Find US Buyers, Importers, Distributors | List of US Buyers

One of the world's largest importers of goods, the United States, has a $27 trillion economy and over 330 million inhabitants. The demand for foreign products never ends. In 2024, imports had surpassed $3.5 trillion, with much of this coming from foodstuffs and beverages.

Imports don't end with food. Textiles, technology, health aids, and consumer items also reign supreme. What's special about the U.S. is the openness of its buyers to purchasing worldwide. They crave quality, consistency, and innovation. For global suppliers, this translates into the U.S. market being both size and stability along with a clear regulatory system and a voracious appetite for international products.

The American food and drink sector is so massive and consistently adapting to every change. In 2024 alone, imports in this sector exceeded $170 billion.

Top products are:

• Coffee, tea, cocoa
• Seafood and frozen fish
• Tropical fruits (bananas, mangoes, pineapples)
• Olive oil and specialty cooking oils
• Dairy and cheese
• Alcoholic drinks (wine, beer, spirits)
• Ethnic and specialty foods
• Plant-based and organic lines

Some products that are now growing very quickly are:

• Organic and non-GMO goods
• Functional and health-based beverages
• Vegan protein and meat alternatives
• Ready-to-eat meals and snacks

Manufacturers targeting the U.S. market can connect with a diverse range of buyers. Here are the key buyer types:

• Importers: Handle large-scale procurement and customs clearance. They often work with a network of retailers or distributors and look for consistent quality, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery.
• Distributors: These companies supply products to wholesalers, retailers, and foodservice providers. They value shelf-ready packaging, stable supply chains, and strong branding.
• Wholesale Buyers: Purchase in bulk and sell to small retailers or foodservice businesses. They seek cost-effective products with broad market appeal.
• Retail Chains: Supermarkets and specialty food stores often source directly from manufacturers or via importers. They look for innovative, trend-driven, and certified products.
• Foodservice Providers (HORECA): Hotels, restaurants, and catering companies focus on taste, safety, and presentation. They often need custom pack sizes or specialty items.
• Online Marketplaces: E-commerce platforms and DTC (direct-to-consumer) services are growing channels for international brands.

Exporting to USA can appear complicated at first, but step by step it becomes easy to do. America is very particular about safety, paperwork, and regulations, particularly for food and drinks. Here's an informative guide:

Research the US market

Before you ship anything, know who your customers are—US importers, distributors or wholesale buyers. Research consumer demand, price points and what’s already on store shelves. Research food trends like plant-based, organic and specialty imports, these are growing fast.

Comply with US regulations

The FDA, USDA, and CBP have regulations for food and beverage industries so it's a must for them to under the jurisdictions. This means double-checking labels, ingredients, and packaging before shipment.

• Get the correct paperwork
• U.S. customs requires several documents. At a minimum, you’ll need:
• A detailed commercial invoice
• Bill of lading or airway bill
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Any required health or safety certificates (for example, phytosanitary certificates for fresh produce)

Having them on hand streamlines clearance and assists in establishing USA importer confidence.

Collaborate with a seasoned freight partner

The U.S. logistics can be intricate. Select a freight forwarder or shipping entity with established skill in processing food and beverage shipments. They will understand how to clear customs, provide optimal routing advice, and assist in avoiding unnecessary delays.

Negotiate Incoterms

Incoterms determine who bears charges, insurance and customs. FOB (Free On Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) or DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) are the general modes to ship to the US. Always check with buyers prior to shipping to prevent later misunderstandings.

Register your products if necessary

Certain. products should be registered with U.S. authorities before they enter the marketplace. For instance, food facilities that export to USA are required to register with the FDA, while some agricultural products require USDA approval. Ensure that these procedures are done well in advance of exporting.

Export to the USA with lower risks and quicker entry into the marketplace by following these steps.

Obtaining the appropriate certifications is perhaps the most significant aspect of selling to USA buyers. Not only do they meet legal obligations, but they also assure importers, distributors, and retailers that your goods are up to international standards. Below are the key ones:

• FDA Compliance: This one's a non-negotiable for the majority of food, drink, dietary supplement, and cosmetic products. It makes sure that you comply with U.S. safety and quality regulations.
• USDA Organic Certification: How you market your products as organic requires this certification. It involves farming methods, ingredient sourcing, and processing. Organic labeling is of great value to U.S. consumers, so having this can increase your sales.
• GFSI-Recognized Standards (IFS, BRC, SQF): These are not mandatory but are greatly anticipated by big distributors and retail chains. They indicate your food safety and quality systems are robust, making contract wins with big wholesale buyers in USA much simpler.
• ISO Certifications (ISO 22000 / ISO 9001): ISO 22000 targets food safety management, whereas ISO 9001 addresses overall quality management. Both will assist you in standing out in a competitive marketplace and assuring American partners of your processes.
• Halal, Kosher and Non-GMO Certifications : Halal and Kosher have access to religious communities, Non-GMO is increasingly required by health aware consumers. These certifications are only optional but highly beneficial for niche markets.

U.S. buyers expect professional, compliant packaging. It often drives purchase decisions.

Packaging types preferred:

• Retail- and shelf-ready packaging (supermarkets and online sales)
• Packs for bulks (foodservice, wholesalers)
• Recyclable and biodegradable green materials

Labeling must include:

• Product name and brand
• Ingredients
• Net weight (imperial + metric)
• Country of origin
• Nutrition facts (for food/beverage)
• Allergen info
• Expiry or best-before date