Cristina Foods

What Cristina Foods does

Cristina Foods, Inc. is a privately held, founder-owned B2B foodservice distribution company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1989 by Cesar Dovalina, Jr. as a single-truck, garage-based operation, the company has grown over 35 years into a multi-state regional distributor serving institutional customers across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri. Its customer base spans six verticals: K-12 schools, universities, casinos, military, retail, and non-profit organizations. Long-tenured anchor relationships include Chicago Public Schools, Aramark (30+ years of multi-sector service), and University of Chicago Medical Dining Services. The company sells fresh produce and value-added produce, dairy/butter/eggs, frozen fruits and vegetables, fresh and frozen protein, and Ecolab-approved disposables and janitorial supplies. Pricing is structured through multi-year contracts, volume commitments, and program pricing, with customized reporting and full supply-chain traceability (Primus GFS certified) as value-added services. Order capture occurs through a B2B sales team, a customer web portal (orders.cristinafoods.com), and iOS/Android mobile apps, with delivery executed via an owned direct fleet that includes biofuel and hybrid vehicles.

Operationally, Cristina Foods is anchored by what is described as the only LEED Platinum certified food distribution facility in the United States: a 91,300 sq. ft. site on 12.86 acres in Chicago's Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood, opened in July 2011, with 62,583 sq. ft. of multi-temperature warehousing (zones from 0–60°F), 40 dock doors, and 20,000 sq. ft. of office space. The facility integrates on-site renewable energy (a 750 kW wind turbine generating ~30% of building power, 180 photovoltaic solar panels, solar hot water heating) with eco-friendly ammonia-glycol refrigeration, vegetated roofing, rainwater harvesting, and water-conservation infrastructure, delivering a documented 57% reduction in energy use and ~$173,000 in annual energy savings. The company is Primus GFS certified for food safety and holds MBE/DBE certifications across the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, Cook County, Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, CMSDC, and the states of Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri, granting access to public-sector diversity procurement. There are no disclosed funding rounds, M&A activity, parent companies, or external institutional investors; the business has been bootstrapped throughout its history.

Name

Cristina Foods

Legal name

Cristina Foods, Inc.

Website

https://cristinafoods.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cristina Foods is a privately held Chicago-based B2B foodservice distributor founded in 1989, serving K-12 schools, universities, casinos, military, retail, and non-profits across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri with fresh produce, dairy, frozen, protein, and janitorial supplies from the only LEED Platinum food distribution facility in the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Foodservice Distribution

NAICS

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Merchant Wholesalers (42448)

SIC

Wholesale-Groceries, General Line (5141)

akta.pro primary industry

Beverage (Non-Alcoholic) Foodservice Distribution (CRAOABAJ)

akta.pro secondary industry

Frozen Fruits & Vegetables Wholesale (AFAIAHAE)

Keywords

• Foodservice distribution
• Institutional food supply
• Fresh produce distribution
• Food wholesale
• Specialty food distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Foodservice Distribution: Distribution of fresh produce, dairy, frozen fruits and vegetables, protein items, and disposables/cleaning supplies to institutional foodservice customers including schools, universities, casinos, military, retail, and non-profits. Revenue generated through product sales with contract, volume, and program pricing arrangements.
2. Supplemental Warehousing/Distribution: Provides supplemental warehousing and distribution services as part of their customer solutions capabilities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Cristina Foods is a B2B foodservice distribution company that supplies fresh produce, dairy, frozen fruits and vegetables, fresh and frozen protein items, and disposables/janitorial/cleaning supplies to institutional customers including K-12 schools, universities, casinos, military, retail, concessions, and non-profits. The company also provides supplemental warehousing and distribution services, full product traceability, and contract/volume/program pricing, operating from the only LEED Platinum certified food distribution facility in the United States.

Product overview

Cristina Foods is a foodservice distribution company operating since 1989, offering a portfolio of core food product categories (Fresh Produce/Value-Added Produce, Dairy/Butter/Eggs, Frozen Fruits and Vegetables, Fresh and Frozen Protein Items, and Disposables/Janitorial/Cleaning Supplies). The company differentiates itself through service offerings including supplemental warehousing/distribution, customized reporting, branded/proprietary product handling, full traceability, and flexible pricing (contract/volume/program). Cristina Foods serves diverse customer segments including Education (K-12, University Dining), Retail, Casinos, Military, Concessions, and Non-for-profit organizations. The company operates from the only LEED Certified-Platinum food distribution facility in the United States, emphasizing sustainability and local farm partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Fresh Produce and Value-Added Produce Fresh produce sourced from local farms and global growers, including value-added produce offerings, ensuring the freshest pick of the day for institutional foodservice customers.
• Dairy, Butter and Eggs Fresh dairy products including butter and eggs, selected from farms and offering only the finest quality for institutional foodservice customers.
• Frozen Fruits and Vegetables Frozen produce offerings ranging from Fancy to Utility grade, providing optimum frozen solutions through vast sourcing resources for institutional foodservice customers.
• Fresh and Frozen Protein Items Fresh and frozen protein selections including raw and pre-cooked items, providing selections customers will love for institutional foodservice operators.
• Disposables, Janitorial and Cleaning Supplies Approved stocking distributor of Ecolab products, as well as a variety of disposable paper and plastics for janitorial and cleaning needs of institutional foodservice operators.
• Supplemental Warehousing and Distribution Services Provides supplemental warehousing and distribution services to support customer distribution needs as part of the foodservice distribution offering.

Quantifiable outcome

• 57% reduction in energy use (1,925,844 kw/hrs per year) equivalent to approximately 175 typical US homes
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Ballet Folklorico de ChicagominorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 April 2024Proud sponsor of Ballet Folklorico de Chicago 5th Anniversary Celebration, supporting Mexican cultural traditions through Chicago's youth.
• NW Indiana Business ConferenceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 August 2016Participated in NW Indiana Business Conference as panelist and sponsor of breakfast and luncheon. Connected with state officials including Gary Chief of Staff, Indiana Secretary of State, and Gary Mayor.
• Molina FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 October 2015Partnership with Molina Foundation for book donation programs. Donated warehouse space, trucks, and drivers to distribute over 146,000 books to Chicago public school students across 78 schools. Coordinated book distribution to school-aged children.
• A Safe HavencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2015Sponsor of A Safe Haven's Run to End Homelessness for fourth consecutive year. Supporting organization's efforts to end homelessness through annual 5K Walk/Run event sponsorship.
• FarmlogixcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 October 2014Partnership with Farmlogix for farm-to-school programs. Coordinated CPS apple orchard field trip with other partners including Aramark, Healthy Schools Campaign, and Riveridge Produce.
• Riveridge ProduceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 October 2014Apple growing partner that hosted CPS culinary and agricultural students on field trip to Michigan orchard. Part of local farm network supporting Cristina Foods' farm-to-school initiatives.
• Chicago Public Schools (CPS)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 7 October 2014Long-standing customer and partner with CPS, supplying produce to school nutrition programs. Partnership on culinary education programs including Cooking Up Change competition sponsorship.
• Healthy Schools CampaigncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 August 2014Long-standing partnership with Healthy Schools Campaign as sponsor of Cooking Up Change competition. Featured in HSC blog about farm-to-tray initiatives keeping students eating healthy. Multiple years of sponsorship supporting CPS culinary programs.
• Chicago BlackhawksminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 14 October 2013Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted event at Cristina Foods displaying the Stanley Cup for IHCC members and families. Featured on Blackhawks TV. Partnership with NHL Hall of Fame for event.
• U.S. Senator Richard DurbinminorOthers · 30 August 2013U.S. Senator Richard Durbin visited Cristina Foods facility with staff members, took a full tour, and discussed sustainable features and upcoming sustainable initiatives.
• Illinois Hispanic Chamber of CommercecoreOthers · 8 April 2013Long-standing partnership with IHCC including hosting Stanley Cup display event, hosting events for members, and active participation in chamber activities. Cesar Dovalina serves as member and supporter. IHCC recognized Cristina Foods with Distinguished Service Award in 2013.
• Illinois Governor Pat QuinnminorOthers · 8 April 2013Illinois Governor Pat Quinn toured Cristina Foods' LEED platinum facility in 2013, highlighting the company's sustainable practices and commitment to innovation.
• University of Chicago Medical Dining ServicescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 April 2013Participated in farmers market hosted by University of Chicago Medical Dining Services. Served as produce supplier for university dining operations.
• EcolabminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 April 2013Approved stocking distributor of Ecolab cleaning and pest control products. All Ecolab products used in building are green certified as part of LEED certification.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sysco Corporation: Sysco is the largest broadline foodservice distributor in the United States, serving restaurants, healthcare, education, hospitality, and government customers with a full portfolio of fresh, frozen, and dry foods plus non-food supplies. It is the most direct competitor to Cristina Foods at the national level, competing for the same institutional accounts Cristina serves in its four-state footprint.
• US Foods Holding Corp: US Foods is the second-largest broadline foodservice distributor in the US, supplying restaurants, healthcare, hospitality, and education customers with a comparable product mix including fresh produce, frozen, dairy, and protein. It directly competes with Cristina Foods for the same institutional, K-12, and foodservice operator accounts in the Midwest.
• Performance Food Group: Performance Food Group is a major broadline foodservice distributor serving restaurants, schools, healthcare, and convenience retailers across the US. Its broadline foodservice segment directly competes with Cristina Foods for institutional and K-12 accounts, particularly given its strong presence in the Midwest and East Coast.
• Gordon Food Service: Gordon Food Service is a privately held regional broadline foodservice distributor serving restaurants, schools, healthcare, and other foodservice operators across the Midwest, US, and Canada. Its Midwest footprint and broadline offering make it a near-direct competitor to Cristina Foods for institutional accounts in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri.
• Shamrock Foods Company: Shamrock Foods is a privately held foodservice distributor and dairy producer serving restaurants, schools, healthcare, and hospitality operators across the western and southwestern US. It is comparable to Cristina Foods as a privately held, broadline foodservice distributor with dairy/produce expertise and a strong focus on institutional customers.
• Ben E. Keith Foods: Ben E. Keith is a privately held broadline foodservice distributor serving restaurants, schools, healthcare, and hospitality across the South-Central and Midwest US. It is comparable to Cristina Foods as a regional broadline distributor competing for similar institutional and K-12 accounts.
• Reinhart Foodservice: Reinhart Foodservice is a privately held broadline foodservice distributor serving the Midwest and Northeast, supplying restaurants, schools, healthcare, and hospitality operators. Its Midwest operating region and institutional customer mix make it directly comparable to Cristina Foods.
• KeHE Distributors: KeHE Distributors is a specialty food and natural/organic distributor serving grocery, foodservice, and specialty retailers across the US. It is comparable to Cristina Foods as a B2B distributor with an emphasis on fresh and specialty categories, though it skews more toward natural and organic channels.

Regional players

• DOT Foods: DOT Foods is the largest foodservice redistributor in the US, headquartered in Illinois, supplying food, ingredients, and supplies to distributors including some that compete with Cristina Foods. It is adjacent rather than directly competing, but comparable as a Midwest-based player providing infrastructure to the same foodservice distribution ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• Reyes Holdings: Reyes Holdings is a privately held food and beverage distribution and foodservice conglomerate headquartered near Chicago, with operating units including Martin-Brower (foodservice to QSRs) and Reinhart Foodservice. Its Chicago-area Midwest anchor and broadline foodservice operations make it a relevant scaled benchmark for Cristina Foods' regional model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cristinafoods
• Facebookfacebook.com/CristinaFoodsInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cristina-foods-inc.

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cristina Foods