Rather than handling sales and shipping for a food or beverage product, many business owners chose to work with a food broker, food distributor, and 3PL partners to ease their workload and expand their growth potential.

Working with a broker allows the company to focus on its core competencies, access experts without hiring new staff, save money, and move quickly to market. Brokers are essentially like an outside sales team for a brand. Each broker typically represents several food and beverage companies. Many specialize in product type, others are more diversified, carrying different lines for multiple brands.

Food brokers don’t buy product upfront, instead, they charge a fee or commission of the net of all products sold. This fee is usually 5-12% and can include a monthly retainer.

Many brokers will work with stores to market your product and coordinate demos. Managing the retail relationship, they also negotiate promotions or deals and relay information about product sales and store feedback.