Recognizing the leaders in AI
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept in wholesale distribution—it’s becoming an operating necessity. DSG’s research shows 97% of distributors now view AI as essential to the future of the business, yet 63% remain in exploration or pilot mode even as 65% plan to increase AI investment over the next two years. The competitive gap is widening.
The AI Top 25 was created to recognize the distributors setting the pace. We’ve spent years researching how AI is being applied across distribution—we know the market, the use cases that matter, and what real progress looks like. This recognition spotlights the companies turning AI into measurable business performance and gives the industry a clearer view of who is leading, how they’re doing it, and why it matters.
the AI Top 25 ranking for Distributors
The framework places companies across five tiers: Emerging, Functional, Integrated, Agentic, and Native. Tier placement is not based on press release volume or AI enthusiasm. It is built on deployed evidence: earnings transcripts, operational use cases, AI talent footprint, vendor partnerships, governance structure, customer-facing capability, and documented outcomes.
A few things to know about the program:
- The inaugural AI Top 25 will be announced at the Applied AI for Distribution conference in June.
- The expanded AI Top 50 follows in the fall as an ongoing benchmark.
- Companies under evaluation may be contacted directly for validation. We would rather get it right than get it fast.
- You may submit your company for consideration by filling out the form below.
- Tier placement is built for distribution operating environments, not adapted from generic enterprise frameworks.
Most distributors today sit in Tier 1 or Tier 2. Tier 3 represents real operational differentiation. Tier 4 and Tier 5 are rare, and we expect that to stay true for several reporting cycles.
The distribution companies building real AI capability are standing out from the crowd. DSG built the system to recognize them.
Apply To be considered for the top AI In Distribution Ranking
AI TOP 50 IN DISTRIBUTION TO BE ANNOUNCED THIS FALL
Eligibility to be considered for the innaugural AI Top 25 is still open for self submission, but the deadline for submittal is June 1, 2026.
All applications received after June 1, 2026 will be evaluated for ranking in the AI Top 50.
Applications for the AI Top 50 will close August 12, 2026.
Criteria for selection and full application guidance will be provided after filling out the application below.