Nestlé and Kellogg have collaborated to introduce two breakfast-inspired beverages under the Frosted Flakes and Eggo brands.
Nestlé Sensations Frosted Flakes’ cereal-infused milk captures the essence of frosted cornflakes, delivering a creamy dairy finale, according to the company. Simultaneously, Nestlé Sensations Eggo maple waffle-inspired milk is brimming with hints of warm waffles, butter, and maple syrup.
Meaghan Sparkman, Nestlé USA general manager and marketing director for the RTD business unit, said, “Breakfast is synonymous with cereal and waffles, and fans will be able to shake up their morning routine with a drinkable way to enjoy the taste of both. Inspired by two Kellogg classics, Nestlé Sensations Frosted Flakes Cereal and Sensations Eggo Maple Waffle combine the magic of childhood meals with the delicious flavour of our iconic milk beverages, delivering a delightful taste to our fans nationwide.”
Both items will be accessible at retail outlets across the country, offered at a cost of $2.59 for a 14oz bottle.
The debut of Sensations Frosted Flakes is slated for November, while Sensations Eggo is set to hit store shelves beginning in January 2024.
A controversy flared up on Thursday as numerous social media users leveled allegations of overpricing against Swiggy. Nevertheless, the prominent foodtech company asserted that no customer had been subjected to overcharges and attributed the problem to a technical glitch.
“We confirm no customers have been overcharged and they have paid the correct amount. This was due to a tech bug, which we have fixed. We continue to deliver thousands of orders every minute to our customers,” a Swiggy spokesperson said.
The issue came to attention when a user posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) to report that Swiggy had levied an extra INR 3 during their food order through the app.
Deepak Shenoy, the Founder and CEO of the wealth management startup Capitalmind, also brought attention to the identical problem. He pointed out that although his bill amounted to INR 255.6, he was provided with a bill of INR 259.
Meanwhile, numerous other users went online to voice their concerns, denouncing the incident as a contemporary form of fraud.
Amidst the uproar, Swiggy issued a clarification stating that the order history page of users displayed incorrect discount amounts due to the technical bug. The company further assured that customers had paid the accurate amounts during the checkout process and were not subjected to overcharges.
“Some users may note incorrect discount amounts in their order history page. However, users have actually paid as per the prescribed discount amount during the checkout. Customers have paid the correct amount. This discrepancy in order history and actual paid value is due to a tech bug which our teams have fixed,” said Swiggy on X.
Even Shenoy later acknowledged that the problem “might just be” a display error, as the platform fee of INR 5 was discounted to INR 2 in his bill, thus explaining the remaining amount.
In the midst of this, users also expressed apprehensions regarding the rounding-off mechanism employed by the foodtech platform. In response, the company explained that it “rounded off the billed amount to the nearest whole amount as per the directives from the RBI to minimize any inconvenience to the public and to align with the established banking industry practice.”
The matter arises at a juncture when both Swiggy and its competitor, Zomato, have recently introduced platform fees of INR 2-3 as part of their efforts to bolster their earnings and enhance their financial performance.
Technology is the driving factor behind growth and scalability in today’s fast-paced corporate world. Whether you’re a startup wanting to scale or an established brand looking to expand, including the correct technology into your operations is crucial.
Cloud Computing
Embracing cloud computing, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, is paramount for scaling your brand. Cloud infrastructure provides flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. It enables your business to expand or contract resources on-demand, ensuring you only pay for what you use.
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Harnessing the power of data analytics and business intelligence tools can unlock invaluable insights. These technologies allow you to analyze customer behavior, market trends, and operational efficiency. Implement solutions like Tableau, Power BI, or Google Analytics to make data-driven decisions and optimize your strategies.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
Building and nurturing customer relationships is at the core of growth. CRM systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Zoho CRM help you manage interactions, track leads, and personalize communication. These tools enhance customer engagement, leading to higher retention rates and increased sales.
E-commerce Platforms
If your business involves selling products online, choosing the right e-commerce platform is vital. Platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Magento offer customizable solutions that streamline the online shopping experience, manage inventory, and handle transactions efficiently.
Marketing Automation
Marketing automation tools like Marketo, Mailchimp, or HubSpot Marketing Hub empower your brand to deliver targeted and personalized marketing campaigns at scale. Automate email marketing, lead nurturing, and customer segmentation to reach the right audience with the right message.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
AI and machine learning are transforming businesses across industries. Implement AI-driven solutions to enhance customer service through chatbots, optimize supply chain management, and analyze large datasets for predictive insights. AI technologies can automate tasks, save time, and improve decision-making.
Cybersecurity Solutions
As your brand scales, so does the need for robust cybersecurity measures. Protect your business from cyber threats with tools like firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint security solutions. Prioritize data privacy to maintain customer trust.
Collaboration and Communication Tools
Effective teamwork is essential for growth. Collaboration and communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom facilitate remote work, streamline project management, and improve internal communication. They enable teams to work seamlessly across geographic boundaries.
In today’s competitive business landscape, technology is the linchpin of growth and scalability. By embracing cloud computing, leveraging data analytics, nurturing customer relationships with CRM systems, and employing automation and AI technologies, your brand can efficiently expand its reach and offerings. Additionally, cybersecurity measures, e-commerce platforms, and collaboration tools ensure your operations remain secure and agile.
To stay ahead in the digital era, it’s imperative to adapt to the ever-evolving tech-driven landscape. Continuously assess your technology stack, invest in innovation, and align your brand’s growth strategy with the right technologies. By doing so, your brand can not only scale efficiently but also thrive in the rapidly changing business environment.
Launching a new brand into the competitive business arena can be both exhilarating and daunting. As an emerging voice, you have a unique opportunity to shape your identity and connect with your target audience. Effective communication is the bridge that will carry your brand’s message to the hearts and minds of your potential customers.
Define Your Brand’s Voice and Identity
Before communicating with your audience, you must have a clear understanding of who your brand is and what it stands for. Define your brand’s personality, values, and mission. Are you youthful and innovative, or reliable and traditional? Understanding your identity will guide your communication strategies.
Know Your Audience Inside Out
Effective communication begins with understanding your target audience. Conduct thorough market research to identify their needs, pain points, and preferences. Create detailed buyer personas that represent your ideal customers, including demographics, behaviors, and aspirations.
Craft a Compelling Brand Story
People love stories, and your brand’s story can be a powerful tool. Share the journey that led to the creation of your brand, highlighting the problems you aim to solve and the impact you aspire to make. A compelling narrative can help consumers connect with your mission on a personal level.
Build a Consistent Visual Identity
Visual elements, such as logos, color schemes, and design aesthetics, play a significant role in brand recognition. Ensure that your visual identity is consistent across all communication channels, from your website and social media profiles to packaging and promotional materials.
Leverage Digital Platforms
In the digital age, your online presence is pivotal. Create a user-friendly website, optimize it for search engines (SEO), and establish a strong social media presence. Share valuable content that aligns with your brand’s values and resonates with your audience.
Engage in Content Marketing
Content marketing is a valuable tool for new brands to showcase their expertise and provide value to their audience. Publish blog posts, videos, and other forms of content that address your audience’s needs and interests. Consistency is key to building trust.
Harness the Power of Influencer Marketing
Collaborating with influencers in your niche can give your brand a significant boost. Seek out influencers who align with your values and target audience. Their endorsement can introduce your brand to a broader, engaged audience.
Listen and Adapt
Effective communication is a two-way street. Listen to your audience’s feedback and engage in conversations with them. Be open to adapting your strategies based on their input and evolving market trends.
Building effective communication as a new brand requires careful planning, a deep understanding of your identity and audience, and a commitment to consistency. By crafting a compelling brand story, leveraging digital platforms, engaging in content marketing, and listening to your audience, you can establish a strong presence and create meaningful connections. Remember, as an emerging voice, you have the opportunity to shape perceptions and build lasting relationships, so make every communication count in your brand’s journey to success.
In today’s commercial world, success goes well beyond the moment of sale. It is no longer sufficient to regard customers as one-time transaction possibilities. Instead, thriving firms understand the importance of developing long-term consumer connections.
Personalized Experiences
One of the most effective ways to move beyond transactions is to personalize every interaction with your customers. Leverage data analytics to understand their preferences, purchase history, and behaviors. Use this information to tailor product recommendations, marketing messages, and even customer support interactions. When consumers feel understood and valued as individuals, they are more likely to remain loyal.
Exceptional Customer Service
Exceptional customer service is the cornerstone of lasting relationships. Train your customer support team to be responsive, empathetic, and solution-oriented. Resolve issues promptly, go the extra mile to assist customers, and actively seek feedback to continuously improve your service. Positive service experiences are memorable and contribute to consumer loyalty.
Loyalty Programs
Implementing a well-designed loyalty program can be a powerful tool for fostering lasting relationships. Offer rewards, discounts, or exclusive access to loyal customers. The sense of belonging to an exclusive club encourages repeat business and increases customer retention.
Consistent Brand Messaging
Ensure that your brand messaging remains consistent across all touchpoints. From your website and social media profiles to advertising campaigns and product packaging, a cohesive brand message reinforces your values and mission. Consistency builds trust, which is essential for long-term relationships.
Content Marketing and Education
Establish yourself as a trusted source of information in your industry. Create valuable content that educates and informs your audience. Whether it’s blog posts, webinars, or informative videos, offering useful resources builds credibility and keeps consumers engaged even when they’re not making immediate purchases.
Feedback Loops
Actively seek feedback from your customers and use it to shape your products, services, and business operations. Show that you value their opinions and are committed to making improvements based on their input. Consumers appreciate being part of a brand’s growth and evolution.
Surprise and Delight
Surprise your customers with unexpected gestures of appreciation. It could be a personalized thank-you note, a small gift, or an exclusive preview of upcoming products. These unexpected moments of delight create positive associations with your brand.
Cultivating lasting consumer relationships goes far beyond a simple exchange of goods or services for payment. It involves personalized experiences, exceptional customer service, loyalty programs, consistent messaging, educational content, feedback integration, and the occasional surprise and delight. Brands like Zappos have proven that these strategies can lead to customer loyalty and advocacy, which in turn, translate into sustained business success. Remember, in today’s world, it’s not just about making a sale; it’s about nurturing a bond that lasts for the long haul.
In the fast-paced and ever-changing food sector, creating a steady supply of high-quality leads is critical to development and profitability. Having a comprehensive sales funnel loaded with potential consumers is critical whether you’re a restaurateur, food manufacturer, distributor, or supplier.
Leverage the Power of Social Media
In an age where food photos dominate social feeds, harnessing the potential of platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok is a must. Share visually appealing content showcasing your food products, restaurant dishes, or culinary expertise. Engage with your audience by responding to comments and hosting interactive contests or challenges.
Create and Share Mouthwatering Content
Content marketing can be a game-changer in the food industry. Regularly publish blog posts, recipes, cooking tips, and videos that resonate with your target audience. Share your passion for food and provide value by addressing common culinary questions or challenges.
Collaborate with Influencers
Partnering with food influencers can significantly expand your reach. These influencers often have a dedicated following who trust their recommendations. Invite them to review your products or dine at your restaurant. Their endorsement can drive interested customers your way.
Optimize Your Website for Local Search
For restaurants and local food businesses, local search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial. Ensure that your website is optimized for local keywords, and create a Google My Business profile. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews, which can boost your visibility in local search results.
Attend Food and Trade Shows
Participating in food and trade shows provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your products and network with industry professionals. These events can be a goldmine for generating B2B leads, especially if you’re a supplier or distributor.
Offer Tastings and Samples
For food producers and manufacturers, offering tastings and samples can be an effective way to introduce potential customers to your products. Attend farmers’ markets, food festivals, and local events to engage with your target audience directly.
Email Marketing and Loyalty Programs
Build a database of customer email addresses and use email marketing to nurture leads. Offer exclusive discounts, promotions, and loyalty programs to incentivize repeat business. Personalize your emails to make customers feel valued.
In the competitive food industry, generating leads is a continuous process that requires creativity, dedication, and a deep understanding of your target audience. By leveraging the power of social media, content marketing, influencers, local SEO, and more, you can fill your sales funnel with potential customers who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer. Remember, the goal isn’t just to gain leads but to convert them into loyal patrons who savor your food and become advocates for your brand, ultimately leading to long-term success in the food business.
A well-crafted sales process is like a finely tuned machine in the business world; it can take a potential consumer from first awareness to a pleased, devoted champion of your company. Creating the ideal sales journey is a deliberate endeavor that may make or break your product’s success.
Know Your Customer Inside Out
Before you can design an effective sales journey, you must have an intimate understanding of your target audience. What are their pain points, desires, and purchasing behavior? Conduct thorough market research and create buyer personas to guide your efforts. The better you know your customers, the more tailored and successful your sales process will be.
Map Out the Customer Journey
Visualize the path your customers take from the moment they become aware of your product to the point of purchase and beyond. Identify touchpoints and interactions they have with your brand. This mapping exercise provides a clear blueprint for your sales process and highlights areas that need improvement or enhancement.
Create a Consistent Brand Experience
Consistency is key. Ensure that every interaction a customer has with your brand, be it through your website, social media, or sales team, aligns with your brand’s values and messaging. A cohesive brand experience builds trust and credibility.
Craft Compelling Content
Content marketing is a powerful tool in the sales journey. Create high-quality content that educates, informs, and engages your audience. From blog posts and videos to ebooks and webinars, offer valuable resources that guide potential customers toward a purchasing decision.
Implement a CRM System
A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is invaluable for managing and nurturing leads. It allows you to track interactions, set reminders, and automate follow-up processes. This not only saves time but also ensures no potential customer falls through the cracks.
Train and Empower Your Sales Team
Invest in training and development for your sales team. Equip them with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively communicate your product’s value proposition and address customer concerns. Empowered salespeople build stronger customer relationships.
Monitor, Measure, and Iterate
Continuously monitor your sales process’s performance. Use analytics to track conversion rates, identify bottlenecks, and assess the effectiveness of your strategies. Based on these insights, be prepared to adapt and refine your sales journey as needed.
Case Study: Amazon
Amazon’s sales journey is a prime example of excellence. They have perfected the art of personalized recommendations based on user behavior, making the purchasing process effortless and enjoyable. Their seamless checkout process, backed by robust customer reviews and quick shipping options, has created a loyal customer base that keeps coming back.
Designing the perfect sales journey for your product is an ongoing endeavor that requires a deep understanding of your customers, a commitment to consistency, and a willingness to adapt. By following these steps and learning from successful examples like Amazon, you can craft a sales process that not only converts leads into customers but also nurtures lasting relationships. Remember, a well-crafted sales journey isn’t just about making a sale; it’s about creating satisfied customers who become brand advocates, driving sustained success for your business.
Joe Coffee, a specialty coffee roaster headquartered in New York, has joined forces with NotCo, a Chilean food tech company, to substitute their almond milk with NotCo’s Barista plant-based milk, known as NotMilk.
NotCo announced that this collaboration signifies the debut of NotMilk Barista’s presence in U.S. coffeehouses.
At Joe Coffee’s various New York City locations, they have opted to utilize the rich and creamy NotMilk Barista as a replacement for almond milk on their menus.
NotCo mentioned that their fresh plant-based milk is crafted from a combination of chickpeas and oats. This offers customers a low-sugar choice and a creamier, frothier plant-based substitute to enhance their Joe Coffee experience.
The foam-friendly and exceptionally smooth NotMilk Barista is reputed to excel in both hot and cold foaming, making it perfect for creating velvety textures. Additionally, it exhibits impressive stability when used for crafting intricate latte art designs.
NotCo CEO and Founder Matias Muchnick said, “NotMilk Barista allows plant-based coffee lovers the opportunity to enjoy the full, frothy latte experience without compromising on taste, look, feel and functionality.
“Joining hands with Joe Coffee as our initial outlet allows us to give consumers the most elevated, plant-based coffee experience – one that not only tastes better but is better for the planet.”
NotCo is actively seeking to broaden its alternative protein ventures by forming strategic partnerships with major food chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King, Starbucks, and Papa John’s. In addition to these partnerships, NotCo has also joined forces with Cafe Daily Provisions, a New York-based establishment owned by Danny Meyer.
Shake Shack recently collaborated with NotCo to introduce a new line of non-dairy chocolate shake and non-dairy frozen chocolate custard in the US, using NotMilk as a key ingredient.
The food technology company offers its AI platform, Giuseppe, through its Business-to-Business (B2B) Unit to assist other Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands in curating their innovations.
The recently inaugurated 45,000-square-foot facility serves as a unifying hub for Ferrero's R&D teams from across the United States.
Ferrero North America, a division of the Ferrero Group, recently unveiled its brand-new Innovation Center and Research & Development Labs in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
The recently inaugurated 45,000-square-foot facility serves as a unifying hub for Ferrero’s R&D teams from across the United States. It hosts dedicated teams working on brands such as Keebler, Famous Amos, Mother’s, Fannie May, and other brands within the Ferrero portfolio, comprising a workforce of over 150 employees.
Ferrero has stated that the new research and development center will be utilized for the creation of fresh cookies and other delectable treats.
Alanna Cotton, president and chief business officer of Ferrero North America, said, “Our new Innovation Center and R&D Labs here in Chicago reflect Ferrero’s rich heritage and will foster the creativity and culture that Ferrero known for around the world. Investments like this help us create high-quality, innovative products that will become a special part of Americans’ lives and further drive category growth in confections, cookies and beyond.”
This investment marks an extension of Ferrero’s presence in Illinois, a state where the company is already engaged in the production of Butterfinger, Baby Ruth, Keebler, Crunch, 100 Grand, and various other products. Moreover, Ferrero is presently in the process of constructing a new chocolate processing plant and a Kinder Bueno production facility in Bloomington, Illinois.
Chicago’s Mayor, Brandon Johnson, commented, “Chicago’s innovation is not only propelling the growth of iconic global brands like Keebler, Famous Amos and Fannie May, but it’s also cementing our city’s reputation as a prime destination for the world’s best talent and businesses. Congratulations to the Ferrero team on this remarkable achievement.”
Zomato, the food ordering and delivery platform, has introduced a feature on its platform, ‘Tips for the Kitchen Staff,’ enabling customers to express their gratitude to the restaurant’s kitchen staff.
The entire tip amount, minus any applicable tax deductions, will be credited to restaurants for distribution among their staff, contingent upon restaurant management signing a pledge to allocate the full sum to their employees.
Building on the success of a 2018 initiative that allowed customers to tip delivery partners, the ‘Tips for the Kitchen Staff’ feature is a similar endeavor driven by feedback from Zomato’s restaurant partner network. Through this feature, Zomato strives to facilitate customer recognition of the hard work, skill, and creativity of restaurant kitchen staff.
Rakesh Ranjan, chief executive officer, food delivery, Zomato says, “Our customers love to show appreciation for the food our restaurant partners prepare for them, every time they order. The introduction of ‘Tips for the kitchen staff’ feature will enable our customers to seamlessly share their love and gratitude for their food deliveries, an option that was limited to traditional dining-in experience until now. We are hopeful this new feature will enrich the food delivery experience for both our restaurant partners and customers.”
Zomato customers have the opportunity to express their gratitude for the dedicated kitchen staff by providing a tip after rating their order with 4 or 5 stars. Additionally, the option to tip the kitchen team is conveniently accessible on the live order tracking page immediately after they place an order. Zomato offers predefined percentage options for tipping, ranging from 3% to 10% of the total item value. Customers also have the flexibility to enter a custom tip amount, as long as it falls within a specified maximum limit.
For restaurant partners, tracking these tips has been made straightforward. They can monitor tips through their weekly payouts and statement of account on the Zomato merchant app or web dashboard. The ‘Tips for the Kitchen Staff’ feature is now active on the Zomato platform, allowing customers to acknowledge and reward the hardworking kitchen teams behind their delicious meals.
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