Simply put, it is the distribution of groceries from the warehouse to retail stores that need them.
The distribution of groceries is done by grocery distributors. A grocery distributor is one who understands its market of distributing goods to grocery stores.
Grocery distributors deliver to grocery stores that need them or other wholesalers who buy from them. Some of these distributors not only distributes products of other manufacturers but also manufacture their own products for sale to grocers and other retail stores. These groceries are gotten from their manufacturers in bulk to sell to grocers at a cheaper rate.
Grocery store distribution involves a less supply chain as the distribution is just from the wholesale distributor to the grocery stores.
When an order is placed by a grocer, there are some things that the distributor does before delivering the goods to the grocer.
He takes account of the goods ordered:the goods ordered by a grocer oftentimes involves more than a product. The distributor has to take account of the products ordered to avoid the mistake of delivering the wrong goods or delivering incomplete goods.
Check for availability of the products ordered: there are several products that a distributor delivers to retail stores who need them, and a distributor may need to check the products available in order to update them from time to time. Where the goods ordered by a grocer is unavailable, he may immediately request for the product from the manufacturer.
Where the product is available, below are the next steps to take:
Assemble a customer’s product in one:where a distributor is dealing with goods ordered by two or more grocers, it is pertinent that he assembles each grocers’ goods together and put them separately to avoid a mix-up
When distributing products, products with different shelf life are put apart. Products that need to be refrigerated to stay fresh are put aside from products that do not have to be refrigerated to last.
Before products are delivered to groceries, they are kept in distribution centres.
Generally, the distribution center has 3 sections: the most known is the storage zone but aside this section, a distribution center also has a shipping dock and receiving dock. These sections in the distribution center can further be divided into subsections for different types of products. For instance, perishable goods have to be kept aside in a different space from non-perishable goods since perishable goods need to be refrigerated to keep them fresh for further distribution. They are also not ordered/ delivered in large quantities to avoid spoilage of the goods which may also lead to a loss on the grocer’s end.
Before delivering a grocer’s products, it is advisable to reconfirm his order to avoid mistakes. After this is done, the goods ordered may then be transported to the grocery store!
As a distributor, it is important to build a good relationship with your customers. This act tends to discourage people from looking elsewhere.