847.680.3688 info@wisnermarketing.com 6615 Grand Ave. #1054, Gurnee, IL 60031

Jim Wisner to conduct Workshop for New South Wales delegation at Expo West

Manufacturers from New South Wales and other Australian States will be sending a delegation to the Expo West Natural Foods Marketplace in Anaheim, CA March 13-16. On March 14, Jim Wisner will be conducting a two-hour workshop entitled Capturing the U.S. Market Opportunity. This workshop will accelerate attendees understanding of the U.S. market and what they must do in order to be successful.

Specialty Food Association Releases Understanding the Real Value of Specialty Foods

At this winter’s Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas, the Specialty Food Association (SFA) released its groundbreaking research project, Understanding the Real Value of Specialty Foods. This research, conducted by Wisner Marketing for SFA, addressed the economic impact of specialty foods in enhancing retailer profitability and customer loyalty. Jim Wisner presented results of the study at the Show and will be conducting a webinar on February 1st. The report is available from the SFA website in their Learning Center.

Jim Wisner to Chair FMI Private Brand Sustainability Committee

In addition to his role on the the FMI Private Brand Executive Committee and the Technical and Regulatory Workgroup, Jim Wisner will assume responsibility of chairing the FMI Private Brand Sustainability Workgroup. This group will bring together retailers and manufacturers to share ideas and advise FMI on advancing industry sustainability initiatives in the private brand arena.

Drive Wheel Peer Groups Spend Day with Costco

Two Drive Wheel Manufacturer Peer Groups—Quality/Regulatory/Food Safety and Research and Development spent a day in October at Costco headquarters meeting with various executives to expand collaboration between Costco and Drive Wheel member companies in the areas of product development, food safety, and sustainability.  These two groups are managed by Jim Wisner. For more information on becoming a member of a Drive Wheel group, check out www.drivewheel.com. Drive Wheel now has 26 groups involving more than 140 companies.

The Private Brand Opportunity in North America for Australian Manufacturers

G’day USA: Aussie Private Labels Star at PLMA Show

Australian food and beverages continue to wow in the US, starring at a leading trade fair. Australia Trade and Investment (Austrade) hosted the first-ever Australia Pavilion at PLMA’s 2022 Private Label Trade Show. Wisner Marketing was chosen to assist Austrade in preparing its manufacturers for the Show and in exploring new opportunities in the North American Marketplace. Activities included a series of webinars, store tours, a comprehensive overview of the Top 50+ retailers, and a Market Resources Day following the Show.

Drive Wheel Re-instating Specialty, Natural, and Organic Sales and Marketing Peer Group.

One of the 26 Drive Wheel Share Groups, this group took a hiatus during the Covid pandemic. It is now being reinstated. Ron Tanner, the former senior executive at the Specialty Food Association will co-facilitate the group with Jim Wisner. This group features retailer engagement as a part of every meeting. If interested contact Jim Wisner or meet with us at the Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas in January.

Drive Wheel Plans Cybersecurity Symposium for IT and Finance Peer Groups

Drive Wheel is planning a special event for its Information Technology and Finance Peer Groups at its Spring Meetings in May. The two groups will meet jointly on the first day for a Cybersecurity symposium covering Cybersecurity Best Practices, Cyber Insurance, and Disaster planning. Experts in each field will present and engage in discussions with group members which continue into the evening hours at dinner. To find out how to be a part of the group, contact Jim Wisner (jim@drivewheel.com).