From the Frontlines: Looking beyond the virus
The Store Brands editorial team has been reaching out to industry leaders on the challenges they are facing during the coronavirus pandemic. Here, private brand producers from around the world discuss their expectations once the COVID-19 crisis nears its end.
Please share your experience with Dan Ochwat, executive editor, Store Brands, at [email protected].
Jim Viti, vice president, sales, marketing and product development, Delorio Foods, Utica, N.Y.
“We’re anticipating a very, very busy second half to the year. Currently our team is heavily engaged in communicating with our current base, and spending this time acquainting ourselves with new prospects.”
Viti said the maker of frozen pizza dough and products are receiving positive feedback from new customers. “Our Product Development team was very busy when the virus hit. This time now allows us the opportunity to get ahead of the curve with new products and ideation. We plan on a robust fall trade show season and are expanding our normal space to three times our normal set ups to aggressively follow up with the buyers we’re making contact with today.”
Gerhard Martin, executive director, Cape Foods, Cape Town, South Africa
“Unfortunately, I don’t think we are close to the end of this crisis. Even if businesses start reopening, I believe it will take a long while for things to get back to ‘normal.’ A lot of people will be financially struggling and hang onto their cash reserve.”
Martin previously said his spices and seasonings production company was operating in lock down with about 20% of staff electing to stay at home in isolation, and the company had been working overtime to make up for lost hours. The other major challenge was that ports were operating at a reduced capacity with fewer vessels available, impacting their ability to get finished goods the factory to clients globally.
Right now, their primary challenge is “to get rid of the backlog in supplies and fully stock our customers. Then we will have to see what the new ‘normal’ is. We will be at PLMA in Chicago.”
Allen Benz, chief executive, Snack Innovations, Piscataway, N.J.
“Well, according to President Trump, the peak in Covid-19 cases will not be reached till some time in April and has extended the quarantine/social distancing protocol to April 30. Nonetheless, we continue to be super busy at work producing our snacks in full force. Customer orders continue to pour in at record-breaking highs. As soon as this crisis is over and life starts to go back to normal, we look forward to developing new business opportunities and new products."
Benz said forging new business relationships and innovation has slowed down a bit since the virus and taken a backseat to focus on the crisis. He sends thoughts and prayers to everyone dealing with the crisis and for a full and speedy recovery. "We are anxious for life to get back to normal, to put this time-slot in history behind us, and to refocus on building and growing our business with our great and much appreciated customers.”