Selling to restaurants can be very intimidating and poses many unique challenges. Maybe you have weathered the ups and downs of selling to restaurants in 2020 due to COVID regulations limiting, or even closing, restaurant doors. Although the exact future of restaurant dining is uncertain, the world is beginning to […]
Right now, many farms and markets are wondering what to expect for 2021 after experiencing rapid growth in 2020. In particular, many are wondering (worrying, even) whether the growth will be sustained and in particular, whether they can retain their new customers. These concerns are understandable – as often sudden […]
In early 2020, many farms and markets found themselves adapting to COVID market conditions without the time to make a proper business plan. In preparing for 2021, it is time to take a look at your sales and operational plan to ensure profitability. In light of the shift to online […]
Whether you’re running a large multi-farm hub or just beginning to sell online for your farm, you know time management is crucial for a successful business. “Time stealers” not only affect your bottom line, they can also prevent your business from growing and even flourishing. Time stealers are necessary but […]
When you think of a farmers market, the image of a bright, family-friendly, open air market comes to mind. Streets lined with vendors selling farm fresh food and handmade wares with people gathering to shop for groceries and more. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many markets to close or […]
For decades, farmers’ markets have been a staple sales outlet for local food producers and an integral part of fresh food access for local communities. When COVID-19 threatened the existence of physical markets, many quickly pivoted to online sales to support their farmers and customers. Over the last year, we […]
As people stay at home for their health and safety, delivery has become the most convenient way people can shop for essential goods. For many farmers and food hubs, incorporating a home delivery service has been key to not just surviving the pandemic but thriving during these challenging times. Delivery […]
The Maui Hub began in response to an impending food security crisis on the island of Maui in the wake of COVID-19 business closures and slowing tourism. We spoke to Keith Ranney, Manager of Maui Hub, about the process of forming the hub, the bureaucratic and financial challenges they’ve faced, […]
The Boise Farmers Market is a food-centric and agriculturally based market, meaning that 95% of the vendors sell food and agricultural products. They are focused on local food, cultivating new farmers, incubating new food ideas, and creating a community space to learn about food and sustainability. When COVID-19 shutdowns hit […]
When COVID-19 hit, consumers turned directly to local farms for their food more than ever. This tremendous increase in local food sales mixed with pandemic restrictions caused many fresh food businesses to embrace e-commerce and direct to consumer sales. If you’re one of the farms, farmers markets, or food hubs […]