Supplier Partner Guide

Reaching the independent distributor is a resource challenge for most suppliers, and Golbon is the channel in which suppliers can connect with this important level of distribution. The partnership that we have with suppliers is key to everyone’s success and we work hard to ensure that our supplier partners have the opportunity to grow their sales. Our Supplier Partner Guide was developed to give suppliers who are interested in becoming a Golbon partner a comprehensive look at Golbon. Here is an overview; simply select any of the highlighted items for more details.

Interested in becoming a Golbon supplier, or interested in getting more information? Please use the Contact Us link above.

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What is Golbon?
Throughout the years, our particular segment of the industry was referred to as buying groups. As we have expanded our programs to fully cover the needs of our independent foodservice distributors, and as the diversity of our membership grows into areas such as convenience stores, retail, club stores, and specialty distribution, Golbon continues to provide services to meet distributor and supplier needs.
What makes Golbon unique?
Customer driven innovation and value-producing results makes Golbon the right choice to help you reach your sales and profitability objectives. What makes us unique makes us successful, and our success is measured by our supplier partner and distributor members successes. Download our outline of how Golbon is unique in the foodservice industry and how it translates into value-producing results for a Golbon supplier: Golbon is Unique Outline.
What we do
Golbon's role varies widely based on distributor needs, but our main goal is to provide financial and service-based benefits that will assist them in competing within their markets in a profitable manner. For our supplier partners, our goal is to increase their sales with the independent distribution segment, typically a more profitable area than national account, chain business, and corporate distribution. It is imperative that we all work in unison to achieve our mutual sales goals and success.
How we do it!
The Golbon team is comprised of associates that have spent their careers in the foodservice industry and distribution. As we continue to grow into different segments, we bring in associates that are experienced in those areas. From logistics to operations, Golbon has a team member or department that covers the needs of our members.
How we work with our Distributor Members
With the diversity of our members in foodservice, c-store, etc., it is vital that we provide distributor members all the information needed to succeed:
- Conduit between Distributor Members and Supplier Partners
- MembersOnly website reporting to members
- Weekly Members Update - current news and events
- Distributor online discussion forum
- Supplier and product listings for easy access by members
- Mid Year Food Show / Fall Partners Conferences
- Golbon BuyOnline - internet trade show
- Regional meetings and seminars
- Distributor Training Services - for DSRs, sales, etc.
How we benefit the Supplier
Supplier satisfaction and growth is just as important to us as distributor satisfaction. Our supplier partners benefit in many ways by being a part of our program:
- Category management support
- Business plan building
- Loyal business partners
- National brands promoting
- Sales to independent distributors
- Logistics
- Strategic Sales Planning meetings
How we benefit the Distributor
Golbon distributors have joined our group for many reasons, some are financial, others are for resources for training and process improvements:
- Purchasing Credit and DPA
- District Manager program
- Sales and Purchasing Training programs
- Marketing and publication support for local trade needs
- Logistic support opportunities
- Buy-Sell programs
- Networking with other independent distributors
- Networking with supplier partners
- Industry trends & information services