In total, Utz now has more than 200 independent operator-run routes across Florida.
Snack manufacturer Utz Brands is continuing to expand its distribution network, progressing on its direct-store-delivery (DSD) goals by acquiring distribution rights in South Florida from National Food Corp.
The company’s purchase of the third-party DSD distribution network includes 65 DSD routes in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Naples, and Fort Myers. This is the second acquisition with the company; the first in 2021 included 21 DSD routes in Central Florida.
In total, Utz now has more than 200 independent operator-run routes across Florida.
Expanding the DSD Map
The acquisition is part of the company’s larger goals to bolster its DSD approach. During its 2023 December Investor Day, Utz said DSD is a critical route to market for the company, referencing several benefits including more control on the shelf, increased responsiveness to demand fluctuations, increased speed to market, and a critical component of maintaining a competitive advantage among retailers.
Also read: Utz has been optimizing its portfolio. Learn which brands were recently offloaded.
Since 2016, the company has increased the number of its DSD routes from 1,100 to 2,250, shifting its mix from mostly company-owned to now primarily independently operated.
“We're building our DSD route infrastructure, continuing to improve it and strengthen it as our sales teams are there,” said CEO Howard Friedman during a recent call with investors.