This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in the merchant wholesale distribution of (1) general-line groceries; (2) packaged frozen food; (3) dairy products (except dried or canned); (4) poultry and poultry products; (5) confectioneries; (6) fish and seafood (except canned or packaged frozen); (7) meats and meat products; (8) fresh fruits and vegetables; and (9) other grocery and related products.

For the 2012 and 2007 Commodity Flow Surveys, the wholesale establishments exclude any manufacturers sales offices and own brand importers.