Small Bites January 12, 2022
onward into a new year
creating opportunities to promote
& sell more VT products
to more buyers
|
|
Well, here we are already into the double digits in '22. Because it is January that means it is popcorn, hot chocolate, miso & of course slow roasted meat & veg season. All these products are winter staples in home kitchens & generate sales.
Stores are helping shoppers navigate current supply & staffing challenges so that the "seasonal" foods are well stocked & adding comfort in this still discomforting time. They are also incorporating them into winter deli menus & meals-ready-to-eat. National reports tell of significant changes in shopping patterns due to Omicron; more at home meals, less restaurant meals. On the production side, the high rate of transmission has caused production & manufacturing gaps that differ from 2020. This is happening across the nation so that national distributors have high out of stock rates leading to empty shelves at our large supermarkets, with impact on all stores including small rural general stores.
To help mitigate some of these challenges, distributors & food system non-profits work together collaborating on helping food get from producer to stores not only in Vermont but the region. CAE in Hardwick is often in conversation with Pumpkin Village Foods to help address current challenges. Vermont Way Foods is reaching out to the wider New England Network while Sustainable Business Network in Boston is hooking up to widen their network to help food manufacturers reach new market channels. This year we will work with the continued variables, through connections & collaborations at all points on the supply chain.
Enjoy our "seasonal foods" & get a jump on the year!
|
|
Fun Food Season with YOLO
Hot fun in the cold 802! You are likely aware of Yolo's single serve popcorn which drives sales when displayed near the grab & go section of your store. Their many flavors are a marriage of Iowa corn & premium ingredients including VT maple syrup. Now they have all the makings to drive even more sales with their corn kernels. Pumpkin Village Foods, serving northern Vermont is stoked to sell the kernels. Just ask Sam- he will deliver to your store, farmstand, or cross dock for further distribution.
Another popcorn option is heirloom kernels from Karen's Artisan Popcorn. Partnering with local farmers allows her to blend 5 different types of kernels creating exceptional gourmet mixes. All of them are sourced from Vermont & Quebec. Join the many stores such as Sweet Clover Market that sell both the kernels for home-popping & pre-popped bags for easy fun seasonal enjoyment.
|
It is officially Miso Season in Vermont which precedes maple season. Rhapsody Natural Foods produces high quality organic & natural artisan foods that support local & regional sustainable food systems. With distribution through Pumpkin Village Foods, Black River Produce, Myers Produce, Associated Buyers, Food Connects & direct to stores through Mable, their full product line of fermented foods is available to across the NE region. For local deliveries, they deliver with their own vegetable oil-powered wagon every Tuesday along the Cabot-Burlington or
|
There is much instability in the food chain with unstable prices across all sectors. Often it is the small producer who is the last to increase prices out of fear of losing accounts with store buyers or distributors. Distributors have a range of service fee deductions with each vendor as part of their contracts & onboarding process. Many operate with fees at the selling end too through delivery charges. These fees are standard operating procedures at large national corporations & are now more prevalent at VT distribution companies too. Stores often see added fees at the bottom of an invoice- it may be fuel surcharges, or restocking; some business have included covid surcharges to offset increases across the board.
|
Resources, Support, & Services
Step Out: Lending a helping hand for post-incarcerated women gain life skills & create work experience in farm & food businesses. Seeking farmers & food producers to participate in the program.
|
Community Goodwill
Woodstock Farmers Market conducts a holiday "round-up for change" at their two stores in Waterbury & Woodstock. The 2021 season was a grand success raising a total of $11,942 with all proceeds going to are food shelfs. Their successful Harvest for Hunger fundraiser is the result of community generosity.
|
|
Teaming Up for Stronger Sales
Neighboring Food Coop has a Cave to Coop (C2C) cheese promotion program that helps generate sales throughout the northeast.
When Vermont cheesemakers are chosen for C2C it helps drive sales & exposure to their products. In-store samples, educated cheese mongers, social media write ups & links to the cheesemaker websites all contribute to sales.
|
More Celebrations are in order!
The Genny celebrates 10 years serving its community. Way to go Team Genny!
Skiers & Vermonters raved on a steady supply of Goodman's American Pie pizza in December. Lesser Distribution reports huge sales of all VT products. For some food manufacturers, staffing was a challenge keeping up with demand but not at Goodman's this holiday season.
Will Stevens owner of Golden Russet Farm & former VT legislator has a new position as Outreach Coordinator at Bernie's Office. Congratulations are in order for Will taking on the agriculture role most recently held by Erica Campbell. Reach out to Will as he is the eyes & ears of the small business & farming community.
|
From the Team at the Genny
on celebrating ten years & opening a second store
"These small stores that act as town centers around the state and region are a form of New England tradition that has continued for generations. These places are not just for grabbing your gallon of milk or slice of pizza, they are spaces for neighbors to check in on one another, for the local news to pass around, for a quick chat with your select board member, or to find out who won the game. We love & cherish this tradition."
-The Genny, aka Craftsbury General store
|
Snug Valley Farm in East Hardwick is a well known meat producer selling to stores in the state. They have a wide range of roasting pork & beef cuts to satisfy "roasted meat season". Check them out & consider including their grass fed products in your meat department.
|
March 29th
The SBN Local Food Trade Show of New England is a dynamic virtual space for local food producers and buyers from across our region to connect. Stay tuned for registration info.
~1-on-1 Consultations Schedule a meeting with area experts in marketing, sales, finance, and legal issues
~Emerging Value-added Products Panel See the region's most promising new products
~Keynote Speakers Hear from the leaders of New England Local Food Industry.
~Networking Mixer Connect in targeted small group conversations.
~Trade Floor Product showcase
~Matchmaking Meetings focused meetings between producers & buyers
|
|
Thank you for keeping covid safety front & center in your business decisions.
Small Bites comes to you via USDA & High Meadows grants. Content is created for farmers, food manufacturers, distributors, grocers to increase VT food sales
Contact: Annie H Harlow
smallbites802@gmail.com
Unless otherwise noted, photo credits are from company social media, websites or Annie Harlow
Delivery cartoon: New Yorker Magazine
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
