 Distribution Options
Efficient distribution of locally and regionally grown food is one of the single greatest hurdles in building a functional local food system. Most existing distribution channels rely on centralized warehousing and trucking systems that operate at a scale too large for localized systems. In addition, it is essential that local food reach the consumer with a clear link to its original source. Transporting information along with a physical product provides a further challenge to this emerging local supply chain.
Fortunately, Wisconsin is lucky to have a number of emerging distribution options specializing in local and regional trade.
Haulers List
In order to provide farm producers with more options for local distribution, the Local Food Distribution project compiled a preliminary list of prospective transportation and delivery partners for small and mid-scale Wisconsin growers. This list is not an endorsement of any specific companies but can give you a place to start when considering new distribution and logistics options for your business.
CIAS National Distribution Models
Through the research phase of the Local and Regional Food Distribution project, CIAS has a country-wide map for distribution methods. This model, which is still being enhanced, plots out locations of major and minor food distributors and is color-coded by industry. Written case studies of selected models will be available in the late spring of 2009.
Distributors Specializing in Local
Below is a bit more information about some Wisconsin based companies that highlight or focus on local foods in their product line. If you are distributing your own products, or are looking for a new distribution partner, you may find DATCP’s Recommended General Food Distribution Guidelines helpful.
Green and Green is a sales and distribution company for locally grown products. At the core of Green and Green is a dedication to furthering the relationship between farmers and consumers. Green and Green offers convenient one stop ordering of a full selection of locally grown products including fruit, vegetable, cheese, eggs, honey and mushrooms coming from over 30 farms. We are always looking for new products and opportunities. For more information, contact Rink DaVee: (608) 574-3566, farmerrink(AT)gmail.com
Keewaydin Farms , a family farm based in Viola, Wisconsin, is meeting the high demand for organic, WI grown produce by distributing produce from a number of neighboring farms. This aggregation allows Keewaydin Organics to supply larger markets ranging from Minneapolis to Chicago. In addition to regional distribution, plans are underway for improved green packing, storage, and processing facilities. For more information, contact Rufus Haucke: (608) 606-0666, rufus(AT)keewaydinfarms.com
Local Choice Distributing is a limited liability company specializing in Wisconsin produced foods founded by Scott & Lisa Hare, owners of Wild Hare Foods of Belleville, WI, and Bartlett Durand, managing member of Local Choice Marketing, LLC, Black Earth. Local Choice Distributing markets and delivers "best of class" farm products and specialty foods to grocers, restaurants and institutions throughout Wisconsin. For more information, contact Scott Hare:
(608) 843-6301, scott(AT)wildharefoods.com or Bartlett Durand:
(608) 333-1251
, bartlett_durand(AT)tds.net
Simply Wisconsin, LLC of Monona, Wisconsin offers products sourced from family farms based in Southern Wisconsin year round to consumers, chefs and retailers. Their product line includes certified organic fruit butters, dried beans, dried cranberries, heirloom popcorn, and nuts as well as non-certified free range frozen chicken and artisan cheeses throughout the winter as well as certified organic produce in season. For more infomration, contact Deb Hansen: (608) 630-7097, simplywisconsin(AT)yahoo.com
UW-Provision, based in Middleton, WI, is one of the midwest's largest meat distributors and has well established relationships with many of the state’s grocers and others in the industry. Though they specialize in meats, UWP also offers a line of dairy products. UWP is currently working with several Wisconsin based farmers and producers to include more local products in their line under both producer identified and house brands. For more information contact Bob Green: (608) 662-0685, bob.green(AT)uwprovision.com
A New Tool to Find and Purchase Local Food
Though not a distributor per se, LocalDirt offers wholesale buyers and consumers a convenient way to find and purchase locally grown products. Using custom designed web-based software, Local Dirt allows food sellers to post product information and availability and buyers to search for and purchase specific products. For more information contact Heather Hilleren:
(608) 554-4800, heather(AT)localdirt.com |
