The eggplant – or, as Europeans might say, aubergine – is an ingredient that has a long and curious history. Believed to have originated in Asia, where it grows wild to this day, the first written record of the plant dates to China, in 544 BC. It was cultivated extensively throughout the Mediterranean by Arabs in […]
Shopping local has tremendous environmental benefits, no matter what you’re looking to buy. When it comes to honey, not only are you helping the planet (and community businesses), you’re helping yourself too. Rokus Armonas and his wife, Kelli, run Bay Area Bee Company maintaining hives in backyards throughout the Bay Area. The people who own the […]
There’s no denying that industrial farming practices have solved many of the problems we used to face. Unfortunately, these intensive agricultural practices over the last few decades have been incredibly damaging to our earth and are completely unsustainable. Soils have been left in poor condition thanks to decreased biodiversity, decreased water retention, and a reduced […]
Watching a movie without a mound of fresh, hot, crunchy popcorn just isn’t the same, even sat at home on the sofa. Yet popcorn is a food that’s deceptively difficult to get right without professional equipment – a deep, satisfying crunch giving way to a perfectly fluffy interior, rich flavor, a salty sting that’s just […]
The onset of Fall means an abundance of one of the best, most versatile food groups – root vegetables! And none are quite as delicious, nutritious, or easy to cook with as sweet potato. Its soft, rich, orange flesh is perfect for soups and stews, baked whole, or cut into wedges and roasted in the […]
Local milk products are becoming increasingly popular with today’s consumers — 53% believe it is more important to shop with local businesses now than it was before the pandemic. More and more people are aware of how the products in their shopping baskets can better serve their local community… but how can you reach them? […]
There are two principal distribution models for transporting consumer packaged goods (CPGs) from manufacturers into stores: direct store delivery and centralized distribution. It’s important for brands to make an informed decision. Each brand or product will have its own needs and special requirements, so there isn’t necessarily a clear-cut answer. And yet, employing the right […]
If Homer Simpson is meant to represent the American everyman, then it makes perfect sense he loves ranch. “Bring me my ranch-dressing hose!” Everyone loves ranch – Americans consume over 100 million bottles of the stuff annually (it’s a $1.7 billion industry). And yet this gooey, rich, ever-popular condiment – basically a mixture of buttermilk, […]
We’re living in the age of the conscious consumer. When people make spending decisions, they want to know their money supports products and brands that align with their values. One of the largest considerations is how our shopping habits impact the environment, so labels like “from regenerative farms” are growing increasingly popular. Here, we’ll answer […]
When a consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand has a finished batch of products, there are several transportation methods for getting them into stores. Each method varies slightly, but the primary aim is to get their products from point A to point B as efficiently as possible. Direct store delivery (DSD) is a transportation method that’s […]
CPG brands and food distributors work incredibly closely together. It’s a relationship that’s essential to both sides — one that’s built on teamwork and trust. As with any relationship, honest and open communication is key. So too is asking questions. The right food distributor can introduce you to new customers, remove logistical stress, and truly […]
People love a good story. We’ve been consuming them in one form or another since birth. Stories resonate with us, they engage our emotions and they stick in the memory. This is why you need to weave CPG storytelling into your branding. The importance of CPG storytelling There’s no getting away from it. The CPG […]
Putting a ton of effort into your brand socials? But not getting a whole lot of CPG social media engagement in return? It’s a common problem, particularly for smaller CPG brands. But it’s a problem you have to do something about. We see it all the time, and it can even lead to customers seeing […]
Now that we’re well into the 21st century, effective digital marketing is essential for any company. This couldn’t be more true in the CPG business. The CPG market is continuously growing, which is great for consumers. But, as you know, that means it’s also becoming increasingly competitive. Staying relevant and top of mind for consumers The […]