Glenn Cunningham, Director of Center Store for Village Supermarkets, boasts a wealth of experience from Fairway Market to ShopRite. In this conversation, he reveals how the cooperative model of Wakefern shapes grocery shopping trends. Discover his insights on distributor preferences and the strategies for getting emerging brands onto shelves. Glenn also shares innovative ideas for driving in-store trials, leveraging social media, and enhancing customer engagement through live demos. Dive into the exciting dynamics of New York's grocery scene!
Glenn Cunningham emphasizes the importance of engaging with store teams and customers to foster brand loyalty and drive sales for emerging brands.
He discusses the significant trends in grocery shopping, particularly the rising demand for healthier, plant-based products and innovative non-alcoholic beverages.
Deep dives
Success of Collaborations with Emerging Brands
The speaker shares a compelling success story about collaborating with a Colombian design agency that significantly contributed to building the reputation of various startup brands in the U.S. This agency is praised for its exceptional quality and affordability, which has attracted numerous satisfied clients within the community. Their services encompass branding, packaging, and web design, making them a one-stop solution for startups looking to establish their market presence. As a result, many brands, including Prickly, have benefited greatly from their partnership, highlighting the importance of reliable service providers in the growth of emerging businesses.
Insights from Glenn Cunningham on Emerging Brands
Glenn Cunningham, the center store director for Village Supermarkets, expresses a strong commitment to supporting emerging brands in the competitive New York City grocery market. With over 25 years of experience in food retail, he describes the various supermarket banners he oversees and emphasizes their dedication to providing shelf space for new and innovative products. Cunningham actively seeks standout products and works closely with suppliers to introduce them to the market, illustrating the crucial role buyers play in helping brands gain traction. His passion for discovering and promoting new products reflects the evolving landscape of grocery retail, where consumer preferences are continuously changing.
The Importance of Engagement and Feedback
The episode highlights the significance of engaging with both store teams and customers to build brand loyalty and drive sales. Emerging brands are encouraged to not only conduct product demos but also to connect with store management and staff, ensuring they have the knowledge to promote the products effectively. Customer feedback plays a vital role in product development, as it offers insights on packaging and flavor preferences that can enhance the overall consumer experience. This approach facilitates a community-oriented atmosphere where brands can thrive through collaboration and active participation in the grocery environment.
Trends and Opportunities in the Grocery Market
Cunningham discusses the emerging trends in the grocery sector, highlighting the rising interest in non-alcoholic beverages and innovative protein products. He notes a shift towards healthier consumer choices and the growing demand for plant-based options, reflecting a broader cultural change in eating habits. The opportunity for brands to tap into these trends is significant, especially for those targeting younger consumers who prioritize health and sustainability. By remaining attuned to these market dynamics, brands can position themselves strategically to capture consumer interest and drive sales within retail environments.
In this episode of Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Glenn Cunningham, Director of Center Store for Village Supermarkets, which owns tastemaker New York stores Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage, and local area ShopRites, and is part of the
Wakefern Co-op. Glenn sheds light on the cooperative model of Wakefern, providing valuable insights into grocery shopping trends and strategies for sourcing and supporting emerging brands.
Glenn discusses distributor preferences and the criteria for getting brands onto shelves at major stores. He shares effective strategies for driving in-store trials and boosting sales, highlights successful brand launches, and offers tips on demo strategies and building a strong social media presence.
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