subject: What To Expect In Produce Marketing [print this page] When youre looking for assistance in produce marketing, its helpful to know what to expect in the process. Remember that asking questions is very important; youre going to want to know as much as possible about the people you entrust with marketing your produce. You need to remember that though your beautiful, succulent produce may look very similar to the other oranges, apples, blueberries, avocados or any other fruit or vegetable available to the public, you represent a certain brand. Letting the public know what makes your farm so unique and wonderful is to inspire them to purchase your produce. Therefore, find produce marketing assistance that highlights the best about your yield.
As you go through the produce marketing interviewing process, make sure you know:
- Who the marketers represent. If youre looking to expand your reach in the product market, you are going to want a marketer who can get your fruit into the public domain. That may mean large grocery chains or smaller select retailers the specifics depend on your crop yield and your ability to supply fruit. Keep the capabilities of your farm in mind when you meet with a produce marketer. If you can only satisfy the demands of a smaller retailer, it is not necessary to partner with a marketer who only has relationships with larger stores. Find a marketer who really listens to you and understands what is in your best interest.
- How much the marketer knows about your niche focus. If you grow strawberries and the marketer only has experience placing and marketing blueberries, apples and pears, you will obviously want to interview another firm. Market trends change all the time for particular fruits and vegetables, and youll want to choose a marketer who understands the fluctuations that occur. It is imperative that you keep a close eye on these changes, as they determine pricing.
- How the relationship will work. Will the produce marketing firm charge per hour or per project? Will you be able to call at any time to discuss ideas or concerns? Find out as much as possible about the relationship before you commit to anything. That way, you and the marketing firm will totally understand expectations going forward. It may help to have a few meetings during which you explain the history of your company/farm, your hopes for the future and how youll determine whether or not the marketing is successful.
- How much help you need. Have you done any produce marketing in the past? Are you happy with your efforts? Share any past experience and successes with the marketing entity. That way, youll be able to build on those. Perhaps you grow your produce organically; youll want a marketer to share this with the public. Its a major selling point. Maybe your produce is known for being juicy and succulent; the marketer will highlight that. Find a story and go with it. Doing so will put a story behind your product.
