Congratulations, at this stage in the game, you have strategically checked all the boxes, identifying your product as a solution to something people want, either a better taste or more convenient option. Or maybe your food and beverage product fulfills a need as a great source of nutrition that may be low calorie, gluten-free, or keto. Better yet, your product satisfies both a want and a need.
If this is the case, let’s take a look at where you are right now.
- The product meets food safety standards and regulations.
- It’s properly priced and the consumer views it as a good value.
- The competition has been identified and you know who you are up against.
- Your packaging is designed and you feel good about the story it conveys.
- The product has been tested on shelves to see how it fits and if it stands out.
- Perhaps you have tested the product in a few stores or at the local farmers market.
- Your supply chain is ready to fulfill orders.
The next big step is to decide where you will sell the product. You can choose to research independently or enlist a reputable food broker, like Alliance, who will create a personalized plan to optimize growth and get your product in the hands of consumers.
Here are four ways we can help bring your product to market:
A Direct-to-Consumer, E-Commerce Website is the best way to sell your product directly without the need for any middle-men. A website will inform customers about your products, their quality, and why they should buy from you. This is your big chance to tell your story, curate a brand image, and engage consumers. Once the website is up and running, you’re now in control of what’s being sold, what’s trending (and what’s not), how it’s delivered, and customer feedback via ratings and reviews.
Building an e-commerce website is vital for growth as more and more consumers are going online to source and buy products—and they’re doing it at all hours of the day. According to research by LSA (Local Search Association) and YellowPages found that, on average, consumers use approximately three sources before making an individual purchase decision, and 30 percent automatically strike a brand from consideration if they don’t have a website.
Becoming a Merchant on an Online Marketplace helps get your product in front of people who are in the market for a product like yours. While your e-commerce site reaches consumers who are already familiar with your brand or product, online marketplaces help consumers discover you. Ultimately, what makes an eCommerce platform unique is the audience they are reaching. Amazon, Target, and Walmart are ideal for selling to the general masses, while Thrive Market and Vegan Essentials cater to natural, health-conscious consumers.
Brick and Mortar is just as effective at reaching customers as it was centuries ago. This type of storefront retail allows prospective customers to see and touch what they want, and if lucky, they get a chance to taste it too. Best of all, consumers leave the store feeling instantly gratified versus waiting for a product ordered online to arrive at the door. Another benefit of using this selling a storefront venue is that many stores stock your product onsite or in the company warehouse.
Selling Business to Business
Reaching your customers through another business can put your CPG product in a unique selling position. For example, your organic coffee is offered in both bags and pods because the latter brewing method is increasing market share. Since more offices are adopting coffee pod brewing machines, it makes complete sense to get your coffee pods in the hands of a corporate coffee supplier. The middleman in this scenario is now a business, and the end consumer is also a business.
At Alliance, we are passionate about building brands and love seeing people achieve their version of success. From getting your product on the shelves to building brand awareness with targeted marketing campaigns, our turnkey solutions bring the market to you. Learn how we can optimize your CPG brand.
