Resource Center

What’s Trending in 2026? From protein-packed bites and fiber-forward favorites to bold global flavors and better-for-you indulgences, today's snack aisle is evolving fast. The latest industry trends show consumers are seeking snacks that do more, with a growing focus on nutrition, wellness, convenience, and adventurous flavors. Read the full story

onsumers are no longer reaching for snacks solely to satisfy hunger or indulge a craving. Instead, they're increasingly using snacks to support a variety of needs, from boosting energy and productivity to providing comfort and enjoyment, according to new research from Hartman Group. Read the full story

Snack sales are fueled by bold flavors, health trends and promotional value. Healthy is trending in the center store, with growth in fiber and protein leading this charge. While customers certainly still value longtime snack staples, the search for functional ingredients and bolder flavors is increasing, and retailers and their vendor partners are responding. Read the full story

Discover the origins of Harbor Foods, a fourth-generation family-owned distributor founded in 1923. Learn how Carl V. Erickson’s vision grew into a billion-dollar company built on service, relationships, and the belief that life happens around the table. Learn more here

The National Association of Wholesalers recently ran a feature article showcasing Harbor's commitment to its Team Members and also to the community. Below is a short excerpt: The National Association of Wholesalers is proud to recognize one of our esteemed long-time members, Harbor Foods, whose focus on employee growth and commitment to community service is reflective of their reputation for excellence. With core programs devoted to highlighting employee achievement and community giving, their emphasis on the caring for people side of business is exemplary. Read the full story

For the fourth year in a row, Harbor Foods has been recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal as one of Washington’s Best Workplaces. This honor reflects more than just a ranking, it highlights the people, culture, and purpose that drive Harbor every day. To celebrate, our team gathered at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners, where we were recognized among the Top 15 Extra Large Companies (#11 overall). It was a proud moment to see Harbor’s name called, with our team holding our company banner high. Multiple generations of the Erickson family even had the chance to run the bases together, making the evening even more memorable. The celebration continued off the field, with plenty of laughs, high-fives, and camaraderie shared on the bus rides to and from the event. These moments reinforced what makes Harbor unique: a shared commitment to independence, community, and one another. Awards like this are a tremendous honor, but it’s the everyday teamwork, dedication, and heart across our organization that truly make Harbor one of the best places to work. Here’s to celebrating four years of recognition, and to continuing to build a workplace we can all be proud of.

Be sure to mark your calendar for our upcoming 2026 Trade Shows. We will be at the Tacoma Convention Center in Washington State on March 12, and then the Roebbelen Center in Roseville, California on March 26.

LACEY, Wash., July 30, 2024 – Today Harbor Foods is excited to announce the appointment of Jeff Keene as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective immediately at our Lacey, Washington headquarters. Jeff's arrival marks a significant milestone in our journey towards technological excellence and innovation. Jeff is an executive with extensive practical process and technical solution experience, having been entrusted by three former CEOs to address challenges pivotal to the success of their businesses. His C-level expertise spans a diverse range of industries, including global manufacturing and distribution, consumer products, national lab, and entertainment. Jeff's proficiency in building and mentoring teams on effective analysis techniques, cyber security impacts, process design, and implementation methodologies is an invaluable asset to our leadership team at Harbor Foods. With a track record of strong problem-solving and strategic growth, Jeff has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead critical tech initiatives. His appointment as CIO is a testament to Harbor Foods' commitment to growth and innovation. Jeff's wealth of knowledge and leadership in technology will be instrumental in enhancing our technological capabilities, propelling Harbor Foods into a future of expansion and excellence in serving our customers. About Harbor Foods Harbor Foods is a fourth-generation family-owned independent distributor, proudly serving the West Coast. For over 100 years, Harbor has supported local entrepreneurs that provide jobs in their communities, bring convenience to busy lives, and invite us all the experience life around the table. Every day. In 2024, Harbor Foods again received the coveted Washington's Best Workplaces Award and recognition as one of Washington's Fastest-growing Private Companies. These accolades reflect the company's mantra of being obsessed with the success of each of its 1,200+ team members. Through its subsidiaries, Harbor Wholesale and Harbor Foodservice, the company serves over 7,000 restaurants, hospitality venues, convenience stores, and independent grocers, offering a wide selection of local and national products, business solutions, and Harbor's own Real Fresh Brands™. These brands include Scratch Dig-in-Chicken™, Mountain Fresh™, Via Vita Pizza®, Split Shift®, Watertown Craft Roasted®, Mein Street®, and Skippers®, catering to diverse culinary preferences. Additionally, Harbor Foods houses Northlink Logistics, an end-to-end third-party logistics company where their unique culture and values create a hassle-free experience.