How to Diversify from Agriculture into Direct to Consumer with Jeff Van Pevenage, CEO Columbia Grain International ~ introducing Balanced Bushel E118

Hear the inside story of why one of the world's largest agricultural exporters of wheat, corn, soybean, lentils, peas, and dry beans transitioned into DTC (direct to consumer) by opening a massive supply line for more than 5,000 farmers. 

Join me and Jeff Van Pevenage, the CEO of Columbia Grain International, with special guest host, Kevin Scott - the CPG expert, to learn the retail strategy behind Balanced Bushel and why Jeff is investing in this platform for growth (HINT - it's all about his farming partners and employees).

• From commodity trader to CEO
• Importance of farming in a small town
• Growing a business around a processing plant
• Opening up supply lines and creating markets for farmers
• Consumer sentiments steer decisions on the farm ~ you can thank hummus
• Co-Op is a bad word, as I found out!
• CGI is 100% a relationship business
• How to educate the next generation
• Strategic decisions behind Balanced Bushel
  • New company logo
  • Packaging choices
  • Educating the consumer
  • Why Montana is the perfect geography to launch the brand first
  • Special shout out to https://christieand.co/ for branding and PR support
• Grocery expansion 
  • Distributors
  • Co-packing
  • eCommerce
  • Amazon platform
• CEO's have a responsibility to provide growth for employees

Connect with Jeff Van Pevenage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-van-pevenage-00521a1ab/

Columbia Grain: https://www.columbiagrain.com/

Press release: https://www.columbiagrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pr_01-22-1.pdf

Balanced Bushel: http://balanced-bushel.com/

 

Connect with Kevin Scott - the CPG expert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-scott-14b14b7/

About your Host Tony Moore and the Winning at Work podcast:

• Are you looking for a fun and light-hearted podcast to stay current on the trends shaping the $1.6 trillion food and beverage industry? My totally awesome brands featured here take us deep into the world of sustainability, plant-based, food tech, CBD, and good for you. Want to learn how to grow a brand? Scale a brand? I've got you covered. 
• Join me on my mission to discover what makes these companies different, better, and special.
• Episode 118 is sponsored by: Timpl Search - National Food and Beverage headhunters for sales, marketing, innovation, and operations. https://www.joynussearch.com/
• Contact: Tony Moore. 404-904-9235. Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/differentbetterspecialbrands/

Music from Uppbeat:
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