The 12 Top Food Distributors in Australia in 2025

Australia’s food and beverage market is a powerhouse in the global economy, projected to grow steadily over the next decade. In 2023, the market size reached US$90.2 billion and is expected to expand to US$132.7 billion by 2032 at a CAGR of 4.3%. With key segments like meat, dairy, and beverages leading the way, the industry offers vast opportunities for businesses looking to expand in Australia. The demand for high-quality, diverse food products is on the rise, driven by a growing population and evolving consumer preferences for premium, sustainable, and locally sourced foods. For food companies looking to tap into this lucrative market, finding the right food distributor in Australia is essential.

The country’s fragmented geography and retail landscape make it critical to partner with reliable distributors who can help navigate the market’s complexities and unlock its full potential. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 12 food distributors in Australia for 2025, giving you the insight needed to make informed decisions.

Understanding the Australian Retail Landscape

Australia’s food retail sector is highly consolidated, with major supermarket chains like Woolworths and Coles dominating the market. These large retailers account for a significant portion of food and beverage sales across the country. However, the market is geographically diverse, with New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland being key regions. Distribution is critical in this fragmented landscape, as efficient logistics are needed to reach both urban centers and remote areas. Distributors play a vital role in connecting manufacturers with retailers, ensuring products are available across Australia’s vast geography while maintaining product quality and safety.

Curious about who’s leading the retail game? Check out our article on the Top 17 Retailers in Australia in 2024!

Types of Food Distributors in Australia

Food distributors in Australia fall into several categories, each serving different market needs:

General Importers:

Handle a wide range of products and offer broad market coverage through extensive networks.

Specialized Distributors:

Focus on niche categories like dairy, meat, or organic products, providing deep market expertise.

Wholesalers:

Manage logistics, storage, and distribution to various retail outlets.

Direct-to-Retail Distributors:

Work closely with major supermarket chains to get products on shelves.

Online Distributors:

Capitalize on the rise of e-commerce, targeting online consumers.

Choosing the right type depends on your product category and target market.

How to Identify Food Distributors in Australia

Finding the right food distributor in Australia requires using multiple channels to gather insights and connections. Here are some of the key avenues to explore:

• Industry Associations and Trade Organisations: These bodies have extensive networks and can provide valuable referrals.
• Government Trade Departments: Entities like Austrade offer resources and directories to help identify local distributors.
• Online Directories: Platforms list verified distributors across Australia.
• Trade Shows and Exhibitions: Events are ideal for meeting distributors face-to-face.
• Referrals: Leverage existing networks for distributor recommendations.

Preparing to Engage with Food Distributors in Australia

Before approaching food distributors in Australia, preparation is crucial. Start by conducting thorough background research to understand the distributor's market experience and reputation. Next, define clear objectives, outlining your specific distribution goals and target market insights. Ensure that you have a complete product overview, including pricing, production capacity, and marketing materials. Identify key factors that matter most to the distributor, such as pricing and delivery timelines. Finally, set clear expectations about sales targets, marketing support, and payment terms to establish a transparent and mutually beneficial relationship from the start.

For a more in-depth guide on finding the perfect distributor, check out our full resource on identifying a food distributor in Australia.

How We Chose Our Top Food Distributors in Australia

To compile our list of the top Australian food distributors, we enlisted the help of GourmetPro’s local experts, who provided us with on-the-ground insights. They considered a number of criteria, including market presence, distribution network size, product range, financial stability, and reputation for customer service and reliability. They also looked at innovation and sustainability efforts within the industry. Our experts narrowed down the list to ensure that we provided you with the most trusted and impactful distributors in Australia for 2025.

The Top 12 Food Distributors in Australia in 2025

12 - Australian Lamb

Founded in 1993, Australian Lamb is a key player in the meat distribution sector, focusing on premium lamb products. The company is owned by a consortium of private investors and serves the retail, hospitality, and export sectors. They are recognized for their high-quality lamb cuts and a strong reputation in international markets.

• Headquarters: Sunshine, Victoria
• Number of Centers: 5
• Products Distributed: Lamb and meat products
• Website
• Contact: +61 3 9212 1234

11 - Mrs Crockets Kitchen

Mrs Crockets Kitchen, founded in the 1980s and acquired by Ironbridge, specializes in pre-prepared meals and catering solutions. It serves supermarkets, hospitals, and hospitality businesses across the country. Known for quality and convenience, they are a trusted name in pre-packaged meals.

• Headquarters: Australia
• Number of Centers: 4
• Products Distributed: Pre-prepared meals, catering services
• Website
• Contact: +61 3 8762 5678

10 - Newly Weds Foods

Founded in 1983, Newly Weds Foods specializes in food coatings and seasonings. They are a leading supplier in Australia and New Zealand, offering Japanese-style bread crumbs, marinades, and seasonings to the foodservice and retail sectors. They have a strong market presence and serve multiple industries.

• Headquarters: Sydney, New South Wales
• Number of Centers: 4
• Products Distributed: Coating systems, seasoning blends, marinades
• Website
• Contact: +61 2 9679 1234

9 - IRPA (International Rice & Products Australia)

Founded in Perth, IRPA specializes in premium Asian grocery products, particularly rice. They focus on delivering high-quality, specialty items to wholesalers, retailers, and restaurants across Australia, ensuring superior product standards and customer satisfaction.

• Headquarters: Perth, Western Australia
• Number of Centers: 3
• Products Distributed: Rice, Asian grocery products
• Website
• Contact: +61 8 9322 1234

8 - About Life

Founded in 1996, About Life is a leading organic and natural food distributor. It serves the health-conscious market through its retail stores and partnerships with supermarkets and cafes. Known for its sustainability ethos, the company distributes organic food, beverages, and eco-friendly products.

• Headquarters: Rozelle, New South Wales
• Number of Centers: 4
• Products Distributed: Organic foods, eco-friendly products
• Website
• Contact: +61 2 9555 1234

7 - Superior Food Services

Founded in 1992, Superior Food Services focuses on providing top-notch food products to the hospitality and foodservice industries. With a broad portfolio ranging from fresh produce to frozen goods, they have become one of the largest foodservice distributors in Australia. The company was acquired by Quadrant Private Equity.

• Headquarters: Oakleigh, Victoria
• Number of Centers: 7
• Products Distributed: Fresh produce, frozen goods, dairy
• Website
• Contact: +61 3 9562 1234

6 - Huon Aquaculture

Founded in 1986, Huon Aquaculture is a major distributor of premium seafood, specializing in salmon products. The company is a key player in sustainable seafood, exporting to both domestic and international markets. They have set a benchmark for high-quality seafood distribution in Australia.

• Headquarters: Hobart, Tasmania
• Number of Centers: 6
• Products Distributed: Salmon, seafood
• Website
• Contact: +61 3 6295 1234

5 - Inghams Group Limited

Founded in 1918, Inghams Group is one of Australia’s largest poultry producers and distributors, supplying high-quality chicken and turkey products to retailers, foodservice operators, and wholesalers. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Inghams is a leading name in the food distribution sector.

• Headquarters: Sydney, New South Wales
• Number of Centers: 10+
• Products Distributed: Poultry products (chicken, turkey)
• Website
• Contact: +61 2 9609 1234

4 - JBS Australia

JBS Australia is the leading food distributor in Australia, specializing in meat products. As a subsidiary of the global meat processing company JBS S.A., it supplies high-quality beef, lamb, and pork to both domestic and international markets. Their extensive network and commitment to quality have made them a top distributor in the country.

• Headquarters: Brisbane, Queensland
• Number of Centers: 10+
• Products Distributed: Beef, lamb, pork
• Website
• Contact: +61 7 3218 1234

3 - Primo Foods

Primo Foods is Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of smallgoods, providing a wide range of products from hams and salami to bacon and sausages. Their products are distributed across retail, foodservice, and export markets. With a strong presence in the Australian market, Primo Foods is a household name for quality processed meats.

• Headquarters: Chullora, New South Wales
• Number of Centers: 12
• Products Distributed: Processed meats (ham, bacon, salami, sausages)
• Website
• Contact: +61 2 9742 1234

2 - Bidfood Australia

Bidfood Australia is one of the largest foodservice distributors in the country, offering an extensive range of products from fresh produce to packaged goods. They serve a diverse customer base, including hotels, restaurants, schools, and hospitals. With a strong logistics network, Bidfood ensures timely delivery and quality service.

• Headquarters: Sydney, New South Wales
• Number of Centers: 20+
• Products Distributed: Fresh produce, frozen goods, dairy, packaged foods
• Website
• Contact: +61 2 9708 1234

1 - Metcash

Metcash, founded in 1927, is one of Australia’s largest grocery distributors, serving independent retailers across the country. They provide a vast array of products, including groceries, liquor, and hardware, to over 10,000 stores. Their market reach is extensive, making them a key player in food distribution.

• Headquarters: North Ryde, New South Wales
• Number of Centers: 30+
• Products Distributed: Groceries, fresh produce, packaged goods
• Website
• Contact: +61 2 9741 3000

FAQs

1. Who are the leading 3 food distributors in Australia?

The leading food distributors in Australia are Metcash, Bidfood Australia, and Primo Foods. Metcash serves over 10,000 independent retailers, providing a wide range of grocery products. Bidfood is a major player in the foodservice sector, distributing fresh produce and packaged goods to hospitality businesses. Primo Foods specializes in processed meats and is the largest smallgoods manufacturer and distributor in the country, supplying retail and foodservice markets with products like ham, bacon, and sausages.

2. How do I find a food distributor for my product?

To find a food distributor in Australia, utilize various channels such as industry associations, government trade departments like Austrade, and online directories. Attending trade shows and seeking referrals from business contacts can also help identify potential distributors. Additionally, direct outreach to companies aligned with your product and online marketplaces can be effective. Research each distributor’s background, capabilities, and market experience to ensure they align with your business needs.

3. What are some of the different types of distributors?

Australia has several types of distributors: general importers offer broad market coverage, while specialized distributors focus on niche products like meat or organics. Wholesalers manage logistics and supply chain functions for various retailers, and direct-to-retail distributors partner closely with large supermarket chains. Additionally, online distributors are increasingly important as e-commerce continues to grow, helping businesses reach online consumers.

Looking for the best distributor for your product in Australia? Let GourmetPro’s local experts handle the research, introductions, and negotiations. With decades of experience, we’ll help you find the perfect partner and ensure a smooth market entry. Get in touch today!