VBE Certification for Food & Beverage Companies
Complete guide to Veteran Business Enterprise certification for food & beverage businesses — requirements, documents, corporate programs, and federal contracting opportunities.
Why VBE Certification Matters for Food & Beverage Companies
For businesses that are at least 51% owned by one or more veterans.
For food & beverage businesses, VBE certification opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs and federal contracting opportunities specifically targeting this sector. Many Fortune 500 companies and government agencies have dedicated spending goals for VBE-certified suppliers in food & beverage.
Food and beverage is a high-volume industry with growing commitment to diverse suppliers. Here's why certification matters: **Retail Shelf Access**: Major retailers including Kroger, Albertsons, Target, and Sam's Club participate in events specifically to connect with diverse food and beverage brands. Certification is often required to access dedicated diverse supplier shelves and promotional opportunities. **CPG Company Commitments**: PepsiCo has spent over $1 billion annually with certified diverse suppliers and committed to spending over $400 million annually specifically with Black and Hispanic-owned suppliers. Coca-Cola, Nestle, and General Mills have similar programs. **Food Service and Catering**: Corporate dining, hospital food service, school nutrition, and government catering all have diverse supplier preferences. Companies like Aramark and Sodexo actively seek diverse food suppliers and subcontractors. **Food Industry Organizations**: The Food Marketing Institute (FMI) promotes supplier diversity across the grocery retail sector and hosts events connecting diverse suppliers with food retail buyers. **Growing Consumer Demand**: Consumers increasingly seek out brands owned by diverse entrepreneurs, creating pull-through demand at retail. This consumer trend reinforces corporate commitment to sourcing from diverse food companies. **Room for Growth**: The food and beverage sector's diverse spend currently averages only about 1.6% of total procurement, indicating significant room for growth and opportunity for certified suppliers to capture new business.
VBE Eligibility Requirements
Must be at least 51% owned by veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.
To qualify for NaVOBA VBE certification: **Veteran Status:** - Must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces - Honorable discharge required - No disability requirement (unlike SDVOSB) **Ownership Requirements:** - 51% owned by one or more veterans - Veterans must be U.S. citizens **Control Requirements:** - Veteran owner(s) must control business operations - Must make day-to-day management decisions - Must have highest officer position
Required Documents for VBE
| Document | Status | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Required | If expired, visit your local DMV or apply for passport renewal at usps.com or travel.state.gov. |
| Business Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | Request copies from your accountant or download from IRS.gov using Form 4506-T. |
| Organizational Chart | Required | Create using tools like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or PowerPoint. |
| Affidavit of Ownership | Required | Each certifying body provides their own form. Download from their website or request. |
| Operating Agreement or Bylaws | Required | Draft with an attorney or use a legal template service. Must reflect current ownership accurately. |
| DD-214 (Military Discharge Papers) | Required | Request from the National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) at archives.gov/veterans or eVetRecs. |
| Existing Certification Copies | Recommended | From your certification files or download from the certifying body's portal. |
| Bank Statements (6-12 Months) | Recommended | Download from your online banking portal or request from your bank. |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Recommended | Request from your state's Secretary of State office. Most states offer instant online certificates. |
How to Apply for VBE as a Food & Beverage Business
- **Step 1: Create NaVOBA Account**
- Register at navoba.org to begin the application.
- **Step 2: Complete Application**
- Provide all business and veteran information.
- **Step 3: Upload Documentation**
- Submit DD-214 and business documents.
- **Step 4: Pay Fee**
- Application fees typically $400-$700.
- **Step 5: Review & Verification**
- NaVOBA reviews and may request additional information.
- **Step 6: Certification Decision**
- Decisions typically within 30-60 days.
Food & Beverage Corporate Programs Accepting VBE
These companies have food & beverage supplier diversity programs that accept VBE certification:
Target Corporation
Target is committed to creating inclusive economic opportunities. We actively source from diverse suppliers to reflect the communities we serve.
View program details →Walmart Inc.
Walmart is the largest buyer from diverse suppliers in America. Our Supplier Inclusion program creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
View program details →Costco Wholesale
Costco seeks quality suppliers who can deliver exceptional value. We welcome partnerships with certified diverse businesses.
View program details →Delta Air Lines
Delta is committed to building a diverse supplier base that reflects the communities we serve around the world.
View program details →Hilton Worldwide
Hilton is committed to creating opportunities for diverse suppliers who share our passion for hospitality excellence.
View program details →Marriott International
Marriott has been a leader in supplier diversity in the hospitality industry. We value diverse partnerships that enhance our guest experience.
View program details →PepsiCo
PepsiCo is committed to driving equity through our supply chain. We invest in diverse suppliers who can help us grow sustainably.
View program details →Starbucks
Starbucks is committed to supplier diversity as part of our mission to nurture the human spirit.
View program details →The Coca-Cola Company
Coca-Cola is committed to mirroring the diversity of the communities we serve through our supplier partnerships.
View program details →The Walt Disney Company
Disney is committed to building relationships with diverse suppliers who share our values of creativity and innovation.
View program details →United Airlines
United Airlines believes in the power of diversity in our supply chain. We actively seek certified diverse suppliers.
View program details →Need Help Getting VBE Certified?
Our CertifyAll service handles your entire VBE application — documents, forms, and submission — for a flat $399 fee.
Learn About CertifyAllNot Sure Which Certifications You Qualify For?
Take our free 2-minute quiz to find out which certifications match your food & beverage business.
Take the Certification QuizGovernment Food & Beverage Opportunities
**Federal Opportunities** Key agencies purchasing food and beverage products and services: - **Department of Agriculture (USDA)**: Commodity procurement, school nutrition programs, food distribution - **Department of Defense (DoD)**: Troop feeding, commissary supply, MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) components - **Defense Logistics Agency (DLA Troop Support)**: Centralized military food procurement - **Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)**: Hospital food service and nutrition programs **Key Programs** - USDA Commodity Procurement Program for schools and food banks - DLA Troop Support Subsistence contracts - Federal prison system (Bureau of Prisons) food procurement - National Park Service concessions - GSA Schedule for food service management **Compliance Requirements** - FDA registration for food manufacturing facilities - USDA inspection for meat, poultry, and egg products - Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance - HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) plans - Food safety certifications (SQF, BRC, or FSSC 22000) **State and Local** - School district nutrition programs - State correctional facility food service - Municipal event catering - Public hospital food service - State-funded food bank procurement