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Social Media SOS: Best Practices for Handling Crises in the Digital Era

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SnackTeam
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Social media has developed into a potent force that can make or kill a business in the blink of an eye in today’s hyper connected society. Consumers now have an unparalleled platform to express their ideas, and when a crisis occurs, social media may swiftly escalate the problem.

The New Landscape of Crisis Management

With the advent of social media, crisis management has evolved from a behind-the-scenes task to a very public affair. News spreads rapidly, and consumer sentiment can change at lightning speed. Therefore, it’s crucial for businesses to adapt and equip themselves with the right strategies to navigate these treacherous waters.

Establish a Robust Crisis Management Plan

Preparation is the first line of defense against any crisis. Your business should have a well-defined crisis management plan in place before any issues arise. This plan should outline key roles and responsibilities, potential crisis scenarios, and a clear chain of command for decision-making. Being well-prepared empowers your team to act swiftly and decisively when a crisis unfolds.

Keep a Watchful Eye on Social Media

In the digital age, news often breaks first on social media platforms. Therefore, continuous monitoring of social media channels is essential. By detecting potential issues early, your business can respond proactively and minimize the impact of a crisis.

Respond Quickly and Transparently

When a crisis does occur, time is of the essence. Respond swiftly and openly, addressing the issue directly. Acknowledge any mistakes or shortcomings, and communicate your plan for resolution. Demonstrating empathy and understanding in your responses can go a long way in building trust with your audience.

Empower Your Crisis Management Team

Your crisis management team plays a pivotal role in handling issues as they arise. Ensure they are well-trained and empowered to make real-time decisions. Provide clear guidelines for responding to inquiries and comments on social media, emphasizing the importance of both speed and consistency.

Leverage Social Media as a Tool

While social media can escalate a crisis, it can also be a valuable tool for managing one. Use your social media platforms to provide regular updates, share information about the actions you’re taking to address the issue, and express empathy towards affected individuals. Social media can serve as a platform for turning a negative situation into an opportunity to showcase your brand’s commitment to transparency and resolution.

Learn and Adapt

Once a crisis is resolved, conduct a thorough post-mortem analysis. Evaluate what went well and what could have been handled differently. Use these insights to update and improve your crisis management plan continuously. Learning from each crisis will make your business more resilient in the long run.

Stay Prepared

In today’s digital age, businesses must operate with the assumption that a crisis could occur at any moment. Regularly review and update your crisis management plan, invest in ongoing team training, and remain vigilant in monitoring social media. Being prepared is the best defense against a potential crisis.

The digital age has transformed the landscape of crisis management, making it a critical skill for businesses of all sizes. By establishing a robust crisis management plan, monitoring social media vigilantly, responding promptly and transparently, and continuously learning from each crisis, businesses can not only survive but also thrive in the face of adversity. In the age of social media, effective crisis management can even enhance a brand’s reputation, reinforcing the idea that mastering this skill is essential for businesses in the modern world.

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Beyond Likes: How to Inspire and Curate User-Generated Content for Your Brand

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SnackTeam
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User-Generated Content

Building a successful brand in today’s digital age is much more than simply spreading your message; it’s about cultivating true connections with your audience. User-generated content (UGC) is a strong tool that not only increases the legitimacy of your business but also develops an engaged and devoted consumer base. 

The Power of User-Generated Content

User-generated content is any content—text, images, videos, reviews, and more—created by your customers and shared on social media or other online platforms. It’s authentic, trustworthy, and provides social proof, helping to establish your brand’s reputation. More than 90% of consumers trust UGC over traditional advertising, making it a goldmine for brand promotion.

Inspiring UGC
  • Create Shareable Moments: Encourage customers to share their experiences by creating memorable moments. This could be an extraordinary meal, a unique product feature, or an exceptional service. When customers experience something special, they’re more likely to share it with their friends and followers.
  • Run Contests and Challenges: Contests and challenges are a fantastic way to inspire UGC. Ask customers to submit photos, videos, or stories related to your brand with the incentive of prizes or recognition. Contests spark creativity and generate a buzz around your brand.
  • Showcase Customer Testimonials: Highlighting positive feedback from satisfied customers not only promotes your brand but also encourages others to share their experiences. Consider using testimonials on your website or social media platforms.
  • Leverage Hashtags: Create and promote unique hashtags for your brand or specific campaigns. This allows you to easily track and collect UGC. Encourage customers to use these hashtags when posting about your products or services.
  • Partner with Influencers: Collaborate with social media influencers in your niche who align with your brand’s values. Influencers can create and share content that reaches a broader audience and inspires others to do the same.
Curating UGC

While inspiring UGC is a significant step, curating it effectively is equally important:

  • Quality Over Quantity: Focus on the quality of UGC rather than the quantity. Choose content that aligns with your brand’s image and values. High-quality UGC resonates better with your audience.
  • Engage and Acknowledge Creators: Interact with users who create UGC for your brand. Respond to their comments, thank them for their content, and share their posts on your brand’s social media platforms. This not only acknowledges their efforts but also encourages more UGC.
  • Obtain Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions to use UGC in your marketing efforts. Ask for explicit consent from creators to repost or feature their content.
  • Create UGC Galleries: Showcase curated UGC on your website or in your physical location, if applicable. This provides a sense of community and authenticity to your brand.
  • Tell Stories: Use curated UGC to tell stories about your brand. Highlight how your products or services have positively impacted real customers’ lives. This narrative approach adds depth to your marketing.
Measuring Success

To gauge the effectiveness of your UGC strategy, track metrics like engagement rates, reach, and the number of user-generated posts using your branded hashtag. Analyze the sentiment of UGC and how it impacts your brand’s reputation and sales.

In conclusion, inspiring and curating user-generated content can be a game-changer for your brand’s success. It builds trust, fosters engagement, and humanizes your brand in the eyes of your audience. By going beyond likes and actively involving your customers in your brand’s narrative, you’ll not only savor success but also create a brand that resonates deeply with its community.

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How FreeWater is leveraging advertising for good and quenching the world’s thirst for free

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SnackTeam
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FreeWater

In a world where everything seems to come at a cost, FreeWater, a Texas-based beverage company, is challenging the status quo by offering something fundamental for free – drinking water. What’s even more remarkable is how they manage to do this while also giving back to communities in need and providing an innovative advertising platform. This is the story of FreeWater, a company that’s not just quenching thirst but also making waves in the world of philanthropy and marketing.

A Novel Approach to Hydration and Advertising

At its core, FreeWater is in the business of distributing natural spring water, but with a twist that sets it apart. Instead of charging consumers for their products, they rely on advertisers to cover the costs in exchange for advertising space on their packaging. This innovative approach transforms each water bottle into a mini-billboard, allowing brands to reach their target audience in a unique and personal way.

Josh Cliffords, the Founder of FreeWater, explains, “Basically, we transform product packaging into ad space. Those ads cover the cost of the product’s manufacturing, distribution, the salesperson’s commission, donation to charity, and our profit. The product is then free for the consumer.”

Josh Cliffords, Founder, FreeWater

FreeWater doesn’t stop at simply providing free water; they’ve combined their innovative business model with a commitment to social impact. For every bottle or carton of FreeWater sold, the company donates 10 cents to WellAware, a non-profit organization building water wells in East Africa. This not only makes clean drinking water accessible to those who need it most but also empowers consumers to contribute to a global cause through their daily choices.

According to FreeWater, the donations from just 150 bottles can provide clean drinking water for one person for the rest of their life. Their mission is clear: “We only need 10% of Americans to choose FreeWater so we can solve the global water crisis permanently.”

Expanding the Giving Economy:

FreeWater’s ambitions don’t stop at water. They’re on a mission to create what they call the “giving economy,” where products that people need are made available for free, with the costs covered by advertisers. FreeWater plans to introduce a range of free products and services, including food, beverages, clothing, medicine, computers, transportation, and travel. Each new product will support a different charitable cause.

“Our startup is opening the world’s first free supermarket, and our first product is FreeWater,” says Cliffords. This innovative approach aims to make philanthropy as simple as saving money on everyday essentials.

FreeWater has quickly gained international recognition and support, driven in part by its viral presence on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. They reached an astounding 100,000,000 organic impressions within a year, demonstrating the power of their message and mission.

The company’s next step is to engage its passionate global following through a crowdfunding campaign on FundRazr. This campaign will help finance free vending machines and support their expansion, ultimately making more free products and charitable contributions possible.

The Power of a Blank Canvas:

FreeWater’s product, with its advertising space, is a blank canvas with versatile applications across various industries. This adaptability, coupled with their significant presence on TikTok and their ability to leverage social media, has helped them find a broad and engaged audience.

Advertisers play a pivotal role in FreeWater’s marketing strategy. They pay the company to give away FreeWater, and these giveaways are promoted on TikTok, reaching audiences interested in FreeWater, investment opportunities, or advertising.

In a world where business success often seems at odds with social impact, FreeWater is proving that a giving economy is not only possible but also profitable. By challenging the traditional business model, they’re providing a blueprint for how companies can make a positive difference in the world while thriving in the marketplace. As FreeWater expands its offerings and charitable contributions, it’s clear that this innovative company is making a significant splash in more ways than one.

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Vinod Cookware brings eco-friendly cooking to Indian kitchens with its new ‘Ceramica Zest’ collection

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SnackTeam
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Vinod Cookware

Vinod Cookware, a renowned household brand in the country, has taken a significant step towards promoting eco-friendly kitchen practices with the introduction of Vinod Ceramica, part of its Vinod Zest product line. This innovative cookware is meticulously crafted from natural mineral ceramic, guaranteeing not only 100% toxin-free cooking but also remarkable non-stick properties. This revolutionizes how Indian households approach healthy and hassle-free meal preparation.

Within this product range, customers have four options to choose from: a 24 cm Kadai & Frypan, and a 25 cm and 28 cm Tawa, all priced between INR 1000 and 1500. This sustainable green cookware not only demonstrates durability but also proves to be cost-effective. It seamlessly merges the best in aesthetic and functional design with the advantages of ceramic, ensuring that food effortlessly glides off the pan for a smooth and efficient cooking experience.

You can find this product on Amazon and Vinod Cookware’s official website. Furthermore, customers can take advantage of an introductory discount of 15%, in addition to any festive discounts that may apply.

This fresh design represents a health-conscious and supportive addition to the brand’s existing collection of non-stick cookware. It has been meticulously crafted to meet the needs of individuals who prioritize their health, cooking enthusiasts, and those who place sustainability and eco-friendly cooking at the forefront of their choices. With a range of innovative features and eco-friendly materials, the Vinod Ceramica range empowers users to prepare dishes with minimal use of fats or oils. Its versatility is tailored to accommodate families, singles, and anyone embracing a sustainable lifestyle. This addition underscores the brand’s commitment to offering solutions that align with evolving consumer preferences, making it a valuable choice for those seeking innovative and health-conscious cookware options.

Speaking on the launch of the product, Sunil Agarwal, Director of Vinod Cookware said, “We are thrilled to introduce the Vinod Ceramica, a game-changer in the world of green cooking. This state-of-the-art cookware not only ensures toxin-free meals but also redefines the way we approach cooking by making it hassle-free and enjoyable. At Vinod Cookware, we believe that cooking should be an experience that enriches lives and nourishes bodies, and Vinod Ceramica perfectly embodies this philosophy. We are excited to empower our customers with the best in durable, eco-friendly cooking solutions that enhance nutrition, flavor, and convenience. With the Ceramica range, we take a step closer to greener kitchens and healthier living.”

Founded in 1962 by Rajeram Agarwal, Vinod Intelligent Cookware has emerged as a leading producer of premium quality stainless steel cookware. With a diverse product catalog boasting over 400 items, this brand’s journey began as a local manufacturer specializing in stainless-steel bowls and dishes. However, it expanded its horizons globally in 1990 by venturing into exports to countries such as the U.K., the U.S.A., Germany, and France, among several others. Notably, Vinod Cookware has received the prestigious Best of Bharat Award 2022 from e4m Pride of India and has been recognized as the top Non-Stick Dosa Tawa brand by Mishry Reviews, a reputable source that has meticulously reviewed more than 2000 products in the Cooking and Dining sector. Throughout its history, Vinod Cookware has remained committed to embracing the latest technology and modern materials that cater to the evolving needs of the Indian kitchen.

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Leisure Hotels Group celebrates 34th Founders Day: A tribute to excellence

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SnackTeam
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34th Founders Day

Leisure Hotels Group (LHG), an experiential resort chain in North India and the largest across the state of Uttarakhand, celebrated its 34th Founders Day on 30th September 2023 with a special anniversary celebration at their Corporate Office in Delhi and resorts across the country.

The journey commenced in 1989 with an aspiration – to redefine travel into an ‘immersive experience’. This ambition was driven by the desire to provide not just quality accommodation, delectable cuisine, and premium hospitality but also to transform these lesser-known destinations in Uttarakhand into tourist circuits for the discerning traveller.

This notable day unfolded with a special keynote address by Sanjay Sood, Chief Operating Officer – with a heartfelt gesture to honour the memory of Shri Late Madhava Prasadji and the founding family, who have played a pivotal role in propelling Leisure Hotels Group to its current heights. Emphasizing their vision to build a purpose-driven entity, Mr. Sood also spoke to the team about the values that guide the company’s mission for personalized services, upholding the authenticity and rich heritage of the destination through sustainable practices.

Vibhas Prasad, Director of Leisure Hotels Group, enthusiastically shared, “On this day, every year, we gather to reflect on our eventful journey so far and reinforce our sense of purpose and identity. Our continued legacy to relentlessly pursue excellence to build a scalable purpose-led and future-fit model for our stakeholders includes fostering vibrant & inclusive communities. We express our gratitude to the extraordinary team that forms the backbone of their noteworthy achievements. We look ahead to another year of raising the bar higher.”

The keynote address was followed by a series of engaging cultural and educative events, a fitting prelude to a day of significance. Showcasing diversity and local cultures, each artistic performance was a tribute to the very essence of the regions the Group celebrates. An indulgent brunch was also organized for the team members who make the company’s aspirations a reality. A special segment spotlighted volunteering staff as they shared their cherished memories.

Each hotel was decked up with themed décor and intricate ‘rangolis’ adorned the entrances, creating a visual delight for guests. A delectable buffet awaited in-house guests at each property, inviting them to join the festivities. To cap the day with a profound message, a blood bank camp was set up, where staff members selflessly donated blood for a noble cause.

Leisure Hotels Group’s commitment remains unwavering – to uphold the legacy of heart-warming old fashioned hospitality for colleagues, guests, stakeholders, and the community.

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Playboy Spirits breaks into the RTD market with four unique vodka seltzers

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SnackTeam
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Play Hard
Play Hard

Playboy Spirits, a US-based venture, has introduced a selection of ready-to-drink beverages (RTDs) within the United States market.

Established by PLBY Group in collaboration with a Spirits Investment Partners affiliate, the company asserts that its Play Hard beverages address the gap in the premium RTD (ready-to-drink) category.

In a statement, Marc Bushala, CEO of Playboy Spirits and Spirits Investment Partners, said the RTDs “capture Playboy’s legacy as a bon vivant, lifestyle brand”.

The 4.5% alcohol by volume (ABV) canned vodka seltzers come in four flavors and will initially be offered at “specific retail locations” in Miami and Orlando. Playboy Spirits has also outlined its intentions to broaden its presence in other markets throughout the year 2024.

Bushala added, “Play Hard celebrates self-expression and a nod to those who like to play hard and have fun.”

Last year, PLBY Group and XL Ventures II (XLV), a Spirits Investment Partners affiliate, jointly established Playboy Spirits.

Subsequently, the company has introduced Bourbon, Cognac, and Tequila offerings, all under the Rare Hare brand.

In January, the company announced it had secured over $13 million in funding through a private placement of senior secured convertible notes conducted by its wholly-owned operating subsidiary within the venture.

Playboy Spirits is 40% owned by a subsidiary of PLBY Group and 60% owned by XLV.

During the funding announcement, the venture mentioned that the conversion of the notes might lead to a potential ownership dilution of up to 50% for Playboy Spirits in the operating subsidiary, yet it would not diminish Playboy Spirits’ managerial control over the business.

Among Spirits Investment Partners’ various business endeavors is Heaven’s Door Spirits, the American distillery established in collaboration with Bob Dylan in 2015.

In April, Heaven’s Door announced plans to open a distillery in Kentucky.

Earlier this week, InvestBev, the US private-equity investor, put an undisclosed sum into RTD business Thomas Ashbourne Craft Spirits.

Established last year, Thomas Ashbourne Craft Spirits teams up with celebrities and markets ready-to-drink cocktails.

The company’s products, sold through retailers and directly to consumers, include The Perfect Cosmo by SJP, developed with actor Sarah Jessica Parker.

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Chivas Brothers ventures into Islay whisky with new sustainable distillery

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SnackTeam
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Chivas Regal Whisky
Chivas Regal Whisky (Representative Image)

Chivas Brothers, the scotch whisky division of Pernod Ricard, has announced plans for its first distillery on the captivating Isle of Islay in Scotland.

The establishment of the new distillery signifies the initial foray of Chivas Brothers into the world of Islay whisky within its scotch portfolio. As a sustainable scotch brand committed to achieving carbon neutrality in distillation across all its facilities by the close of 2026, the Islay project’s design, and any subsequent new-build distillery, is planned to be carbon neutral in distillation from its very inception.

Upon commencement of operations, the facility will center its production on Islay single malt, honoring the region’s unique smoky and peated characteristics.

Jean-Etienne Gourgues, chairman and CEO at Chivas Brothers, commented, “The introduction of an Islay whisky completes our comprehensive and award-winning scotch portfolio. As a business built on hundreds of years of heritage, it also gives us the opportunity to do something we rarely do, which is to start from scratch.”

He continued, “Here on Islay, we can create a blueprint for carbon-neutral distilling and continue to usher in this era of sustainable scotch. We are committed to scotch, to the Islay community and the landscape that makes it the perfect place to continue our vision to shape the future of whisky.”

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UK and Israel strike deal to expedite approval of cell-based meat products

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SnackTeam
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Lab-grown meat
Lab-grown meat (Representative Image)

The UK government is prioritizing the acceleration of regulatory approval for lab-grown meat, aiming to bolster food security and sustainability, as per The Telegraph’s report.

Government officials and regulatory bodies are collaborating to expedite the authorization of innovative food products. This effort aims to alleviate the cost of living and ensure the availability of sustainable meat sources as the global population continues to expand.

As of now, there are no approved cell-based meat products available for sale in the UK. Nevertheless, The Telegraph has revealed that the UK government is on the verge of finalizing a bilateral agreement with Israel, a pioneering nation in the field, to enhance cooperation and advancement in the realm of cell-based meat.

There are reports indicating that the Food Standards Agency is contemplating potential modifications to the cell-based meat approval procedure with the aim of reducing undue regulatory burdens on businesses in the future.

UK science minister, George Freeman, said, “With nine billion hungry mouths to feed by 2050 – we’re going to have to generate novel sources. If we don’t quickly generate ways to develop very low-cost protein, we’re going to see huge geographical instability.”

Last year, the UK Government Food Strategy lent its support to advancements in alternative protein and articulated its ambition to position the UK at the forefront of this dynamic and innovative sector. In August, Israeli startup Aleph Farms initiated the process of seeking approval to introduce its cell-based beef to the UK market, a procedure anticipated to extend over a minimum of 18 months.

Linus Pardoe, UK policy manager at GFI Europe, commented, “The science minister is right: alternative proteins like cultivated meat will be transformative for national and global food security. Collaborating with other nations to accelerate their development can help the UK’s burgeoning cultivated meat sector grow, delivering more choice for consumers and creating new green jobs. Sharing information and best practices between regulators internationally will help smooth the path to market for cultivated meat companies and maintain the highest standards of food safety.”

He continued, “It’s great to see the government recognising that optimising regulations will build confidence in the UK as a priority market for alternative proteins. But the Chancellor must urgently provide the financial resources the FSA needs to deliver those reforms with a £30 million uplift in the FSA’s budget in the upcoming Autumn Statement.”

Last month, GFI made a compelling appeal to the UK government, urging them to commit £390 million in funding for alternative protein development by the year 2030. This proposed allocation would cover a range of initiatives, including support for open-access research, business grants, and the establishment of a new sustainable protein catapult specifically designed to assist small enterprises operating in the alternative protein sector.

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Wow Momo Foods makes a sizzling entry into Punjab with three new outlets!

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SnackTeam
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Wow Momo Foods

Kolkata-based Chinese fast food chain, Wow Momo Foods, made an exciting announcement on Tuesday. Co-founder Sagar Daryani shared on social media that they have opened three new stores at the CP6 mall in Mohali, Punjab.

The three new outlets belong to its sub-brands, namely Wow Momo, Wow Chicken, and Wow China. With the inauguration of these establishments, the indigenous chain has extended its presence to 32 cities.

“It’s time to #Balle #Balle!! The #Wow family enters into Punjab -opens 3 new outlets of WOW! This is our 32nd City in #India & counting!!” Daryani wrote on LinkedIn.

Wow Momo is renowned for its delectable momos, while Wow China is famed for offering an Indian take on Chinese cuisine, enjoyed nationwide. On the other hand, Wow Chicken is celebrated for its flavorful chicken dishes.

Founded by schoolmates Sagar Daryani and Binod Homagai, the Kolkata-based enterprise, Wow Momo, had its inception on August 29, 2008. According to recent media reports, Wow Momo now boasts an impressive network of 620 outlets, spanning 32 cities.

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Honasa Consumer appoints Nishchay Bahl as Senior VP of offline business division to drive growth and expansion

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SnackTeam
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Nishchay Bahl
Nishchay Bahl

Honasa Consumer Limited, the parent company of Mamaearth, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nishchay Bahl as the Senior Vice President of its offline business division, as revealed in a media release on Wednesday.

Taking on his new position, Bahl will assume the pivotal responsibility of spearheading growth, enhancing profitability, and crafting a holistic offline network strategy for the company’s distinguished brands, which include Mamaearth, The Derma Co., Aqualogica, and Bblunt.

With over 15 years of leadership experience, Nishchay, an alumnus of the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad and St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, has successfully managed cross-functional teams in diverse P&L roles within the FMCG sector. His expertise spans various channels, including General Trade (GT), Modern Trade (MT), and e-commerce, with a deep understanding of Sales, Key Account Management, Digital Marketing, Customer & Shopper Marketing, and Brand Management. Nishchay has contributed his skills to esteemed consumer goods companies in India such as Britannia and Reckitt. In his most recent position, he worked alongside the Chief Business Officer (Offline) for the Good Glamm group.

Commenting on this crucial onboarding, Varun Alagh, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of the company said, “Honasa Consumer has emerged as the fastest growing BPC with an omnichannel approach. Nishchay is joining us at a very exciting time. As we gear up to expand our offline offering and strengthen our presence, Nishchay, with his experience across established FMCG brands will be instrumental in realizing our vision to make Honasa brands accessible to consumers where they want to buy us.”

In accepting the position, Bahl said, “Mamaearth, the flagship brand has established itself amongst the Indian consumer and the acceptance of the brand offline has been inspiring. I look forward to being part of the brands growth trajectory to many more milestones.”

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