fresh produce, such as baked goods, meats, and dairy. These products come with a shelf life of weeks, rather than days or months. Usually, Direct Store Delivery, a distribution model, is commonplace for these products. DSD products are sold and delivered directly from the producer or manufacturer to grocery stores, retailers or restaurants. Al Maya Distribution boasts of a million square feet of warehousing space and is also equipped with one of the largest logistics and distribution facilities in the GCC.

Consumers can generally access majority of food through these traditional food supply chain models. However, it is interesting to note that though the basic structure of the supply chain has stayed the same over the years, structures within the supply chain are undergoing rapid transformations. Major changes have been observed in the customer-facing end of the grocery business, and this is brought about by changes in consumer lifestyles and expectations for more variety and freshness at the lowest price.

AL Maya Distribution is amongst the most reliable wholesale distributors of food that promises seamless supply of the world’s finest food brands to major retailers and leading supermarket chains.