Crafty Counter’s Post

Episode #005 of Sherm's Weekly Insider  Here's a quick recap of what happened in the food industry this week!    1) Elon Musk dives into c-stores with opening of @Boring Bodega at Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Inc. Plaza    2) McDonald's unveils plans for new spinoff brand, CosMc’s, to serve snacks and coffee    3)  Instacart partners with Peacock to attract customers with online streaming     4) Los Angeles hospitality workers launch "Occupy Movement" at LAX HOTELS LLC   5)  Dolly’s on a roll…Parton announces plans to convert Nashville office into hotel     6)  Boston customers can now borrow food containers in new program to reduce waste      7)  Meijer sued for allegedly stealing self-checkout technology     8)  Couche-Tard's bet on weed in Canada goes bust as Fire & Flower declares bankruptcy     9)  In lead up to a merger, Kroger sees profits return...but sales drop the 4th quarter in a row      10)  US Foods acquires Saladino's Foodservice, it’s second big buy this year     11)   C-stores happy as federal ban on menthols, ⅓rd of all cigarette sales, is pushed to 2024     12) Supermarkets take a 20% hit in bakery and deli sales thanks to Ozempic      See sources below:  

Teamwork in Action: Xtra Foods Supermarket & Smith Robinson's Strategic Marketing Meet 🚀 What a dynamic evening it was with the marketing mavens from Xtra Foods and Smith Robinson! Today's strategic session wasn't just a meeting of minds, but a symphony of ideas set to revolutionize our industry. As we gathered, the room buzzed with innovative concepts and collaborative energy. Our mission? To plant our diverse ideas into the fertile ground of creativity and watch them ascend into the stratosphere of innovation. With a shared vision and a passion for disruption, we're crafting strategies that will redefine market standards. So, here's to the power of partnership and the promise of progress. Stay tuned as we prepare to launch into uncharted territories of market disruption. The countdown has begun, and we're just getting started! #TeamCollaboration #Innovation #StrategicPlanning #MarketDisruption #StayTuned

HUNGRY. X HC CONSULTING - THE GREATEST PARTNERSHIP SINCE ANT & DEC, POSH & BECKS, FISH & CHIPS Been SO lucky to partner with the face-meltingly banging chocolate brand, Islands Chocolate We’ve won some INSANE listings Milk & More, John Lewis & Partners, CN Foods Our first grocery listing goes live in a couple of weeks - SO EXCITED And an INSANE coffee chain goes live very soon, too. BUT It's pained me to the core. I’ve never had capacity to help more brands. Until now. SOOOOOOOO gassed to announce HUNGRY. is partnering with HC Consulting. Harry Clarke and Lili Wiranatha are wonderful humans. Harry just “gets it”. Harry’s been in the bleak trenches. Knows the grit, graft, hustle it takes to get a brand moving and flying. Founder of POPS ice lollies - who unlocked listings at Tesco, Waitrose & Partners, Ocado Group, Whole Foods Market, Soho House & Co and MORE. HC Consulting work with some epic brands like Holy Moly Dips, The Gut Stuff, Savyll Beverage Co, Remeo Gelato. - Struggling to unlock distribution? - Sales pitch not landing? - Don’t want to hire a full time sales director - but need the advice and guidance? - Need a helping handing with account management to keep your beloved listing? Please feel free to drop Harry a note. It’s deffo worth having a chat, even if nothing comes of it right now Have a lovely week p.s... Nope, I didn't just finish a trail shift at Pizza Express #Romanabase

Lots of buzz around Foxtrot shuttering in my feed. Plenty to unpack here. First off my heart goes out to the employees affected and the emerging brands that were bought into the idea of Foxtrot being a catapult for their businesses. I genuinely hope that everyone can survive the severity of this action. My 2 cents if anyone gives a $h!t. I was there a few years back with Freak Flag Organics chasing Foxtrot as an account. These cute, curated, retailers seem to be great marketing playgrounds for emerging brands to be 'discovered', harvest data, etc. While they can be beneficial, the juice often isn't worth the squeeze. What happened with Foxtrot is not surprising. The strictly emerging/sexy brand model at retail just isn't profitable, for anyone. I fear ego likely had a hand in this. Raise 100M and then expand way too fast, and geographically too thin (DC issues, brand building, etc) is just not fiscally feasible. Or responsible. Ego (possibly greed) drives this sort of behavior. It's apparent that big CPG brand slotting fees, marketing support, etc combined with own brand expansion are a sad necessity for the majority of retailers. Drizzle on unforeseen issues like gnarly inflation (bougie rent, cogs, etc), supply chain issues etc made it incredibly difficult for them to make it. Erewhon is another example of the OG 'cool kid' retailer diverting/avoiding losses by expanding private label offerings...in a BIG way. Sadly, they are likely going the way of Whole Foods Market. At the end of the day, this F-ing sucks. I wish nothing but the best for everyone that didn't see this coming. It's not easy. #cpg #retail #grocery #trendy #ebitda #cogs #profitability

The Bubbling Beginnings of The Coca-Cola Company: A Tale of Perseverance In the late 19th century, amidst the bustling streets of Atlanta, Georgia, John Pemberton, a pharmacist with a vision, and his partner, Frank Robinson, embarked on a journey that would change the beverage industry forever. It all began in a small, dimly lit laboratory where Pemberton spent countless hours experimenting with various ingredients, aiming to concoct a refreshing tonic. With determination fueling his every move, he mixed together extracts of coca leaves and kola nuts, adding a blend of sugars and spices, until finally, he stumbled upon the perfect formula. Excited by the potential of their creation, Pemberton and Robinson poured their savings into bottling and marketing their new beverage. However, their enthusiasm quickly turned to dismay as they faced numerous setbacks. From financial struggles to skepticism from local merchants, the road to success seemed insurmountable. Undeterred, the duo pressed on, tirelessly promoting their drink on the streets of Atlanta. They offered free samples to passersby and distributed coupons to drum up interest. Slowly but surely, word began to spread about this fizzy elixir, and demand started to grow. Despite the initial hurdles, Pemberton and Robinson refused to give up. They believed wholeheartedly in the potential of their creation, and their perseverance paid off. In 1886, Coca-Cola was officially born, and the rest, as they say, is history. Through unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of their dreams, Pemberton and Robinson transformed a humble concoction into one of the world's most iconic brands. Their story serves as a timeless reminder that with passion, resilience, and a sprinkle of creativity, anything is possible. As we raise our glasses to toast the legacy of Coca-Cola, let us also raise a salute to its founders, whose initial struggle paved the way for a beverage empire that continues to refresh and delight millions around the globe. #startups #innovation #management #marketing #creativity #motivation #personaldevelopment #education #sales #business #inspiration

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐲 𝐊𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐧𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟐,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞! 🍩 Krispy Kreme's recent nationwide partnership with McDonald's could be a game-changer, potentially boosting sales by 20%. 📈 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞: Krispy Kreme's stock soared 6% after Truist analyst Bill Chappell upgraded it to a "Buy" with a new price target of $15. He argues that Krispy Kreme's growth story is underappreciated. 🥯 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Starting later this year, Krispy Kreme doughnuts will be available at over 12,000 McDonald's locations across the U.S. Each store could generate $500 in weekly sales, adding over $300 million in annual revenue. 💡 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤: By 2026, Krispy Kreme expects U.S. revenue growth of $340-$430 million, translating to a 20-25% increase from 2023. 📊 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Despite these positive developments, the stock's initial 40% jump fizzled out. Investors worry about profitability and the impact of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic on indulgent snack consumption. 🔍 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐭'𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞: Chappell believes these fears are overblown, noting the U.S. indulgent snack market's 8.5% annual growth since 2018. He compares Krispy Kreme's potential to Chick-fil-A Restaurants and In-N-Out Burger, highlighting the opportunity to become a national brand. How would you enjoy pairing a Big Mac with a Krispy Kreme doughnut? 🍔🍩 Do you think this partnership will sweeten the stock price for investors? #KrispyKreme #Investment #McDonalds #Growth #StockMarket #FoodIndustry #SweetSuccess https://lnkd.in/g_VhyCdg

Actually, it is quite funny that this quote is from Ray Kroc. Ray was certainly not the first. It is often thought that he is the founder of McDonald's. But that is not the case. The McDonald's restaurant already existed when he came in as a seller of milkshake machines. What Ray Kroc was, is the man who made McDonald's big. So yes, he was certainly daring, different and very innovative! As we already said: It helps, but you don't necessarily have to be the first. You do need to know how you can make a difference, what will you do differently or better? How can you grow? #RayKroc #innovation #growth #McDonald's #quote

Yesterday, Kristen Riggs shared the stage at Groceryshop with Melissa Repko, Retail & Consumer Reporter, CNBC, for a great discussion on Hershey’s Leading Snacking Powerhouse vision, consumer trends and innovation impacting the industry. Here are the three biggest takeaways: 1. Our evolution as a “Sweet & Salty” company is shaping our business and people in new ways - to drive “Scale & Growth” and to be a “Leader & Disruptor.” 2. Becoming a maker of salty snack brands is a game changer - offering the capabilities to innovate, learn, and develop the category. 3. Consumers desire for VALUE is driving new opportunities for innovation to meet the changes in how, why and where consumers shop. #imHersheys

Alright, I CANNOT speak enough about how much I admire Lynsi Snyder. Both in how she's honoring her grandfather's legacy since taking charge in 2010 + how she's ushered In-N-Out Burger forward in today's tumultuous economic climate. She's the G.O.A.T. (... I also love her cheeseburgers.) 🍔 In-N-Out a cut above the rest for a multitude of reasons - despite my tastebuds and cravings. This family-owned gem has stayed true to its roots while doubling its reach. 1️⃣ Under her leadership, the chain has expanded from 230 to 402 stores without losing its soul - or hiking its prices *too* much. A famed Double Double still costs you about the same as it did before the world turned upside-down. 2️⃣ The company has stuck it out with the SAME wholesalers used since the 1940s. The commitment to long-term relationships & quality over the need for rapid expansion is a lesson for us all in the logistics realm. Grow without compromising on what makes you special. 3️⃣ Despite her cautious approach to expansion (sorry, East Coast... no In-N-Out for you quite yet), she's been strategic - ensuring that growth doesn’t water down their brand or burden their supply chain. So yes, I'm biased. But it's also clear: it's not just about burgers... it's about keeping steadfast commitment to: - quality - community - & sticking to your roots Read more about her story at NBC News: https://lnkd.in/gjNn_3gH #innout #chain #womeninbusiness #familybusiness #leadership #supplychain

Meet the Team Monday! We are starting with our fearless leader James Pippin! How long have you been in the CPG world? My first job in the CPG world was in sales and marketing at New Belgium Brewery in 2002! I had never had a beer before (at 23!), and when I got into the second round interview, I decided to get a pizza and a six pack of fat tire to figure out what I was getting myself into. Since then, I've worked in multiple startups, one that hit $54M in revenue before it was sold (I was personally responsible for $18M), as well as vending, grocery checkout systems and technology, wine, and more. What's your area of expertise and territories you manage? Whole Foods is my main account, but I also work on regional accounts with Beth in Washington and Oregon. What's a brand you wish you repped and why? I already get to represent a bunch of my favorites, but I do love a great paella or risotto so the ANETO NATURAL line of broths and the Matiz canned seafood come to mind. In beverage, I'm a pretty avid Humm Kombucha drinker, and no evening is complete without a little cheese tray at our home and Rogue River Blue Cheese often is a feature! Piece of advice you would give brands? Plan to succeed incrementally and find the enjoyment and passion in your work. Build your connections with consumers and retailers one at a time, and put your full heart into each. They will feel it, the market will feel it, and pretty soon people will be coming to you. Favorite Grocery Store to shop? Hard to pick a favorite, but I love Top of the Hill in Renton, a local produce forward grocer that runs great promotions, has terrific produce and meat, and a smaller footprint. PCC, Lazy Acres Natural Market, the West Hollywood Pavilions, Bellingham Coop, and Huckleberry's in Spokane all make the list too! When you're not working what do you enjoy doing? Raising a hilarious son, 6 chickens, growing herbs and vegetables in our urban garden, and woodworking! #meettheteam #teamleader #founder #sales #cpg #cpgleader #foodandbeverage