Food smallgoods distributor in Melbourne wanted

Okay - it's time to stop pussyfooting around - stop fearing the potential of success - move out of the comfort zone - and grab the bull by the horns.

I make a range of wine based products (think quince paste for cheese, but made with wine instead of fruit ... okay ... so wine is a fruit!) which I have been selling at markets, wholesaling locally through cellar doors and, for the last twelve months, sending by the multiple box loads to the Gold Coast for distribution ... and it's going balistic.

The product is going mad and I am at the stage where I need to decide to I want to stay in these two markets or expand ... so finally ... after much self analysing ... fear of success and all that ... I've decided to have a go at expanding.

I have a contract manufacturer lined up and the theory is that, if I can get the product made and distributed to a significantly larger market I'm happy to make only a portion per product of what I have been currently earning. This would also free me up to develop other lines - the garlic infused sauerkraut is so moreish and in hot demand - and I can't keep up with the requests for my wine pickled garlic.

I was thinking that Melbourne, being more of a liberal foodie city, would be the next logical step, and then expand into Sydney, but none of my contacts know any Melbourne distributors (they can help with Sydney).

The product is shelf stable with no special storage requirements - ambient shelf life is 12+ months (only cause 12 months is the longest we've tested it).

Can anyone recommend a smallfoods distributor in Melbourne? There are dozens and dozens on Google, so is overwhelming and would prefer a word of mouth recommendation

 

@Lizzie - have a look at the label on the olives, Pickles etc in your pantry. There's bound to be someone like Three Threes or Cantarella Bros (Vittoria F&B - national distribution). I remember going to Cantarella's as a kid when they were in Ultimo.

 

@Lizzie - have a look at Phillippas - Phillippa's Bakery | Bread & Provisions
The type of produce you are making would fit well with her company. They distribute throughout Australia.
I used to do the maintenance for the stores and the factory in Melb several years ago. We still buy product for Christmas from them.
There may be a possibility to supply them or at the very least she may be able to give some advice. Good luck with your endeavor
Cheers
PP

 

Do you or your manufacturer have Haacp accreditation Lizzie? The big distributors won't look at you without

 

Good point - the contract manufacturer does, I don't - although I have been food safety certified.

 

Congrats on your success so far.
I love stories like this

 

Thanks TMNT ... one thing I struggle with is that I am a "creator". I like to make/manufacture things. There are few mentors in that field as so many business nowadays seem to be either middlemen (importing and on-selling) with wholesale/retail in it's many forms - or providing a service such as broker, BA, coach, even my tourist accommodation is merely providing a service.

So few people "make/create" anymore.

 

Just a little excited. Everything crossed

Contacted a small distributor, who covers both Sydney and Melbourne but specialises in cheese, and cheese related products.

Ideal for me ... they are keen and have asked me to send samples.

Have contract food manufacturer lined up too - again a smallish business and located nearby in Port Macquarie - costed out and I still end up with a tasty little profit per item. Looking into changing packaging from a trio of stickers to a cardboard sleeve.

Kinda exciting how, when the time is right, things just come together