Recent months have taught us a lot about business. We have seen just how adaptable we need to be if we’re to maintain our competitive edge. Even big companies aren’t bulletproof when seismic shifts in consumer behavior are forced by social, political, economic, or cultural circumstances (or a global threat to public health). However, we have also learned some sectors are truly evergreen. One of the leading industries that is evergreen is the business of feeding people. Supermarkets and grocery stores are among the few to have remained profitable during the current crisis.
With consumers having a lot of different products and brands to choose from, how do you make your food product stand out? Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which you can craft a product that’s a big hit with customers and a bulletproof addition to your product range.
First, start with market research.
It should go without saying, the better you know your target audience, the better equipped you are to identify what they want from a product. Many businesses carry out tireless market research to ascertain their place in the market. But if market research isn’t a staple of your everyday operations, you probably aren’t as in touch with your target audience as you should be.
You want to carry out market research to identify what your customers are looking for in a product and identify any areas in which your competitors are leaving them wanting more.
Do something innovative with the packaging.
In the vast majority of cases, customers aren’t going to notice your product on the store shelf immediately. You’re going to need to do something innovative with your packaging. And you’re going to have to go beyond bold colors. Think metal finishing, exciting textures, and, of course, 100% recyclable materials. You may even want to design packaging that can be repurposed for the highly eco-conscious. If you’re thinking of using metal to make a prototype, you might want to check out this website. Speaking of recycling…
Make sure your food product has a strong ethical focus.
The ethics of capitalism have never been more starkly in the public eye. Especially now. Most consumers, especially millennial consumers, want to do business with brands that have a strong ethical focus. So as well as ensuring your product packaging is recyclable, you might want to think about how the product itself could have a strong ethical focus. For instance, it could be vegan-friendly and made from 100% plant products. It may be made with fair trade ingredients. Or it could be made from ingredients that are sustainably and renewably sourced.
Build on your strengths.
Updating or creating a product is a chance to reinvent your brand. But, that doesn’t mean you have to throw out the entire playbook. Don’t be afraid to build on your strengths and capitalize on the goodwill you’ve already generated among your audience. You should be fluid in your branding concept, but there’s no need to fix the things that aren’t broken.
Create a launch event with the “Wow Factor.”
Finally, as part of your marketing campaign, let the public know about your product by hosting a launch party or event. Your launch should be a celebration where nothing can possibly go wrong, and it’s up to you to bring the wow factor. Give out free samples, encourage customers to get involved. Encourage customers to post photos of themselves enjoying your food product online. Have competitions and giveaways, and let your customers peek behind the curtain to see the people behind your supply chain.
Include these strategies in your marketing campaign, and before you know it, everyone talking about just how great it tastes. Your food product will stand out above the competition and be a household name for years to come. Here’s to YOUR success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Executive, and Leadership Coach. She is the President of Infinity Coaching, Inc., where she can help you up-level your skills so that you can up-level your income, career, business, or life. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides organizational training and one-on-one and group coaching. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
