Sourcing Wholesale Mediterranean Foods for Restaurants and Bulk Buyers
From olive oils and feta cheeses to artisan breads and heirloom legumes, wholesale Mediterranean foods offer great ingredients for food businesses. Buying Mediterranean products in bulk provides volume discounts while ensuring supply chain reliability.
Benefits of Purchasing Wholesale Mediterranean Foods
Here are some advantages of sourcing Mediterranean ingredients on a wholesale, commercial basis:
- Lower per unit product costs by purchasing bulk sizes and volumes
- Maintain stock on authentic Mediterranean ingredients needed for recipes
- Establish relationships with dedicated suppliers and distributors
- Reduce freight expenses through pooled shipping
- Save on labor with less frequent purchasing and receiving
Using commercial foodservice channels allows access to more variety and better availability for businesses regularly incorporating Mediterranean elements into menus.
Most Popular Wholesale Mediterranean Food Products
When buying Mediterranean foods in bulk, businesses tend to order highest volumes of staple ingredients like:
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil may be the most iconic Mediterranean ingredient. Wholesalers provide olive oil in tin containers ranging from 1 gallon up to 55 gallons. Restaurants use it for dressing salads, dipping breads, finishing dishes, and more.
Olives
Briny, nutty green and black Mediterranean olives star heavily in appetizers, small plates, pizzas and salads. Pitted or non-pitted canned olives, olive paste, and flavored olive mixes are top purchases.
Cheeses
Feta, halloumi, manchego, and Italian mozzarella are soft and hard cheeses heavily used in Mediterranean cooking. Cheeses are bought in bulk blocks, slices, shreds, or crumbles from whey manufacturers.
Yogurts
Greek-style yogurts including strained labneh, yogurt cheese, and tzatziki are Mediterranean diet staples. Large volume plain or flavored yogurts stay fresh for extended periods.
Other Mediterranean Products Bought in Bulk
In addition to the highest volume items above, food businesses also regularly purchase:
Tomato Products
Crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sundried tomatoes, and harissa sauce provide vibrant flavor. Gallon cans or aseptic boxes allow long holds.
Vegetables
Eggplant, peppers, zucchini, squash, artichokes, and roasted vegetables for sides and recipes. Fresh, frozen, marinated, or dried options provide flexibility.
Legumes and Grains
Beans like chickpeas and lentils along with farro, barley, wheat berry, and rice anchor many Mediterranean bowls and veggie sides.
Nuts and Seeds
Pine nuts, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and tahini sesame seed butter provide healthy fats and textural contrasts.
Herbs, Spices, and Condiments
Rosemary, basil, sumac, cumin, harissa, preserved lemons, capers, and authentic seasonings create distinctive flavor.
How to Source Reputable Suppliers of Mediterranean Wholesale Foods
Sourcing all your Mediterranean food ingredients from one specialty distributor simplifies purchasing and ensures item standards are met. Look for distributors offering:
- Product line depth with hundreds of Mediterranean offerings
- Established, direct grower, importer and manufacturer partnerships
- Consistent item availability and only rigorously vetted products
- Short lead times and flexible delivery options
- Value-added services like product sample reviews
Key Industry Mediterranean Food Distributors
Leading distributors include:
- Ziyad Brothers Importing
- Arista Industries
- Atalanta Corporation
- Sid Wainer & Son
- Alessi Foods
Established players have extensive Mediterranean offerings, storage and shipping capabilities, industry trust, and quality reputations.
Pricing Considerations for Wholesale Mediterranean Products
Pricing nuances to factor in when sourcing different Mediterranean ingredients wholesale include:
Item Forms - Whole, Prepared, Frozen, Dried
Whole vegetable, cheese, grain, and legume pricing shifts depending on additional prep labor, processing, and shelf life considerations of prepared consumer product versions.
Brand and Quality Grades
As with olive oils, yogurts, and ingredient grades, first cold press extra virgin olive oils command higher pricing than lower acidity, later press oils. Shipping for imported, fully traceable brands also nets out higher than co-packed items.
Order Volumes and Loyalty Discounts
Higher volume purchases may qualify buyers for graded pricing discounts. Distributor loyalty programs can also reward frequent purchasing through rebates.
Current Agricultural Markets
Commodities like oils, grains, legumes, and dairy products shift in price based on globalagricultural outputs, which fluctuates.
Sample Wholesale Price Ranges for Key Mediterranean Bulk Products
While pricing constantly changes, here are typical per unit or per pound costs of popular Mediterranean ingredients bought through foodservice channels:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
$13-$16 per gallon tin
Kalamata Olives
$4.50-$5.50 per #10 can
Feta Cheese
$2.65-$3.10 per pound block
Chickpeas
$1.07-$1.25 per pound dried
Harissa Sauce
$5.50-$6.75 per quart jar
Products directly imported from smaller Mediterranean farms may retail on the higher end given labor inputs and costs associated with growing, harvest and export.
Incorporating Mediterranean Ingredients Into Menus and Recipes
The savory, bright ingredients available from Mediterranean wholesale food suppliers lend well to current lifestyle meal preferences. They create craveable, clean-label menu items like:
- Power bowls and grain salads
- Hummus plates with fresh vegetables and pita points
- Shakshuka baked eggs in rich tomato sauce
- Grilled lamb or chicken with tzatziki sauce
- Olive oil poached fish dishes
- Vegetable flatbreads with Mediterranean cheeses
Exploring the diverse flavors from across this region keeps customers coming back while supporting localized food traditions.
FAQs
What are the most commonly purchased Mediterranean ingredients on a wholesale basis?
The top Mediterranean products bought wholesale include olive oils, olives, feta cheese, yogurts, tomato products, vegetables like eggplant and peppers, legumes such as chickpeas and lentils, nuts like pine nuts and almonds, and herbs and spices like rosemary and harissa sauce.
How can I find reliable Mediterranean food ingredient suppliers?
Look for specialty distributors with an extensive Mediterranean import and product line, direct grower and producer relationships, consistent availability, short lead times, and value-added services. Leading players include Ziyad Brothers, Atalanta Corporation, Sid Wainer & Son, and Alessi Foods.
What factors impact wholesale pricing of Mediterranean products?
Pricing considerations include: item format (whole, prepared, frozen, etc.), brand quality tier, order volumes, loyalty discounts, and current commodity market rates that suppliers pay Mediterranean growers and manufacturers.
How do Mediterranean ingredients fit within current food trends?
Bright, savory Mediterranean products lend well to current preferences like power bowls, grain salads, vegetarian dishes, olive oil poaching, and flatbreads. Menus feel distinctly fresh yet comforting by blending these items.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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