Darigold’s Post

Ever wondered how a classic beer brand stays relevant? Here's how we helped Grolsch do just that! 🚀 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁: 𝗥𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝗹𝘀𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝟰% 𝗔𝗕𝗩 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴!🍺 MMR Research partnered with Asahi International to breathe new life into the iconic Grolsch brand by developing a refreshing 4% ABV beer. Here's a glimpse into our journey together: 🔍𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗳: Asahi saw an opportunity to enhance the Grolsch portfolio with a lower ABV option that would appeal to a broader consumer base. Our mission: reengineer the liquid to maximize consumer appeal and ensure market success. 🛠𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: • Engaged 600 category consumers across 3 UK locations. • Conducted comprehensive assessments of the concept and product prototypes using our MMR Connect platform. • Carried out follow-up qualitative interviews with a subset of participants for deeper insights. 📈𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲: • Consumer feedback confirmed the 4% ABV liquid was market-ready without further optimization. • The new Grolsch offering showed strong potential to displace key competitors, backed by our trial and repeat forecast model. 🌟𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: • This collaboration underscores our commitment to leveraging sensory and consumer insights to drive product innovation and market success. •  Want to drive similar success for your brand? Let's connect! 𝗣.𝗦. Have questions about our approach? Drop them in the comments below! #MMRResearch #Grolsch #ConsumerInsights #ProductInnovation #BeverageIndustry #SuccessStory

These are our retail partners for the 2024 Foodpreneurs Festival and we couldn’t be happier at having them all on board! From incredible new partners, Mr Vitamins, Vic's Meat, Hill Street Grocer, The TJX Companies, Inc. and Supabarn; to old favourites, David Jones Food, The Natural Grocery Company (Flannerys, Kunara Organic Marketplace and @fundiewholefoodmarket), Supamart and Panetta Mercato, together represent 4000+ stockists both around the country and overseas. These buyers are actively looking for new products to stock, making this is a HUGE opportunity for you to save time and money by getting your product seen by one, or multiple retailers, all in one day*. But be quick as pitch submissions close at 5pm AET on 7th May. Don't miss your chance to connect with major retailers and get a year’s worth of sales and promotion opportunities in one day: 1. Grab your ticket to the Foodpreneurs Festival here if you haven’t already: https://bit.ly/3wrkg6N 2. Head to our website's "Apply to Pitch" page here: https://lnkd.in/gFBAu6-W 3. Submit your application*. 4. Wait to hear from us whether your pitch application has been successful. 5. Head to our FAQs page here: https://bit.ly/3IQBkFO to learn more about pitching at the event (including what to bring on the day and how brands are selected to pitch) *Submission does guarantee your application will be looked at and your product assessed for suitability by buyers but does not guarantee you a pitch time slot. See Foodpreneurs Festival website for details.

Longbottom spotted in Forbes! 👀 Check out insights from our very own Diana Mora, Global GM of Brand and Marketing at Longbottom, celebrating the evolution of the non-alcoholic (NA) scene. This trend has transformed into a movement, and we're thrilled to be a part of the conversation. Read more for tips from the top experts to guide you through all the NA choices out there! 🥂 🍅 #DryJanuary #NABeverages #Innovation #ForbesInsights #LongbottomVirginMary

Gallo's strategic investment in Montucky Cold Snacks highlights a valuable lesson for brands across all categories: Success is not solely about product quality—it’s about your brand’s identity and execution. As someone seasoned in working to build winning brands, I’ve witnessed firsthand what successful strategies look like in the beverage industry. It’s one thing to preach these strategies; it’s another to see them in action by a brand that continues to excel. "Montucky co-founder Chad Zeitner admits it’s not the liquid in the cans that has put his business on a rocket trajectory of growth. The beer has to be “good and consistent,” he says, but Montucky’s success is predicated on “who we are as a company … the fun, carefree vibe we portray.” Too often, ego can cloud our judgement and set us on the wrong path. Humility will set you free and lead you to success. The liquid has to be good enough, but it is not what creates a winning brand. Your brand message, the branding, the brand plan and the market execution are what make winning brands. It's not rocket science, it's just hard work. Success is no accident. https://lnkd.in/e2kAhUNH

Attention Beverage CEOs, Founders, and Brands: Are you considering venturing into the Non-Alcoholic or Hemp Infused Beverage Sectors? Do you believe you need an edge beyond your industry peers? With a cumulative experience of over 150 years in the beverage realm, our team stands ready to guide you. Engage in a personalized conversation with a seasoned Beverage industry CEO who can provide insights tailored to your specific needs. Uncertain if this opportunity aligns with your goals? Take the first step – DM for a complimentary consultation with DOUGLAS FULTON to explore the possibilities. There's nothing to lose, and potentially, everything to gain. Here are a few examples of brands we work with at The Brand Accelerator - Emergent Beverage: #Calexo - BevNet Winner "Best Brand" 2023 #Long Coast #Drinkin Buds #Boldt Tea #Elevado #Lark https://lnkd.in/gKUDhPbQ

🗞️What’s new this week with CPG brands? Let’s celebrate the wins from emerging brands! 🛒 RETAIL ROLLOUTS 🌱 Lil Bucks and Emily Griffith make a splash at Sprouts Farmers Market nationwide, testing the waters with Clusterbucks for a potential shelf spot. 🍪 Spritzal Cookie Company, co-founded by Taylor Elizabeth Walker debuts in 1,220 Kroger locations across the East Coast and Texas. 🥧 Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies by Sasha Millstein expands its comforting reach to all Foxtrot locations in DC, Chicago, and Austin. 🌾Ms. P’s Gluten Free and is now selling their granola at Vintage Market in Malibu, CA and their first Fresh Thyme location in Chicago. 🚀 NEW PRODUCT LAUNCH 🍄 Aunt Ethel’s Pot Pies introduces 'Shrooms Gone Wild,' a new flavor featuring a rich medley of wild mushrooms, cream, and herbs. 💸 INVESTMENTS AND ACQUISITIONS ❄️ Seal the Seasons, co-founded by Alejandro (Alex) Piasecki secures a loan from Whole Foods Market to boost supply chains for locally grown frozen produce. 🍪 Mmmly, the indulgent yet nutritious cookie brand founded by Nicholas Naclerio, kicks off a Wefunder equity campaign aiming for nationwide shelf presence. Read more about this week’s news here: https://lnkd.in/dm6F6EH4 Have a story to share? Let me know in the comments or DM me! #cpg #foodandbeverage #news

What did we do to get a world-exclusive cheese made for us by one of the best cheesemakers in the world (who’s also very busy)? I promise you it wasn’t by force—it’s the result of years of relationship building. Strong relationships between brands are key to successful new product collaborations. When trust and shared values align, brands can innovate together, combining their strengths to create something truly original. These partnerships foster open communication and a deep understanding of each other’s goals, enabling smoother development and more cohesive products. Good relationships also help brands leverage each other’s resources for mutual success. In a fast-evolving market, authentic connections empower brands to launch new products that resonate with customers and drive lasting growth. For those still in the dark, allow me to introduce The Charlton—a unique blue cheese made by Berrys Creek in South Gippsland, VIC, using a blend of cow and buffalo milk. Only 50kg were made, and 15kg have already been snapped up!

DON’T apply to the Whole Foods Market accelerator program!!! ....until you have articulated these things I analyzed the brands selected for the program in 2023. Each and every one had an element or multiple elements of the following: 1. A mission of sustainability or accessibility that they're actually executing on ↳ shār is all about sharing & the earth, with 100% plastic free packaging ↳ SINTO GOURMET LLC is all about making truly authentic Korean products accessible (and in an easy to ship layflat packaging not typical of the Kimchi category) 2. A simple to understand but a truly differentiated product innovation that you just feel *cool* to know about ↳ Funky Mello is the marshmallow whip from your childhood, but with aquafaba ↳ Uncle Waithleys Beverage Company is an extra spicy ginger beer with Scotch Bonnet Pepper! 3. A product that MOST people find utterly delicious ↳ Like, have you tried Evergreen? They're waffles made with veggies but taste like carrot cake. ↳ Darë Vegan Cheese has a cult following from local farmers markets 4. And pre-existing investments, awards, and/or distribution into regional chain retail ↳ Myles Comfort Foods was in all Nugget Market, Inc. stores. ↳ shār was a Good Foods Award Winner and was well-distributed in Austin, TX ↳ Painterland Sisters is already in over 2,000 doors in 49 states ____ So, don't submit the application for Whole Foods Market QUITE YET. Check yourself. Take the time to build this stuff out. And btw, there are two kinds of cohorts: On the Verge & Early Growth. This "proof" listed above will apply to both, in different ways. Yes, it's complicated when you're so close to your own business, but I'm here to help if you need. But it you DO have these elements. APPLY, kill it, and send me a DM when you make it into the 2024 Early Growth cohort. Deadline is April 19. (https://lnkd.in/eJANpzhQ) #wholefoods #cpgbrands #cpg #retailentry #retailstrategy

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹’𝘀 𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿🚀 In the late 1800s, Campbell’s was a minor player struggling to compete in a market dominated by Heinz. Soup was sold in large, heavy cans, making it expensive and inconvenient for the average consumer. Despite their attempts to break into the market, American consumers were largely unfamiliar with soup as a meal option, and Campbell’s products failed to resonate. The outlook was bleak, and Campbell’s needed a breakthrough to stay afloat. The solution came through innovation when John T. Dorrance, a chemist with a vision, developed a method for condensing soup, removing water, thereby cutting costs and making the cans lighter and more affordable for consumers. This innovation gave Campbell’s a competitive advantage over Heinz and allowed the brand to educate the market on how to make soup a household staple. Paired with clever branding, including the now-iconic red and white label and a gold medal from the 1900 Paris Exhibition, Campbell’s was able to turn the tides. By simplifying its product line and focusing on condensed soup, Campbell’s transformed from a struggling company into a dominant player in the industry. This proves that smart innovation and brand strategy can overcome even the toughest competition. 💡𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗖 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Campbell's early struggles came from its inability to compete with Heinz's more oversized products. However, Dorrance's condensed soup was a game-changer, cutting costs, improving portability, and aligning with consumer preferences for convenience. 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 The consistent use of the red and white can design, as well as the Paris Exhibition gold medal, gave Campbell's a timeless and recognizable brand image. Due to its visual consistency and quality, consumers trusted the brand. 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 Heinz’s attempt to reverse-engineer condensed soup never matched Campbell’s success, as Campbell had already established itself in the market. Consumers preferred a trusted brand that offered variety and adapted to their evolving tastes. #innovation #leadership #food #LeadershipLessons #BusinessStrategy #Campbells #SoupIndustry #BrandingSuccess

As many know by now, yesterday, Sazerac announced that it would acquire the hot, multi-base, distinctly spherical shaped RTD brand, @BuzzBallz. Talk about a multi-hyphenate: Founder Merrilee Kick has the only woman-owned owned distillery, winery and brewery combo in the United States. As we reported this morn via our Wine & Spirits Daily sister pub, BuzzBallz spirit-based cocktails are consistently growing double digits in Circana-measured channels, up nearly 30% in the latest week to March 10. We’ve been saying all along that more brands should do exactly what this brand has – forge their own category with truly differentiated packaging. Not as easy as it sounds, of course. The downside is that lacking a “plug and play” format can be challenging (to break into retail infrastructure). The giant potential upside, however, is cutting the line to consumer awareness and loyalty in an age of so much clutter. Brands that have made the approach work for them include Red Bull (the first to popularize slim cans), 5 Hour Energy (whatever you call that format), BeatBox (one of the few/first bev alc single serve Tetras), Clase Azul (whose bottles double as fine art). Note that most of those brands are c-store and single serve centric. Speaking of c-stores, from the Sazerac side, it obviously offers a new way to build out their convenience presence (like they’ve been doing with Fireball). It’s also notable that trendy BuzzBallz seems a very different kind of acquisition for the whiskey-centric company, which in the last 10 years has been acquiring for a decisively different demographic: They’ve purchased Canadian Mist, Paul Masson and Southern Comfort, for example. (Fun fact, I was introduced to Southern Comfort right out of college, when my dad bought me a bottle. Sometimes it was the only thing to eat in my apartment. So, I drank it sometimes.) More in tomorrow's BBD.