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Retail Update
IDDBA
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The business development team had a meeting with the grilled cheese restaurant
chain, The Melt, discussing their growth plans and sourcing strategy. Mike Gallagher
walked the buyer around and introduced them to several cheesemakers, developing
several promising leads.
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At the end of the first day, attending board members met with the CMAB
international team as well as reps from Mexico and Korea to hear an update on their
markets and to ask questions directly from both CMAB in-country representatives
and customers.
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On day two, prior to the show starting, the domestic retail team held a meeting with
all the cheese processors to introduce them to the new demo-sampling box that Bob
Constantino pioneered. Bob Carroll also used the opportunity to quickly run them
through the “Value of the Seal” draft and solicit feedback. Both were very well
received by the cheese processors.
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Mike Levy and Bob Carroll met with the buyers from Hy-Vee (Midwest retail chain)
to discuss the introduction of several California cheese brands this year, as well as
growth plans for 2018. We are confident that the successful display contest executed
earlier this year, will be even more successful next year.
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Several international reps, their guests, and HarbyrCo attended a plant tour of
Rockview Dairy on the morning of the last day. There was strong interest in their
ESL milk and all are excited about potential for substantial new business.
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Both California and Wisconsin were given opportunities to contribute to Donna
Berry’s post-IDDBA article on cheese snacking:
“We know that the snacking trend is going strong, with only about 14% of
consumers eating just breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to The NPD Group,”
said Rachel Kerr, Public Relations Manager, Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board,
Madison, Wis. “For most of us, snacking throughout the day is a part of our
regular routine, and cheese makes an excellent choice for a healthy snack. If
you’re looking for a snack that’s minimally processed and nutrient dense, cheese
is a smart choice. The average serving of cheese contains 10 grams of protein and
20% of your daily calcium needs. Pair it with fresh fruit, crunchy vegetables,
hearty crackers or lean meat for a filling snack that will leave you feeling great.”
For convenience reasons, a lot of that pairing is being done by deli department
operators. Meat and cheese manufacturers are also equipped to make snacking
combo packs on their end. They are receiving support from dairy councils and