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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

The food industry has a specific lingo with which startups should become familiar. Here is a glossary of shipping and freight terms from The Basics: The Business of Specialty Food, SFA’s intensive workshop where a team of veteran makers help new companies learn the fundamentals of the market and best practices to get their business off the ground. COD: Cash on delivery; a payment agreement where payment for a product is given at time of delivery. Fill Rate: The comparison between the amount of goods ordered versus the amount actually delivered. Usually stated in percentage. Used to evaluate performance of sellers as seen from the buyers’ perspective. FOB: Literal translation – freight on board. When quoting a price, a supplier will identify if the price includes delivery (freight) to the buyer’s warehouse or store – i.e. Delivered Price. If freight is paid by buyer, that is called FOB, but is usually specific to location (e.g.: FOB Public Warehouse-Newark, NJ). Lead Time: The amount of time, usually in days, that it takes for a manufacturer to receive, process, and ship an order. This time should also include the actual shipping time. Less Than Truckload (LTL): Designates a shipment that does not meet the weight or cube requirement of a full truckload. Lumper Fees: Billback for cost of unloading product. Minimum Order: A vendor’s terms of sale frequently require a purchase of a specific amount for commercial buyers. O.O.S.: Out of stock; Not available for sale either from the retailer or from a distributor, wholesaler, chain warehouse, importer, or producer. Pallet Fees: Billback for shipping on pallets that do not meet specifications. Pallet Pattern: Describes the number of cases on a single layer, and the number of layers on a pallet. Short Shipped: An order shipped or delivered without some of the items ordered. The SFA’s upcoming Basics online course is taking place October 6-7. Find more information about the event here.

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.

Join the SFA for an Instagram Live event on Wednesday, September 15 at 1 p.m. ET. Come and hear from Betsy McGinn, Doug Renfro, and Dave Hirschkop about the online program. Just click here to visit the SFA's Instagram profile at 1 p.m.!

The food industry has a specific lingo with which startups should become familiar. Here is a glossary of terms related to promotional activities. Promotions are activities that encourage the trade and consumers to purchase products. Trade promotions, specifically, are offers made by suppliers to encourage their customers to help increase sales velocity. Trade promotions are designed to influence consumers, obtain initial distribution, stimulate the market on a regular basis, or support specific activity. The following glossary is excerpted from The Basics: The Business of Specialty Foods, SFA’s intensive workshop where a team of veteran makers help new companies learn the fundamentals of the market and best practices to get their business off the ground. Advertising Allowance: A trade promotion offering agreed-upon payment (a fixed amount or percentage of sales) in return for a fixed or specific amount of retailer advertising activity. BOGO: The retailer is going to offer the consumer the chance to Buy One and Get One Free; this offer is almost always funded by the supplier, usually by a payment method that takes the agreed upon discount off invoice. Buy-Out: A trade promotion that pays for the removal of goods to clear shelf space for your products. Typically offered in addition to other introductory allowances. Coupon: A printed offer from the producer to the consumer for a reduced price when presented at the time of purchase. Delivered to the consumer though publications, direct mail, on packages, retailer ads, internet, etc. Retailer receives reimbursement (plus handling) by submitting to producer through clearinghouse. Demonstrations (Demos): Sampling conducted by suppliers to encourage consumer trial. Often conducted in high-traffic areas. When conducted within a retail store, referred to as In Store Demonstration. In-store sampling usually conducted with supplier support. Personnel offer samples to encourage consumer purchases. Some retailers have in-house or preferred demonstrators for this purpose. Free Goods: A trade promotion offering a specific number of cases supplied to the purchaser at no cost to secure initial authorization and/or shelf stocking. This practice has been generally replaced by a Free-Fill allowance. Free-Fill: Trade promotion usually offered by a supplier during new product introduction or if a retailer is not stocking a particular item. Supplier agrees to provide a specific amount of product free (usually offered at a rate of one free case per store). Mostly used when a product will be serviced through a distributor. When the item will be sold through the chain’s own warehouse the term “slotting allowance” is used, paying for the creation of a slot in the chain’s warehouse and the amounts involved are larger/paid for in cash, not free goods. Loyalty Card: Promotional program aimed at encouraging repeat sales by rewarding customers who buy frequently or on a regular basis. The device is used by retailers to identify customers, record their purchases, create target consumer offers, and produce data to assist in operating decisions. Manufacturer Coupon: A printed offer by the brand owner allowing the consumer a specified discount at the retail point of sale. All expenses, including fee from coupon handling house, will be charged to the brand owner. Performance Allowance: A trade promotion offer requiring the retailer and/or distributor to undertake one or more specific activities, such as Temporary Price Reduction, ad support, display, in-ad coupon, retailer coupon, scan down, etc. The amount earned is based on product purchased during the offer period and requires the purchaser to submit proof of performance. Retailer Coupon: A retailer agrees to insert a coupon for a supplier’s product in the retailer’s normal print advertising media. To be self-redeemed by the retailer but supported by an offer from the supplier. Sampling Allowance: A trade promotion offering an allowance (specific amount of free product) to retailers for sampling the product. Sampling: Activities allowing consumers to experience product without purchasing. Can be delivered via mail, publication inserts, and inside packages of other consumable products. Also occurs via store sampling stations (with or without supplier participation), and during demonstrations arranged and supported by supplier payments. Scan Down: A trade promotion offering retailers a specific amount per consumer unit sold during a specified time period based on movement, as recorded from the checkout scanner reports. Retailer is required to reduce the regular shelf price by an agreed upon amount. Retailer and distributor may also receive a handling allowance. Also viewed as a consumer promotion, as it influences the purchasing decision at point of sale. Shipper Display Allowances: A trade promotion allowance offered on shipper displays. Besides the promotional allowance, an additional amount is offered as a handling allowance to cover costs to the retailer or distributor as it relates to the special shipping unit. Shipper Display: A combined shipping and in-store display piece usually containing a higher unit count than the standard case pack, sometimes containing a mix of different items. Comes with a sales message and compelling graphics. Intended to be placed on the floor or counter away from the usual shelf location. Show Participation Allowance: Amount a brand owner would pay to a distributor to be displayed in the distributor’s booth at a trade show. Temporary Price Reduction (TPR): A temporary shelf price reduction offered to consumers. Usually funded by the manufacturer. The SFA’s upcoming Basics online course is taking place October 6-7. Find more information about the event here.

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.

Join us for a free Fancy Food Show 2021 PR Bootcamp webinar on Wednesday, August 25 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Register now: https://cision.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0odOyuqj0sE90Z-wC5ilJ_M8cxJTQkrvym

The SFA is hosting a Regulatory Update webinar on Thursday, August 26 at 1 p.m. ET. It’s a scary time when a brand is presented with a decision about whether to recall a product. Recalls can arise from many issues, including consumer complaints, foodborne illness outbreaks, supplier-related issues, or a combination of the above. Join attorney Jeni Lamb Rogers as she provides an overview of recalls, and how to manage regulatory and business risks. This webinar is free for members and $19 for non-members. Register now.

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 second webinar in this series will take place Thursday, August 19 at 1 p.m. ET. In this webinar, you’ll learn from three distributors from a variety of sizes and specialties. Each will provide perspective on how makers can be effective and what they can expect from the relationship. You’ll learn about sales, marketing and merchandising; category management, contracts, supply chain, and more. Register now. This is the second 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.

The SFA is hosting a webinar on Thursday, August 12 at 1 p.m. ET. When you are ready to start thinking about launching and scaling your business, you’re likely going to need money from outside sources. In this webinar, we’ll cover some of the sources to consider as you get started, including friends and family, crowdfunding, and state and government funds. We’ll also delve into best practices for considering angel investors and institutional investors and investigate some sample deal structures, including convertible debt, equity, and preferences. Bring your questions! This is the second 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.

Craving to learn more about selling in the U.S. marketplace? This six-hour seminar, taking place over Wednesday, September 1 and Thursday, 2, 2021, will set you up for success in the U.S.! Register today: https://bit.ly/Sept21_PassportToSuccess