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  • Announcements

    Arielle Feger
    The SFA is hosting the final installment of a three webinar Maker Prep webinar series on Thursday, December 9 at 1 p.m. ET.

    In this, the third webinar in our Branding series, you’ll learn the fundamentals of specialty food packaging design with Andy Kurtis, Creative Director of Buttermilk Creative. Andy will focus on how to translate your brand into a design and he’ll also cover some technical content on compliance with labeling laws. 
    This series is free for members. Non-members can purchase all three webinars in the series for $50, or purchase just this one a la carte for $19.
    Megan Rooney
    SFA webinar series are made for you. Check out Maker Prep for the fundamentals, Regulatory Update for the latest on rules and regulations, and In the Know for the latest on pricing, trends, supply chain and other issues that affect our business right now.
    Dec 2: Maker Prep: Understanding the Supply Chain Continuum Dec 9: Maker Prep: Package Design and Branding Dec 16: Regulatory Update: Remote and Virtual Audits and Inspections for FDA Compliance Visit our Learning Center for a snapshot of past speakers and topics and then click the webinar title to watch the recorded session!
    We look forward to seeing you online! If you have any questions, please contact education@specialtyfood.com. 
    Megan Rooney
    Thursday, December 2 at 1pm ET
    In this webinar, the first of our series on supply chain, freight, and logistics, you’ll get a high-level understanding of supply chain management and its key components from the experts at JPG. We’ll cover self-production versus contract manufacturing; ingredient sourcing and planning; inventory management and planning; freight and logistics management; and cost and gross margin management. Bring your questions!
    Register here.
    Megan Rooney
    Going to the 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas?
    Wednesday, November 17 at 1pm ET
    Attendees and Exhibitors will get an online tour of the Las Vegas Convention Center and the surrounding area, and a sneak peek of what the Show floor has to offer, including FCIA Pavilion, a Plant Based Pavilion, Cheese Pavilion and much more! 
    Save your spot or login day of: https://community.specialtyfood.com/store/product/202-fancy-food-goes-to-vegas-a-digital-preview/
    Arielle Feger
    The SFA is hosting the second of a three webinar Maker Prep webinar series on Thursday, November 11 at 1 p.m. ET.

    How do you create a memorable brand? What role does the consumer play in your decision making?  And, how do you make sure your brand stands out in a crowded competitive set? What measures can you set to ensure continuity and growth in the future?  Discover the building blocks to creating an authentic brand expression in this insider's session with creative branding house, Bright.
    This series is free for members. Non-members can purchase all three webinars in the series for $50, or purchase just this one a la carte for $19.
    Arielle Feger
    Join the SFA for another installment of its In the Know webinar series on Tuesday, November 9 at 1 p.m. ET.
    As your specialty food company emerges from the pandemic, what actions will you be taking to accelerate growth in the next – 6 to 18 months? 
    Join Chasm Institute's Michael Eckhardt and Andrew Green for an interactive webinar focused on practical steps your business can take today to "score / prioritize / execute" the highest-probability opportunities to innovate and drive your company's profitable growth  2022 and beyond 
    We’ll cover:
    The 3 crucial questions that need to be answered ASAP in order to accelerate your business growth The most frequent –- and costly –- mistakes food companies make in their target market strategies - and the analytics and tools to avoid them How to assess the risks of implementing your go-to-market strategy - and key steps to minimize these threats and hazards This webinar is free for members and $19 for non-members. Register now.
    Arielle Feger
    The SFA is hosting another In the Know webinar on Thursday, October 28 at 1 p.m. ET.
    In this webinar, Jack Acree of Saffron Road will talk about price increases, when to act, and how to make it stick. He’ll help listeners understand how the costs are impacting makers, how to institute a price increase effectively through good communication, and how to understand how much of a price increase is feasible.
    This webinar is free for members and $19 for non-members. Register now.
    Denise Purcell
    The Specialty Food Association has released its annual Today's Specialty Food Consumer research. The report delves into the purchasing habits, motivations, demographics, and concerns of specialty food consumers and includes:
    Data broken down by generations, specialty food v. non-specialty food consumers, and other demographics Purchase behavior by category Shopping preferences by channel Spending behavior Foodservice attitudes and preferences Eating habits and behaviors during COVID Ethical and natural food purchases Food trend usage and interest And more Purchase the full report here or bundle it with the annual SFA State of the Specialty Food Industry research and 10-Year Category Tracking and Forecasts. SFA members receive discounted pricing. 
    Megan Rooney
    Please join us at our first Town Hall Speak Up:
    •            Who: All Active SFA Members 
    •            Where: Online
    •            When: Wednesday, November 3, 4:00-5:00pm ET
    Here’s what to expect: 
    The Town Hall Speak Up will start with a brief overview of our five, volunteer-run Industry Working Groups (IWGs). They each focus on a specific area of SFA activity:
    1.           Recognition 
    2.           Preparedness 
    3.           Community (Buyer Relations) 
    4.           In-Person Events
    5.           Digital Strategy 
    After that, you’ll select one of the groups for a deeper dive.  
    The meeting will break out into five smaller group discussions with the leaders of the IWGs.  
    This is Your Chance to:
    •            Learn about the work being done to move SFA’s critical strategic initiatives forward
    •            Share your viewpoints 
    •            Ask questions 
    •            Speak Up with your industry peers!  
    Register here, and your confirmation email will provide details on joining the meeting.
    Megan Rooney
    October is much more than Pumpkin Spice and Ghouls and Ghosts (although we love them too).  What are you hoping to accomplish this last quarter as we head into the Fall?  Share ideas with your fellow members at our October Share Group on October 19 at 5 p.m. ET.
    How It Works:
    After you register, you'll receive your personal login information.
    At 5 p.m. ET, on October 19, you login and are welcomed by the SFA host.
    There is a short orientation, then the larger group splits up into breakouts; you’ll meet one another and discuss topics of common concern for about 40 minutes.
    Everyone then rejoins the full group for feedback.
    The Share Group is open to all SFA members, but participation is limited - registration will stay open until an hour before the event if space remains available.  Register here.
    Arielle Feger
    The SFA is hosting another regulatory update webinar on Thursday, October 21 at 1 p.m. ET.
    As allergen-friendly or allergen-free products are increasingly popular among consumers, undeclared allergen recalls remain the number one source of food recalls in the US. While most food companies believe they have allergen labeling "down pat," many are unfamiliar with the exceptions and ins and outs of the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act.  Join Jeni Lamb Rogers as she leads a discussion of the nuances of allergen labeling, labeling of sesame as an allergen, Gluten-free labeling, allergen-friendly, and shared facility claims. 
    This webinar is free for members and $19 for non-members. Register now.
    Julie Gallagher
    Are you a Tier 2 SFA members who is exhibiting in the 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show? If so, one of your exclusive member benefits is the ability to participate in the Space Draw process for the Show. Participate in the early booth selection process and gain the advantage of selecting the best booth space available! Please submit your Exhibit Space Application & Contract along with payment by this Wednesday, Oct. 13. Contract links were sent to your company's Show Contact last Thursday, Oct. 7. If you need your link to be resent please email us at memberdevteam@specialtyfood.com.
    If you previously submitted a 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show exhibit space contract for the San Francisco location/dates, please be sure to access your exhibitor dashboard and submit the Exhibitor Confirmation form also by Oct. 13 to let us know if you are still able to join us in Las Vegas and wish to still participate in Space Draw.
    If you have submitted both contract and payment for the 2022 Winter Fancy Food Show by the deadline, your company's show contact will receive an email on October 18 with the designated appointment date and time when you will receive a call from a member of the Events & Member Development team to walk through the new floorplan and help you select your booth space. The Space Draw calls will begin with Priority Point Group #1 on October 21.
    Julie Gallagher
    Learn from experts, connect with your colleagues, and access new information and resources to support your business by attending SFA's webinars this month. Following is the lineup of topics and speakers.

    Register today for any of our upcoming webinars!
    October 14: Makers Prep: Fundamentals of Branding - with creative agency Moxie Sozo October 21: Regulatory Update: Advanced Topics in Food Allergen and Gluten-Free Labeling - special guest, Jeni Lamb Rogers October 28:  In the Know: Raising Prices in Uncertain Times - special guest, Jack Acree
     
    Arielle Feger
    The SFA is hosting the first in a series of three Maker Prep webinars on Thursday, October 14 at 1 p.m. ET.

    Why are some companies beloved by consumers while others fight to be remembered? What makes a brand resonate with consumers – and investors? And, what exactly is a brand anyway? Can you market on your product attributes or do you need something more? Join creative agency Moxie Sozo as we delve into the importance of creating a compelling and authentic brand.
    This series is free for members. Non-members can purchase all three webinars in the series for $50, or purchase just this one a la carte for $19.
    Arielle Feger
    In this edition of Specialty Food, we profile the dozen up-and-coming entrepreneurs named to our fifth annual 12 Under 35: Breakout Talent to Watch list and delve into consumer purchasing behavior from the Specialty Food Association’s Today’s Specialty Food Consumer report, 2021-2022 edition.
    As we approach the winter holidays, Specialty Food asked retail buyers for their recommendations for foods to help revelers make merry and hiring managers to share their staffing strategies as they face their busiest season amidst a labor shortage.
    More highlights from the fall issue:
    Specialty Food Maker: This section, that includes topics and business news to help producers and suppliers build their operations and stay prepared for challenges, features “Defining the Right Performance Metrics for Your Business,” “Maker Q&A: Engaging Influencers,” and “Regulatory Update: The Patchwork of CBD Regulations Continues.” Category Spotlight: “Sweet Escape” From premium indulgences to inexpensive treats, consumers are seeking out chocolate and other confectionery for adventure, comfort, and flavor. Cheese Focus: “Spain, Off the Beaten Path” Exposing consumers to lesser-known Spanish cheeses is one way for specialty retailers to stand out. Start reading now.
    Arielle Feger
    Join the SFA for another Regulatory Update webinar on Thursday, September 23 at 1 p.m. ET.
    In August, the US Food and Drug Administration denied two New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) applications submitted by major CBD manufacturers, Charlotte's Web and Irwin Naturals. Join attorney Jeni Lamb Rogers as she discusses the significance and implications of these NDI denials and what it means for the future of CBD in food and beverage.
    This webinar is free for members and $19 for non-members. Register now.
    Arielle Feger
    The Specialty Food Association wants to know how we can better serve you as a valued member. Please take this short, 5-minute Member Survey and tell us how we're doing and how we can help you grow your business.
    Knowing your time is important, at the end of the survey you will have the option to enter a drawing for one of five $100 gift cards.
    Thanks for participating!
    Arielle Feger
    We are reaching out to all members who may have been affected by Hurricane Ida. We hope you and your families are safe! The Specialty Food Association is here to support you.  We can help you notify the trade about your status through SFA News Daily. Please let us know if you have been impacted by the flooding by contacting Membership@specialtyfood.com or reaching out to us on Facebook or Twitter. 
     
    Arielle Feger
    Did you know that the SFA now has an app that covers the latest news, trends, and products?
    The app, which is updated daily, is available online and on your mobile device. SFA Feed brings you features and trends, new product introductions, video and audio recordings, and the digital edition of the award-winning SFA Specialty Food magazine.
    Download SFA feed on the iOS App Store or Google Play, or access the web version at feed.specialtyfood.com.
    Arielle Feger
    Here’s your chance to compete in Fast Pitch Friday where SFA members make their quick sales pitches for a panel of judges!
    Fill out a brief application and we’ll invite as many makers as we can to compete in a friendly, fast-paced pitch-off! We’ll have industry-expert judges ready to listen and provide feedback on pitches, and the whole audience will vote for their favorites. The winner will get a promotional package from SFA so that your products get even more buzz!
    Application is due by MONDAY, 9/13 so apply now!
    Arielle Feger
    SFA’s Maker Prep series is an online educational program designed for new startups to provide them with the building blocks and knowledge base they need to do business in the specialty food industry.
    The third and final webinar in this series will take place Thursday, September 16 at 1 p.m. ET.
    In this webinar, hear from a veteran specialty food maker who has worked with a variety of distributors. You’ll learn about how to set your pricing to ensure profitability, contracts and negotiation strategies, how to handle disagreements, and how to keep maker-distributor relationships strong. Register now.
    This is the third webinar of a three webinar series. All webinars are free for SFA members. If you’re a non-member, you can purchase the 3-webinar series for $50 here, or buy a la carte for $19 each.
    Arielle Feger
    Join the SFA for a webinar on Thursday, September 9 at 1 p.m. ET.
    As you progress toward your business goals, you may be considering taking on some debt in order to take the next steps toward success. In the third webinar of our Funding Your Business series, we’ll cover opportunities and best practices for SBA loans, grants, bank loans, lines of credit, and asset-based and accounts receivable financing. Bring your questions!
    This is the third webinar of the series. All webinars are free for SFA members. If you’re a non-member, you can purchase the 3-webinar series for $50 here or buy a la carte for $19 each. Register now.
    Arielle Feger
    The SFA is hosting another In the Know webinar on Monday, August 30 at 1 p.m. ET
    As you prepare to exhibit at the 2022 Fancy Food Shows, consider this: eligible members can alleviate some of the costs of international marketing with a tailored program from FoodExport USA. In this informational webinar, you’ll learn from Warren Stoll, Kontos Foods and Molly Burns, Food Export Association of the Midwest USA about how you can double your budget with 50% cost reimbursement on:
    International web site development Foreign market-compliant packaging and labels Advertising and public relations In-store promotions and product demonstrations Fees for exhibiting at select overseas and domestic trade shows Marketing and point-of-sale materials Freight costs for product samples Bring your questions!
    This webinar is free for members and $19 for non-members. Register now.
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