Episode 316: Tom Barnes
Aug 21, 2024
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Summary:
The conversation with Tom Barnes, President and CEO of Category Partners, focuses on data and insights in the perishable industry. They discuss how data-driven decisions can drive business and growth for all stakeholders in the value chain. They also touch on the importance of understanding consumer demographics and trends, the impact of lifestyle diets on produce consumption, and the role of data in making pricing and assortment decisions. The conversation highlights the need for data-driven strategies to meet consumer demands and promote healthier food choices. In this conversation, Tom Barnes discusses the importance of pricing and promotion strategies in the produce industry. He emphasizes the need for quality control to ensure customer satisfaction and reduce food waste. The conversation then shifts to the trends in fruit, with a focus on berries and their success in the market. Tom also highlights the decline in vegetable consumption and the shift towards canned and frozen vegetables. The discussion concludes with a mention of the growth of the organic category and the importance of data-driven decision-making in the industry.
Takeaways:
- Data and insights are crucial for making data-driven decisions that drive business and growth in the perishable industry.
- Understanding consumer demographics and trends is essential for meeting consumer demands and promoting healthier food choices.
- Lifestyle diets like keto and paleo can impact produce consumption, but new trends like anti-obesity medications are emerging.
- Data can help inform pricing and assortment decisions, taking into account consumer preferences and price sensitivity.
- Data-driven strategies are necessary to stay relevant and meet the evolving needs of consumers. Pricing and promotion strategies are crucial in the produce industry to attract customers and maintain profitability.
- Quality control is essential to ensure customer satisfaction and reduce food waste.
- Berries have been successful in the market due to investments in the right varieties and a focus on flavor and freshness.
- Vegetable consumption has declined, with a shift towards canned and frozen vegetables.
- The organic category continues to grow, driven by consumer interest in health and wellness.
- Data-driven decision-making is becoming increasingly important in the produce industry.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Mission of the Produce Moms
02:20 Introducing Tom Barnes and Category Partners
08:15 The Rise of Data in Grocery Retail
13:04 Factors Affecting Produce Consumption
20:02 Using Data to Drive Business and Growth
22:21 Optimizing Pricing and Promotion Strategies
24:31 The Success of Berries
32:36 The Decline in Vegetable Consumption
36:51 The Growth of the Organic Category
40:38 The Importance of Data-Driven Decision-Making
Resources:
Website: Category Partners LLC
