#174 - Buyer Spotlight: Heidi Traore and Jeanette Bloss, National Co+op Grocers
Dec 18, 2024
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Heidi Traore, Supplier Relationship Development Manager at National Co+op Grocers, and Jeanette Bloss, their Category Manager, share fascinating insights into the co-op ecosystem. They discuss NCG’s role in empowering natural brands through centralized support and procurement. Topics range from the importance of data in category management to identifying trends like the growing interest in dumplings and plant-based alternatives. They also provide tips on effective brand outreach and fostering sustainable partnerships for long-term success.
NCG operates as a retail services cooperative that enhances the economic efficiencies of its member co-ops through shared resources and centralized procurement.
Understanding the opportunities available at NCG is crucial for brands seeking collaboration, with emphasis on effective communication and well-prepared pitches.
Consumer preferences at NCG are increasingly leaning towards organic and ethical products, highlighting the importance for brands to align with local values and trends.
Deep dives
The Impact of Barcodes in Commerce
Barcodes play a crucial role in retail, with the iconic beep heard over 10 billion times daily at various points of sale worldwide. To ensure products are ready for efficient scanning, businesses can obtain barcodes through trusted organizations like GS1US, which assists in meeting the requirements of retailers and enhances customer satisfaction. Effective barcode utilization streamlines operations, making it essential for both physical and online sales environments. Given the importance of proper barcode management, companies can better prepare their supply chain to meet consumer demands successfully.
Understanding National Co+op Grocers (NCG)
National Co-op Grocers (NCG) operates as a retail services cooperative, owned by 165 member co-ops that encompass over 200 stores across 39 states. NCG provides significant advantages to its members, including procurement services, retail guidance, and retail development support tailored to enhance local community service. This structure enables member stores to collectively benefit from shared resources to achieve economic efficiencies and support local needs. NCG's unique model illustrates the strength that community-owned retail operations can bring to the marketplace.
Navigating Placement and Promotions with NCG
For brands looking to partner with NCG, understanding the structure and opportunities available is vital for successful collaboration. NCG emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared when approaching their category managers, which includes having concise and informative pitch materials. The organization hosts webinars tailored for potential partners to explain the cooperative’s structure, promotional opportunities, and submission guidelines for product reviews. Effective communication and transparency about brand performance and distribution capabilities are key factors that influence success when working with NCG.
Exploring Consumer Preferences in NCG Stores
Shoppers at NCG member stores typically show a preference for organic, non-GMO, fair trade, and vegan products, reflecting a growing trend towards conscious consumerism. Because these stores are community-owned, they stock products that align with the values and preferences of local consumers, which presents a unique avenue for brands looking to tap into niche markets. Successful brands are those that align their product offerings with these local values and actively engage in promoting their products within the stores. This close relationship between brands and community co-ops reinforces commitment to customer satisfaction and product integrity.
Opportunities for Growth in Product Categories
NCG's category managers closely monitor market trends to identify opportunities for brands looking to innovate and expand. Dumplings, for example, are gaining popularity, with recent successes seen in traditional and mock versions, prompting NCG to seek additional brands in this space. Conversely, categories like plant-based meats are experiencing more competition and slower growth, driving home the importance for brands to ensure product quality and consumer appeal. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, NCG provides brands insights into market demands, helping them position themselves effectively within retail environments.
In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff chats with Heidi Traore, Supplier Relationship Development Manager, and Jeanette Bloss, Category Manager, from NCG (National Co+op Grocers). Together, they provide an in-depth look at NCG’s role as a powerful partner for natural channel brands and co-op grocery stores.
Heidi breaks down what NCG is and how it functions as a secondary cooperative, helping hundreds of co-ops across the country thrive through centralized procurement, retail services, and retail development. Meanwhile, Jeanette offers invaluable insights into the world of category management, including how brands can position themselves for success during NCG’s formal category reviews, the importance of data, and identifying opportunities that align with emerging trends.
From navigating distributor relationships with UNFI, to understanding the power of promotions like co-op deals and coupons, to the booming interest in dumplings, mocktails, and mushroom-based products. Heidi and Jeanette also share what they look for in brands, tips on smart outreach, and how NCG fosters true partnerships to drive long-term success.
Ready to take your brand to the next level? Tune now!
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