Are you a beverage or CPG entrepreneur looking to make your mark in the industry? Here are some tips and strategies to help you stand out and succeed:
- Innovate with Trends: The beverage industry is constantly evolving. Keep an eye on emerging trends like prebiotic sodas and hemp-derived THC drinks1. These trends are reshaping consumer preferences and opening new opportunities.
- Sustainability Matters: Consumers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability. Highlight your eco-friendly practices, such as using recyclable packaging or sourcing ingredients responsibly2. This not only helps the planet but also builds a loyal customer base. I personally like companies that give back to the community or have a special humanistic interest. For example, orphanages in Tijuana (you can steal mine.)
- Leverage Customer Feedback: Real stories and testimonials from satisfied customers can be powerful. Share their experiences and reviews to build trust and attract new customers. I personally like videos. Ask customers to make short videos and share them on social media. Then, you can take them and post them in your eCommerce store.
- Collaborate and Partner: Collaborations with other brands or influencers can create buzz and expand your reach. Look for partnership opportunities that align with your brand values and target audience. We've worked with Snoop Dogg and others, but you don't have to start there; you can start with small influencers that represent your target Avatar (AKA: demographic or perfect consumer.)
- Engage with Your Audience: Use interactive polls, Q&A sessions, and challenges to engage with your audience. Ask for their opinions on new flavors or packaging ideas. This not only builds community but also provides valuable insights. How about social media photo or video contests that drive traffic to a convenience store chain? Wow, now that's a great strategy.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with industry news and insights. For example, did you know that water is becoming a preferred drink among consumers? Staying informed helps you stay ahead of the curve and make informed decisions. Do you subscribe to this newsletter? Or the the Beverage Industry Newsletter for Founders? If not, you're missing out on courses, industry expertise, join ventures, mentoring, and a community of beverage entrepreneurs.
- Showcase Your Journey: Share behind-the-scenes content that highlights the passion and hard work behind your beverage. This personal touch can resonate with your audience and create a deeper connection. I love this strategy; it's the hero's journey, and we can write a book about this. By the way, did you read the book Build Your Beverage Empire? Anyway, with this strategy, you are the hero and'll document your journey as a beverage founder. You can do it with video, blog posts, and even here on LinkedIn, where you can connect with buyers and distributors.
- Invest in Quality: Quality is key in the beverage industry. Ensure that your product stands out regarding taste, ingredients, and overall experience. Quality products lead to loyal customers and positive word-of-mouth. For example, our NSF certification makes us the top dog in R&D, formulation, full beverage development and manufacturing. This is why only 1% of manufacturing plants have this level of certification. We're also OTC FDA certified.
?? Stay Ahead of the Curve: Follow these tips to navigate the dynamic beverage industry and achieve success. Let's raise a glass to innovation, sustainability, and community!
Jorge Olson is the CMO of FMCG, a company specializing in beverage and Consumer Goods manufacturing, R&D, and mentoring of beverage founders. He's also the author of the book Build Your Beverage Empire, now in its 3rd edition. If you're a beverage founder, click the link, take the?Beverage Industry Founders Course?field and start this fantastic beverage business course for founders to perfect their business model and prepare for 2025.
You can find Jorge's Beverage Industry Book on Amazon and your favorite bookstore.
