I was chatting with a potential sponsor and was surprised to hear their perception that Foodservice Rewards is skewed toward noncommercial/onsite operators. In fact, only forty percent of the 120,000+ participants are in onsite segments. However, in reviewing Foodservice Rewards participants by segment against Technomic’s annual forecast, it was impressive to see 75% unit penetration within Business & Industry, Education and Hospitals. These are the local leverage operators that drive distribution and sales volume through broadliners like Sysco and US Foodservice!
FSR Onsite Segment Penetration at 75%
On 09.16.09, In Operators, by Tiger
In addition to food shows and food brokers presenting what’s “new,” this is also a great way to see new trends and what new developments are happening, writes the Kitchen Manager at Rosie’s Bar & Grill…
“I enjoy the program because it allows me to get items for myself, my employees and my kitchen (I got a new radio for my kitchen a few months ago). Plus, there are no shipping costs! The selection of items is great too!
I also enjoy the promotions/newsletter. In addition to food shows and food brokers presenting what’s “new,” this is also a great way to see new trends and what new developments are happening. To add to that, points are awarded for trying these new items too! I have not decided what I am going to spend the points on yet….I am looking at a few things – a new Mac computer, a wireless home theater system or an LCD television.”
Jason Mazza, Kitchen Manager
Rosie’s Bar & Grill, Wilton Manors, FL.
On 09.16.09, In Australasia, Trade Shows, by Ron
FSR Australia is 3/4 of the way to their enrollment goal for the year…
The current total number of Australasian Members is now over 3,900 – more than three quarters to the goal for the year (set by one of the Sponsors, BTW). The team is also preparing for the Fine Food trade show in Sydney, the biggest trade show of the year in Australia at which this clever new mascot will make its first appearance.
Sponsor Goodman Fielder is also attending the show and has plans for their stand to be stocked with FSR materials and bonus gift cards.
Another successful strategy down under has been to get buy-in at the corporate level from large contract managed operators such as Sodexo and Delaware North. They have already sold the concept to three of the largest contract managed companies who are enrolling all of their locations. For example, Sodexo already has 36 locations enrolled and almost half of them have already entered Reward Codes.
Distributors focus on private label to increase according to this Technomic report…
According to Technomic’s Distributor Intelligence Service, July 2009, distributors view their house brands as increasingly more important for future success and many are investing in more sophisticated brand building efforts.
The good news for manufacturers is that 72% of those surveyed indicated that “manufacturer specification” is the biggest obstacle to selling private label – here’s an excellent example of how Kraft uses targeted direct mail to drive those customer requests and unit-level compliance.
On 09.14.09, In Landing Pages, Promotions, by Tiger
Hormel’s successful strategy driving case sales above an established baseline is worth emulating…
If you haven’t tried “tuning” your promotions to tough economic times, try taking a cue from this successful strategy from Hormel Foodservice.
By utilizing BI’s patented goal-setting promotion type, Hormel was able to establish and communicate individual stretch goals for each operator, based on past purchasing history. As a result, operators achieved their goals either by not “trading down” to private label brands or by buying more broadly across Hormel’s profolio.
On 09.04.09, In Industry articles, by Lisa
2010 outlook…Foodservice stability and increased use of incentives by operators
Foodservice Equipment & Supply’s 2010 Forecast Study showed that 91% of operators expect sales to remain stable or increase next year. This same study showed that operators altered their purchasing behavior to include greater use of incentives like Foodservice Rewards. Good News for all!
On 09.04.09, In Operators, by Tiger
“I would have to go to a food show at least monthly to keep up with what I get from your web site” Writes the owner of the Tomato Cafe & Tea Room…
“I joined Foodservice Rewards when I first heard of it and have actually switched brands on a couple of my products for The Tomato Cafe & Tea Room because of the rewards. I introduced the Pillsbury scones into my afternoon tea menu and get rave reviews on them.
The information that is provided by your participating Sponsors and eNewsletters is great. I would have to go to a food show at least monthly to keep up with what I get from your web site any day I log on.
Thank you for my Rewards points! It is always exciting to win something. I will be shopping for gifts this holiday season.”
Cheryl Moore, Owner
The Tomato Café & Tea Room, Havana, FL
On 09.03.09, In Food Service Enablers, by Tiger
Foodservice Enabers’ sales portal is another great touchpoint to advertise your involvement in Foodservice Rewards…
Here’s a great example of how to remind your brokers which products qualify via Food Service Enablers‘ sales portal. If you use their system, please contact us to have your products highlighted with our iconic fork, spoon, knife logo.
On 09.03.09, In Operators, by Tiger
“While everyone talks about “value-added” and engaging the customer, your program and the terrific staff…” writes Executive Chef Jonathan Cheatham
August 25, 2009
Dear Foodservice Rewards,
I wanted to let you know what a great program Foodservice Rewards really is. In the six years that I have participated I have entertained my family, repaired my house, maintained my yard and recorded memories all with products from the program. And I was able to do this by simply buying the quality products that I need for my daily operation.
While everyone talks about “value-added” and engaging the customer, your program and the terrific staff that runs it definitely sets the standards for others to aspire to. Thanks again for your efforts and I look forward to many more years of a truly rewarding experience.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Cheatham
Executive Chef, Proof of the Pudding Catering, Duluth GA.
On 09.03.09, In Team, by Tiger
After 9 1/2 years selling dead-tree advertising, Lisa Snider finally joins the 21st century…
After 8 years of trying recruit her, we’re thrilled to finally introduce Lisa Snider, Director – Foodservice Rewards. Lisa has spent her career in the foodservice industry working in marketing for companies such as Campbell’s and Nestle. And, for the past 9 1/2 years, Lisa has helped manufacturers connect with the operator community as Western Advertising Director for Restaurant Hospitality and Food Management magazines.
But as the era of dead-tree advertising draws to a close (she’s going to kill me for writing this :-) Lisa’s bringing her talents to the gowing world of measurable online interactions and two-way dialogue with customers. Welcome Lisa!