More than 75% of newly launched food products fail, often because they never make it past a retail buyer's door. Our new eBook, "Unlocking the Power of Food Brokers," explains how the right broker relationship gets manufacturers' products onto shelves, and keeps them moving once they're there.
Grocery and convenience stores now carry roughly 40,000 more items than they did 30 years ago, and buyers have less patience than ever for products that don't move. Manufacturers who want shelf space, and who want to keep it, need a different way in.
Food brokers connect manufacturers to the retailers and distributors who matter, without the cost of an in-house sales team. Here's what a broker actually does, and how to tell a good one from a mediocre one.
Brokers connect manufacturers with retail buyers without owning inventory, working as commission-based intermediaries.
Hiring a broker typically costs far less than maintaining a dedicated sales team, while covering the same ground.
Experienced brokers bring existing relationships with retailers and distributors across regions and store formats.
Skilled brokers secure better pricing, contract terms, and shelf placement through deal-making experience manufacturers often lack in-house.
Modern brokers use cloud-based systems for inventory tracking, promotion coordination, and real-time sales data.
Brokers with expertise in a category, like organic, keto, or meat, bring targeted insight into niche markets.
Brokers sell on commission without owning product; distributors buy it outright and resell at a markup — the difference matters.
Outsourcing sales and marketing to a broker lets manufacturers stay focused on production and product quality.
The right food broker doesn't just move product — they bring market intelligence and existing relationships, and they only profit when you do. Here's what to look for before you sign on with one.
Industry contacts, specialty experience, and a proven track record all matter — see the criteria that actually predict results.
From new-region market entry to real-time sales data, understand how a commission-based partner grows your reach without growing your fixed costs.
