C.A. Curtze Co.

What C.A. Curtze Co. does

C.A. Curtze Co. is a privately held, family-owned broadline foodservice distributor founded in 1878 and headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania. The company delivers a full-line catalog of over 12,000 products — fresh meats (including custom-cut and 30-day aged Angus Reserve beef), fresh seafood (North Shore brand, MSC/ASC/BAP certified, with custom cut-to-order and portion-control), fresh produce (including hydroponic living greens under the Nature's Market label), frozen and dry goods, dairy, beverages (including proprietary Royal Club coffee), paper and single-use items, cleaning chemicals (Klear Guard), and equipment/supplies — to independent restaurants, hotels, clubs, and caterers across eight states. Operations are anchored by four distribution centers (Erie PA, Rochester NY via Jacobstein Food Services, Bedford PA, and Cleveland OH via Northern Haserot), approximately 425,000 square feet of warehousing, and a fleet of 170 refrigerated trucks providing next-day delivery.

The company's underlying technology consists primarily of OrderPro.NET, a proprietary order entry and inventory management platform with companion iOS and Android mobile applications, which customers use to place orders, access invoices, track rebates, and manage accounts. Curtze also operates a custom fresh-meat processing facility (federally inspected) and an above-standard HACCP-certified fresh-seafood processing operation. Its proprietary Powerhouse Foodservice private-label portfolio spans 12+ brands across soups, breads, tomato products, dressings, appetizers, and snacks. Membership in UniPro Foodservice, the largest US foodservice distribution cooperative, provides collective purchasing leverage across 850+ distribution locations and 800,000+ customers.

Revenue is generated through transactional distribution of foodservice products on quote-based pricing negotiated via 200+ sales consultants, with no publicly disclosed pricing tiers or contract values. Go-to-market combines direct field sales to independent operators, a proprietary self-serve digital channel (OrderPro.NET), and event-driven engagement through two annual Food Fare food shows. The customer base is fragmented across independent SMB operators, with no disclosed enterprise anchor accounts. Additional value-add services include menu design and engineering, in-house demo kitchen demonstrations, recipe/culinary content (Culinary Connection), rebate tracking, MSDS access, and a bi-annual trade publication (Rave Reviews Magazine). The company remains under family ownership through six generations with no disclosed external equity investment.

Name

C.A. Curtze Co.

Legal name

C.A. Curtze Co. Inc.

Website

https://curtze.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1878

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

C.A. Curtze Co. is a privately held, family-owned broadline foodservice distributor founded in 1878, serving independent restaurants, hotels, clubs, and caterers across 8 states from four distribution centers with 170 refrigerated trucks and a proprietary OrderPro ordering platform.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Erie

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Foodservice Product Distribution: Curtze generates revenue through the distribution and sale of a comprehensive range of foodservice products including fresh meats, fresh seafood, fresh produce, canned goods, frozen foods, paper products, chemicals/cleaning solutions, equipment, supplies, dairy, and other staples. The company operates as a full-line distributor with 4 distribution centers and 170 refrigerated trucks serving 8 states. Temperature-controlled fresh produce distribution is also offered.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

C.A. Curtze Co. is a full-line, broadline foodservice distributor that supplies independent restaurants, hotels, clubs, caterers, and other foodservice operators with over 12,000 products including fresh meats, fresh seafood, fresh produce, frozen foods, dairy, grocery staples, paper/disposable goods, equipment, chemicals, and its exclusive Powerhouse Food Service Brands. The company operates four distribution centers and a fleet of 170 refrigerated trucks providing next-day delivery across eight states, supported by its proprietary OrderPro.NET ordering and inventory platform.

Product overview

C.A. Curtze Co. is a broadline foodservice distributor offering a comprehensive portfolio of products across multiple categories. The company operates as a full line distributor with a center-of-the-plate program including fresh portion control aged meat processed in a federally inspected facility, custom cut fresh seafood, and temperature-controlled produce distribution. The core product categories include Fresh Meats (Specialty Steak Service), North Shore Fresh Seafood, Market Source Fresh Produce, AES Equipment & Supply, Klear Guard Cleaning Solutions, and Paper and Single Use products. The company distributes exclusive Powerhouse Food Service Brands including Royal Club Coffee, Country Kettle Soups, Le Pan Europa Breads, California Red tomato products, Baker Boy breadings, Puff Batter appetizers, Beacon Hill hors d'oeuvres, Blazin' Red hot sauce, Natural Pak dressings, Pasta San Marco, B-1 Wingers, and Crunch Company snacks. Specialty offerings include Angus Reserve Beef (aged 30 days), Aukra Premium Salmon (North Atlantic sustainable), and Nature's Market hydroponic produce. The company provides the OrderPro platform for order entry and inventory management with mobile apps, alongside services including Demo Kitchen, Menu Design & Engineering, Rebate Tracking, and the bi-annual Rave Reviews Magazine publication.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Royal Club Coffee: Gourmet roast coffee brand featuring 100% Arabica coffee blended with Kenyan AA beans and high growing South Central American beans, including various roasts and flavors.
• Java Blue Coffee
• Aukra Salmon
• Natures Market
• Market Source Produce
• North Shore Fresh Seafood
• Gold Coast Shrimp
• Angus Reserve Beef
• Country Kettle Soups
• Le Pan Europa Breads
• California Red
• Baker Boy
• Puff Batter Appetizers
• Beacon Hill Hors D'Oeuvres
• Blazin' Red Hot Sauce
• Natural Pak Dressings
• Pasta San Marco
• B-1 Wingers
• Crunch Company Snacks
• Klear Guard

Products and services

• Specialty Steak Service Fresh Meats Fresh beef, pork, veal, lamb, poultry and specialty offerings including aged beef and portion control steaks processed in a federally inspected facility, sold to independent foodservice operators.
• North Shore Fresh Seafood Premium fresh seafood sourced globally and processed in an above-standard facility, with custom cut-to-order and portion control programs covering more than 75 species of fish and shellfish.
• Market Source Fresh Produce Fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs sourced locally and nationally, with over 1,000 products including fresh processed produce for busy kitchens.
• AES Equipment & Supply Distribution of over 3,000 line items of equipment, furniture, china, flatware, and specialty items with quick turnaround for non-stock items.
• Klear Guard Cleaning Solutions EPA-approved chemical products for warewash, laundry, and maintenance, including degreasers, disinfectants, and Safer Choice certified environmentally friendly solutions.
• Paper and Single Use Single-use products including take-out containers, napkins, paper towels, can liners, and environmentally friendly recyclable and compostable options.
• Royal Club Coffee Gourmet roast coffee featuring 100% Arabica beans including dark roast, medium roast, and decaf options, sourced globally.
• Angus Reserve Beef Premium aged beef aged a targeted 30 days and hand-selected for superior marbling, providing a superior eating experience for steak aficionados.
• Aukra Premium Salmon Fresh, all-natural, and sustainable Atlantic salmon raised in the deep ocean currents of the North Atlantic with eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging.
• Nature's Market Hydroponic Produce Living, hydroponic greens grown in a state-of-the-art greenhouse, free of chemicals and pesticides, delivered with roots still on for maximum freshness.
• OrderPro Proprietary exclusive order entry and inventory management system with companion mobile apps for iOS and Android that enables Curtze customers to place orders, manage inventory, view invoices, and track rebates online.
• OrderPro Mobile Mobile application for the OrderPro system available on iOS App Store and Google Play for on-the-go ordering.
• Demo Kitchen In-house kitchen demonstrations where Curtze consultants review menus and create new menu items tailored to specific markets for independent foodservice operators.
• Menu Design & Engineering Menu engineering services for optimal profit, including custom menu design and printing services up to 50% off standard fees for Curtze customers.
• Food Fare Expo Annual trade food shows featuring new product showcases, vendor meetings, sampling, rebates, and networking opportunities for independent foodservice operators.
• Country Kettle Soups Ready-to-use soups made with wholesome natural ingredients, farm-fresh vegetables, and gourmet spices distributed under Curtze's exclusive Powerhouse brand.
• Le Pan Europa Breads Hand-crafted breads made fresh from scratch and flash frozen, including crusty European-style breads, sandwich rolls, and specialty breads.
• California Red Premium tomato products packed from fresh California tomatoes with consistent superior flavor, distributed under the Powerhouse brand.
• Gold Coast Shrimp Large selection of shrimp ideal for foodservice operators, available in multiple sizes and preparations including raw, cooked, and all-natural varieties.

Quantifiable outcome

• Next-day delivery across all markets ensures product freshness and reduces inventory requirements for customers.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• UniPro Foodservice, Inc.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUniPro Foodservice is the largest foodservice distribution cooperative in the United States, with over 850 distribution locations serving over 800,000 customers. Curtze is a member of this cooperative, which provides competitive purchasing power and access to national brands and specialty products.
• International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIFDA is a leading trade association for foodservice distributors across North America. Curtze's membership connects them to industry best practices, networking opportunities, and recognition programs like the Truck Driver Hall of Fame.
• North American Meat Institute (NAMI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNAMI represents companies that process 95% of red meat and 70% of turkey products in the US. Partnership provides access to industry standards, regulatory guidance, and quality assurance resources.
• National Restaurant AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe largest foodservice trade association in the world, supporting nearly 500,000 restaurant businesses. Provides industry advocacy, education resources, and market intelligence.
• American Culinary Federation, Inc. (ACF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional organization for chefs and cooks focused on promoting the professional image of American chefs through education at all levels.
• Club Management Association of America (CMAA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLargest professional association for managers of membership clubs with 6,800 members throughout the US and internationally.
• Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association (PRLA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState association helping foodservice businesses with staffing, certifications, regulatory issues, and business solutions.
• New York State Restaurant AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState association providing business growth support, industry advocacy, and lobbying services for the restaurant industry in New York.
• Ohio Restaurant AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerServing Ohio's restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry since 1920 with thought leadership and business solutions for members.
• Pro*ActminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorProduce-focused cooperative with over 50 members using collective purchasing power to procure highest quality produce at competitive prices.
• National Equipment and Supply AssociationminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMember-owned cooperative of 130 dealers and distributors offering valued business solutions for equipment and supply purchasing.
• Erie Regional Chamber and Growth PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional business chamber including approximately 140 CEOs in the Erie area, engaging in strategic community initiatives for economic vitality.
• Aukra (Premium Salmon Brand)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAukra is a premium salmon brand raised in the deep ocean currents of the North Atlantic. The salmon is organic-fed with MSC fish discards, harvested with no-stress methods, and features biodegradable packaging. Curtze distributes Aukra salmon as a featured premium product.
• Gold Coast (P&D Shrimp Brand)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGold Coast provides a large selection of shrimp ideal for foodservice operators, available in many sizes in raw, cooked, and all-natural varieties.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Sysco Corporation: Largest broadline foodservice distributor in North America; competes with Curtze for independent and chain accounts across overlapping Northeast/Midwest markets, but at national scale with a much wider product and service portfolio.
• US Foods Holding Corp: Second-largest US broadline foodservice distributor with overlapping customer segments (independents, healthcare, hospitality) and comparable product categories; a direct competitive threat in Curtze's 8-state footprint.
• Performance Foodservice (PFG): Broadline foodservice distribution arm of Performance Food Group, serving independent restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality with full-line product offerings and proprietary brands; comparable scale and model.

Direct peers

• Gordon Food Service: Family-led broadline foodservice distributor (and retailer) headquartered in the Midwest with strong Northeast presence; closest direct analog in scale, ownership structure, and independent-customer focus.
• Shamrock Foods Company: Family-owned broadline foodservice distributor with refrigerated distribution and dairy/produce capabilities, serving independent operators across the Southwest and Midwest; comparable regional-broadline model.
• Ben E. Keith Foods: Privately held broadline foodservice distributor serving the South-Central US; similar independent-customer focus, broad product line, and multi-state regional distribution model.
• Cheney Brothers Inc. Family-owned broadline foodservice distributor serving the Southeast with full-line distribution to independents, chains, and healthcare; comparable scale and operating model to Curtze.
• Labatt Food Service: Privately held broadline foodservice distributor serving Texas and surrounding states; similar broadline product mix, custom-cut protein programs, and independent-customer focus.
• Reinhart Foodservice: Regional broadline foodservice distributor serving the Midwest and Texas, now a subsidiary of US Foods; directly comparable product catalog, customer base, and multi-state distribution footprint.

Regional players

• J&M Foods / Institutional Food House (IFH): Smaller regional broadline foodservice distributor serving Mid-Atlantic and adjacent markets; similar customer mix of independent restaurants, schools, and healthcare with comparable full-line offerings.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/curtzeco
• Facebookfacebook.com/curtzeco
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/c-a-curtze
• Instagraminstagram.com/curtzeco

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries3 records

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 C.A. Curtze Co.