Specialty Food Magazine is the leading publication for retailers, manufacturers and foodservice professionals in the specialty food trade. It provides news, trends and business-building insights that help readers keep their businesses competitive.
Issue link: https://specialtyfoodmagazine.epubxp.com/i/139333
The rules of engagement aren't that different for smartphone interactions than with traditional customer service. Whether through an app or in person, consumers want to be heard and seen for their individual needs, have easy access to promotions and feel engaged in the shopping experience. There's never been a better time to reach beyond the traditional methods of connecting. We've gathered some of the industry's most compelling current technologies, from mobile apps to virtual shopping campaigns—all positioned to retain consumers and increase sales. 1. Online Farmers Markets with Drive-Through Pickup A recent online survey from CouponCabin .com reveals that 15 percent of U.S. adults have shopped for groceries online, and an additional 19 percent say they don't currently but plan to in the future. Services that offer online shopping and pickup or delivery are poised to thrive. Relay Foods, Charlottesville, Va., is one such company that specializes in giving consumers easy access to local food producers in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. "We are able to offer online, in one Time spent in retailer apps skyrocketed by 525 percent from December 2011 through December 2012. place, everything you would find at a local farmers market, plus a specialty food store, plus your regular grocery items," says Sarah Yates, Relay's director of marketing and merchandising. With about 30,000 products, Relay is a leader in online grocery shopping—and perhaps more important, of digital narrative. "We have a page for all of the small vendors on our website and give a blurb about their story alongside the product," says Yates. This presentation taps into consumers' desire for transparency and for knowing where their food comes from. Relay also invites vendors to demo their products at pickup locations or offer farm tours. How it works: Customers simply sign up, shop the food departments or specific vendors online and select their preferred pickup The original, BOTTLE-MATIc 3 YEAR WARRANTY INCLUDED Front and Back! MADE IN USA! For Specialty Food readers, Only $1450! Label any cylindrical container fast and accurately from ½" to 10" diameter, @ Speeds of 1200 Pcs. per hour. NOT THE CHEAP IMPORTED KNOCK-OFF! ISPENSA-MATIC DLabel Dispensers 21 day trial Price subject to change without notice. 28220 Playmor Beach Rd, Rocky Mount, MO 65072 Call Toll Free: 1 (800) 325-7303 or (573) 392-7684 FAX:(573) 392-1757; E-mail: info@dispensamatic.com Web: http://www.bottle-labeler.com 2/01/09 STOP Wasting Time Labeling by Hand! Summer Fancy Food Show Booth 1380 30 ❘ SPECIALTY FOOD MAGAZINE specialtyfood.com