Packaging Test

In honor of our upcoming workshop, I've got a challenge for you this weekend. Are you ready?

Ok, next time you're out grocery shopping make note of a few things.

- Did you choose that product because it was on your list or because it just jumped out at you?
- If it was on your list, why did you choose that one over other options?
- If it's a product that you buy regularly, why do you keep going back?
- Have you ever been tempted to switch? If so, why?

The point of this questioning? To help you realize how big of an impact packaging and appearance can have on your buying decisions. Just last night, my (Jr. Yum Runner) mother almost bought a gelato from Whole Foods just because she liked the pretty packaging. Packaging can make a buyer pick up one product over another. And, even though it's the product that keeps people coming back for more, it's the appearance that can get a person to buy it for the first time.

We'd love to hear some feedback on packaging, so feel free to share any thoughts you have when out shopping.

Have a great weekend!

A Workshop on the Horizon

That's right, we are hosting another workshop!

This time we will focus on packaging and working with the lovely people at Envision Creative Group who will be there to answer questions and share stories. 

The workshop will be held at the Hope Farmers' Market's Pine Street Station on October 1st. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased in advance here.

If you are an artisan looking to learn more about:
 - how to create the perfect packaging for a product, this workshop is for you.
 - some major do's and dont's of packaging, this workshop is for you.
 - how to create packaging that scares customers away, this workshop is NOT for you!

If you have any questions about the workshop, feel free to contact us at foodiemccoy@gmail.com.

We hope to see y'all there!

Local Products in Action

We represent a lot of great artisans and we've shown you a several of their products in the past few months. Today, I'm gonna share a few more ways to use the products in easy dishes... maybe even for a meal or two this weekend!

Start your day with Bona Dea's Positively Pancakes and top with this amazing Maple Blueberry Syrup.

Looking for a great snack? Why not make this Grilled Flatbread, to serve with Pate Letelier's assortment of veggie pates? 

For dinner, try East Meets West sauces in place of the marinade for this Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry.

Or, if you're looking to try something new, try grilling some kale for a Grilled Kale Salad with Ricotta and Plums, using Spicewood Foods' Aged Balsamic Vinegar. 

More ideas to come but, for now, enjoy and Happy Friday!

Local: A Love Letter

We are taking a break from our regularly scheduled post to talk about one simple topic: Local. As food brokers to local artisans, clearly we love us some Local. But why, you may ask?

Is it just because local is supposed to be better for the economy?

Is it because we love Austin so much we don't feel like working with people outside of Austin?

Or is it because of the beautiful community that surrounds Austin's food community? Yeah, that one sounds more like it.

In case you haven't noticed, Austin restaurants and foodies are all about supporting local farms and artisans. We see it every day when we take products out to restaurants and stores to buy – businesses love local. And even in talking with people on a regular basis about food, there is a growing awareness of eating organic, local, and freshly made goods.

Austin's food community also supports its members beyond the business side of things. The community saw a great example of this just a few weeks ago when a fundraising event was held in honor of a local food artisan who is battling cancer. There was music, food, an auction, and a great number of people out to support. The night was an amazing model of community.

And we see this community strengthening all over town as the network of chefs, restaurants, and farms becomes intertwined and even more bold in their call to eat local.

So let this post be an open love letter to Local and, more specifically, the Austin food community. We love doing business with y'all.