Table of Contents
Food and beverage businesses require specialized fulfillment services. Beverages, with their substantial weight, drive up shipping expenses and require careful packaging to prevent breakage. Similarly, food products need precise temperature control across three main storage types:
- Frozen (0°F and below)
- Refrigerated (34-39°F)
- Dry storage (50-70°F)
To address these requirements, every warehouse in our network has the certifications, monitoring systems, and handling protocols your products require. Contact our team to discuss your requirements, and we will connect your business with our pre-screened warehouses.
Why Businesses Are Using Food & Beverage Fulfillment Companies
Getting food and beverages from the warehouse to the customer isn’t as simple as moving boxes around. These products need special care that aligns with FDA regulations, including sophisticated temperature control systems that keep everything fresh and safe along the way.
What the FDA requires from fulfillment companies:
- Each facility undergoes regular inspections, where FDA officials walk through to make sure everything from temperature controls to storage methods meet safety standards.
- Team members need specialized training to handle inspections confidently, knowing exactly what documentation to provide and how to demonstrate compliance.
- Every temperature check gets logged to prove products are stored at exactly the right temperature – no guesswork allowed.
- Detailed pest control records show how the facility stays ahead of any potential issues through prevention and monitoring.
- Thorough cleaning logs track everything from daily sanitization to deep cleaning schedules.
Food storage protocols include:
When it comes to food storage, under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), facilities that store food products must register with the FDA and employ staff trained in food safety protocols. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- A well-orchestrated cleaning schedule that keeps every corner of the facility spotless and food-safe
- Staff who understand not just what to do, but why it matters for keeping food safe and fresh
- Smart storage systems that keep cleaning supplies well away from food products
- Multiple layers of pest prevention that protect stored goods
- Regular building maintenance that keeps outside elements where they belong – outside
Beverage handling requirements:
Beverages present additional physical handling challenges. Their liquid weight impacts shipping costs, and their glass and aluminum containers require protective packaging to prevent damage.
- Special equipment designed specifically for moving heavy liquids safely
- Protected areas designed to prevent any breaks or damage during handling
- Precise temperature controls that keep beverages at their best
- Systems that navigate the complex world of state-specific regulations
- Special packaging that keeps fragile containers safe
Alcohol distribution compliance:
And when it comes to alcoholic beverages, things get even more interesting. Each state has its own rules about shipping alcohol, adding another layer to consider.
- Having the right permits for each state’s unique requirements
- Reliable age verification for direct-to-consumer shipments
- Special protocols for handling these controlled products
- Shipping methods that keep everything legally compliant, state by state
Start Your Warehouse Search
Save time vetting warehouses. Tell us your beverage storage and distribution needs – we’ll match you with facilities that have proven beverage handling experience.
How to Select a Food & Beverage Fulfillment Company
Don’t just take a warehouse’s word that they can handle your products. Ask for specific examples of how they manage similar items, from storage methods to quality control measures. Get real details about their experience with products like yours.
Assess the physical building:
When you tour potential facilities, a food-grade warehouse should impress you with its organization and cleanliness. Storage areas should demonstrate clear organization, with designated spaces for different beverage types and proper handling equipment. Here’s what to look for:
- Building conditions that show serious attention to food safety – sealed doors, solid walls, and absolutely no signs of unwelcome visitors
- Robust temperature control systems backed by generators and continuous monitoring
- Clean, well-maintained loading docks that keep products safe during transfer
- Smart storage layouts with proper equipment for handling different product types
- Well-placed handwashing stations and clean facilities for staff
- Cleaning supplies stored safely away from any food or beverage products
Assess their technology:
The warehouse’s technology should give you clear insights into your inventory and order status. Ask the warehouse provider to show you how their systems:
- Keep tabs on every product lot from the moment it arrives until it ships
- Manage first-in-first-out rotation across all storage areas
- Monitor and record temperatures throughout the facility
- Handle shipping documents and work with carriers
- Can quickly trace products if a recall becomes necessary
Assess the warehouse’s location:
A warehouse’s location affects delivery speed and shipping costs. Consider their primary facility location and any partner networks they maintain for wider distribution. Evaluate warehouse locations against:
- How quickly can they reach your customers?
- What will shipping cost from their location?
- Do they have partner facilities for wider reach?
- Can they cover all your target markets?
- Which shipping carriers do they work with?
Determine how the warehouse holds itself accountable:
In food and beverage fulfillment, small errors can spiral into big problems. Get specific about expectations and track:
- How accurately they fulfill orders
- Whether deliveries arrive on time
- Their track record preventing product damage
- How well they maintain inventory counts
- How quickly they respond when issues come up
Verify credentials and certifications:
Ask potential fulfillment partners if they are certified to store and ship food and beverage items. Food and beverage warehouses must maintain specific certifications and documentation. Request and verify these credentials before beginning operations.
- Current FDA registration under FSMA
- All required food-grade facility certifications
- State-specific permits for your products
- Comprehensive staff training documentation
- Detailed quality control procedures and records
Compare Fulfillment Options
Compare quotes from pre-screened beverage fulfillment warehouses in your target markets. Share your requirements with our team to start reviewing options.
Food and Beverage Fulfillment Costs
While standard pricing typically starts with a base monthly rate, most facilities customize their pricing to match your needs. Temperature-controlled storage, special handling requirements, and volume commitments all influence your final costs. High-volume shippers often qualify for discounts, particularly on storage and shipping rates.
Your total fulfillment cost may include:
- Setup and onboarding fees for system integration
- Monthly storage charges based on space and temperature requirements
- Receiving fees calculated by container, pallet, or SKU
- Order processing and handling labor
- Quality control documentation and temperature monitoring
- Carrier rates (often discounted based on volume)
- Returns processing and restocking
- Account management services
Find Qualified Warehouses
Need a fulfillment partner that understands beverage storage and handling? Our free matching service connects you with verified warehouses that meet FDA standards.
Last Step
Since 2005 We’ve Been Helping Companies Just Like Yours
Your contact information is held in the strictest of confidence. We will contact you before we connect you with vendors so that we can learn about your situation, obtain any of your contact preferences, and answer any of your questions.
YOU have control over your contact details:
- No unwanted contacts – you control how vendors respond to you
- Remain confidential if you wish
- No commitment to choose any of our vendors
- Ask our Fulfillment experts any questions you have!
Location:
Dallas, TX, 75247 
Location:
Dallas, TX, 75247 
View More