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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?
$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.
Are there good jobs and careers in foodservice distribution?
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.
What is the composition of the foodservice distribution industry workforce?
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.
What are typical performance metrics for foodservice distribution businesses?
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
Median sales per square foot of warehouse space in a foodservice distribution business was $811 in 2019.