Sage Advice from Thanksgiving Experts
Social media, customer service calls and a whole lotta history told us that Plainville Farm’s fans rely on our client to answer their turkey questions during Thanksgiving and the rest of the year. When there’s a turkey on their table, they want to make sure it’s just plain awesome. So we thought, why not make it easy on them and create a central location where they could find out everything they want to know about cooking turkey. Of course, we didn’t stop there.
At this often stressful time of the year, we figured Plainville Farms could offer advice on everything having to do with the holiday table. From inspirational menus to how-to articles and recipes galore, we’ve created and assembled original content to make holiday time simpler and more delicious than ever before. Stop by Thanksgiving Central and you’ll find sage advice on everything from planning the party to creating leftover meals everyone will love.
Do you like or like, like him?
Like was a big word in 5th grade. If you said you liked someone, it could mean that you were a couple. It could also just mean you thought they were pretty o.k. Brands on Facebook have a lot in common with those scrappy 5th grade boys from Wilson Elementary. They’ll do anything to get you to notice them. You may even like them, but how do they know if you like them, like them?
The best indicator if fans “like you, like you” (as we said back in the day), is if they interact and respond on your platforms. In other words, that boy who sits behind you pulls your pigtail, yup, that’s a “like you, like you”. Positive, negative, whatever it is, comments and interaction means that someone who’s out there really cares. As we all mature, learning to communicate those feelings just becomes natural.
Market like it Matters
Vittles has always been all about getting the “right foods” to market. So when Bill Niman approached us to work on his new BN Ranch logo and tagline, we naturally jumped at the opportunity. Yes, that’s right, the pioneer of modern meats is at it again. He’s got his own rules and isn’t letting random industry terms get in his way.
The bottom line is that Bill is all about making every bite matter. Eating less, enjoying more. He actually considers the earth, his animals and the whole dining experience. Does this make him organic? Not necessarily. Natural, probably– but he’s not too fond of that overused word. Most of all, he wants carnivorous consumers to realize that their choices make a difference. Eat like it matters–and we can all get behind that!
Forecasting Grain
After months, maybe years of hard work and dedication, Village Harvest is finally launching it’s new frozen whole grain line. Wahoo! Some say QR codes are the game changer of the times, we say think again. These whole grain mixes–that include ingredients like farro, wheatberries, red rice and quinoa–are taking the mystery out of cooking otherwise esoteric healthy foods and making them easier than boiling pasta. The big question (as with QR codes) is will consumers know what to do with them? Of course they will!
Only in this case, no apps, downloads, digital video cameras, ipads or other handheld devices are required. As long as you know how to rip open the package, pour in a bowl and press the microwave button, you’re in! Dole it out on the side of some grilled chicken, steamed veggies, or I don’t know, a hot dog if you’re so inclined. Toss these grains in a stir fry or pasta dish instead of white rice or plain ol’ pasta. The thing is, this line provides such a quick and simple way to add health and variety the average family meal that it’s a no brainer. That said, if you must download a suggestion to get you started, Village Harvest’s QR’s (quick recipes) are yours for the making.
Is Your Brand Cookin’ or What?
According to a story in Supermarket News, Supervalu’s executive Chairman of the Board recently told attendees of and International Supermarket Trade Seminar and Expo that his research shows that Gen X & Y shoppers would like to cook from scratch more, but don’t know how. His idea is that supermarkets can cash in on the trend by becoming their go-to resource for cooking skills and culinary advice.
Perhaps a few will take his advice and start working on recipes books of their own. The smart ones however, will rely on their favorite brands to do it for them. In other words, it’s a good time to be The Cooking Authority in your category. Here are three tips that will start you on your way:
Create a library of recipes that makes sense. Make sure your recipes are as strategic as any of your marketing materials. Recipes create concrete uses that consumers will come back to time and time again if they are satisfied with the results. In other words, a naturally raised antibiotic free poultry company like Kosher Valley would be wise to consider recipes that are slightly healthier than a conventional counterpart.
Generate a fool proof method of cooking your product. I’ve always thought that wheat berries and other grains would soar in popularity if people just knew how to cook with them. Consider creating collateral materials with step by step methods of cooking and storing your product that supermarkets can circulate. Of course, you are extremely familiar with your products attributes, but it’s safest to assume consumers know nothing.
Brand everything you write. Make sure you get credit for doing your homework. Have a brand that consistently stands out visually on everything you circulate so consumers know where to go when they’re hungry for more.