Category: Sales

November 24, 2018

Taking the Pulse of the Industry, It is Not Just About the Worry (Index)

Last month, FMI released the 68th annual edition of The Food Retailing Industry Speaks (Speaks) report. For many years, a prominent feature of our Speaksresearch has been what we called the Worry Index. This was FMI’s way of looking at a set of macro and micro issues to understand how much they impact food retailers’ ability to generate sales and profits. This Worry Index provided a list of what retailers were most concerned about. However, this year, in analyzing the data from the questions that historically shaped the Worry Index, we found that there were as many factors that contributed positively to sales and profits as there were factors negatively impacting the bottom line. Consequently, in a decided to move to the more positive – we renamed the Worry Index the Food Retail Pulse. We hope you detect the more encouraging note of this move as it is a recurring theme in this year’s Speaks findings.

November 15, 2018

If You Think Your Customers Don’t Care About Accurate Product Knowledge—Think Again

Remember the good old days when shoppers would bump into you with their carts while you were restocking because they were walking around searching for what they wanted?

Now, of course, shoppers are just as likely to bump into you because their noses are buried in their smartphones, looking for more information about products on your store’s shelves that they want.

Here’s some news: When shoppers are at home, they’re often staring at their computer screens to get information about the products they want BEFORE they hit your food retail aisles.

November 10, 2018

What is the state of the food retail industry? Top 10 Take Aways

The food retail industry is riding several positive growth trends even as it grapples with unprecedented challenges.

See the top-10 findings from the  FMI 68th annual The Food Retailing Industry Speaks report here.

As an Emerge subscriber, we will keep you informed on the trends and insights needed to succeed.

October 25, 2018

Insights on Maximizing Broker Relationships

As your emerging brand gains sales velocity, your distribution network evolves, and broker relationships are emphasized.

Join our live panel discussion on Tuesday, November 13th, 2 pm EST to learn how the old model of finding and working with a broker has changed, and how redefining the manufacturer-broker relationship is key to managing sales and costs control. Register Today!

September 22, 2018

5 Food Innovation Trends At Expo East

At Natural Products Expo East last week, it was a pleasure to meet inspiring innovators and entrepreneurs who are at the cutting edge of food retail today.

I had the chance to connect with product innovators who are generating new ways to combine ingredients and to create better-for-you snacks, drinks and meal solutions. And, at a show where most exhibitors are category disruptors, it was great to talk with entrepreneurs spearheading new distribution systems and market opportunities for farmers and new supply chains.

I was also thrilled to meet with some of our awesome FMI Emerge Mentors. Over the past few months, I’ve made vital connections between the mentor network experience and the needs of the subscribers in our program. If you are an emerging brand or know a company growing their retail sales, we hope you will consider supporting FMI Emerge.

With so much to see and so little time, I headed straight to the “Hot Products” pavilions! 

September 11, 2018

Distribution or Velocity – Insights from a FMI Emerge Mentor

How many stores, shelves, doors, are you in or on? In some form, that is the most frequently asked question of a founder of an emerging brand. In my opinion, that question perpetuates the wrong strategic focus. I will admit, I have a strong opinion on this issue. Chasing ACV, getting sucked in by the allure of store count, can kill a brand before it ever really gets started.

August 29, 2018

Emerging Brands – Six Common Pitfalls to Avoid – Advice from a Retailer

Introducing a new brand to the marketplace can be equal parts excitement and frustration. Joshua Dooley of QFC/Kroger shares his insights and advice on six common pitfalls for emerging brands that can make the difference between flourishing and vanishing. Joshua is one of many retailers and mentors who support the FMI Emerge community.