The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. CHEF continues to benefit from broad-based demand, deeper customer penetration and higher volumes across its specialty food distribution platform. The company’s recent growth has been supported by investments in sales talent, distribution capacity, product specialists, cross-selling and technology, creating several operating levers that could boost its growth trajectory beyond 2026.
In the second quarter of 2026, net sales increased 12.9% year over year to $1.17 billion, while organic sales advanced 12.2%. Organic specialty sales rose 10%, driven primarily by 7.2% growth in product placements, 6% growth in specialty cases and price inflation. Center-of-the-plate pounds rose 8.8%, while unique customers grew 3.6%. Excluding the impact of the Middle East conflict, unique customer growth was approximately 4.9%.
The strength was not limited to a single part of the business. Growth reflected higher product penetration, case volumes and customer additions, while investments made in recent years have expanded the company’s ability to add categories and cross-sell products. Chefs' Warehouse also indicated that momentum continued into July, with double-digit top-line growth expected at the start of the third quarter.
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The longer-term framework also points to continued emphasis on organic expansion. Chefs' Warehouse now targets annual revenue growth of 7%-10% through 2030, with organic growth expected to be the primary driver and moderate acquired growth of approximately 1% annually. Planned investments include additional distribution capacity, sales teams, product specialists, technology, and facility and route consolidation.
Chefs' Warehouse is continuing to invest in sales teams, cross-selling capabilities and distribution capacity, all of which are intended to support further expansion. While there is no specific 2027 guidance yet, the broader growth plan suggests that CHEF sees room to keep winning business and expanding its reach beyond 2026, provided the current execution remains steady.
The Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock has surged 83.5% year to date compared with the industry’s growth of 1.8%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Other Solid Stocks to Consider
The Vita Coco Company, Inc. COCO, a leading beverage company that develops, markets and distributes coconut water and other plant-based beverages, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1. COCO delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.9%, on average.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for The Vita Coco Company’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings per share (EPS) calls for growth of 31.6% and 64.7%, respectively, from the year-ago figures.
Darling Ingredients Inc. DAR, a global developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients derived from edible and inedible bio-nutrients, currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Darling’s current fiscal-year sales suggests an 11.5% jump from the prior-year levels. The consensus estimate for current fiscal-year EPS stands at $6.98, which implies a substantial improvement from the year-ago period. DAR delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 38.9%, on average.
Laird Superfood, Inc. LSF is a consumer product company that develops, manufactures and markets plant-based, natural and functional food and beverage products. LSF currently carries a Zacks Rank #2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Laird Superfood’s current fiscal-year sales and EPS implies growth of 188.2% and 104 %, respectively, from the year-ago figures. LSF delivered an earnings surprise of 100% in the last reported quarter.
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The Chefs' Warehouse, Inc. (CHEF): Free Stock Analysis Report
Vita Coco Company, Inc. (COCO): Free Stock Analysis Report
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).