Steve Cocco

Convenience stores have experienced a surge in alcohol sales, notably in categories like ready-to-drink cocktails and flavored malt beverages, with some retailers observing a 109% increase in RTD cocktail sales. This trend reflects changing consumer preferences, particularly as shoppers opt for convenient options amidst potential inflation concerns, foregoing traditional ingredient shopping for homemade cocktails. By aligning commercial real estate investments with evolving consumer preferences, investors can maximize the value and performance of their properties. Full insights available at forbes.com

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💫 Rising Seafood Distribution Star Stephanie Pazzaglia joins us on Culinary Connections: Distribution Dialogues where we talk about sales, marketing and the journey distribution can provide. She helps lead business development at JJ McDonnell a premier seafood distribution company out of Maryland. Stephanie shares her background in the seafood industry and her passion for the seafood community. She discusses the importance of shellfish in our waters and how JJ McDonnell is committed to sustainability and nurturing the fisheries. Stephanie emphasizes the consultative sales approach of JJ McDonnell, where they focus on educating their sales team and customers about the sourcing and quality of their seafood. She also talks about the impact of technology on the seafood industry, including order apps and traceability platforms. Stephanie highlights the importance of marketing in the seafood industry and how it helps connect customers with the source of their seafood. The conversation explores the importance of collaboration between distributors, chefs, and brands in the food service industry. The conversation emphasizes the need for brands to invest in their distributor partners and be proactive in their involvement. The discussion also highlights the misconceptions surrounding farmed seafood and the importance of promoting and educating consumers about its benefits. We touch on the challenges of pricing and availability in the seafood industry, the need for realistic expectations, social responsibility aspect of the seafood industry and the importance of transparency and communication between procurement and sales teams. The conversation concludes with a focus on the future of the industry, including the need for more youth involvement and the challenges and opportunities presented by data and technology. Episode Drops tomorrow on Apple Podcast, we have a dozen great conversations you can listen to now while you drive, run, walk, work or however you take your podcasts! Thank you for taking time to join the show Stephanie!

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🚨🚨Applications are open for The Big Connecticut Food Event $50k pitch competition for emerging CPG food & bev brands, happening on 3/1/25 at the Yale School of Management. Visit ctfoodevent.com to learn more about the event and submit a participation request. Deadline to apply is 12/1/24. More info 🏆Applications will be scored by our judging committee then ranked. The top 5 scoring brands will be invited to participate in the pitch competition, and the top 30 scoring brands (including the finalists) will be invited to participate in tabling and sampling. 📍All food & beverage brands that are interested in participating in the pitch competition or tabling/sampling must be headquartered in Connecticut (it's okay if you were incorporated in a different state). Food & bev brands based outside of CT are welcome to participate in expert coaching sessions and attend the event. 🔎The following factors will be considered when scoring food & bev brand applications for consideration in the pitch competition. --Target market: Addressable target market is large and/or growing, or is a high-priced niche. Customer is well-defined. --Solution: Product is differentiated vs. competition: better, faster, cheaper, quality, efficient, convenient, focused. --Team/board/advisors: Evidence of more than just founder-led and -run. Relevant industry knowledge, skills, leadership experience, key relationships, prior successes and/or failures. --Traction: Stated planned milestones, minimal viable product built, market validation, key success metrics, revenue growth, partners. --Impact on the company: Would this company stand to gain significant advancement and opportunities by being featured at our event? Will an award help them move their stated project along and help take the company further? --Woman- or BIPOC-owned: Business owners represent one or more sytemically disadvantaged identities (race, gender, etc.). --Sustainable or regenerative: Sustainable/regenerative practices are a significant component of product and business (ingredient sourcing, packaging, energy use, etc.).

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Reeling in leads... There’s room for growth in retail seafood, with potential in fresh, frozen and shelf-stable varieties, and a focus on messaging: https://ow.ly/rmRF50Tnk5M #foodretail #grocery #supermarket

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Cauliflower has climbed the ranks from being a mere side dish to a central ingredient in a wide range of culinary applications. With its versatility, rich nutritional profile, and adaptability to various cuisines, it's no wonder #cauliflower has gained such popularity. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about this #cruciferous #vegetable. https://lnkd.in/eYDKCwEv

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Spirits like #Bourbon and #Scotch have regulations protecting their standard of identity so why doesn't American Single Malt Whiskey 🥃 have one? ➡️Take action today and urge the TTB to issue a formal, government-approved definition to establish trust within the category, assist distillers with label clarifications and equip consumers to make informed purchasing decisions! #AmericanSingleMalt ACT NOW: https://bit.ly/3AuOKGI

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We are spilling #ConsumerInsights. 🤭 According to Mintel, consumers’ top reasons for buying desserts and confections* are typically because the flavor evokes feelings of: ➡️ Trust ➡️ Familiarity ➡️ Nostalgia Learn more about #confectionery on our website: https://bit.ly/46eTnRn *Mintel. Trending Flavors and Ingredients in Desserts and Confections, U.S., 2022.

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Check out this great summary of what we served up at Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) FIRST this week in Prepared Foods Magazine. #SugarReduction #FunctionalBeverage #Food #Beverage #TasteBlazers #IFT2024 #Health #Wellness #ProductDevelopment

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🚨 Exclusive Industry Insights Alert! 🚨 Join us for a fascinating conversation between Kimberly Shannon, Beer, Wine, and Liquor Specialist at Giant Eagle, Inc., and Sid Patel, CEO of USA Wine Ratings and Beverage Trade Network. 🍷🍺 Kimberly dives deep into the strategies that can help suppliers thrive in retail chains, from effective merchandising to support programs that boost sales. 💡 Whether you’re a supplier or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of the beverage business, this video is packed with actionable tips to elevate your game! 🔗 Watch now to learn how to drive your products to the top of the market. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more insider knowledge from industry leaders. #BeverageBusiness #SupplierSuccess #RetailStrategies #WineIndustry #BeerIndustry #LiquorSpecialist #MerchandisingTips #USAWineRatings

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The $25-$40 price tier of Tequila has emerged as the category’s growth engine, with the top seven brands in the segment combining for 11% growth in control states year-to-date. As the largest spirits and wine wholesaler in the U.S., Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits has a unique window into national consumption trends, which show a strong connection to Tequilas at $25-$40 among millennials, males, and multicultural consumers. SND executive editor Daniel Marsteller caught up with Zach Poelma, SVP of Strategy & Insights Center of Excellence at Southern Glazer’s, for more detail on what’s driving the fast-growing segment. #tequila #spiritsindustry https://lnkd.in/eHkWz6HU

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 🌱 Plant-Based Surge Continues! 🌱 A new report from the Plant Based Foods Association (PBFA) and the retail merchant Kroger highlights a significant trend that we all support: plant-based food sales are on the rise for the fourth consecutive year! The report insights show plant-based alternatives making their way into more baskets, with shoppers seeking nutritious, eco-friendly choices that fit their budgets. As the demand for these products increases, brands and retailers have an incredible opportunity to innovate and meet evolving consumer needs. Fava ingredients can make a real impact in plant-based products foods that consumers want for great taste and texture! What do you think is driving this shift? Are we looking at a long-term change in eating habits? #PlantBased #SustainableFood #FoodIndustry #ConsumerTrends #Innovation #HealthyLiving #SustainableFood #FoodIndustry #ConsumerTrends #Innovation #HealthyLiving #FavaBeans #FavaFlour #FormulatewithFava

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It looks like the talks about the alcohol drinks sales recovery were premature. Wine sales from wholesalers to retail stores, restaurants and bars dropped 8 % in the 12 months that ended August 2024. Spirits sales dropped 3.9 %. Also, it looks like the days of super premium tequila (over 100$) are over. The only category doing relatively well is Prosecco with its 2% growth. #drinks #drinksindustry #wine #spirits #prosecco #tequila #superpremium #markets #usa https://lnkd.in/dBbwfpCi

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