Access New Markets Webinar

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Taylor in Farming Resources, Marketing // 0 Comments

Access New Markets Webinar from Bekor on March 21st, 2019

Bekor is hosting a webinar on how to access new markets. The workshop is 90 minutes and will cover the following:

How to identify new markets within your region
Benefits and challenges associated with accessing new markets for small
farms and cooperatives
Tips for selling into new markets
Two market categories that are available to growers:
-Small regional food and beverage companies
-Seasonal & temporary food service businesses

The Access New Markets webinar is on March 21st at 11:00 am EST and is $10. You can register for
the webinar here:
https://www.bekor.co/events/untapped-how-to-access-untapped-markets

For a sample of what will be covered in the Access New Markets Webinar you can check out the most
recent article on Bekor’s website which covers access to food and beverage
markets here:
https://www.bekor.co/blog/market-mondays-untapped-markets-packaged-food-and-beverage-companies

To access new markets is a continuous effort. Begin with the opportunities that will require the smallest investment on your part while you identify if it’s a good fit for you farm. Two markets to tap into are early stage packaged food and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage companies. These are broad markets, so focus on the following:

Early stage companies operating for 5 years or less
Companies operating exclusively within your region (i.e. State or Metropolitan Area)

Narrowing the focus will guide you towards the low hanging fruit as you evaluate businesses in the market.

What are the benefits to selling into these markets?

Local Reigns Supreme

These companies are still building their story and if local sourcing and production is a part of their values and brand, purchasing from your farm aligns their supply chain with their values and helps to build their brand equity among consumers. In an article by AT Kearney on consumer trends in food, they reported that consumers prefer local foods and that market growth for local foods has increased.[1]

Flexible Operations

Newer and smaller food and beverage companies tend to have more flexibility. Depending upon the product being sold, the company may be able to tailor some of their offerings based on your crop’s seasonal availability. They may also be open to testing out crops that you have that they weren’t initially sourcing.

Potential Organic Advertising

Many new food companies are transparent about their supply chains because of consumers focus on where their food is coming from. As a result, many packaged foods and RTD beverage companies list where they source their ingredients from on their website or directly on their packaging. If you supply a company that lists the name and location of your farm that could generate organic advertising for your farm. If you sell direct to customers on your farm or if you operate a U-pick operation this has the potential to increase the farm’s exposure to potential direct customers.