What type of company provides food and beverages to various institutional, governmental, commercial, or industrial clients?

The correct choice identifies a food service company, which is characterized by its role in providing food and beverages to a range of institutional, governmental, commercial, or industrial clients. These companies focus on delivering meals and food products as part of their core operations, catering to different needs depending on the specific client type. For instance, a food service company might supply meals to schools, hospitals, or large corporations.

In contrast, a catering service typically focuses on more specialized events, such as weddings or corporate gatherings, where food is served in a particular setting. An event planning service is more concerned with the overall coordination of events, which may include food service but does not specialize solely in it. A wholesale distributor primarily deals with the bulk supply of products to retailers, restaurants, and other businesses rather than providing direct meal services. Thus, food service companies encompass a broader range of functions beyond a one-time event or bulk distribution, making it the most appropriate choice.