Natural and specialty distributors have different names for their programs, but the following list will help define the general concepts:
1. Catalog/Price Book: This is the main catalog that the retailer uses for ordering products. The product n...
No question, working with a broker can make a new entrepreneur’s life a lot easier. These sales experts leverage their natural products know-how and relationships with retailers to get your food, beverage, body care or supplement onto more...
Once you’ve got your organic protein bar brand built, how do you know which flavor to launch next? Should you do a chocolate chip variety like every other manufacturer? Or should you take a chance on a flavor that’s totally unique and...
What was the inspiration for your business?
Matt: After spending time at Boulder Outdoor Survival School in the Utah desert, I contracted a severe gastrointestinal issue. It wasn’t diagnosed properly and took a huge physical toll on me. Th...
Remember “push” and “pull” from college econ? Here’s a reminder: To drive sales of your new natural food product, you either pull, which means spending a boatload of money on advertising to reach consumers directly...
Financial needs evolve as natural products brands expand from startup to solid businesses. So do the kinds of capital you need and the best potential sources to court. But whether you’re a new consumer packaged goods company struggling for a...
If you festoon your trade show booth with a disco ball and strobe lights, investors will see you. But do you want to be remembered as that pop-up discotheque or for your delicious, allergen-free, organic snack mixes? You know the answer. Ryan...
These days, there are many avenues you can pursue to secure investment in your natural products company. So many avenues, in fact, that you really have to know your business inside and out and have a grip on where you sit in the marketplace in...
New entrepreneurs get starry-eyed when blockbuster deals happen in the natural products space. When Kraft bought Balance Bar, when General Mills bought Boca, small companies went atwitter, thinking their brands must be worth megabucks too...
