Would you like to try a new snack?
March 25, 2012
We’ve been on a demo frenzy since we got on the first shelf at Whole Foods Hingham 4 weeks ago. Since then, we’ve sampled with well over a thousand, maybe 1500 people. There are about a gazillion reasons why sampling is so critical for any new brand – but for me – #1 on that list is that you get real feedback from real people, for free.
Its the key moment of truth. You try something new…and so what? Did you like it? Enough to put it in your basket? Will you love it when you go home, and buy another one?
At the first few demos – I had no idea what to expect. Many demos later – its gotten a lot easier…and dare i say it…actually kind of fun. Fun because i get to see people discovering and experiencing a new snack food – for the first time. It would be like trying your first potato chip. Before then – you knew what a potato was, and maybe you even loved potatoes. But potatoes as a snack? I’ve never heard of that…what a great idea! (of course its not exactly like a potato chip because our snacks are waaaay better for you, but you get the point).
The pic above is from Whole Foods in Dedham – where I demo’d yesterday. The sign says it all – we love Dedham. I drew crowds in front of the table all afternoon, and there was a buzz in the store. Lots of people lingered and wanted to know more about our brand and our mission. Several cashiers came by later and said: I’ve gotta try this…I’ve been ringing these up all afternoon! And halfway through the demo when we sold everything on the shelf – the Grocery person said: Wow, these really fly huh?
I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me, including getting more help, to keep moving this brand forward. But all in all, a great first few weeks out in the market.
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We enjoyed meeting you at the CT Vegetarian Festival — delicious product!
Hey Laura and Kevin – thanks so much for the note. Great to meet you at the CT Veg Fest, and so happy to hear that you love the snacks! Will let you know when we get out to CT!
Hey Laura and Kevin – Hope you are doing well. I wanted to let you know that Biena Snacks just got picked up regionally by Whole Foods! So we should be on the shelf at the Hartford stores and the Glastonbury stores as of this weekend – also across Mass, Rhode Island, and Maine. Just wanted to let you know!
I saw the re-run Chronicle segment last night, April 24th; right afterwards I drove over to Whole Foods Hingham and bought 3 pack of the Chickpea snacks to try them! They are delicious! How about making lunch box size packages – my daughter loved them too! Good luck with continued success!