Everyone can attest to the popularity and demand for ice cream trucks’ products. Over the years, these trucks have become an exciting component of many communities, evoking nostalgia and making available mind-blowing treats, especially during the warm months.
However, note that for these trucks to do business efficiently, they must source their ice cream at competitive wholesale prices.
If you are already faced with this dilemma or considering starting an ice cream truck, below are the top places ice cream trucks are known to buy their ice cream at wholesale prices.
Where Do Ice Cream Trucks Buy Their Ice Cream at Wholesale Prices?
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Wholesale Distributors
These distributors supply a vast assortment of ice cream products, such as pre-packaged novelties, soft serve mixes, and bulk tubs. A good number of renowned distributors include:
Sysco: Renowned as one of the top businesses in the food service sector, Sysco has made a name for providing clients with a wide array of ice cream products.
Keep in mind that their vast network guarantee that ice cream truck operators can obtain the products they need at competitive prices.
US Foods: This is another top player in the food distribution industry. This company carries a wide assortment of ice cream brands and flavors.
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Specialty Ice Cream Wholesalers
These wholesalers prefer to sell ice cream and frozen desserts, ensuring that willing customers can have unrestricted access to a vast selection of high-quality products. Some well-known specialty ice cream wholesales to consider include:
Ice Cream Club: This company is popular for specialty items like premium ice cream, sherbets, and sorbet. Ice Cream Club as well carry a vast array of flavors that will cater to the needs of both traditional and adventurous palates.
The services they offer also include marketing support to ensure that ice cream truck businesses can attain substantial success.
Perry’s Ice Cream: One of the popular and most enjoyed regional favorites in the northeastern United States. Perry’s Ice Cream provides clients with wholesale options that feature classic flavors and unique seasonal varieties.
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Local Dairy Producers
Ice cream truck operators can also source their products from local dairy producers. One of the many benefits of this source is that the ice cream trucks will be supporting local businesses and will also be getting fresher products. Some good producers to consider include:
Tillamook: Located in Oregon, Tillamook has gained prominence for its top-grade dairy products, including ice cream. Keep in mind that their dedication to making use of natural ingredients makes them a valid option, especially for health-conscious consumers.
Straus Family Creamery: Headquartered in California, Straus Family Creamery has for years been making and supplying organic ice cream made with sustainable practices. You will love the fact that their products are very popular with customers who prefer organic and eco-friendly options.
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Membership-Based Wholesale Clubs
These businesses can also choose to work or source their goods from big members’ clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club since they offer competitive prices on bulk purchases, including ice cream.
Although not as specialized as most of the options above, these clubs have proven to be a good and cost-effective source for ice cream truck operators.
Costco: They carry a vast array of products and bulk pricing. In addition, they carry numerous popular ice cream brands and novelty items that an ice cream truck can easily stock and sell.
Sam’s Club: Just like Costco, Sam’s Club also provides customers with a vast array of ice cream products at wholesale prices, thus making it a very good choice for many small business owners.
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Direct from Manufacturers
You will also find that some ice cream truck operators work directly with manufacturers to do away with the middleman and in many ways lower costs. Note that this particular option works well for ice cream trucks that have to deal with larger order quantities.
Blue Bell Creameries: They are renowned as one of the biggest ice cream manufacturers in the United States. This company provides direct sales to retailers, such as ice cream trucks. Also, note that their wide distribution network works to guarantee availability in numerous regions.
Good Humor: Another popular company in the ice cream production sector, Good Humor has been known to offer direct sales options, making it possible for ice cream trucks to stock their iconic treats.
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Food Service Cash and Carry Stores
This is another ideal source of ice cream trucks and these businesses provide an assortment of products, such as ice cream, at wholesale prices. Some good options include:
Restaurant Depot: This is one of the largest cash and carry chains that has made a name for stocking and selling numerous food service supplies.
Restaurant Depot is known to carry a wide range of ice cream products ideal for ice cream trucks. Also, note that their bulk pricing and membership model ensures that these businesses can keep costs low.
Smart Food Service Warehouse Stores: Just like Restaurant Depot, these stores serve the needs of food service professionals by stocking and selling a wide selection of food service products, such as ice cream, at competitive prices.