The Blog

For many food businesses, farmers markets are their primary sales channel. For some, they can be a stepping stone enroute to large grocery (chains) or bigger markets. And for others, they do both, what we call a blended sales & margin strategy – these food businesses do large capacity sales through grocery accounts and continue with farmers markets with higher margins, and the ability to launch/test new products or do short run items.

Market research is a crucial component to building any food business. Sharing our research expertise, Farm Food Drink recently collaborated with the University of British Columbia (UBC) to conduct two research projects with the Masters of Food and Research Economics program.

Do you use your location name in any part of your branding? Your town, region, or province? Depending on what you’re selling and to whom, incorporating a sense of place somewhere in your brand can be very appealing and lucrative. Some location names will be familiar to consumers, and others will sound exotic and intriguing.

We’re in a season where farms and plantings look their best. It’s a great opportunity to visually capture your growing products or ingredients and build your marketing assets for year-round promotions. For food processors, you’re likely into your high production season, sourcing from vendors, and selling at farm markets, etc. These are all great photo opportunities.

You don’t have to watch the news to know there is a labour shortage. What we’d like to know is how you’re being affected in your food or agriculture business. None of us are going to solve the employment problem, but the more we know specifics of your situation, the more we can find ideas and resources to support you.

Among breathtaking beauty and a close-knit community, small island dwellers face the complex puzzle of building and sustaining food security solutions.

Twenty years after moving from Japan to Kamloops, Makiko Kanakubo continues to honour her roots. Makiko started with a traditional Japanese barbeque sauce and then developed three flavours that she can now sell commercially.

Will you attend an upcoming event, conference, or tradeshow as a participant or as a vendor or sponsor? Then you need a plan. Events cost you time and money. If you want a return on those investments (ROI), don’t just show up and expect things to happen. Make things happen!

Living by the sea provides abundant opportunities for small-scale harvesters, but there are also challenges in growing a sustainable business. Enter, the Centre for Seafood Innovation.

In our December blog, we recommended taking a rest, a healthful break from your business so you could recharge during these uncertain times. As we start 2023, it’s clear that we’re not done with volatility yet – inflation, talk of recession, the news is full of stories on consumers concerns with rising costs. Are there still opportunities for your business?

Having a happy holiday season with friends and family is not just about creating new and happy memories, it’s important for your health and the health of your business.

In Halfmoon Bay, on the Sunshine Coast, John and Joe have resurrected their chocolate business with the intent of keeping it small, yet sophisticated and inventive. This time, their business model does not include a store front, but instead relies on shipping-only to get product to market.