Making the Most of Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Get support and assistance from food manufacturers

Making the most of food and beverage manufacturers' products means working with manufacturers and industry experts to successfully market these items to customers. Food manufacturers' products are the foundation of any food-related business, from groceries to restaurants. Using industry expertise will make your business stand out from the competition.

Many manufacturers, associations and research organizations offer assistance to retailers. They can help with marketing, food safety and customer service efforts. Some ways to make the most of food and beverage manufacturers include:

1. Offer specialty food items from food manufacturers.

2. Keep up to date with food industry news and trends.

3. Get support from food organizations and manufacturers.

4. Partner with top food manufacturers for help with product promotion

 

Offer specialty items from global and U.S. food manufacturers

With the interest in healthy diets, many customers are beginning to look for organic and natural foods as alternatives to the usual offerings. There has also been a greater interest in imported and gourmet food. Offering specialty products allows you to keep up with trends and attract these customers.
Try: EcoBusinessLinks and GreenPeople provides listings of food distributors that supply organic, vegan and other health foods. The National Association for the Specialty Food Trade offers links to manufacturers of health and gourmet food and other specialty products.

Stay on top of news and information with food manufacturers association and research resources

It's important to stay up to date on food industry trends and safety issues. Get information from experts, or hire a consultant to help meet your objectives.
Try: The Food Marketing Institute glossary allows you to enter a term or click a letter to get information about food industry definitions and buzz words. The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service provides information about its grading, certification and verification processes. The Center for Innovative Food Technology offers services that allow small businesses to partner with local agricultural resources. They also offer food safety consulting programs. The Food Consultants Group is made up of industry experts that offer assistance and expertise to assist companies in their start-up and growth efforts.

Partner with top food manufacturers

Choosing top food manufacturers can give your business a competitive edge. Not only do these companies provide proved products, they also offer assistance with marketing, training and other tools to companies that sell their products.
Try: Tyson Foods allows its resellers to obtain merchandising materials, specialty branded products, training and other support. Nestle offers systems, services and expertise to resellers. General Mills Foodservice provides promotions, resources and news for members.

 

• Try out new ideas from food manufacturing companies before converting your whole product offering. Purchase new, trendy items in limited quantities to find out if your customers approve before stocking up on them.

Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---