Staying Connected to Our Culture: Wholesale Distributors of Arab Food Products

posted on: Jan 1, 2021

By: Noah Robertson/Arab America Contributing Writer

There are many Arab grocery stores throughout the U.S., but many of them are just small businesses. Without a large network of wholesale-distributors, it would be difficult to provide authentic Arab food products. These wholesalers/distributors/importers provide a steady flow of Arab food products to local Arab stores and major general stores for their Arab food sections. Without these major wholesale distributors, it would be much more difficult to preserve Arab culture and memories of the home through food.

This list was created to inform and promote the importance of these distributors to ensuring a connection to the Arab world in America through food. The list has no particular order, but the larger companies are generally higher up though the exact size is hard to measure. You may even recognize many of these brand names from a trip to your local Arab food store, but they would not be there without these wholesale distributors.

Ziyad Brothers Importing

Founded in 1966, Ziyad Brothers Importing actually was first Syrian Bakery and Grocery Inc. They quickly expanded from there and now have three warehouses throughout the U.S., import and distribute over 1,500 products, and have many brands as well as the recognizable Ziyad brand. On their website, they list their goal as helping customers, “rediscover these cherished foods to reconnect them to your family.” This is a crucial goal, and with their distribution throughout North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, they definitely accomplish it.

Midland Distribution

Founded in 1989, Midland Distribution is a major Middle Eastern foods producer and distributor, in the Northern Hemisphere. Their exclusive brands are Zdan and Baladna, but they carry many other Arab food products as well. Zdan Brand is a well-known brand name for yogurts, cheeses, spices, spice blends, and frozen vegetables. They also sell roasted nuts and seeds under their Baladna brand name. While they are based out of Illinois, they serve retailers throughout the U.S. and even some overseas customers.

Commerce International, Inc.

Founded in 1991, Commerce International Inc. is a wholesaler, importer, and exporter with numerous well-known brands such as Zarrin, Adonis, and Cortas. They have offices in Orlando, Atlanta, and Virginia, serving primarily the East Coast of the U.S. as well as all of the islands to the south of Florida. I had the chance to speak to their President, Siamak Goodarzi, who is originally from Iran and was very kind and helpful. He told me that they have about $25 million in annual sales and source much of their Middle Eastern products from Beirut, Lebanon. They import and distribute about 40% of Middle Eastern products and about 60% of Indian and British products. They also have a retail store in Orlando, International Food Club.

Turkana Food Inc.

Turkana Food is a family-owned and operated wholesale distributor with over 30 years of experience. They provide Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and European products in both the United States and Canada. With thousands of products and many well-known brands, they help many stores nationwide provide authentic and delicious Arab food products.

UBC Food Distributors

Founded in 1996, UBC Food is the parent company of two of the most well-known Arab food brands, Baraka and Wellmade. Besides their two in-house brands they also carry many other household names such as California Garden, and their wholesale distribution supports many Arab grocery stores throughout the U.S. They are an important player in the Middle Eastern wholesale distribution market.

Moghul Foods, New Royal Distributors Inc., and Hyder Finer Foods

These three sister companies partner to serve as one of the largest Middle Eastern and South Asian wholesale food distributors in the U.S. Together, they cover 14 states in the Midwest and Central U.S. with a wide range of brand partners. They serve local and national grocers and provide a steady stream of Middle Eastern food to many people in these regions.

Crescent Specialty Foods (Crescent Wholesale)

Founded in 1997, Crescent Specialty Foods is a wholesale distributor of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and halal meat products. They serve the Pacific Northwest region with products from various well-known companies as well as their own in-house label. Unique among this list, they specifically work to provide halal meat. This is an important service as most Arab grocery stores provide halal meat and need a supplier.

Karabetian Imports and Distribution Inc.

Founded in 1987, Karabetian imports and distributes food products as well as non-food items from the Middle East, Iran, Armenia, Russia, and the Mediterranean throughout the US. Their goal is “to deliver that nostalgic feeling of being home away from home to our clientele.” This goal, combined with their products covering food and non-food, makes them a very important company to support the Arab American community and other ethnic communities. Karabetian’s in-house brands are Tazah Foods, Golden Plate, and Nour (houseware and beauty) though they sell some other brands.

Overseas Food Distribution

Founded in 1984 by Youssef Melamed and his partner, Overseas Food Distribution is a wholesale food distributor servicing the U.S. and Canada. Though Melamed is of Iranian heritage, they provide food products from all over, including the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Their popular in-house brand is Golchin, but they import and distribute many other popular brands.

Tut’s International

Tut’s International has been in business for ~50 years and provides quality products from the Middle East and Europe to American consumers. They serve over 3000+ retailers with 4000+ products from 60 different countries. With many well-known brands and a family-owned business, Tut’s supports the wholesale distribution of Arab food very effectively.

Soofer Co. Inc.

Founded in 1982, Soofer is a wholesaler, manufacturer, and distributor of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Kosher, and Halal foods. They have over 1,200 products with 50% distributed in California, 40% exported outside California to other states, and 10% exported outside the country. Their label “Sadaf” is well-known, and their halal certification is extremely important in supporting Arab grocers.

Prima Foods Inc.

Prima Foods provides wholesale foods and restaurant supplies throughout the U.S. under their private label and through national brand products. Though focused on Greek and Italian foods, they also carry Middle Eastern and Eastern European foods. With over 2,000 products, they are an essential source for Middle Eastern foods in the U.S.

Royal Food Distributors

Royal Food Distributors is a wholesale distributor providing Florida and the Caribbean with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food products. They have been in operation for around seven years. While they are smaller than some on this list, they provide an essential service to the communities they serve, with both independent and chain stores as their customers.

Economy Greek Foods

Founded in 1901, Economy Greek Foods is a wholesale distributor and retailer of Greek and Middle Eastern foods as well as specially imported wine and beer. They began as a Greek market but grew into a wholesaler for the Denver Metro Area. Though smaller, they are still important in serving Arab grocery stores.

Asmar’s Mediterranean Foods Inc.

Founded in 1977, Asmars supplies the U.S. with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean wholesale food products. Though they call themselves “Mediterranean,” they carry a large amount of Arab food products. They are a smaller business, but still very important to supporting Arab grocers in the U.S.

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