Our Product, Plan and Research

I am sure many of you are familiar with Nutella, the delectable hazelnut spread, as it's popularity has steadily increased over the last few years in the United States. What you may (or may not) find interesting, is that Nutella has been a staple item in Europe for decades and that it only made it's debut in the U.S.A. a little over 25 years ago (I know...25 years can be perceived as a 'LONG' time when you've probably just found out about it a couple years ago) :)  

 

Having that said, our group is looking to 'piggyback' on the success of the Nutella brand and increase awareness of the Nutella & Go! product item available in the Ferrero USA product mix (NOTE: Ferrero is the manufacturer of Nutella). If you're not shopping at specialty/nutritional stores, you have probably never seen this yummy treat. We believe that with the right marketing plan this quick snack cup could make a huge hit with moms that have young children. It's a great alternative to a chocolate bar and a fun little treat--similar to cheese and crackers (yet sweet).

 

Our plan in building our Marketing Plan was to divvy up the work amongst all our team members. We selected a product and chose a segment (young moms with children) to focus on. We chose a location that we wanted to penetrate (Southern California) and a grocery chain that was not already carrying the product locally. Lastly, we brainstormed on how we wanted to promote the product and now we're fast at work researching and compiling data for our Marketing Plan.

 

...If you read this far, then you're in for a treat! Here's a great reliable resource (secondary data) that your group can utilize for your consumer segment:

 

**Great recent consumer segment data on the IRI website: IRI Consumer Segment Link.

 

NOTE: IRI data is widely used in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry by both the manufacturer and retailer.

 

Here is an article about our consumer segment that we were able to locate on the IRI website: Today’s Moms Represent Savvy, Smart Shoppers 

 

Hoping that this website proves to be useful for your group. Let me know what you think!

Nutella and GO! snack products are making a breakthrough into Orange County's markets!

Great news, Nutella fans!

We've all enjoyed the unique taste of Nutella's Hazelnut spread...now your favorite spread is available in convenient, to-go snacks!

Wholesome Choice supermarkets now carries Nutella and GO! snack packs. These delicious snacks adds more variety to the everyday mundane routine of boring snack products. They're both sweet, healthy, and highly addictive!

Wholesome Choice is a unique, specialty supermarket that carries natural foods from around the world. They are conveniently located in two major cities of Orange County, CA: Anaheim Hills and Irvine. For more information on Wholesome Choice, please go to: http://www.wholesomechoice.com/wa/a/wa.php

Go out and try our new snack products today!

Everyone loves chocolate, Nutella and macarons! Here is a recipe that incorporates all three! 

Recipe:

1 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup almond flour
2 tablespoons cocoa
2 egg whites, warmed to room temp
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar (pinch)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 ounce semisweet chocolate
4 -5 tablespoons nutella

Directions:

1. Before you begin get all the ingredients ready. Also prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.

2. Start by combining confectioners sugar, almond flour, and cocoa in a food processor. Pulse a few times to get it mixed good. Set aside.

3. Whisk egg whites until they start to get foamy. Add cream of tartar and whisk until soft peaks form. Reduce speed to low and add granulated sugar, once its mixed in, increase speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form (about 3 minutes).

4. Sift the flour mixture into the egg whites (do not use a flour sifter, a regular sieve will work better) fold the mixture until it is smooth.

5. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. ( Wilton 1a or 2a depending on the size you want) Pipe macaron mixture onto prepared baking sheet about an inch in between each one. Let sit about 30 minutes or until you can gently touch the top and it won't stick to you finger. Meanwhile preheat oven to 325 degrees. When they don't stick to your finger pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes. Take them out and test for doneness by gently trying to slide the top of the macaron. It should just barely move. Let cool while you prepare the filling.

6. For the filling pour the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Heat until it simmers. Place the chocolate and nutella in a heat safe bowl. Pour the heavy cream in the bowl and wait a minute or so. Then whisk the mixture until everything is melted. Place in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes for it to stiffen up.

7. Once the macarons are ready to be assembled, take out the ganache and beat it on high until it changes to a lighter color. Put the macarons together by scooping the ganache on the tip of a teaspoon and placing in the center of one macaron. Take the second macaron and gently press the two together until the ganache comes out to the edge.

8. Store in the refrigerator. Let sit on counter for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

From Food.com

For those who enjoy seeing, rather than reading...Watch how they are made, here.