John Robinson

With financial constraints leading consumers to opt for RTD cocktails at home over pubs and restaurants, RTD cocktail brands have an opportunity to strengthen their connection with outdoor dining experiences like picnics and barbecues. This trend allows brands to increase sales by catering to consumers' preference for affordable socialising. Moreover, offering special picnic meal deals could entice price-conscious consumers seeking value. Read more about the latest trends tipped to drive market growth: https://hubs.li/Q02Kp0Nd0 #Cocktails #BeverageIndustry #WeBringFlavourToLife

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When Consumers Pull Back, Only brands with high perceived value earn the right not to be traded down. This WSJ article (may be paywalled) made me reflect on how food companies adjust to consumer feedback. - Consumers are pulling back in the U.S. and China, indicating a slowdown in spending. - Restaurant chains and food manufacturers are responding to consumer dissatisfaction with high prices by offering deals and introducing new products. - Companies like Domino's Pizza are raising prices at a slower pace and implementing more discounts to attract customers back to their brands. Profit Margins Remain Strong for Food Industry: - Major restaurant chains and food manufacturers have seen profits soar, with some reaching or surpassing 2019 levels. - Gross margins for many food makers are at or near prepandemic levels, indicating financial stability. Economic Growth Boosts Food Company Earnings: - Food companies have enjoyed record quarterly profits, aligning with economic growth trends. - Efforts to become more efficient and scale back pandemic-era measures have contributed to increased profits. Consumer Response to Pricing Strategies: - Consumer sentiment on food prices is mixed, with concerns about overcharging and shrinking product sizes. - While some consumers are cutting back on dining out, others are adjusting to higher prices and looking for value deals. Promotions and Discounts to Drive Sales: - Companies like McDonald's and Starbucks are launching promotional offers to attract customers back and improve sales volumes. - Food makers like Mondelez and General Mills are lowering prices, offering discounts, and enhancing product taste to drive consumer interest. Challenges in Winning Back Consumer Trust: - Executives acknowledge the challenge of winning consumers back post-inflation, requiring sustained efforts and investments. - The slow pace of consumer trust rebuilding highlights the complexity of addressing pricing concerns and ensuring affordability. Focus on Value and Affordability: - Restaurants are emphasizing value meals and affordable options to retain and attract customers. - Food manufacturers are reducing prices, offering discounts, and improving product quality to maintain competitiveness. Future Strategies and Consumer Engagement: - Companies anticipate a gradual process in winning back consumer trust post-inflation and emphasize the need for sustained investments. - Enhanced promotions, discounts, and product improvements aim to engage consumers and drive sales growth. Hiring Slowdown Fuels Bets on Rate Cut: - A hiring slowdown is fueling expectations of a larger rate cut by the Federal Reserve. - This development reflects concerns about the economic outlook and the potential need for monetary policy adjustments. I write about training marketers so that CMOs have a focused team to build profitable brands. Get a copy of my BrandTips® newsletter. See more in the comments. #marketing #branding #management #mentoring

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There are three critical things to communicate when it comes to growing your CPG brand. Whether it’s investors, buyers, distributors or anyone else who you need to get on board. 1. Where are you going? Vision is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but when you define what that actually means it’s the answer to a simple question. It’s a powerful guide for your behavior everyday. It’s critical to know where you want to be years down the line, if you are going to build alignment with key stakeholders along the way. EVERYONE wants to go to the promised land, so tell them where that is, what it looks like and feels like to be there, bring this place to life in your core essence and share that passion with anyone you wish to enroll in your pursuit. It’s not enough to just talk about revenue, white space, or data. That’s all very important, but people need to believe that you see it, that it’s a real place that exists, and it’s just a matter of making the trek. 2. Why should people care? Assuming that making it to the promised land includes a compelling value prop that’s linked to clear differentiators in your category that customers actually care about and you have data to support this no matter how young you are. Okay, that’s maybe an assumption I shouldn’t make, but if you don’t have that, definitely don’t make the trek. If you have that, then don’t overthink this question. This question is all about why any stakeholder will make more money with you than without you. Ultimately that’s the baseline that will get any stakeholder on board. Investors have thousands of deals to choose from, buyers have thousands of brands/products to choose from, distributors have only so much room in their facilities/trucks. At some point you have to articulate why yours is better from that black and white perspective. If you don’t have this answer completely dialed in for every stakeholder, nobody will believe that you are the right guide to follow to the promised land. 3. How are you going to make it happen? It’s impossible to anticipate every twist and turn along the way, but you should have a very clear picture of what you and your team are capable of doing to execute this vision. Not that it can be done, or even the best route to take, but your demonstrable ability to make it happen. The more specific you are the better. The more commitments you have the better. Even when you have those things it sometimes is not enough so you need to combine these tangible plans with perseverance. If you can’t speak to these three things clearly with conviction and passion, it will be hard for anyone else to take you seriously enough to invest their time or money. Don’t fluff it either, give people the straight sauce. Even if it’s not perfect (shocker, it never is, and if you believe it is people won’t believe you), a little authenticity will help build trust, so don’t paint the perfect picture, just lay out the argument in a way that is very real.

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Shout out to all the so-called ‘whisky cask investment companies’ who are inevitably repositioning themselves as ‘rum cask investment companies’ and ‘tequila cask investment companies’ at the moment. It’s fascinating to watch the bandwagon shift, as speculative investors pivot to new spirits in search of the next big return. I can’t help but raise an eyebrow at how quickly these ‘investment opportunities’ are rebranded when trends change. Interesting article in today’s FT highlighting the change and the rise of rum as the latest investment craze. How long have we been told that rum is the next big thing?

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What if buying a bottle of Johnnie Walker was more like commissioning a piece of art? Why is Diageo turning to AI to craft whisky experiences that are as unique as their consumers? The answer lies in personalization. Diageo is redefining luxury experiences and personalization as a whole by blending generative AI with their product, offering consumers a chance to create personalized bottle labels at Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh. An experience so personalized through AI with all that is needed is answers to 3 simple questions before a unique bottle label is designed and ready in minutes. Powered by Project Halo, Diageo’s Breakthrough Innovation team uses AI to meet the rising demand for products that reflect individuality, belonging, and status. In a market where personalization is key, this experience offers a touch that speaks to consumers’ desire for uniqueness and luxury. As personalization becomes a hallmark of luxury, Diageo’s approach exemplifies how brands can harness technology to enhance consumer engagement. How might this shift the future of consumer experiences? #beverageindustry #innovation #ai

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I am looking for a winery or wineries to sponsor me and provide wines for two sold-out sessions (about 110 people at each) I am conducting on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 at the American Wine Society 57th Annual Conference – Winston-Salem, NC. This is an opportunity to showcase wines to a focused audience in a really positive, consumer-first contest. Message, email ([email protected]) or call me (707-337-0327) if you are interested, THANKS! Why you Like the Wines You Like 1 case each of 4 wines: - Moscato - Sauvignon Blanc - Lighter-style red, Pinot or Gamay - Tannic red, Cabernet, red blend, etc. Match the Wine with the Diner, not the Dinner 1 case each 2 wines - Dry white, Albarino, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc or Gris, etc. - Tannic red, Cabernet, red blend, etc. Title: Why You Like the Wines You Like Presenter: Tim Hanni, Master of Wine: A Pioneer in the Wine Industry Abstract: Have you ever observed that even win experts can have vastly differing opinions about wine qualities and characteristics? Tim Hanni, MW, has created the Perception Project to advance the concept of ‘perceptual individualism,’ which stresses the value of understanding people's individual sensory sensitivities and perceptions. The implications for enjoying and educating about the pleasures of wine and food are enormous. The Perception Project expands an understanding that every human being lives in their unique perceptive and cognitive world and demonstrates that the individual differences in perception from one person to the next can be similar or extremely different. Title: Match the Wine with the Diner, not the Dinner Abstract: Great chefs like Jeremiah Tower (formerly of Stars), Sarah Scott (14 years Executive Chef Robert Mondavi Winery), and Michel Trama (3-star Michelin l’Aubergade les Loges in Bordeaux) are among the many world-class chefs who embrace and practice Hanni’s interactions-based approach to the enjoyment of wine with food. This presentation replaces theoretical wine and food “pairing” with an understanding of primary taste/flavor interactions, while respecting the individual's perceptual sensitivities and preferences. It combines a review of critical misunderstandings of wine and food history, a deep dive into sensory and perceptual sciences, and culinary tips and techniques to ensure the greatest possible enjoyment of wine and wine with food. https://lnkd.in/g9nDWYyH #wine #preceptionproject #rethinkingthewineindustry #wineeducation #AWS #americanwinesociety #wineindustry

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Why has the winery industry transformed into a snobbish industry? I discussed this with a friend recently, reflecting on how much we've both changed since entering the wine industry and how we conduct ourselves now. It seems the transformation wasn't unique to us; many others have changed similarly. We both acknowledged our past snobbishness, rigidly adhering to what we had learned and believed. We thought everyone drinking wine should follow these rules. My friend, coming from an education background, and I realized that many wine professionals, when starting out, tend to be snobbish, likely due to the many rules the wine industry teaches us to follow. This made me realize that our education system often prepares us to replicate knowledge rather than encourage innovation and problem-solving. How many of you have completed a wine course with dreams of teaching or simply replicating what you've learned? I've lost count of the professionals I know who want to open a wine school or a similar type of business involving educational masterclass events or becoming WSET educators. Some important questions arise: ✅Must everyone be formally educated before enjoying wine? ✅Do all customers want to learn how to taste or drink like wine professionals? I believe there's a niche for this, but it doesn't cater to everyone. Perhaps we're overlooking a significant opportunity because we're not listening to their needs and are too focused on our own bubble. David Stevens-Castro a.k.a DSC, once remarked to me that while our industry boasts many educators, perhaps it's time to incorporate more entertainment-oriented perspectives. Personally, I feel there's a lack of practical application in what I've studied. Less emphasis on rote memorization and more on problem-solving skills could be advantageous. What are your thoughts? #rethinkingthewineindustry #winebusiness #wineindustry #wine #wineeducation

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Unveiling Lessons in Smart Marketing In today's business world, creating buzz can boost sales, but the big question is whether it lasts. From my experience in successful and unsuccessful ventures, I've learned that while great marketing will elevate a brand the product's quality is what matters in the long run. Social media has changed the game, making people care more about honesty and real value. Customers want products that actually deliver on their promises, not just flashy PR campaigns. Looking at what people are buying, it's clear that health-conscious choices are becoming more popular. Traditional drinks like Coca-Cola are losing ground to healthier options. This shows a shift toward products that match people's desire for health and wellness. In short, success today means more than just hype; it means building a community of raving fans, being genuine and offering something people truly want. Businesses that understand this are set to thrive in the ever-changing marketplace. https://lnkd.in/dK8ny6uz

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One of the biggest generational shifts in consumer behavior is taking place right now.... Health-conscious consumers are turning away from traditional beers, fueling an unprecedented rise in non-alcoholic options. But why the sudden change? In the last year, while overall beer sales dipped by 2.9%, the non-alcoholic segment skyrocketed by 33.7%. This isn’t just a fad—it’s a seismic shift. Brands like Partake Brewing are at the forefront, offering healthier, yet equally satisfying alternatives. 🌱 This shift signals a broader change in consumer values—prioritizing health and well-being over tradition. It’s a wake-up call for brands still clinging to the old ways. Those who adapt will thrive, while others might find themselves left behind. 🚀 It's also the quality of the brands that are entering the market, such as Partake Brewing, which is offering healthier, yet equally satisfying alternatives. I have found this shift both fascinating and satisfying as I've become more involved in the NA space and I am excited to witness the continued evolution. If you found this insight valuable, share it with your network. Follow me for more on the evolving landscape of consumer trends.

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