Posts filed under 'Industry News'
Make sure to check out details for an exceptional gift basket convention July 9 – 11 in Canton, Ohio. Sponsored by the owners of Gift Basket School, Pam and Tom Newell, this extraordinary event will include a trade show plus a multitude of daily seminars taught by well known gift basket professionals from around the country.
If you register by March 15th, your $199 registration will include a FREE 3 hour seminar on July 9th, led by Pam and Tom and Mary Anne Jacobs, one of the top designers and teachers in the industry. You will have an opportunity to see lots of “hands on examples” with an emphasis on style and design, learn many practical tips, top secrets from the experts and special packaging ideas to wow your customers. After March 15th, the registration package including the trade show, seminars, plus the 3 hour workshop on July 9th will cost you $284. So register early for tremendous savings on this fabulous event!
According to Pam and Tom, this convention is designed for retail gift basket business owners, hospital gift shop salespersons, resort gift shop managers, florists, event planners and bridal professionals. Both seasoned and new gift basket business professionals will profit from the tremendous number of educational experiences that are planned. In addition, a trade show, including vendors from across the country will provide attendees with opportunities to see the newest products and trends. Be sure to stop by the Apex Gift Foods booth to take advantage of special convention promotions.
For more information on registration, hotel accomodations, and convention activities, go to Gift Basket Professional. We look forward to seeing you at the show and learning how we can all “survive and thrive” during the 2009 gift basket season.
February 27th, 2009
Even in these tough economic times, it is critical for gift basket business owners to continue to look at how they can attract new customers and increase sales. As we look at ways to cut costs, we still need to make a commitment to growth. An important part of this process requires that you learn about new products and trends in the marketplace.
During the month of January, there are gourmet food trade shows scheduled all over the country. At the end of this post, I’ve included a list of the biggest shows and links for more information. This year, we may have to adjust our attendance at these shows.
Consider traveling to a show that is closer to your business, thereby cutting down on travel expenses.
If you can’t travel or intend to spend fewer days at a trade show, take advantage of the “Show Preview” issues of industry trade magazines. These offer extensive coverage of new products. Contact vendors to request samples of items you see in these magazines. Ask manufacturers if they have sales representation in your town, then ask for a visit from a sales person who can bring samples to you.
Gourmet Retailer Magazine and Specialty Foods Magazine offer on-line versions of their magazines as well as free-newsletters that will keep you informed of what’s new at the trade shows.
Keep up with your industry! In this way, you can make sure that your business offerings are current and fresh even in these difficult economic times.
Industry Gourmet Food Trade Shows:
- January 6 – 14, Atlanta, GA, The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. www.americasmart.com or 800-ATL-MART.
- January 11 – 13, Atlantic City, NJ, Philadelphia National Gift, Candy & Gourmet Show. www.phillycandyshow.com or 888-CANDY-89.
- January 13 – 19, Los Angeles, CA, L.A. Gift & Home Furnishings Market. www.lamart.com or 800-LAMART-4.
- January 14 – 20, Dallas, TX, Dallas Total Home & Gift Market, www.dallasmarketcenter.com or 800-DAL-MKTS.
- January 18 – 20, 34th Annual Winter Fancy Food show, www.fancyfoodshows.com or 212-482-6440.
- January 25 – 29th, New York International Gift Fair, www.nyigf.com or 800-272-SHOW.
December 9th, 2008
emarketingandCommerce.com (eM+C) is an online magazine that provides information and data about effective online marketing strategies. I read an article in the October issue that offers some interesting facts and suggestions about how to control your shipping costs while hoping to attract shoppers who shop online. Full Story.
While your customers may actually pay the shipping charges for their orders, it is in your best interest to find the best shipping rates. According to the author, “higher than expected shipping charges is considered the top reason that consumers abandon their online shopping carts”.
First, you need to consider how you want to work with shipping companies. You can choose to work with one carrier and build a loyal relationship. Or, you can use a variety of carriers and ship each order based on the least expensive quote. Both of these options have pros and cons. By building a relationship with one carrier, you may be able to take advantage of volume discounts that the shipper offers. On the other hand, with shipping rates that are constantly changing, if you use a variety of carriers, you may be able to offer your customers lower shipping costs.
Your best strategy is to contact shippers in your area and meet with a representative who will explain all the details and services that their company offers. You can start your research online, but at Apex Gift Foods, we have found that direct conversations with company representatives can result in many accommodations that the shipper will offer to meet your specific needs. Following are links for a few of the major LTL (less than truckload) shipping companies where you can start your investigation: UPS, FedEX.
November 16th, 2008
It’s in all the news: plastic vs. paper! I just read about some proposed legislation to require consumers to pay a fee to carry groceries home in plastic or paper! Personally, I am a supporter and follower of the “reusable bag” camp. If you are too, consider a new gift to add to your gourmet baskets: Envirosax Reusable Shopping Bags.
Envirosax Reusable Shopping Bags are spreading the environmental message with style. Lightweight and portable, each bags roll up into itself and snaps shut. Help your customers support an eco-friendly alternative to paper and plastic bags by including an Envirosax in your gift basket designs.
June 15th, 2008
The 54th annual Fancy Food Show will be held in New York, June 29 – July 1, 2008. This is NASFT’s largest show ever, with over 200 exhibitors. According the Specialty Food Magazine, there will be an “unprecedented number of natural and organic products shown throughout the show”.
Go to the NASFT web site for registration information, exhibitor list, educational programs, and hotels and travel.
If you’re unable to make this show, think about attending the Winter Fancy Food Show to be held in San Francisco, January 18-20, 2009.
June 10th, 2008
The All Candy Expo is the largest candy, confectionery, cookie and snack show in America. This year, the event will be held May 20-22 in Chicago, Illinois.
The gourmet marketplace will feature confectionery and snack products including premium gourmet items and all natural and organic products. “The confectionery, biscuit, and snack categories combined are a $70 billion category in the United States.” Join over 5000 buyers to see the newest items in the marketplace. Go to the All Candy Expo web site for more information.
If you sell housewares products, the 2008 Gourmet Housewares Show will be held May 6-8 in Las Vegas. This year, the focus will be on the environment and new product launches. If you can plan a last minute trip, go to The Gourmet Housewares Show for information.
April 16th, 2008
In the past, I have written posts on this blog about attending trade shows and how you can make the most of that experience. But, have you ever considered setting up your own booth at a trade show in order to sell your products?
I just read an interesting article “Escaping the Trade Show Money Pit”, that offers excellent advice on this topic. Granted, participating in trade shows as a vendor can be a very expensive and time consuming endeavor. But if you prepare correctly, you can make the most of this opportunity to get your product line in front of buyers.
- Set the Right Objectives. Keep in mind that your trade show experience offers more than just a way to market your product line. In addition to connecting with potential customers, do your homework before the show to find out what other vendors will be participating. You may find new suppliers for your own business. At the gourmet shows that I attend, I meet vendors who sell insurance, equipment, computer software and other products that can help me run my business better.
- Pick the Right Show. Make sure that the buyers who will be attending the show comprise the market that you want to reach. Contact the trade show management to get names of other vendors who will have booths and have participated in prior years. Make a few calls to those vendors and inquire about the types of buyers who attended past shows. Also, ask your current “good” customers which shows they attend and why they like to go to those shows.
- Do Some Pre-Show Marketing. You may be able to get a list of registered buyers from the trade show management. Contact potential buyers through email, direct mail or telemarketing to let them know that you’ll be there. Include your booth number and a short description of the products you’ll be showing. Consider offering a special promotion or giveaway to buyers who come to your booth.
Read the full article to learn more ways to make your trade show experience a success!
April 10th, 2008
If you already carry, or plan to carry a line of gift items such as glassware, housewares, cheeseboards, salt & pepper shakers, or tea and coffee accessories, you need to check out Gourmet Retailer’s new Spring Gift Guide. This new feature on the Gourmet Retailer web site, allows you to check 100’s of gift items that you might sell to your gift basket customers.
This interactive web site uses some of the newest software technology and tools to create a unique environment for shopping. Interactive pages allow you to actually make notes for yourself right on the site. The product truly comes alive! And best of all, it’s “fast, it’s fun, and it’s free!
Go to the Gourmet Retailer web site to see a fabulous selection of gifts that you might consider for your product line.
April 6th, 2008
Check out Rave Reviews Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 1, for an informative look at the trends that will influence the gift basket industry in 2008. Author Gayle Gallagher reviews color trends that will affect consumers’ buying preferences in the upcoming year.
To investigate the popular color trends for 2008, Gallagher looked to the Pantone Color Institute for guidance. “Pantone, Inc. is the world-renowned authority on color. For more than 40 years, Pantone has been inspiring design professionals.” In addition to establishing standards for “accurate color communication”, Pantone is a vital tool for designers in the fashion and home furnishings industries, which in turn, influence the gift industry.
In her article, Gallagher cites the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and lists the following as the colors to watch for in 2008:
- Golden Olive: a mustard, yellowish olive green
- Spring Crocus: a deep lilac pink
- Rococco Red: a bright cherry
- Pink Mist: a cool, icy pink
- Croissant: a neutral beige-tan
- Freesia: a deep, bright yellow
- Cantalope: with peach tones
- Daiquiri Green: a brighter version of the earthtone yellow-greens
- Snorkel Blue: a more sophisticated navy
- Silver Grey: with the sheen of a metallic
Keep these colors in mind when you are looking for new products for your 2008 gift basket line. If the products that you love are not packaged in these new colors, you can still use containers, ribbons, and silk flowers to create designs that will show your customers that you are aware of the trends!
February 17th, 2008
If you’re planning to attend any trade shows this year, consider the Global Food and Style Expo, April 27-29, 2008 in Chicago. This is the perfect way to find new products for your gourmet baskets. Go to Specialty Food.com to get more information about the exhibitors, educational events, and registration details.
I just returned from the International Fancy Food Show in San Diego. We saw thousands of new products and you’ll be able to see about one hundred of the best at Apex Gift Foods, our gourmet food distribution company:
Also, think about taking someone else from your management team to the show. The time at the show in San Diego gave me and my partner opportunities to discuss business strategies for the upcoming year. Not only do we look at the gourmet foods, we also check out our suppliers’ displays, marketing materials, and sales techniques in order to get ideas for our own business.
Discover new gourmet food products at the Global Food and Style Expo and dazzle your customers with your unique gourmet baskets.
February 1st, 2008
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