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Fresh Facts
Newsletter #314
July 2016
by Cathy Bartolic
Gary and I spent 5 days at the end of June, driving around the Eastern Townships of Quebec
and exploring Vermont to find some outstanding on-farm markets that we can visit as a group in
November. To be honest I was not really looking forward to the trip. It was going to be a lot of
driving and I didnt feel my high school French would be much use to me so many decades later. Well, I came back energized and excited about the places we have found and the people we
met. There will be more details of the tour in the next newsletter but until then I would like to
share some interesting marketing ideas that we saw during our travels.
Solmate Socks kids pair with a spare
These colourful socks are sold in groups of three.
The design is unique on each sock and no two
socks actually match so a child can easily wear any
two that they fancy. My nine year old niece claims
it is bad luck to wear two sock that match so this
is a perfect gift for her and if she loses one of the
socks, she still has a pair to wear. What else can
we sell this way? Mittens obviously but there must
be other items. Essentially you are selling three
when, usually only two are bought. By the way,
these childrens socks cost more than the adult
version that only had two pieces.
Sand Sculptures at Bleu Lavande
Bleu Lavande is a lavender farm that was set up to be a
unique agri-tourism experience and they did a great job. One
of things they have added this year are sand sculptures in
different areas of the farm. Essentially they have boxed off
an area of approximately 8 x 8 and brought in the sand for a
sculptor to create some amazing pieces. Most were almost
life size. Not sure how they have kept the sand from crumbling but they did a great job. They are a unique attraction,
not permanent but easy to set up for a season.
Tasting Place in Newport, Vermont
A downtown location showcases food and drink produced in
the Northeast Kingdom region. Small producers have an opportunity to sell their products in an urban setting that focuses on local, without investing in a storefront themselves. It
had a hip setting and you could see people visiting to learn,
taste and enjoy. They were encouraging everyone to try a seasonal tasting plate with drink pairings 4 bites and 4 sips for just $9.
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Growing Your
Business through
Social Media
Summing Up
Labour Benchmarking
Upcoming Events
and Updates
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Fresh Facts
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Classifieds
FOR SALE:
Newsletter #314
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Fresh Facts
Newsletter #314
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Fresh Facts
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During Local Food Week, the Ontario government also released their
2015/2016 Local Food Report (http://
www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/
about/local_food_rpt16.htm), which
showcases the great successes
achieved within our agri-food sector,
as well as the amazing local food
champions behind them. A few key
highlights from the report include:
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Fresh Facts
We live in a world of social media and getting the message across via social media is
important, but do not forget that traditional
methods are still important. Blackboards in
store promoting the product can allow you
to be topical and provide the right image.
A message on a blackboard can put a smile
on the customers face and generate sales. I
love a sandwich board placed outside of a
pub in London after a robbery overnight, it
read This pub is so good that someone
tried to get in eight hours before we open!
Sandwich boards can humanize the business. If you are a local business place pictures up of yourselves, it means the business has a face.
2. Provide A Map Instore Showing Where
The Product Comes From
Consumers are becoming more aware of
where produce comes from. Have a picture
of the producer and a map showing where
they are located. This help with getting the
message across. The shorter the field to
fork journey the better for all concerned.
3. Support Local Community Groups And
Show Who You Support
It is more than selling local, it is about engaging with the local community. Select
which community groups your business
should engage with and use this as a promotional tool in the community.
4. Train The Team On Why Local Is Important
People buy from people, and the more your
team can engage with the consumer and
explain why local is important, the more
credibility the business has in the customers eyes. Not only train them on the merits
of local, but make sure they engage with
the consumer, especially non-local issues.
Local gives local businesses an opportunity
to be entrepreneurs in their community.
Large organisations need time to make
changes, local business can do it tomorrow.
Editors Note: John will be in Ontario at the
end of August. If you are looking to hire
him for some consulting services, contact
John directly at john@johnstanley.com.au
Newsletter #314
Some of you may remember Susan Sweeney who did a workshop at the
Ontario Fruit & Vegetable Convention when it was still located at Brock
University. This program is tapping into her E-learning University. The
webinars generally cost $49.95 each so this has great value. Dont wait
to take advantage of it. Use Coupon Code CCT to get the webinars free.
Register as a user now and check out all the pre-recorded webinars,
start by going to http://centralcounties.ca/b2b-opportunities/e-learning/#
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Fresh Facts
Are the very qualities that got you where you are today preventing you from getting where you need to be tomorrow?
by Donald Cooper
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Fresh Facts
Upcoming Events
Progressive Agricultural Safety Days put on by WSPS
Teeswater
July 19
Linda Freiburger, 519-881-0549
Ridgetown
July 20
Cassi Boersma, 519-401-1948
Sept. 13-15
Nov. 6 9 or 10
Nov. 28Dec. 2
Consultations with Erin Pirro, contact the OFFMA office for more
information.
Micki and Steve Smith from Smiths Apples and Farm Market hand off the
big apple and all it represents to new owners, Katie Lutz and Jim Mondry.