General Merchandise – In The Store

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The Eight Arms of Manufacturing

Cottage Foods: Cottage Foods are home-made foods (ex: jams, peanut butter, foods, deserts, breads and more) that are legal to sell in farmer’s markets, direct to the public and local retailers and customers (depending on that state’s specific laws).

CottageFoods.us

Commercial Kitchens: A Commercial Kitchen (also noted as a shared use kitchen, kitchen incubator, culinary kitchen and others) is a place in which individuals or businesses prepare value-added food products and meals, usually paying an hourly or daily rate.

CommercialKitchens.org

Contract Manufacturers: For any consumer product, a Contract Manufacturer that a brand group contracts with. This is a form of outsourcing. Other types include those performing packaging operations is called copacker or a contract packager.

Co-Packing.org

CPG With Own Facilities: A-number of consumer product companies either have their own manufacturing facility or are looking to build one. The team helps with complete processes in either case (through partnering associations such as PMMI).

CPGMFG.org

Food Innovation Centers: A specialized facility that fosters the development and growth of new food products and technologies. It typically provides resources and support to entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses in the food industry.

FoodInnovationCenters.org

Pilot Plants: A pre-commercial production system that employs new production tech-nology and/or produces small volumes of new consumer products, for the purpose of testing out recipes, product concepts, manufacturing sample runs and trying out new ingredients.

PilotPlants.org

Private Labelers: A company that produces goods for retailers to sell under their own brand name. The manufacturer creates and packages the product according to the retailer’s specs, allowing the retailer to offer a unique product without having to invest in their own manufacturing facilities.

PrivateLabeling.org

Inventions & Prototyping: Catalysts for progress, inventions drive innovation across fields, enhancing lives. Meticulously designed, prototyped, and patented through a rigorous process blending creative ideation, engineering expertise, and legal protection, they transform from concepts into tangible societal contributions.

InventionGuidance.org

Made in State Programs
Commercial Kitchen Development
Events & Trade Shows
Contract Manufacturing
Programs
Product Development
Start-up Guidance Programs
Incubators & Accelerators

State and Region-Based Consumer Product Programs

State to State

California (Calif Made)

Launching Products Into Key Retailers in California California is Ideal for Business…
California is home to close to 40,000,000 residents and has over 286 million annual visitors. califmade.com

Florida (Floridable)

Launching Products Into Key Retailers in Florida Florida is Ideal for Business…
Florida is home to close to 40,000,000 residents and has over 286 million annual visitors.
Florida is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
floridable.org

Hawaii (Mahalo Made)

Launching Products Into Key Retailers in Hawaii Hawaii is Ideal for Business… Hawaii is home to close to 1.4 million residents and has over 10 million annual visitors. Hawaii is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)… mahalomade.com

Illinois (Illinois Proud)

Launching Products Into Key Retailers in Illinois Illinois is Ideal for Business…
Illinois is home to close to 13,000,000 residents and has over 122 million annual visitors.
Illinois is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
illinoisproud.org

Michigan (Michiganders)

Launching Products Into Key Retailers in Michigan
Michigan is Ideal for Business…
Michigan is home to close to 10,000,000 residents and has over 125 million annual visitors. Michigan is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
michiganders.org

Nebraska (Nebraskans)

Launching Products Into Key Retailers in Nebraska Nebraska is Ideal for Business…
Nebraska is home to close to 2,000,000 residents and has over 6.5 million annual visitors.
Nebraska is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
nebraskans.net

Nevada (Startup Nevada)

Launching Products Into Key Retailers in Nevada
Nevada is Ideal for Business…
Nevada is home to over 3,000,000 residents and has over 50 million annual visitors. Nevada is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
startupnevada.com

Texas (Tex Angels)

Launching Products Into Key Retailers in Texas
Texas is Ideal for Business…
Texas is home to close to 30,000,000 residents and has over 90 million annual visitors. Texas is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
texangels.com

Region to Region

North-West (Cascadia Angels)

The Cascadia Region (From the Farms to the to Retailer’s Shelves to the Consumer’s Tables)… cascadiangels.com

Mid-Atlantic (Carolineage)

The Carolineage Region is home to a large population in states such as North and South Carolina. This area is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
carolineage.com

North-East (New Englanders)

New England is home a large population in states such as New York and New Jersey. New England is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
newenglanders.net

North-Central

The North-Central Region is home to a large population in states such as Minnesota. This area is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
north-central.org

Caribbean (Caribbean Made)

The Caribbean Islands themselves have over 44,000,000 residents and has over 28 million annual visitors. The Caribbean is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)
caribbeanmade.org

Mountain-States

Launching Products Mountain-States Region (Utah and more)
The Mountain-Region is home to a large population. This area is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
mountain-States.org

Ohio Valley

The Ohio Valley is home to populous states such as Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin. The Ohio Valley is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
ohiovalley.co

South-Central

Launching Products Embark Region
(Arkansas and More)
The Embark Area is Ideal for Business…

The Embark Region is home to a large population in states such as Oklahoma. This area is ideal for doing business in (retailers, tourism formats and much more)…
emb-ark.com

Broker Manager: We created Broker Manager to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking for consumer product industry brokers to hire. These brokers are available via by territory, by retail format and/or by a specific customer or list of customers.

brokermanager.org

College Unions: We created College Unions to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking to do business on college and university campuses (the c-store, the bookstore, the cafeteria, the sports nutrition programs, the vending and more).

collegeunions.com

Expo Manager: We created Expo Manager to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands to understand which trade associations to join and which consumer product trade events to exhibit in. We also help brands with their trade show booth design needs.

expomanager.org

Food Exports: We created FoodExports.org to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands to understand how to sell their products internationally and how to work with the experts from SUSTA, WUSATA and the others.

foodexports.org

Food Imports: We created FoodImports.org to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands from international markets on how to do business in North America (United States of America, Mexico and Canada).

foodimports.org

Funding Brands: We created Funding Brands to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking for funding resources of all-kinds (angel investors, crowdfunding, family and friends and others). We also discuss other subjects such as inventory funding.

fundingbrands.com

Ingredient Manager: We created Ingredient Manager to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking for direct help relating to ingredient manufacturers and suppliers (also a noted resource for manufacturers as well such as co-packers and pilot plants).

ingredientmanager.org

Packaging Manager: We created Packaging Manager to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking for direct help relating to packaging designers, manufacturers and suppliers (also a noted resource for manufacturers as well such as co-packers and pilot plants).

packagingmanager.org

Retail Formats: For start-up and emerging brands looking for direct help relating to learn which sales channels (formats) are best to target and sell into. We are pioneers and experts in all retail formats (retail, food service, government, hospitality, e-commerce and more).

retailformats.com

Trade Commissions: We created TradeCommissions.org to be our resource and program for international customers wanting to sell into the North American market. We will be listing key trade commissions worldwide (looking forward to working with all of them).

tradecommissions.org

The Concession Stand Network

With other industry groups, we are soon looking at creating the Concession Stand Network as a concessions (food service) industry incubation model helping new start-up and emerging brands learn how to do business with concession formats.
ConcessionStand.net

Food Away From Home Association

Starting with the International Frozen Yogurt Association (www.InternationalFrozenYogurt.com) we are expanding the model relating to other underserved formats such as smoothie shops, juice shops, boba tea shops and coffee shops.
FoodAwayFromHome.org

Food Halls Association

With partners, we are creating the Food Halls Association (as the first of its kind) to serve the fast-growing food hall formats coming into cities nationwide.
FoodHalls.org

Beverage Distributors: We have created BeverageDistributors.org to be a key resource educating brands of all sizes of what Beverage Distributors are, who they are and how to do business with them.

beveragedistributors.org

Box Programs: One of the newer retail formats, Box Programs are a vital way to introduce new brands and their product a sizable consumer audience. We also help educate brands on how to create their own monthly subscription models (Box Programs).

boxprograms.com

Colleges & Universities: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to the college and university food service, retail, concessions and sports nutrition formats.

universitycafeterias.com

Embark: We have created an extension of the Conzumables program (Embark) relating to helping pet food and product industry entrepreneurs in their needs. We have over 35-years in the pet product industry (working with Petco, Petsmart and others).

em-bark.com

Employee Incentives: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to the employee incentive and promotional product retail formats.

employeeincentives.org

Employee Owned: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to as premier buys to those companies that are owned by employees (Employee Owned).

employeeowned.org

Family Diners: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the restaurant formats (including distributors).

familydiners.com

Farm Stores: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers farm store creation and sales opportunities for entrepreneurs of all size.

farmstores.org

Food Banks: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers opportunities for contract manufacturers to make products for food banks in areas nationwide.

foodbanks.us

Fundraising: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the fundraising formats.

fundraisingsupply.com

Grab-and-Go: We have created GrabandGo.org to be a key resource educating brands of all sizes of what Grab-and-Go is and what retail formats usually have grab-and-go sections. We are pioneers of Grab-and-Go concepts such as the Hotel Pantry.

grabandgo.org

Hotels: As pioneers of the Hotel Pantry concept and current suppliers as well, we are helping brands of all sizes understand the hospitality formats and how to do business with them. There will be direct online ordering opportunities as well.

hotelretailgroup.com

Hospitals: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to the medical related formats such as hospitals, pharmacies, drug stores and pharmacy networks.

hospitalcafeterias.com

Schools (K-12): We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to the school (K-12) food service, retail, concessions and sports nutrition formats.

schoolcafeterias.net

Smoothie Shops: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the grab-and-go and back of the counter needs for smoothie shops, yogurt shops, boba tea shops and coffee shops.

smoothieshops.com

Vending: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the vending and micro market formats.

vendsupply.com

Wineries: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the winery formats (restaurant, gift shop, wine club and tasting room).

tastingrooms.net

Action Aisle: We are creating opportunities for brands (start-up, emerging and established) relating to action alley / action aisle pallet programs (ideal for Wal-Mart, Meijer and others).

actionaisle.com

C-stores: With over 35-years working with convenience store chains and distributors we are creating a site specifically for these as well as for truck stops and service plazas (for start-up and emerging brands).

c-stores.org

Category Management: We are creating an informational site that is specific to category management (also category managers / buyers). Most new brands (start-up and emerging) do not understand how buyers work in their everyday roles.

categorymanagement.org

Center of the Store: The ”Center of the Store” refers to the interior section of a grocery or retail store that typically contains non-perishable and packaged goods such as canned foods, dry goods, cleaning products, and other household items.

centerofthestore.com

Corporate Chefs: Brands getting themselves into key food service operations will eventually work with corporate chefs (or executive chefs). Corporate Chefs are decision makers for colleges, hospitals, restaurant groups and many other formats.

corporatechefs.org

Direct-Store-Delivery: Direct-Store-Delivery (DSD) is a distribution method where suppliers deliver their products directly to retail stores, bypassing distribution centers and allowing for faster replenishment of shelves.

directstoredelivery.org

Field Marketing: Field Marketing, in relation to consumer products, is a marketing strategy that involves on-the-ground activities and promotions conducted in specific geographic areas to engage directly with consumers and drive sales and brand awareness.

fieldmarketingmanagers.com

Food Service Providers: Food Service Providers are businesses that prepare, deliver, or serve food and beverages to consumers, including restaurants, cafes, catering companies, and institutional dining facilities.

foodserviceproviders.org

Franchising: Educating brand groups and others about the possibilities of expanding their business models into franchising.

franchisedu.com

In The Store: Educating brand groups about how to understand each retailer’s store formats and the need to be educated on each one prior to any buyer meetings.

inthestore.org

Military: We are creating a series of websites relating to the food service and retail formats on bases worldwide. These will include The base exchange, the shoppette, the commissary and more.

militaryexchanges.com

Nutrition Stores: Nutrition Stores are retail establishments specializing in the sale of dietary supplements, vitamins, health foods, and related products to support individuals’ health and wellness goals.

nutritionstores.org

Planograms: We are creating an informational site that is specific to planograms/schematics. Most new brands (start-up and emerging) do not understand how planograms work and how retailers decide where to put their products.

planograms.org

Recipe Tool: Aa an extension to the Contract Manufacturing Alliance we are creating the Recipe Tool which will be available to brands, product developers, contract manufacturers and many others.

recipetool.com

Shopper Insights: Shopper Insights are a deep understanding of consumer behaviors, preferences, and motivations that inform businesses’ strategies to optimize product offerings, marketing efforts, and overall shopping experiences.

shopperinsights.org

Slotting Fees: Slotting Fees are fees charged by retailers to suppliers for the privilege of placing their products on store shelves, often used to cover the cost of shelf space and ensure product visibility.

slottingfees.com

Store Perimeter: The Store Perimeter refers to the outermost section of a retail or grocery store where fresh and perishable items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and bakery products are typically displayed. This area is strategically designed to attract shoppers

storeperimeter.com

Trade Deductions: Trade Deductions are financial adjustments made by retailers or wholesalers to the invoices of suppliers, typically for reasons such as promotions, damaged goods, or other negotiated terms, which can impact the final amount paid by the supplier.

tradedeductions.com

Baby Retail Network: The Baby Retail Group is involved in helping brands in the baby and infant categories with retailers nationwide.

babyretailgroup.com

C-Stores Network: The C-Stores Network is involved in helping brands targeting convenience stores, distributors, truck stops and service plazas nationwide.

c-stores.net

Camp and RV: The Camp and RV Network is involved in helping brands targeting campgrounds, national parks, outdoor retailers and summer camps nationwide.

campandrv.com

Farm and Feed Network: The Farm and Feed Network is involved in helping brands targeting farm supply stores, farm cooperatives, nurseries and hardware stores nationwide.

farmandfeed.net

Grab-and-Go: The Grab-and-Go Team is involved in helping brands targeting retail and food service formats known for their Grab-and-Go Sections. These include airports, hotels, smoothie shops, coffee shops, hospitals and many others.

grabandgo.org

Hawaiian Region: Our Hawaiian Region was created to offer sales opportunities for Mainland brands wanting to come into Hawaii and, also is involved (with other internal sites) helping Hawaiian brands get onto the Mainland (also Canada) for business.

hawaiianregion.com

Hispanic Retailers: Our Hispanic Retailers is involved in helping brands wanting to target Hispanic Supermarket chains in markets nationwide (especially in Southern California). Retailers such as Vallarta, Cardenas, El Super and Northgate Markets.

hispanicretailers.com

Pet Retail Group: The Pet Retail Group is involved in helping brands targeting pet supermarkets, doggie daycare sites, animal hospitals, pet hotels and other related pet formats nationwide.

petretailgroup.net

Sports Retail Group: The Sports Retail Group is involved in helping brands targeting sporting goods stores, golf shops, running stores, fitness centers, sports nutrition stores and many other related formats nationwide.

sportsretailgroup.com

Summary: The Co-Packing Network offers expertise in important sub-categories relating to general merchandise. The General merchandise categories include kitchen gadgets, lighting and hardware, gardening products, stationary, picture frames, tupper-ware products, toys and much more.
New Meet and Greet General Merchandise Website
The Co-Packing Network is creating a dedicated general merchandise site (www.GeneralMerchandise.us) for brand groups, manufacturers and category managers. The subjects in GeneralMerchandise.us will also be key for category managers in formats such as natural retailers, supermarkets, mass merchants, Military commissaries, limited assortment stores, craft and hobby, office supply, hardware, farm supply, houseware stores and others.