Merchant Distributors

Customers are the focus of everything they do at Merchant Distributors Inc. (MDI). Their mission is to provide exceptional value in products and services.

In 1931, two sons of Lebanese immigrants, Alex and Lee George, started MDI in Hickory, North Carolina. In their eyes everyone should have the opportunity for a better life.

Our 90-year history is an interesting story of sacrifice, growth, and success. What began as a small family business, as one local newspaper described it, “With little more than a bag of peanuts, an apple, and a stick of candy” is now one of the largest grocery wholesale companies on the East Coast.

Ninety year later the George family and MDI remain anchored to their values. Our optimism and entrepreneurial spirit has kept us strong during some of America’s toughest times. In fact, adversity has only made us stronger.