Returning from the recent IFSA exhibition where we launched our cheese programme out of North America & Canada, it seemed only right that before we jump straight into preparations for our next exhibition (the OBH Forum in Singapore, November 11-12) we took some time to reflect on the successes of the past week.
It was a great show for En Route for many reasons, but here are three standout reasons that made it such a success for us:
- Strong Transatlantic Teamwork
Although the expo itself only lasted for 2 days, it was months in the planning. With regular cross collaboration between our UK & US teams, from NPD, Supply Chain, Marketing and Commercial, it was a real team effort to ensure that everything was in place ready for the opening day.
Working across different offices and time zones can be tricky, but our team did it effortlessly and were able to present a great reflection of En Route at the booth. The collaboration between the two teams not only strengthens relationships internally, but helps to build an even stronger foundation for future international projects.
- Customer Feedback & Validation
Launching the US cheese programme at IFSA this year provided multiple opportunities to receive direct feedback from our customers and suppliers from the US and further afield…and it was all good.
We had some truly excellent cheeses for visitors to sample as well as frozen desserts, hot handhelds and frozen entrees, and the show helped us to get real-time feedback from different airlines and caterers which is invaluable. Having these conversations face-to-face, and being able to cement our relationships is important for any business, but especially for one whose customers span the globe.
- Enhanced Brand Reputation
Events like this where we get to spend time with our customers as a team allows us to really show what we’re about – the team dynamics and relationships that enable us to do our jobs effectively and successfully are amplified on a stage like this, and we’re able to display the depth and breadth of our product offering.
From packaging to products, we can show and tell. Backed up by a comprehensive campaign that saw feature articles, adverts, social content, podcasts and panels centred about our new cheese offering helped us create a buzz about the launch, and the 23 different cheeses that we had made sure they left with a pleasant taste in their mouth too!
If you didn’t get to see us at IFSA, get in touch at sales@en-route.com to find out more.
