Marketing Our Sunshine Growers

For the past month, suppliers have been asking why we do the food trade shows. They know we do the agriculture expos, but now the queries are "Why the food shows?". Suppliers and colleagues have been wondering "why" when the cost of show spaces are very high. And now, they see that we also do the consumer food shows, w/c is some steps past our line.

We do the agriculture shows because our main business is in animal health supplies and services. It spun off to Sunshine Chicken, my passion since.

Asked often if we do contract growing, buy backs, etc. You'll be amazed at how almost everyone asks! Nope, we don't.

There are growers, entrepreneurs, marketing people etc. Possible, but unlikely, that we get them all rolled into one persona. Some may have the capacity to raise, but where to sell?

Long before you see themes of "niche marketing"...I had been saying that. Create a market. Focus. And yes, it is all about niche marketing.

I for one go on gut feel, no feasibility plans etc. You don't need to go far to sell. Start with your circle, going to outer circles little by little. Before you know it, you are selling.

So how do we assist? Any guarantees that a grower makes money? How d0 we work on the marketing for our Sunshine growers?

1) Open up the avenues for them through our joining food trade shows/expos/weekend markets. They join the shows for FREE. No charge for space!
2) Brainstorming on product development
3) Information dissemination
4) Consumer awareness on benefits of getting Sunshine
5) Print and radio exposures

I nurture relationships w/ our growers. Communication is open and constructive points are taken.

Our growers are getting their share in marketing mileage. The ones who work side by side with us see and experience this.

Hopefully, the other quiet growers see the importance of the food trade shows we do for them.

Next stop is the Cebu Food Expo 2008 at the Waterfront Cebu! My three regular growers in Cebu are joining.

If my growers feel we are not helping them any, I pray they let me know :)