Do You Need a Food Broker? 5 Signs Your Brand Is Ready for Retail Representation
- Jon Allen
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
You’ve got a great product. You’ve been hustling at farmers’ markets, getting into a few local stores, maybe even selling well on Amazon. But now, you’re wondering: should you bring in a food broker? Or can you keep grinding it out on your own?
Here’s the reality—getting on retail shelves isn’t just about having a great product. It’s about knowing how to navigate the gatekeepers, the pricing models, and the expectations that come with mass distribution. A food broker acts as your brand’s representative, working with retail buyers to pitch your product and keep it selling.
So, how do you know if you need one?
Retail buyers aren’t calling you back.
Buyers get bombarded with pitches every day. If your emails are going unanswered, they often prefer working with brokers who understand their process and can streamline decisions.
You don’t have the time or network to build retail relationships.
Managing retail relationships is a full-time job. A good broker already has the connections and understands what each retailer needs.
You’re losing money on pricing mistakes.
Setting the wrong retail price, slotting fees, or promotional structures can tank your profit margins before you even get started. Brokers help ensure you don’t price yourself out of the game.
You need to expand but don’t know where to start.
Should you go national with one retailer? Try regional chains first? A broker helps you create the right retail roadmap instead of going all-in on a strategy that may not be sustainable.
You’re already in stores but reorders are slow.
Landing on shelves is one thing. Staying there is another. If your velocities aren’t strong, a broker can help troubleshoot why and work with the retailer on solutions.
If you’re running into roadblocks getting into retail—or staying there—it might be time to bring in a food broker. Woodridge Retail Group knows what buyers want and how to get your product in front of them. Let’s chat about your brand’s next move. Contact us.
