The Blog

Conducting market research is important for you to find decision-influencing information for your business plan. We typically think of market research as being done by big corporations with big budgets and complicated processes. As a small Canadian farm, food, or drink business owner, you can adapt your research approaches to be simpler and less costly, while still gaining valuable insights to guide your growth.

You have a vision for your agri-food business, but the sector is still in a bit of a mess with volatile markets and disruptive social situations. Inflation continues, purchasing and distribution options change, retailers alter their programs and processes. There continues to be a lot of change and challenges.
So, what should you focus on in 2024 in order to move towards your 2025 goals?
Farm Food Drink’s recommendation is to embrace ‘clarity’.

Owning a business can be all consuming, occupying your mind 24/7. As Christmas approaches, the temptation to maintain an unwavering focus on your business goals may be strong, but taking time off during the holidays can prove to be a strategic decision with profound benefits.

In this season of giving, let’s see how we can introduce more people to the fabulous local food products offered by you and your fellow BC food producers.

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!