Advanced Planning for Gluten Free Awareness Month
Gluten Free... it's on everyone's mind. It's huge. So huge that we haven't gotten a handle on it yet. I just received some interesting data noting the growth of products over the past year with "gluten-free" label claims.
(from SPINSscan for Natural Product Retailers for a 52 weeks ending June 14, 08)
This chart shows the increases over 27 categories by regions through the U.S.A. of products with "gluten-free" label claims. Nationally those items are up 21.5%. The largest categories, in order, are:
1) Soups
2) Frozen Entrées
3) Baking Mixes & Flour
Great information. Interesting information. Now what to do about it. We all know that the consumer demand is increasing for "gluten-free" items from retailers. Retailers are selling more "gluten-free" products. However, there is a larger picture - greater opportunity than ever to create a marketing, merchandising and sales program built around "gluten-free" designed to increase sales and develop customer loyalty.
As retailers prepare for October's Gluten Free Awareness month there are many opportunities available. I am a huge believer in planning a head, getting connected with vendors, community, and creating results. Actually I'm encouraging stores to make Gluten Free Awareness month their kick-off for on-going sections or departments, events, education, and community support.
I have tons of ideas and experiences to share and would love to invite you to attend my 90 Days Out Merchandising and Marketing TIPS TeleTraining coming up on Wednesday, July 23 at 3pm (EDT). My presentations hold no fee and are sponsored by vendors who believe in offering educational support and resources to retailers in the natural products industry.
This month's topic is October: Gluten Free Awareness Month sponsored by ALL-ONE www.all-one.com
During the Gluten-Free Awareness TeleTraining I will be discussing the following:
1. Gluten Free Store Tours & Events
2. Merchandising Do’s and Don’ts
3. Celiac Awareness Month Resources
4. Vendor Partnership “Loyalty” Programs
5. Allergen Free Education Opportunities
TeleTrainings last about 30 minutes followed by Questions and Answers. Private sessions (for a fee) are available by request. Click here to request more information.
To register for the GLUTEN FREE AWARENESS TeleTraining click here.
To learn more about TeleTrainings go to www.askDebby.com and click on the TeleTraining Tab or simply click here.
Until next time, have a great day!
Debby
Did you know that Celiac Awareness Month is in May, not in October. There is a proclamation before Congress to designate May as Celiac Awareness Month to coincide with the rest of the world - Europe and Canada observe May as Celiac Awareness month. October is breast cancer awareness and heart disease month. Digestive disease month is May and we have officially all united to observe that month as well.
We hope you will show your support for celiac disease awareness by adjusting your marketing strategies accordingly.
Thank you,
Beth Hillson
President, American Celiac Disease Alliance
www.americanceliac.org
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Thanks Beth for the update. In the natural products industry our marketing and merchandising efforts have been growing and bringing attention to Gluten Intolerance in our retail outlets. Understanding that Celiac Awareness Month has shifted to May, I will do my best to spread the word and be a positive supporter!
Thank you so much for your comment.
Debby
www.askDebby.com
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