In the last blog I discussed “experience” and how we can learn a great lesson from brands like Starbucks, Wegman’s, Apple and Disney. In addition to visiting the Starbucks Roastery, I also checked out the Amazon “Go” store in Chicago. I have also visited Amazon Fresh stores in the Philadelphia area. In 2017, They were…
In the last blog we discussed “The Third Screen” (mobile) and how that has taken over as the primary way most consumers get their information. In a few years, when the balance of Gen Z hits 21, this will be taken to a whole new level for our industry. If you have a website and…
In the last blog we discussed getting back to basics. There has been a lot of consolidation over the past 25 years in the business from both the food/beverage retailers, manufacturers, distributors and brokers. The primary driver of this was Wal-Mart and everyone felt like they had to get bigger in order to compete. This…
In the last two blogs we talked about food safety & seasonal marketing. The success of seasonal marketing over the past 25 years has led to the increase in “LTOs” or “Limited Time Offers.” Both have driven trial, incremental growth and developed new customers through products, packaging, promotions and merchandising. This blog will focus on…
In the last few blogs, I discussed Strategic Revenue Management & Food Safety. Consumers assume that the companies that make the products they use and consume are doing everything within their power to insure they are safe. Consumer trust is critical to your long-term success. And now more than ever you need to price your…
In the last blog I discussed the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR. This topic basically revolves around societal, economic and financial (or triple bottom line) variables and how they impact stakeholders. Whether you’re a private or public company, your customers expect you to act in a certain way with regard to your stakeholders….
In the last blog we discussed the importance of category management. In other words, making sure you have the right products, at the right price, at the right time, in the right location. Besides the four P’s of marketing (product, price, promotion and place) you also need to consider how you and your suppliers run…
In the last blog I discussed the Triple Bottom Line of “People, Planet and Profits.” That is the new yardstick that many consumers, especially younger ones, use when they judge whether your business is one they will support. This new generation of social media savvy consumers will make the world a better place by forcing…
How millennials & Gen Z are impacting food and beverage decisions at retail In the last blog we discussed Baby Boomers and how they influence their millennial & Gen Z children. I thought it would be interesting to look at this in reverse and show how younger folks are influencing many of the decisions we…