Drive Wheel LLC

Restaurants and #retailers are tapping into nostalgia to attract young adults, with marketing campaigns that resonate with Millennials and Gen Z. For instance, McDonald's celebrated the 30th anniversary of Friends, and Wendy's launched a limited edition "Krabby Patty" meal inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants. Retailers are also capturing these vibes with drinks that taste like childhood cereals and "grown-up" versions of Lunchables. This strategy has been a hit among younger consumers. What new nostalgic concepts would you like to see implemented by retailers or restaurants? Want to stay up to date on #consumer and food service trends? Join one of Drive Wheel's #peergroups!

It's that time of year again! Drive Wheel is excited to announce we're sponsoring the WISE Sunset Cocktail Reception at PLMA - Private Label Manufacturers Association. Join Theo and Fiona for an exceptional evening to unwind, connect with peers, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Feel free to bring a friend or colleague along!

We’ve all spent time selecting the best-looking fruit at the #grocery store, often leaving behind the bruised or misshapen ones that end up discounted or thrown away. The Ugly Co. aims to give these imperfect fruits a purpose by transforming them into fruit snacks and other products. The company is now looking to expand by partnering with major #retailers like Sam’s Club and #Walmart. With consumers favoring sustainable innovative products, it'll be exciting to see this type of brand making its debut in stores.

News surrounding beverage packaging often focuses on sustainability, but a recent change in Europe wasn’t quite what most expected. Bottle caps now stay attached to the bottles, aimed at reducing litter from loose caps. This change has sparked complaints, particularly from tourists and TikTok users, who find the caps uncomfortable while drinking. Would this be a change you'd like to see implemented in the U.S.? #Beverage #Packaging #Sustainability

It’s exciting to witness the latest technological advancements, and the concept of a "flying shopping cart" is one AI #innovation that will definitely transform the shopping experience. Not only would these flying carts offer a fun and efficient option for #consumers while eliminating the dreaded squeaky, broken wheels, but they could also assist #retailers with moving inventory and stocking shelves. It will be interesting to see which retailer is the first to implement this technology.

Theo and Jim will be attending the PLMA - Private Label Manufacturers Association Show 2024 in Chicago this November! Drive Wheel is a proud sponsor of the WISE Happy Hour on Sunday the 17th (Hyatt Rooftop) and we hope to see everyone there to catch up and connect (free for members). Theo will also be speaking at the PLMA Executive Education sessions.   We're excited to connect with members, meet new people, and see how the industry will continue to grow in 2025. If you're attending #PLMA and want to meet up, feel free to reach out so we can connect.

We have exciting news! Theo will be attending Groceryshop 2024 in Las Vegas this October. We’re thrilled to reconnect with many of our current members and are looking forward to meeting new faces in the industry. We’re excited to dive into new ideas, innovations, and trends that are shaping the future of grocery.   See you in Vegas! #Grocery #GroceryShop #Tradeshow

#FedEx has launched a new strategy called 'Hold-to-Match,' which allows the company to hold onto a package if another one is expected to arrive the next day for the same destination. Given the emphasis on fast shipping, it will be interesting to see how #consumers react. Some may appreciate the reduced emissions, while others might dislike the extra day of delay in receiving their package. Are you excited about this new strategy? Want to stay up-to-date on #supplychain topics and strategies? Join on of our peer groups!

Exciting news: Theo will be at NACS this October! If you're looking to gain new insights, tackle challenges, and exchange best practices with your peers, our C-Store peer group is the perfect place to do it. Reach out to set up a quick meeting. #ConveinenceStore #PeerGroup #NACS2024

#Amazon has introduced an AI-powered ad generator, arriving just in time for marketers as the busiest time of the year approaches. While the tool is still in its beta phase, it offers Amazon a great opportunity to see how different companies will utilize this new technology. Early adopters are already experimenting with the generator to explore its potential and discover how it can enhance their advertising strategies. This move positions Amazon well to gather valuable feedback and make improvements before the official launch. It'll be interesting to see if we'll be able to tell if an ad is AI generated or not. Want to stay up-to-date on marketing trends and ideas? Join one of our #marketing #peergroups!