#140 Buyer Spotlight: Foodservice Buying with Lizz Ingrassia & Allie Cotter, Fresh Thyme

The Startup CPG Podcast

This episode was sponsored by Hummingbirds. Go to www.hummingbirds.com
This episode was sponsored by Simply Depo. Go to www.simplydepo.com

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, join Daniel Scharff as he dives into the world of foodservice with Lizz Ingrassia and Allie Cotter of Fresh Time Market. Delving into their journey from restaurant dining to packaged retail meals, Liz and Allie share their expertise on the importance of flavor, customer-centricity, and understanding consumer needs in product selection. With foodservice comprising a significant portion of store sales, they discuss the role of branded and non branded items and much more.

Discover the challenges and triumphs of launching new products smoothly, working with suppliers, distribution strategies, and balancing labor issues with innovation. Learn valuable collaboration tips, including understanding store operations and

delivering proposals aligned with customer expectations.

Tune in to gain actionable strategies for enhancing brand credibility, fostering successful partnerships, and creating memorable experiences for consumers!

Listen in as Lizz and Allie share about:

• Vendor Relationship and Negotiation
• Product Testing and Quality Assurance
• Inventory and Distribution Planning
• Marketing and Promotion
• Monitoring and Feedback
• Support and Promotions for Brands
• Sampling Tool and Distribution Strategies
• Successful Brand Examples
• Contractual Issues and Operational Efficiency
• First-to-Market Advantage
• Consumer Shopping Behavior, Recalls, and Product Issues

Thanks to our episode sponsor, SimplyDepo (simplydepo.com). SimplyDepo is a super sales and merchandising platform designed to help emerging brands win independent stores. Powered by the technology, they help you find potential customers, digitize all ordering and merchandising activities, and get all the store insights you need to scale your business. Get in touch at [e-mail] or visit simplydepo.com and make sure to mention hearing this message on the Startup CPG Podcast

Episode Links:

Fresh Thyme Website

Allie’s LinkedIn
Lizz’s LinkedIn

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)

• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Daniel's Linkedin
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [e-mail]

Episode music by Super Fantastics

Hummingbirds Link:

• to find case studies, content + an exclusive chance to win a FREE custom managed campaign. Visit hummingbirds.com/startupCPG

Simply Depo Link:

• Improve your sales reps' efficiency for solid management support to scale your business, email [e-mail] or visit simplydepo.com