MSU Extension Product Center

The novel coronavirus is changing how food and farm businesses sell their products.

MSU Product Center's Food and Farm Business Sales Channel Deep Dives webinar series will provide you with insight into industry adjustments to novel coronavirus and considerations for selling through different venues.

Each deep dive starts with 30 minutes of presentation, followed by 30 minutes of Q&A.

Topics include:

• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
• Farmers Markets
• Retail Grocery
• Restaurants
• Negocios de Alimentos Hispanos

Deep Dive into Developing a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Model

Recorded on April 10, 2020

In this webinar we cover:

• How the CSA sales channel is being affected by novel coronavirus
• Best selling practices, including number of products, number of shares and general pricing strategies
• What the time and money costs may be in pivoting your business toward this sales channel

Speakers

• Garrett Zeigler, Community Food Systems and Sustainable Tourism Educator, MSU Extension
• Jae Gerhart, Product Center Innovation Counselor/ Washtenaw County Food Systems Coordinator, MSU Extension

Deep Dive into Selling at Farmers Markets

Recorded on April 14, 2020

In this webinar we cover:

• Overview of Executive Orders (and timelines) that are impacting farmers markets
• MIFMA's recommendations for market operations
• Recommendations for alterations to their booth space and sales techniques
• How to communicate food safety practices to customers
• Continuing to support food assistance programs during this time of crisis

Speakers

• Amanda Shreve, Executive Director, Michigan Farmers Market Association
• Joe Lesausky, Food Access Director, Michigan Farmers Market Association
• Julia Darnton, Community Food Systems Educator, MSU Extension

Deep Dive into Selling to Retail Grocery

Recorded on April 17, 2020

In this webinar we cover:

• How retail grocery is being affected by novel coronavirus
• What to expect out of your copacker, distributor and retail partners
• Best selling practices, including product promotion and inventory planning
• What to consider in pivoting your business toward this sales channel

Speakers:

• Becky DeYoung, Innovation Counselor, MSU Product Center
• Diane Longanbach, Innovation Counselor, MSU Product Center

Deep Dive into Restaurants

Recorded on April 27, 2020

In this webinar we cover:

• How restaurants have shifted during Novel Coronavirus
• Creative strategies restaurants are using to generate revenue
• What restaurants are doing now to prepare for opening back up

Speakers:

• Jon Bos, Blue Shamrock Pub
• Patrick McElgunn, Grove Tea Lounge
• Amanda Smith, Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association
• Diane Longanbach, Innovation Counselor, MSU Product Center
• Parker Jones, Innovation Counselor, MSU Product Center
• Alondra Alvizo, Innovation Counselor, MSU Product Center

Negocios de Alimentos Hispanos Durante COVID-19

Grabado en el 29 de abril

En este semanario web cubrimos:

• Cómo los restaurantes han cambiado durante el nuevo coronavirus
• Estrategias creativas que los restaurantes están utilizando para generar ingresos
• Qué están haciendo los restaurantes ahora para prepararse para abrir

Locutores:

• Javier Fortoso, el dueño de Torti Taco
• Omar Hernandez, el dueño of the Armando's Mexican Restaurant y Mexicantown Bakery
• Alondra G. Alvizo, Innovation Counselor, MSU Product Center