36 Best Wholesale Product Distribution Business ideas in 2023

Wholesale distribution industry serves as a critical link in the global supply chain and is tasked with distributing the majority of products between business partners around the world. According to reports, as of December 2020, there were 5.68 million people employed in the wholesale distribution industry in the United States, representing 3.6 percent of the total private employees in the United States.

Wholesale distributors are known to have very concrete relationships with both upstream and downstream of the supply chain. Wholesale distributors tend to offer a catalog made up of diverse product lines along with customer service.

A good number of them also offer value-added distributorship (VAD). Note that this extends a distributor’s role beyond just collecting, packing, and shipping products by providing differentiating services and solutions that offer more benefits to their clients.

What are the Best Wholesale Distribution Businesses for 2023?

1. Home Appliance

We all need home appliances, and while previous decades had the benefit of home appliances that lasted long, our modern home appliances do not hold the same durability. In addition, we get to see newer and better-looking appliances emerging in the market continually, so how long they last often isn’t a necessary factor for buyers.

Owing to the high demand for home appliances, starting a home appliance distribution center is indeed a route to consider. You can stock only one type of appliance or consider a variety depending on your business capital.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Whirlpool
• LG
• Samsung
• Frigidaire
• KitchenAid

2. Stationery And Paper

Owing to modernization and the advent of technology, a good number of businesses are going paperless, but there is still a massive market for paper even for several years to come. Therefore, stationery items are products that almost everyone needs, whether at work or home. In this business, you will have a good market as schools and education facilities also make use of stationery items and paper.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Staedtler
• Faber-Castell
• Muji
• KOKUYO
• Sakura Color Products Corporation.

3. Sports And Fitness Equipment

Have it in mind that the sports and fitness industry is gigantic, and it has exhibited steady growth over the past two decades. Owing to that, choosing products from this industry to start your distribution center is a lucrative idea.

No matter where you are in the world, there are likely a good number of prominent sports within the local community. Therefore, starting a distribution center for sports and fitness equipment is a good idea. You will have a massive target audience regardless of the type of products you opt for.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Body-Solid
• Bodycraft
• Nautilus
• Torque Fitness

4. Textiles And Apparel

Textiles and apparel refer to everything from shoes to clothing and everything in between. Since we all need clothing, the market is massive, and you will also find business easily. Have it in mind that clothing is a basic human essential, so you won’t find it challenging to locate buyers. Because this choice is so profitable, you will have to battle a sea of competitors. Therefore, product selection and brands are imperative to your success in this business.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Aigle
• Dorothy Perkins
• Arvind Limited

5. Computer Parts And All The Accessories

Without being told, technology is a massively growing industry, and since a huge portion of the world’s population leverage technology, distribution centers in this category tend to be quite profitable. Computer parts and accessories indeed are a better choice when compared to other types of technology due to the high demand for these products. Therefore, you won’t have much trouble finding retailers to buy your products no matter where in the world you are.

Manufacturers to Consider

• HP
• Dell
• Apple
• IBM
• Gateway Computers.

6. Coffee

According to reports, Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day making the United States the leading consumer of coffee in the world. Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide. Millions of consumers cannot even begin their day without a hot cup of coffee. Owing to that, coffee distribution is a good business to consider and it involves buying, selling, and supplying whole bean and roasted coffee.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Lavazza
• Nespresso
• Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc

7. Automobile Parts

Starting an automobile parts distribution business can be a lucrative endeavor. With businesses and processes changing daily, have it in mind there will always be demand for new features, products, and services for your business. In addition, there are many business models and pricing tiers you can leverage that will allow you to reach all types of customers.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Dana Inc.
• Lear
• Tenneco
• BorgWarner
• American Axle & Manufacturing

8. Beer and Wine

This is one of the most lucrative distribution businesses to do in 2023. However, location is very vital and you will also need substantial money to invest. In addition, you will be expected to obtain the necessary licenses and permissions from the authority.

Manufacturers to Consider

• E & J Gallo
• Constellation Brands
• Anheuser-Busch InBev.
• Heineken

9. Arts & Crafts

If you have some experience in any craft-related activity, then starting an art and craft distribution business is one to consider. You can make a living selling craft and you don’t have to go into a lot of debt to start the business. Start-up costs can be kept low because you don’t need a retail space or loads of inventory, and most crafts don’t require expensive equipment or tools.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Arteza
• Epiphany Studios
• Creations By You
• Little Guys By Cindy Pacileo

10. Floral

According to reports, the floral industry in the US is worth $5 billion. Based on the floral industry statistics from 2020, there are 31,663 floral businesses in the country, with an estimated 65,339 workers. Have it in mind that businesses distributing flowers to retail florists claim a portion of those billions.

A floral distributor sells flower supplies to florists, delivering fresh flowers in bulk to floral designers. A floral distribution business is a good choice for those with an interest in flowers and entrepreneurship and some experience working with florists.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Interflora
• Karen Roses
• The Kariki Group
• Kurt Weiss Greenhouses Inc.
• Marginpar BV

11. Herbal Products

Owing to the growing awareness about harmful chemical products in modern drugs, people today are trying out herbal products. Most notably, personal care products, home care products, and herbal cosmetics have a major share in the herbal product industry.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Canomiks
• Natural Remedies
• Vital Plan Inc.
• Biophytis

12. Bakery Products

Bakery and confectionery are without doubt one of the best items to consider when looking to enter the distribution business. Some of the most popular items are donuts, cakes, bread, biscuits, cookies, pastry, etc. In addition, allied products are very profitable in the bakery segment.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Flowers Foods
• Grupo Bimbo
• Arca Continental
• Campbell Soup Co.

13. Gift Items

Generally, gift items are known to generate high revenues in modern America. Therefore, gift items are very popular in the retail distribution segment. Some of the most popular products are showpieces, toys, wall hangings, personalized gifts, corporate gifts, etc.

Manufacturers to Consider

• AE Wholesale Inc.
• Adorable Originals Inc.
• Aurora World, Inc

14. Building Material

Have it in mind that rapid urbanization is the primary reason for the growth of the construction and real estate industry. Therefore, the building material distribution business has the potential of fetching good revenue. Some of the most potential items are cement, TMT rods, stone chips, nails, stone chips floor tiles, etc.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Colloid Environmental Technologies Company
• CertainTeed Corporation
• EMCOR Group, Inc.
• TopBuild Corp.
• Eagle Materials Inc.

15. Dairy Product

If you are looking to start a distribution business in the processed food industry, then you can consider dairy product distribution. Most notably, butter, cheese, yogurt, cream, toned milk are the popular items in this segment.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Prairie Farms Dairy
• Agropur
• Dairy Farmers of America Inc.
• Glanbia

16. Electrical Items

The electrical industry is a very profitable one to consider when looking to start a distribution business. Broadly, there are two segments. These are domestic items and industrial items. Electrical wires, switches, fans, lights, home appliances are the most potential items in the distribution business.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Acuity Brands Inc.
• Belden Inc.
• Hubbell Inc.

17. Furniture

This is without doubt another great industry you can consider when starting a distribution business. Aside from wooden furniture, wrought iron furniture, patio furniture, plastic, leather, and steel furniture make good sales. In addition, you can cater to both the domestic and commercial markets in this business.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Steelcase
• Herman Miller
• Haworth
• HNI Corp.

18. Greeting Cards

Have it in mind that greeting card is a multi-million dollar industry. And digitally printed cards have the highest demand. In addition, some of the handcrafted and hand-painted cards have good demand also and this is a business you can start with different brands.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Hallmark Cards
• American Greetings
• Gift Card Impressions
• UWP Luxe

19. Agricultural Product

Agriculture is a massive industry worldwide, and numerous items are perfect for distribution. Some of the most trending items are farm equipment, irrigation supplies, seeds, seedlings, fertilizers, growth promoters, pesticides, etc.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Monsanto
• Corteva
• Intrepid Potash.
• The Mosaic Company.
• CF Industries.

20. Security & Surveillance Products

In this modern age, it is a popular fact that people’s concern about security is growing massively. Therefore, both in the commercial and domestic segments there is an enormous demand for security and surveillance items. Generally, CCTV cameras and other devices have a great demand in this segment.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Axis Communications
• Hanwha Techwin
• Panasonic
• Bosch Security Systems, Inc.

21. Hosiery

Agreeably, hosiery is a key sector in the readymade garment industry. Have it in mind that different types of undergarments; vests, leggings, jeggings, Capri, trousers, track pants are the most popular items in this segment.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Americal Hosiery
• Acme-McCrary Corporation
• Carolon
• Carolina Textiles

22. Perfumes

Note that this is another wonderful item for the distribution business. Perfumes and deodorants are a massive industry today, and many companies choose distributors that will help them capture the market.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Vera Wang
• TMC Industries, Inc.
• Tropical Products, Inc
• Vigon International

23. Jewelleries

Gem and jewelry is a fast-growing industry globally. Aside from precious jewelry, semi-precious and costume jewelry are gradually gaining popularity in this modern age. Owing to the low price, a vast range of population can afford to buy these pieces. Therefore, depending on your start-up capital, you can consider starting a jewelry distribution business in your area.

Manufacturers to Consider

• American Gemstone Group
• Custom Fashion Jewels
• Robert Bartholomew, Ltd.
• MKM Jewelry, Inc.

24. Medicine

Medicine or drug distribution remains one of the most lucrative businesses in the pharmaceutical industry and a good number of the medicine producing companies appoint distributors zone-wise. Owing to that, you need to identify the companies that are interested in recruiting distributors in your area.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Johnson & Johnson.
• Pfizer Inc.
• Merck & Co.
• AbbVie Inc.
• Bristol Myers Squibb.

25. Leather Products

Aside from footwear, numerous items also have huge demand. Some of the most profitable items are handbags, office bags, wallets, purses, belts, gloves, leather garments, wristwatch straps, etc. Therefore, you can cater to a massive market in the leather products distribution business.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Map Crafts
• Oberon Design Inc
• Leather Hub
• Copper River Bag Co.

26. Laboratory Equipment

In the United States, a lot of companies make laboratory equipment and tools. These are different types of glassware, balance, digital weighing machine, tester, etc. Most of the companies that have specific R&D segments are the buyers of these items.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Gabler GmbH & Co.
• Eksigent Technologies
• Amtekco Industries
• CTC Analytics

27. Paint

This is another unique distribution business to start in the United States. Globally, you can find numerous established brands that produce paints. Note that paints come in the building material segment and some of the most potential items are wall putty, white cement, stainer, interior paint, outer wall paint, etc.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Sherwin-Williams Co.
• PPG Industries
• Behr Process Corp.
• RPM Inc

28. Organic Food

Today, the demand for organic food items is growing massively. Both processed food items and fresh food items have good demand. Howbeit, organically grown fresh fruits, and vegetables are known to have a very short shelf life.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Horizon Organic
• WhiteWave Foods Company.
• Hain Celestial Group
• General Mills.

29. FMCG Product

FMCG products such as soap, toothpaste, the shampoo will always have high demand. Note that this makes FMCG product distribution a very profitable business to consider. The investment needed for this business is moderate. However, you may come across a lot of competition in this business.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Procter & Gamble
• Pepsi Co.
• Coca Cola.
• Kimberly Clark.

30. Ores & Minerals Distribution

Ores and minerals are known to be massively connected with mining. Nevertheless, these are the essential raw materials for several industries. Note that some of the most popular items are magnesium sulphate, calcium carbonate, zinc sulphate, copper sulphate, etc.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Newmont
• Southern Copper
• Freeport McMoRan.
• Albemarle

31. Telecom Products

If you are eager to begin a business in the telecommunication industry, then you should consider the telecom products distribution business. Note that some of the most lucrative items are 4G routers, GPS personal trackers, handheld two-way radios, GPS vehicle tracking systems, fiber optic transmission products & systems, etc.

Manufacturers to Consider

• AT&T
• Verizon
• T-Mobile US
• US Cellular

32. Tobacco Products

Agreeably, tobacco items are dangerous to health, but the industry has been growing massively over the years. In tobacco products, you will get a small margin per unit, but the huge sales volume ensures high return in this business. In addition, the tobacco products market is highly competitive.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Reynolds American Inc.
• Vector Group Ltd.
• Philip Morris International Inc.

33. Smartphone

In this technology age, this is another great product you can consider in the distribution business. The smartphone market is growing rapidly and developing countries hold the major share of the total smartphone market. Aside from well-known brands like Apple and Samsung, other small companies are venturing into the market too.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Alcatel Lucent
• Oppo
• Xiaomi
• Vivo Communication Technology

34. Chemicals

When it comes to volume of production, the United States is the top chemical producer in the world, accounting for nearly one-fifth of world production. However, to venture into this business, you need to have some experience in the industry. There are numerous sectors in the chemical industry like agricultural chemicals, industrial chemicals, etc. You need to choose the one that suits you most.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Dow
• Exxon Mobil Chemical
• Dupont
• Air Products

35. Healthcare and Beauty

Health and beauty consist of a wide range of products, including fragrances, makeup, hair care and coloring products, sunscreen, toothpaste, products for bathing, nail care, and shaving. Also note that the industry overlaps with other markets like chemical, health care, and petroleum.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Unilever
• P&G
• Estée Lauder
• Avon

36. Flooring Products

If you are eager to establish a distribution business in the interior and real estate industry; then consider venturing into flooring products distribution. In this age, people like to leverage different types of flooring materials like carpets, boards, wooden, etc. This sort of distribution venture demands moderate capital investment.

Manufacturers to Consider

• Mohawk
• Shaw
• Engineered Floors
• Armstrong
• Tarkett

Indeed, finding success in the wholesale distribution business in 2023 will more or less depend on finding the right products and investing in particular brands predicted to make waves in the market.