If you are running a business involved in food and drink, such as a restaurant, you know very well that the quality of the ingredients you use matters – especially if you have a highly selective client base. The same is true if you are producing various drink products – because if you don’t meet the expectations of your customers, they can easily go to a competitor and purchase what they need from them. Competition is rife in the food and drink industry, and you should be able to deliver what your customers want and need when and where they need it. But this brings us to another point: the supplier you choose. Drink and beverage suppliers may be plentiful, but not all are created equal. So how can you choose among them and pick the right one? Here’s how you can best select a drink ingredient supplier for your business.
Consider the cost
Cost is a major factor because you want to have the profit you require without sacrificing the quality of your products or items. But when it comes to cost, it’s not just the unit itself you have to think about – you also have to think about the various related costs of the beverage you are producing. For example, how much will it cost annually for the ice your drinks need, if you are serving beverages on-site? How much will it cost for packaging and the transport of your goods to the shops? Factor all of these in and consider the product’s total cost versus the cost of the supplier.
Consider the brand
When choosing a beverage or drink supplier, consider their brand. Are they already established in the industry? What kind of products do they offer? Do they have a lot of clients? Do they offer speciality items as well? Here’s one example: if you are in the market for organic fruit puree, it’s best to choose organic fruit puree suppliers like EE & Brian Smith who can offer not only the best in quality but also traceability. Such suppliers will also be more aware of sustainability and they would be sure to follow best practices in the sector.
The company you choose should also be able to provide you with accreditation and certifications to prove that they follow high standards with the products they source and the level of service they can provide.
Consider the ideal fit
Yet another factor that can influence your decision on which beverage or drink supplier to choose is the ideal fit. What does this mean? It simply means making sure that the supplier fits with your business’s core product range and competencies. Think about it – for example, do you want to have a reputation for a wide range of drinks and beverages that are not readily found with other manufacturers or establishments? Then you have to make sure your chosen supplier can supply you with the ingredients you need for this. Some suppliers can provide you with speciality items as well, so if you have the mind to expand in the future and provide your customers with more choices and a unique range of beverages, your supplier should be able to meet your requirements. The more items they have, the better, but find out about their payment terms and delivery schedule along with their minimum order quantity.