Selling tips
Some basics when it comes to selling your produce ...
Finding clients ...
1. Retail & Markets
– This is a bit trickier, and you will need some proper packaging and probably a label to stand out on the shelf.
– It is important to focus on retailers that have a good fresh greens and vegetables section, as their customers are the ones that would most likely be interested in microgreens.
– If possible, set up a sampling station inside a retailer for a couple of days of the week. This will educate people, and you will definitely create some awareness. This also provides solid insight into what your customers want.
– Spar, Pick n Pay Family stores, and Fruit and Veg City are your best bet. In most cases, the owner is at the store, and you could arrange a meeting directly. This way, you avoid the hassle of going through a head office. This is more the case with Woolworths, Checkers, and some of the Pick n Pay corporate stores.
– You will also need to find out what paperwork you will require. This can be retailer-specific, and it is best to check with the retailer beforehand. A Certificate of Acceptance (COA) is sufficient in most cases and can be acquired from your local Food Inspector. In most cases, they can also assist with what information is required on the packaging. Information like contents, expiration date, contact information, etc.
– Health shops are also a good spot, but make sure they have a good fresh produce section. A subscription system or pre-orders can be successful, as these stores usually have some sort of community on Whatsapp or Facebook.
– The most important thing is that you need to reach people who know what the product is or educate them if they don’t.
– Farmers markets work well to get new clients and educate people. It also provides you with the opportunity to chat with people and share ideas. It’s great for experience and probably the best place to learn about your customers.
2. Chefs & restaurants
You can deliver in a few different ways :
– Small 50 gram to 100 gram punnets of mixes or specific varieties, depending on the needs.
– Large quantities, like 500 grams to 1 kg of mixes for the bigger users.
– Live trays work well because they can stay fresh for longer. Restaurants that attract a lot of customers like this option, as it is quick and easy to use in the kitchen.
The following varieties provide great taste, color and are easy to grow :
– Sunflower, Green Pea, Cherry Belle Radish, Red Rambo Radish, Broccoli, Purple Kohlrabi.
– The most important part is to find a good balance between color, taste, and size.
– One of the most successful combinations or mixes is Rambo/Cherry Belle Radish, Pea and Broccoli.
3. Household use or subscriptions
This can work well and make planning easier. However, we have not done this, but we are aware of this channel’s success. People order directly from you or subscribe to receive your product every week. This way, you know how to plan, and the right people always get the product. You’ll need some marketing on social media, local news pages, etc.
4. Distributors
This is also a good channel, as fresh food distributors deliver directly to restaurants, retailers, and caterers. If there is one in your town or city, it is not a bad place to start having a chat with them. This can bring solid volume, as these guys usually have an established network.