Small Bites November 22, 2021
dedicated to creating opportunities to promote & sell more VT products to more buyers
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Small Bites often references multiple variables that help us create strong sales of Vermont products. How do we know our sales are strong? The Farm to Plate local food count that takes place every three years is our indication. Though our methodology is not perfect with gaps in data sets, we do know that in 2020 Vermont food sold in-state was about $407,500,000 which is 17.6% of all food products sold.
This translates to gratitude for ALL the people engaged in the supply & value chains. During the ongoing pandemic, there are gaps in staffing which as we all know has had a deleterious impact on operations. The challenges are more than a ripple, more like a tsunami impacting all the businesses engaged in getting Vermont food sold. A shout out to our hardworking partners is in order. By no means inclusive, everyone in a wide range of positions has been working what seems like endless double shifts the past year.
Beyond the food manufacturers, distributors & stores there is a boat load of support businesses, unsung heroes & hidden jobs that make it possible. Just think: farmers producing crops, & raising dairy animals while building better soil, tractor mechanics juggling lack of parts, the folks who harvest seeds at optimal time sold through seed businesses such as High Mowing Organic Seeds, the compost companies who make planting mixes for greenhouse operations, folks who work in greenhouse construction including Vine Ripe Greenhouses helping growers maintain efficiencies.
The trades: Mechanics keep distributor trucks running & the night crews receiving & slotting all the products on fully loaded 18 wheelers that arrive at all hours of the day rather than the pre-pandemic “normal” time slots. Refrigeration companies maintain all the compressors every kind of business with refrigeration (farmers, food manufacturers, warehouses, distribution companies to name just a few). They are also outfitting new stores with energy efficient walk-in coolers. Electricians work to create more efficiency for businesses all while training new hires.
The reps who work at companies including Mclure Packaging have been keeping up with all the supply chain gaps & offering intel on the international variables as to why lids (or glass or aluminum cans, or cardboard) might be hard to come by. At distributors sales reps continue to navigate gaps in supply, product limits, & questions from buyers tasked with keeping shelves stocked. They assist in offering substitute products in a fractured supply chain.
The technical business advisers who in 2019 & 2020 helped businesses with plans for operations & growth then had to rethink in response to the changes in cost of goods, labor, or distribution due to the myriad factors across all sectors. The VT Agency of Ag, UVM Extension & the many non-profits across the state play significant roles generating local food sales through support services.
Sales of Vermont products are the culmination of hundreds of businesses & agencies connected through the multiplier effect. When we focus on the sales number we keep in mind the full spectrum of services & businesses that help move the needle. With an emphasis on food producers, distributors & merchandising teams, Small Bites recognizes that behind the scenes, all the above-mentioned businesses (& many more) make it possible. The past 21 months has had unforeseen challenges at so many levels. The information you all shared with Small Bites has been appreciated; it has helped to inform others. We give thanks to all the direct & indirect businesses that help support the sale of Vermont products. Stay safe & share well with family & friends. -ahh
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We just HAVE to share this!
"A chef's life:
Josh comes in every day for a hot sandwich and a cup of soup. Maple cream pie slice for dessert.
Chris a homemade breakfast burrito or slice of quiche.
Mary a BLT with cucumber and salt.
Ethan a cheese pizza for his daughter.
Luke by 9am is here for his burrito and house hot sauce on the side.
Chet likes our homemade gluten free Hoagies!
Colleen gets her veggie wrap with Swiss and sandwiches for her crew.
Numerous others who come in daily to support our business. You're here to eat the amazing food we have to offer and I'm here to cook it. I hope you see the smile beyond my mask. It is wide and grateful! Every day I'm reminded why I cook. Why I bake. Why I am! Thank you. You will always be how I am able to be! The Genny Albany, my home, my hope, my reason for exceeding my own expectations. All the love for our community and our customers." - Chef & Kitchen Manager Jillian
Thanks for sharing Jillian! This really showcases the value of our general stores & the role you hold in your community.
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Woodstock Farmers' Market in Waterbury carries on their long tradition of seriously easy to shop displays. This week, more than ever, it's all about keeping things simple & helping folks grab the products for their special meal. Well-done WFM!
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Quote of the Week
"The past year has brought supper clubs, curbside cookouts, new team and community members. It has been a year of adaptation, with many new projects. With the grit of our amazing staff, and the support of our community, we’ve been able to stay the course." -Brownsville Butcher & Pantry on their 3rd anniversary Nov 21,, 2021
Congratulations Lauren & Peter & thank you for your continued inspiration!
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We love how the Middlebury Coop utilizes a rolling fridge unit to push specials. Here they have VT turkey breasts & smaller whole turkeys that were not pre-ordered. They are so good at using this unit year round to promote Vermont products.
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It's easy to grab a pie from many different bakeries in this display. Apple, pecan, pumpkin & many more not seen in the picture. The large sign is easily visible & the display is near the cash registers which helps preserve the pie's integrity when the cart is loaded with goodies! |
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Small Bites comes to you via a USDA grant. Content is created for farmers, food manufacturers, distributors, grocers, & anyone else interested in how food moves
Contact: Annie H Harlow
smallbites802@gmail.com
Unless otherwise noted, photo credits are from company social media, websites or Annie Harlow
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