Suppliers to Watch in 2024
Meet a Cohort of Diverse Suppliers
The supplier landscape is always changing. New businesses and products are always on the rise, providing solutions to suit a variety of needs. Connecting with new certified diverse suppliers from across food and non-food categories can help your business stay on the brink of innovation. That’s why the Foodbuy team is sharing insight into 2024’s Diverse Supplier Accelerator Program cohort.
The Diverse Supplier Accelerator Program (DSAP) connects a new cohort of certified diverse suppliers with Foodbuy resources and education sessions each year*. Read more about DSAP here.
Southeast Asia Food Group
What:
This Southeast Asian supplier boasts a large catalogue of produce, eggs and dairy, pantry items, beverage essentials, and pre-made items like dumplings and desserts.
Who:
The company was established by husband and wife, Jie Ming Liang and Gigi Liang, as an Asian grocery store in Chinatown in 1988. Now, the company is led by their son, Kevin Liang, and supplies businesses with a wide variety of ingredients for traditional Asian cuisine.
Why to Watch Them:
Asian cuisine requires the right ingredients to be done correctly and authentically. Operators can turn to this supplier for the essentials. They also work with local produce suppliers from the New York area, as well as emerging Asian American brands.
Soupergirl
What:
A certified diverse supplier offering fresh-made soups, including bisques and gazpachos.
Who:
Comedian Sara Polon and her mother, Marilyn Polon, established the business in 2008 to add more healthy options to the supply chain.
Why to Watch Them:
Nothing says comfort food like soup. Soupergirl offers fresh-made soups that are vegan, kosher, and created with healthy dining in mind. Their products are great as stand-alone items or bases.
Front of the House
What:
Their specialty is in their name. Front of the House offers high-end front-of-house items, from flatware to dinnerware to disposables.
Who:
Simone Mayer co-founded Front of the House in Miami, Florida in 2002. Since then, they’ve expanded to serve businesses worldwide.
Why to Watch Them:
A WBENC and NGLCC certified diverse supplier, Front of the House designs and manufactures 1000s of products. Their catalogue covers a range of styles and materials, making it easy to find the options that suit your business.
Nuchas
What:
A great addition to any menu, Nuchas specializes in empanadas. Their authentic Argentinian recipes include sweet and savory empanadas, as well as 100% vegan options.
Who:
Husband-and-wife team Ariel and Leni Barbouth founded Nuchas with the goal of sharing an Argentinian classic with the world.
Why to Watch Them:
This supplier showed off both the power of their product and business acumen on season 10 of Shark Tank. They’re also SQF Food Safety and Quality certified and manage a HACCP/FDA/USDA inspected facility.
Chomps
What:
Meat sticks made from beef, turkey, and venison with a variety of flavors.
Who:
Co-founded by personal trainer, Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, Chomps is a business created with health and wellness in mind.
Why to Watch Them:
A health-conscious snackers dream, Chomps meat sticks are low-carb and zero sugar. They include 10-12 grams of protein per stick from responsibly raised beef, turkey, and venison. They also partner with Land to Market, positioning them an environmentally responsible business.
ECOPAX
What:
ECOPAX operates as a resource for eco-friendly disposables, from takeout boxes to paper cups.
Who:
This family-owned business is an NMSDC-certified diverse supplier that focuses on eco-friendly products and policies.
Why to Watch Them:
Finding disposables that match sustainability goals is a challenge for many operators. ECOPAX provides a solution by offering products made with minimized environmental impact. They’re also known for staying abreast of the latest sustainability research and advancements.
David Rio Chai
What:
Starting with authentic Japanese Chai tea, the brand now offers a variety of hot beverage blends.
Who:
David Rio Chai was founded by David Scott Lowe and Rio Miura in 1996. The company now ships globally from their base in San Francisco, CA.
Why to Watch Them:
Tapping into a popular part of the hot beverages market, this tea supplier provides high-end, authentic products that give back through donations to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)’s elephant and tiger programs.
Táche
What:
A new milk alternative has entered the beverage scene. Táche specializes in pistachio milk and gourmet pistachio butter.
Who:
This company’s founder, Roxana Saidi, is a first-generation Iranian American who began making pistachio milk during the 2015 California drought. Now, she offers her product as an environmentally friendly milk alternative that packs a nutritious punch.
Why to Watch Them:
Milk alternatives have become mainstream over the past decade – especially in the realm of coffee and tea beverages. Táche’s products stand out for both their taste and health-focus, as pistachio are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
Teddy Bear Fresh Produce
What:
A wholesale produce and dairy supplier, Teddy Bear Fresh Produce is dedicated to high-quality products and service.
Who:
Owner Mary Salins operates this business with her family from the eastern shore of Maryland, where most of the company’s products are sourced.
Why to Watch Them:
Consumers have a greater focus on finding local and regional produce than ever before. For east coast operators, Teddy Bear Fresh Produce is a reliable source for high-quality regional products at competitive prices.
FGF Brands
What:
Operators can turn to this supplier for artisan-inspired baked goods including desserts and breads.
Who:
Founded by two brothers, FGF Brands boasts family-focused values, as well as a dedication to high-quality products.
Why to Watch Them:
This certified diverse supplier positions themselves as a technology company first, and a baked goods supplier second. Their focus on innovative processes is what will set them apart and allow them to adapt to the ever-changing foodservice landscape.
Hummus Goodness
What:
A menu of hummus blends crafted with fresh ingredients and no preservatives. All products are produced through a weekly small batch process.
Who:
Hannah Awada originally started the company from her then home of Shanghai, China. After moving both her family and her business to Michigan, Hummus Goodness took off in grocery stores.
Why to Watch Them:
The Hummus Goodness focus on fresh ingredients makes them an appealing source for this Middle eastern staple. Plus, their unique flavor list is constantly evolving and expanding.
*Compass Sectors can reach out to their Foodbuy Account Managers to verify product availability and contracting status.