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Foodservice Distribution Industry FAQ

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

$382 billion

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. posts annual sales of $382 billion.

431,000 employees

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. employs 431,000 individuals.

12 billion cases

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. delivers 12 billion cases to professional kitchens each year - that's 33 million cases per day, on average.

17,100 facilities

The foodservice distribution industry operates approximately 17,100 locations in the U.S.

487,000 ancillary jobs

Each job in foodservice distribution supports another job elsewhere in the economy. The industry supports 487,000 ancillary jobs through supply chain and employee spending.

168,300 vehicles

The foodservice distribution industry operates a combined vehicle fleet of 168,300

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 $30.02/hr for delivery drivers

IFDA research shows delivery drivers earn $30.02/hr on average.

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.

135,000 drivers

Foodservice distribution companies employ 135,000 drivers, comprising 31% of the total workforce.

181,000 warehouse workers

Foodservice distribution companies employ 181,000 warehouse workers, comprising 42% 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.

3.9%

Median net profit margin of a foodservice distribution business was 3.9% in 2021.

$725,518

Median sales per employee in a foodservice distribution business was $725,518 in 2021

$973

Industry FAQ

Foodservice Distribution Industry FAQ

For more information on IFDA research, visit the Research & Insights page. For questions, email IFDA's Senior 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 $382 billion.

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. employs 431,000 individuals.

The foodservice distribution industry in the U.S. delivers 12 billion cases to professional kitchens each year - that's 33 million cases per day, on average.

The foodservice distribution industry operates approximately 17,100 locations in the U.S.

Each job in foodservice distribution supports another job elsewhere in the economy. The industry supports 487,000 ancillary jobs through supply chain and employee spending.

The foodservice distribution industry operates a combined vehicle fleet of 168,300

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 delivery drivers earn $30.02/hr on average.

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 135,000 drivers, comprising 31% of the total workforce.

Foodservice distribution companies employ 181,000 warehouse workers, comprising 42% 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 net profit margin of a foodservice distribution business was 3.9% in 2021.

Median sales per employee in a foodservice distribution business was $725,518 in 2021

Median sales per square foot of warehouse space in a foodservice distribution business was $973 in 2021.