It’s evident that wholesale food distribution has experienced radical changes in recent years, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer tastes, and evolving market dynamics. Let’s raise a magnifying glass to our current hot trends and what the future has in store for convenience stores and wholesale food distributors.
The Here and Now
1. Sustainability is the New Norm
Sustainability is all the rage for most wholesale food distributors in North Carolina and Virginia as consumers and businesses scramble to reduce their carbon footprint. This has caused a butterfly effect of demands for eco-friendly packaging, renewable energy resources, and sustainable farming practices. Several wholesale food distributors are already a step ahead—partnering with local farmers and producers to source fresh, locally-grown produce. The mass sustainability mindset, in turn, reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy.
2. Technology Advancements
Not any less significant than sustainability, technology has already been playing a key role in wholesale food distribution since the dawn of the first computer. As our society rapidly digitalizes, many distributors and retailers invest in cutting-edge software and tools to streamline operations and boost efficiency. For example, automated inventory management systems are being used by distributors everywhere to more accurately track and manage their stock levels, while predictive analytics tools are forecasting demand and optimizing supply chains. And even more innovatively, mobile apps and online ordering platforms are taking advantage of every phone in Virginia and North Carolina’s pocket to place orders and track deliveries in real time.
3. The Health and Wellness Wave
Americans are noticing the abundant supply of unhealthy, processed junk in our convenience stores and the lack of nutritious, high-quality foods. Customers are telling their capitalist government that they now not only want their food affordable but healthier too. As a result, food and beverage distributors are helping stores adapt with more health-inclusive options. This may include organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free products, as well as providing nutritional information and education to customers. Gone are the days when convenience stores merely sell bags of potato chips (they still do, but they have also expanded their horizons).
4. Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Delivery
Especially since the pandemic, direct-to-consumer (DTC) delivery has emerged as a major trend in the wholesale food distribution industry as more consumers seek the convenience of ordering goods from the comfort of their homes. This revolutionary consumer model eliminates the need for trips to the grocery store and can instead all be done on a cellphone or other device. As a result, many wholesalers are partnering with DTC platforms (like Doordash and Uber Eats) to expand their reach and give customers a more personalized shopping experience.
5. Increased Demand for International Foods
As more and more people hope for cultural diversity to hold a prominent place in our communities, wholesale stores are expanding their product lines to include a wider variety of foods, spices, and ingredients for every palette. If you thought America was a Melting Pot before, it most certainly is now—with shelves stocked with outsourced products from overseas suppliers and partnerships formed with local importers and exporters.
Looking Ahead
But what about the future? It will likely be shaped by a flock of factors as our society continuously advances. Here are some of the most probable trends we can expect to see sooner than later:
1. Expansion of E-commerce Platforms
With remote working as the new normal for millions, online ordering and delivery will continue leading wholesale food distribution trends. This will only lead to more digital integration, with e-commerce platforms leaking into more mobile apps and other digital channels.
2. Adoption of Artificial Intelligence
Even more recently, artificial intelligence (AI), like ChatGPT, is dominating every aspect of human society. Though we do not know what this means for the future of our jobs and economy, it will likely (hopefully) play a more supportive role in wholesale food distribution, encouraging distributors to optimize supply chains quickly and efficiently.
3. Sustainability is More Important Than Ever
At the rate our environment is regressing, sustainability will only become more important as the years go by. Luckily, many technological advancements have been made that we can expect to see incorporated into our future wholesale stores, like biodegradable materials or even plastic-eating robots.
4. The Veganism Uprising
With more people becoming health-conscious and environmentally aware, we are seeing a greater demand for plant-based and alternative protein sources. So, is the future turning vegan? A look at our younger generations says yes—where swarms of them will likely raise their children to live a greener lifestyle. Wholesale food distributors and stores are already accommodating this by incorporating Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods products, which are gaining massive traction in markets.
Atlantic Dominion wholesale food distributors in Virginia and North Carolina are equipped with the technology and tools to help you closely monitor and track popular market trends. Contact us and unveil your options.
