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McLane Company Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary and one of the nation’s largest distributors, has unveiled its new National Commissary program—a major expansion of its McLane Fresh offerings. Designed to deliver fresh, never-frozen, grab-and-go meals with a seven-day refrigerated shelf life, the program brings high-quality food options to convenience stores across the country.
“McLane’s new National Commissary program represents our investment in shaping the future of food in convenience retail,” said Jon Cox, vice president of retail foodservice at McLane. “It’s built for today’s consumers and delivers what operators need: safety, efficiency, and simplicity.”
The launch responds to growing demand for fresh food that rivals fast-casual and grocery store offerings. Under the Central Eats brand, the National Commissary line includes:
Cold handhelds like sandwiches, wraps, and sliders
Protein-packed snacks and sweet-and-salty combos
Health-conscious choices such as veggie cups, salads, oatmeal, and parfaits
Globally inspired flavors for adventurous eaters
All items are fresh, individually wrapped, and ready to merchandise in coolers or meal zones for all-day convenience—from breakfast through late-night.
Key to the program’s success is McLane’s nationwide commissary network and proprietary cold-chain logistics, which ensure consistent quality and food safety. Retailers benefit from flexible ordering, minimal in-store prep, and streamlined delivery integrated with McLane’s existing distribution schedule.
Major chains are already seeing the benefits. “Participating in McLane’s National Commissary program has allowed us to scale our grab-and-go foodservice offerings with premium, fresh items that align with our brand,” said Brian Ferguson, Chief Marketing Officer of EG America.
The program is positioned to help both national and independent retailers grow foodservice sales with ease, meeting modern consumer expectations without adding operational complexity.
© 2025 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.