Merchants Distributors, LLC

Merchants Distributors, LLC (MDI) is a privately-owned wholesale grocery distributor headquartered in Hickory, North Carolina, and operating across the U.S. East Coast. Founded in 1931, the company runs extensive warehousing and full logistics operations serving more than 600 retail food stores, and is among the largest grocery wholesale companies on the East Coast. Its distribution network moves over 40,000 products across categories and price points, including organic and specialty items, local products, and authentic ethnic goods.

MDI's technical work spans logistics and distribution technology, warehousing and cold chain management, and food safety technology and monitoring designed to extend shelf life and maintain product freshness. The company also provides third-party logistics (3PL) services as part of a broader partner offering, alongside retail store support covering merchandising, marketing, digital solutions, ecommerce, and training for independent grocers.

The business has been operating for more than 90 years. It was started by Alex and Lee George, sons of Lebanese immigrants, from modest beginnings, and remains privately owned. Its stated focus is on giving independent grocers the partnership, expertise, infrastructure, and scale needed to compete with larger chains.