Unique Sales & Strategy, LLC

Retail Growth Strategist for Organic and Specialty Food Companies

Business Coaching Specialist

Valsoia S.p.a.

Director of Sales US 

Hodgson Mill

Regional Sales Manager

popchips

Regional Sales Director Northeast & Canada 

Wholesome Goodness

National Sales Manager

Google

Sales Manager- Geo Commerce

Incentive Targeting

Incentive targeting partners with retail chains to provide a targeted marketing service to manufacturers of grocery and consumer products.  Using our service, manufacturers market directly to individual shoppers across our entire retail network-based on each person's detailed purchase history.

Vice President-Business Development

Director of Sales

TOPCO ASSOCIATES, LLC

Select products and negotiate price and terms, plan and coordinate product purchases, ensure optimal cost effectiveness to the Members..
Negotiate with suppliers for promotional allowances, volume incentives, improved terms and tiers.
Review market conditions to evaluate their effect on programs and products.
Initiate, manage and ensure timely completion of category reviews.
Work and develop product packaging to be competitive with brand standards and control sufficient packaging inventory.
Continue to improve current supplier base and develop new suppliers to include domestic and international sources of supply.
Make field trips to members and suppliers to develop relationships and build partnerships.

Director of Purchasing

Work with Senior Management at major CPG companies to develop programs for Topco Members on National Brand items.
Initiate and work with Senior Management and Topco Members to execute programs developed with CPG partners. (currently working with 42 retailers)
Conduct turn business price negotiations with new and existing manufacturers
Coordinate three Topco member meetings per year providing the opportunity to bring several key retailers together at one time along with fifteen to twenty CPG companies.
Frequent Topco Member visitations focusing on  building  relationships from top to bottom and holding roundtable discussions with yearly business reviews.
Supervise three Business Development Managers: two Business Analysts and two external Business Consultants.

Director of Business Development

TOPCO ASSOCIATES, INC

Center Store

Responsible for sales, profit, merchandising, negotiation and all buying responsibilities in these center store categories: confections, salad dressing, mayonnaise, condiments, oils &amp; vinegars, all household products.

Manager of Space Management &amp; Category Development

Category Manager

ABOUT ME:
I am a committed Retail Growth Strategist for Organic and Specialty Food Companies with over 35 years of experience in retail, national sales, and business development throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, I am dedicated to driving retail growth and strategy.

💻 KEY BENEFITS:
☑️ Generating New Sales Opportunities
☑️ Expanding Retailer Distribution

READY TO GROW?
Let's discuss how we can elevate your brand in the U.S. market and navigate through the noise. 
https://calendly.com/dfoley4400-/discovery-call

WHAT PEOPLE SAY:
⭐ "David has been amazing and instrumental to my success as a business owner. He takes the time to listen and help you wherever you need it, only resting once your desired results are achieved because your success is his success. 
When I met him, I was distressed, lacking motivation, and ready to throw in the towel; after much of his wisdom, I have restored my love for my craft and excitement as a business owner tenfold"!
Parker Stewart
Founder and Creative Director of Allicio Creative

⭐"David is great! He does a great job of explaining the services/products he offers. You know right off the back that he knows exactly what he's talking about with so much sincerity and knowledge. He is a valuable asset to our non-profit organization, providing support and knowledge to our entrepreneurs".  Jayne Melendez- Program Director, E-For-All Pioneer Valley

⭐"David is not just a business coach and growth strategist but an invaluable mentor and partner on my journey to success.  His attentive listening, goal-setting assistance, ability to help me refocus, and provision of actionable takeaways make him an outstanding professional. David genuinely listens to his clients and understands their unique needs and goals.  I recommend David to anyone seeking support in their business". - Grace Barone, Director of Chamber of Commerce (ERC 5)

Dave Foley

instagram.com

Jinka on Instagram: "Check out our newest recipe that @chefrochawaii developed using all our products. We promise this will be your go to. 🥣 Bowl of goodies 2 cups cooked sushi rice – room temperature 1/2 cup shredded Napa cabbage 1/2cup shredded carrots 1 tablespoon pickled ginger 1/4 cup cooked edamame 1/2 cup seaweed salad 4 slices of pickled radish 3 – 1/2 oz scoops of the Jinka Original Tuna

Unlocking Success Through Strategic Processes 

Entrepreneurs often focus on the end goal without considering the path. But did you know that creating a structured process is key to achieving long-term success? 🛣️

A well-defined process does more than guide daily operations; it ensures consistency, efficiency, and scalability. It's like having a roadmap in the entrepreneurship journey, guiding you through each step towards your ultimate goal. 

By investing time in developing transparent processes, you're not just planning for today but paving the way for sustainable growth and success. Whether streamlining workflows, enhancing customer service, or managing finances, a solid process is your foundation. 

Remember, in the business world, it's not just about working hard—it's about working smart. And an intelligent entrepreneur knows that a good process is the secret ingredient to turning visions into reality. 

Let's embrace the power of process in our entrepreneurial journey! 

To Your Success.

#Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #ProcessMakesPerfect #WorkSmart #BusinessGrowth #retail4smallbiz




Riding the Wave of Change: How Consumer Trends in Natural Foods Shape Success

The landscape of natural and specialty foods continues evolving, driven by consumer preferences prioritizing health, wellness, and sustainability. According to the International Food Information Council, this year, we're seeing an upsurge in functional beverages, botanical innovations, and foods that support mental and emotional well-being, revealing a shift in consumer habits towards more mindful and health-focused choices​. Understanding these preferences lets you stay ahead of the curve and make informed business decisions.

The buzz around functional foods is not just a passing trend but a significant movement reflecting a deeper understanding of the link between diet and overall health. Ingredients like ashwagandha and turmeric are staples in the wellness-oriented consumer's pantry, indicating a preference for natural remedies and holistic health approaches.

Moreover, transparency in food labeling has taken center stage, with consumers demanding clear, honest information about the products they consume. This demand for transparency pushes brands to adopt 'clean label' practices, ensuring that product ingredients are understandable and straightforward​ (Food Insight)​​ (food navigator-usa.com)​.

In natural and specialty foods, the rise of plant-based innovations continues to captivate the market. From veggie burgers made with mushrooms and legumes to faux fish options that mimic traditional seafood, the focus is on delivering taste, health, and environmental benefits in one package​ (Whole Foods Magazine)​.

For businesses in the natural and specialty food sector, these trends are not just market shifts but opportunities—opportunities to innovate, connect with consumers on a deeper level, and, most importantly, lead the charge toward a more sustainable, health-conscious future. 
By embracing these trends, you have the potential to follow the market, shape it, and establish your brand as a leader in the ever-evolving food industry.

Embracing and integrating these trends into your business strategy can unlock new growth avenues and establish your brand as a leader in the ever-evolving food industry. So, let's navigate this journey together, leveraging these insights to build stronger, more resilient businesses that thrive on consumer preferences.

#NaturalFoods #SpecialtyBrands #ConsumerTrends #HealthAndWellness #Sustainability #retail4smallbiz

Maximizing Specialty Food Sales in the Digital Era 🌐

In today's market, e-commerce and social media are not just tools but essential strategies for expanding the reach and increasing the sales of specialty food brands. 
Leveraging these digital platforms allows brands to connect directly with niche markets, providing customers easy access to unique, high-quality products that might not be available locally.

E-commerce platforms offer a gateway for specialty foods to enter households they might never reach through traditional retail. 

These platforms' personalized marketing capabilities and analytics enable brands to more effectively understand and cater to specific consumer preferences.

Meanwhile, social media boosts these efforts by creating communities around specialty foods, enabling brands to engage directly with consumers, share their stories, and build loyalty. It’s about creating content that resonates and encourages sharing, which amplifies reach organically.

Integrating a robust digital strategy for specialty food brands is critical to tapping into a broader audience, increasing brand visibility, and driving more sales. 
Embrace the digital transformation and watch your specialty food brand thrive!

#SpecialtyFoods #DigitalMarketing #Ecommerce #SocialMediaMarketing #FoodIndustry #retail4smallbiz

CLAIM YOUR FREE DISCOVERY CALL  https://lnkd.in/ekfV-F5M


retailfoodaccelerator.com • 1 min read

Reserve Your Retail Food Accelerator Call Here!

𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱

"Building a brand is about more than just selling products; it’s about creating a community. 
Engage with your customers through interactive content, respond to their feedback, and participate in or host community events. 
How do you engage with your brand community? #BrandCommunity #CustomerEngagement #BrandLoyalty" #retail4smallbiz


Sustainability as a Business Strategy

"Did you know that integrating sustainability into your business is good for the planet, as well as what your customers expect and value? 

In today's market, sustainability is not just a moral choice but a smart business move. Customers are increasingly basing their decisions on sustainability, particularly in the food and grocery sector. 

These sustainability-driven decisions are not just about saving the planet but also about boosting your bottom line. In fact, they're estimated to account for over $9 billion in sales revenue. 

This trend is not limited to any demographic and reflects a broad appeal across different incomes and lifestyles.

Sustainable practices can differentiate your brand and build loyalty, with consumers willing to shift their spending to products that match their values. It’s about making sustainability the default choice within a specific price and/or quality range. If you’re in the natural and specialty food industry, it’s time to benchmark your brand's sustainability credentials and tap into this growing consumer movement.

#Sustainability #ConsumerBehavior #BrandLoyalty #NaturalFoods" #retail4smallbiz
Sources: Greenbook​ (Greenbook)​, McKinsey & Company​ (McKinsey & Company)​

Innovative Marketing Unwrapped: Driving Success for Natural Brands 🌱

As natural brands, we have a story that resonates deeply with today’s consumers—a commitment to sustainability, health, and the planet. 
But how do we turn this narrative into successful marketing strategies? 

The secret lies in authentic storytelling and leveraging digital trends to amplify our voice. Influencer marketing, for instance, is not just about reach—it's about connection. 

By partnering with influencers who share our values, we create genuine endorsements that their audience trusts. They’re not just influencers but brand advocates who believe in what we stand for.
Sustainability isn't just a practice; it's a message that needs to be told. 

Transparent labeling and sharing our eco-friendly processes can foster consumer trust and loyalty. It’s about bringing customers on our sustainability journey and letting them see the real impact of their purchases.
Keeping a pulse on current food trends is crucial to stay ahead of the curve. 

This proactive approach showcases our brand as forward-thinking and aligns our offerings with consumers' evolving tastes and values. 
From plant-based innovations to sustainable packaging, every trend is an opportunity for natural brands to shine.

Remember, our marketing should be as natural as organic, engaging, and authentic products. Let’s harness these innovative strategies and watch our natural brands flourish. 

#NaturalBrands #SustainableMarketing #BrandStorytelling #FoodTrends #InfluencerMarketing #retail4smallbiz

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀

"Packaging isn't just about aesthetics; it's a crucial part of your product's story. For specialty foods, effective packaging design can significantly influence consumer decisions, providing a visual and tactile first impression that speaks to quality and authenticity.

Let's discuss how smart packaging can transform consumer perception and drive sales. #PackagingDesign #SpecialtyFoods #BrandIdentity" #retail4smallbiz


𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀

"Innovation is at the heart of specialty foods. Whether it’s exploring new flavors or pioneering sustainable practices, creativity drives progress. 
What’s the most innovative specialty food product you've encountered recently? 

#FoodInnovation #SpecialtyFoods #ProductDevelopment" #retail4smallbiz


Brand Brilliance: Why Strong Brand Identity is Crucial for Specialty Food Success

In the world of specialty foods, where uniqueness and quality are paramount, branding is not just a marketing tool; it's the essence of business identity. 

A robust brand identity does more than distinguish your products on the shelf; it communicates your story, values, and commitment to quality, fostering a deep connection with consumers.

Specialty food brands face the challenge of conveying the uniqueness of their products in a crowded market. Branding acts as a silent ambassador, creating an emotional resonance with consumers. It's about crafting a narrative that captures the imagination and reflects the passion and purpose behind every product.

Moreover, a strong brand identity extends beyond logos and packaging. It encapsulates the customer experience, from the initial impression to the post-purchase journey. It's about consistently delivering on promises, ensuring that every interaction reinforces the brand’s values and quality standards.

In today's digital age, where consumer opinions are shared widely and quickly, a well-crafted brand identity can be your most vital asset. It helps build customer loyalty and commands a premium in the market. Consumers are willing to pay more for brands they trust and emotionally connect with.
Furthermore, in specialty foods, where authenticity and origin play a significant role, branding can highlight your product's unique aspects. 

Whether it's local sourcing, artisanal craftsmanship, or innovative flavors, a strong brand identity helps to communicate these attributes effectively, making your product a preferred choice for discerning consumers.

In conclusion, for specialty food businesses that aim to thrive, investing in building a solid brand identity is not an option but a necessity. It’s the key to standing out in a competitive market, driving consumer preference, and achieving sustainable growth.

Embrace the power of branding and let your specialty food brand climb new heights of success.

#SpecialtyFoods #BrandingExcellence #MarketDifferentiation #ConsumerConnection #BusinessGrowth #retail4smallbiz


Unlocking the Premium Potential: Smart Pricing in the Natural Foods Space 🌿💰
Navigating the delicate balance of pricing premium products is both an art and a science. In the world of natural and specialty foods, where the market is dynamic and discerning, setting the right price is crucial to capturing and conveying the actual value of your offerings.

But what makes a pricing strategy effective? It's the careful consideration of not just the cost but the perceived value of your products to the customer. It's about understanding that premium buyers are motivated by quality, exclusivity, and the story behind your brand. They're willing to pay more when they believe they're getting superior value.

Here's how you can approach it:

Value-Based Pricing: Set your prices based on the perceived value to the customer. It's about aligning your price point with the quality, experience, and benefits your product offers.

Cost-Plus Strategy: This is a foundational approach in which a set markup is added to the cost of producing your product, ensuring profitability while remaining competitive.

Premium Pricing: Reserved for truly standout offerings, this strategy sets higher price points to reflect your products' exclusivity and high quality, targeting consumers who seek the best.

In the specialty foods sector, a well-crafted pricing strategy does more than cover costs; it serves as a communication tool. It conveys the premium nature of your brand and builds trust with consumers who prioritize health, wellness, and sustainability, thereby enhancing your brand value.

So, as you craft your next pricing model, remember that your products are more than commodities; they're experiences and part of a lifestyle, and their price should reflect that. 🌟

#PricingStrategy #NaturalFoods #PremiumProducts #BrandValue #SpecialtyFoods #retail4smallbiz

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗳: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀

"The journey from farm to shelf is filled with challenges and opportunities. 
 
Understanding the supply chain logistics for natural foods can help us improve efficiency and sustainability. 
Let's explore how transparency in this journey can add value to our products and trust with our consumers.
 #SupplyChain #NaturalFoods #FoodTransparency" #retail4smallbiz


𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁

"Certifications like organic and non-GMO are not just labels; they're promises of quality and safety. 

How do these certifications impact your purchasing decisions? Discuss how these necessary standards build trust and guide consumer choices. 
#Organic #NonGMO #ConsumerTrust" #retail4smallbiz


𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀

"Specialty and natural food brands are more than just part of a niche market; they're a significant economic force. 
Discuss how these brands shape economies and influence market trends, from creating jobs to driving sustainable practices. 
#EconomicImpact #NaturalFoods #MarketTrends" #retail4smallbiz


Navigating Retail Partnerships for Specialty Brands

"Forging successful retail partnerships is critical for specialty food brands looking to expand their reach. A strategic alliance with retailers can provide access to larger markets, increase brand visibility, and enhance consumer credibility. 

Here’s how you can make the most of these partnerships:
Align Values: Choose partners who share your commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer service to ensure a consistent brand message.

Understand Your Audience: Work with retailers catering to your target demographic to maximize your product's appeal.

Collaborative Marketing: Develop joint marketing efforts that leverage the retailer’s reach while highlighting your brand's unique attributes.

Feedback Loop: Establish a process for gaining and acting on customer feedback through your retail partnerships. This can drive product improvement and innovation.

Remember, a well-navigated retail partnership can turn into a long-term strategic asset. It’s not just about placement; it’s about building a relationship that grows your brand.

#RetailPartnerships #SpecialtyFoods #StrategicGrowth #BusinessDevelopment" #retail4smallbiz

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