Wholesalers. We see their trucks, we eat their food, but who are they really? Phase two of our industry research will delve into the seldom explored world of the food wholesalers and distributors. What we know so far is that this sector traditionally has been less concentrated than other parts of the food industry, but that that is now changing. A failed 2015 merger of two distribution giants, US Foods and Sysco, may be a sign of things to come. Will more concentration, with larger and fewer players, make it harder to source locally? Also, unlike supermarkets, there is less opportunity to encourage good practices with these companies, because they are not consumer brands. Do they care what consumers think, as long as their institutional customers are happy? Also, many are privately-owned and don't publish their financial performance, making research difficult. But there are positive signs. College students with efforts like the national Real Food Challenge have been making solid strides with school dining and its suppliers. Their work can be a model for broader engagement. Stay tuned for more.