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Foodservice Distribution Industry FAQ

For more information on IFDA research, visit the Research & Insights page. For questions, email IFDA's Director of Research & Innovation Annika Stensson.

$300+ billion

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. posts annual sales of $300+ billion.

350,000 employees

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. employs 350,000 individuals.

8.7 billion cases

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. delivers 8.7 billion cases to professional kitchens each year.

15,000 facilities

The foodservice distribution industry operates approximately 15,000 locations in the U.S.

700,000 ancillary jobs

Foodservice distribution supports roughly 700,000 jobs through supply chain and employee spending.

153,000 trucks and trailers

The foodservice distribution industry operates 57,000 power units, 65,000 trailers, and 31,000 trucks.

Dozens of career paths available

The foodservice distribution industry has myriad opportunities for good-paying jobs and career paths, from warehouse selectors and delivery drivers, to HR and IT.

Average $31.44/hr for delivery drivers

IFDA research shows experienced delivery drivers earn $31.44/hr on average; inexperienced/starting delivery drivers earn an average of $26.55.

Higher annual compensation

IFDA research shows that compensation for foodservice distribution executives and salaried personnel is higher than in many other distribution verticals.

Myriad opportunties for Gen Z and Millennials

IFDA research shows foodservice distribution positions match what Gen Z and Millennial workers are looking for in a job.

131,000+ drivers

Foodservice distribution companies employ more than 131,000 drivers, comprising 37% of the total workforce.

121,000+ warehouse workers

Foodservice distribution companies employ more than 121,000 warehouse workers, comprising 35% of the total workforce.

15% of C-Suite

Women make up 15% of executive roles, 18% of supervisory roles, and 21% of sales roles in foodservice distribution.

40% of drivers

People of color make up 40% of delivery drivers, 47% of warehouse roles and 28% of supervisory roles in foodservice distribution.

1.9%

Median pre-tax profit margin of a foodservice distribution business was 1.9% in 2019.

$763,641

Median sales per employee in a foodservice distribution business was $763,641 in 2019.

$811

Industry FAQ

Foodservice Distribution Industry FAQ

For more information on IFDA research, visit the Research & Insights page. For questions, email IFDA's Director of Research & Innovation Annika Stensson.

What is the size of the foodservice distribution industry in the United States?

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. posts annual sales of $300+ billion.

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. employs 350,000 individuals.

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. delivers 8.7 billion cases to professional kitchens each year.

The foodservice distribution industry operates approximately 15,000 locations in the U.S.

Foodservice distribution supports roughly 700,000 jobs through supply chain and employee spending.

The foodservice distribution industry operates 57,000 power units, 65,000 trailers, and 31,000 trucks.

Are there good jobs and careers in foodservice distribution?

The foodservice distribution industry has myriad opportunities for good-paying jobs and career paths, from warehouse selectors and delivery drivers, to HR and IT.

IFDA research shows experienced delivery drivers earn $31.44/hr on average; inexperienced/starting delivery drivers earn an average of $26.55.

IFDA research shows that compensation for foodservice distribution executives and salaried personnel is higher than in many other distribution verticals.

IFDA research shows foodservice distribution positions match what Gen Z and Millennial workers are looking for in a job.

What is the composition of the foodservice distribution industry workforce?

Foodservice distribution companies employ more than 131,000 drivers, comprising 37% of the total workforce.

Foodservice distribution companies employ more than 121,000 warehouse workers, comprising 35% of the total workforce.

Women make up 15% of executive roles, 18% of supervisory roles, and 21% of sales roles in foodservice distribution.

People of color make up 40% of delivery drivers, 47% of warehouse roles and 28% of supervisory roles in foodservice distribution.

What are typical performance metrics for foodservice distribution businesses?

Median pre-tax profit margin of a foodservice distribution business was 1.9% in 2019.

Median sales per employee in a foodservice distribution business was $763,641 in 2019.

Median sales per square foot of warehouse space in a foodservice distribution business was $811 in 2019.