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This Fall, SPINS is gearing up for an exciting 2007. Clients can look forward to the launch of an NCGA Key Account Data service, Wild Oats Key Account Data rapid delivery, and our next restatement of the SPINSscan Natural database. In the midst of all of our planning and development of new services, SPINS is moving its headquarters to the Chicago area. While we'll miss our San Francisco office, we're looking forward to growing in our new home. Read on for more updates and SPINS' signature Natural Products Industry insight! |
In this issue:
Service Announcements - NCGA Key Account Data and Wild Oats Rapid Database to be released Period 1, 2007
Marketplace Reports - Announcing SPINS' Gluten Free Performance and Opportunity Analysis, 2006
Industry Trends
- Digestive Health market trends, Stevia sales performance, Go Organic! for Earth Day
Content Corner - Gluten and dairy allergies inspire products we all can love
SPINS Company Updates - SPINS is growing team and moving headquarters, Charitable contributions
Upcoming Events - Expo East, Supply Side West, Naturally Boulder, Herb Day, Fair Trade Month
Partner News - Mediasecond
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Service Announcements
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NCGA Key Account Database to launch in the new year!
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SPINS is very pleased to announce the upcoming release of a new National Cooperative Grocers Association (NCGA) key account database, scheduled for launch with Period 1 of 2007. The NCGA is a member-driven organization of over 130 natural cooperative grocery stores across the US. It supports its members with services such as collective buying, business services, and information sharing. The combined annual sales of NCGA stores is projected to surpass $1 Billion in 2007, with same store sales growth of over 13%. |
SPINS' new NCGA Key Account Data service will draw upon a robust sample of NCGA stores that is near census level. Full category reporting and regional breakouts will be available and the data will be updated every four weeks.
For more information, contact your account manager, or Diana Dixon at 815.609.0607. |
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Wild Oats Key Account Database moving to a rapid environment in 2007
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SPINS is continuing to enhance the Wild Oats Key Account Database service, and is very excited to announce the release of Wild Oats data in a rapid environment. Starting Period 1, 2007, information will be delivered approximately 10 days after the close of the period, versus the current 33 days. |
For more information, contact your account manager, or Diana Dixon at 815.609.0607. |
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Marketplace Reports
Gluten Free Performance and Opportunity Analysis, 2006
This syndicated report on the Gluten Free segment underscores the importance of these products to both the Natural and Conventional marketplaces, and the many opportunities they present for growth. Sales information covered spans the past 3 years.
To purchase the report, contact your account manager or Diana Dixon at 815.609.0607.
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Industry Trends
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Market Trend: Digestive Aids and Enzymes
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Defined as single and combination nutrients and/or herbs taken to support digestive health, the Digestive Aids and Enzymes category is on a 3-year upward sales trend, with percentage growth rates much greater than those in the Supplements segment overall.
In the 52-week period ending 8/12/06, cross-channel sales totaled $355M, an increase of 16% over the prior year.
This category is an important one to watch, as the health concerns driving its sales are very common in the US and are increasing steadily. Understanding subcategory dynamics and consumer purchase behavior is critical to success with Digestive Aids and Enzymes, as they vary considerably by channel.
Read Market Trend (PDF) >
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The Changing Market for Stevia By Kerrin Rourke and Sonia Caltvedt
Published in the September edition of the Natural Products Industry Insider
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Despite the challenging regulatory obstacles that stevia products have faced over the past 15 years, sales continue to climb year after year in both the natural and conventional markets. Sales of stevia and medicinal tea with added stevia total $14.4 million in the natural channel, up 32 percent over the prior year. Total dollar sales are lower in the conventional channel, but they have grown nearly twice as much in the same period—63 percent over the prior year to $3.6 million. (52 weeks ending July 15, 2006, SPINSscan Natural and Conventional channels). Full article> |
Photo: Courtesy of Mountain Valley Growers |
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Go Organic! for Earth Day 2006 Exceeds Expectations
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Last April, more than 3,300 grocery retailers and 60 organic product manufacturers joined forces to present the second annual "Go Organic! for Earth Day," a national educational and promotional campaign to encourage people to learn about and try organic products . SPINS is proud to support the efforts of MusicMatters, the campaign organizers, by evaluating its retail success. Read the press release.
Contact Michael Martin for information about participating in 2007.
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Content Corner By Kerrin Rourke, Certified Nutritional Consultant
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Gluten and Dairy Allergies Inspire Winning New Products
A staggering number of Americans suffer from allergies and sensitivities to specific foods. For example, an estimated 2.2 million Americans have celiac disease, which is characterized by an inability to digest foods containing gluten. As many as 30-50 million people are lactose intolerant and cannot digest products containing dairy.
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The Tastiest Vegan In the Galaxy!
Galaxy Nutritional Foods introduces their new 100% vegan rice cheese slices. Rice Vegan Slices are available in three popular cheese flavors, American, Pepper Jack and Cheddar. The new cheese alternatives are casein, soy and gluten free. The cheese melts beautifully and tastes great. For more information visit the Galaxy Nutritional Foods website at http://www.galaxyfoods.com/ourbrands/usa/rice.asp
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"Milk" Chocolate for Everybody
Terra Nostra introduces the very tasty organic “milk” chocolate vegan chocolate bar. The Organic Ricemilk Choco bar is made the highest quality organic cocoa. The company is doing its best to keep the needs of dairy sensitive shoppers and vegan consumers in mind with these bars. For more information visit: http://www.terranostra.us/pages/12/index.htm.
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Namaste Gives Choices Back to Allergy Sufferers
Namaste Foods specializes in allergen free foods and baking mixes. The company offers products that are free of gluten, wheat, dairy, corn, nuts, potato, casein and soy. The Namaste product line includes blondie and brownie mixes, cookie mixes, muffin mixes, waffle, pancake and cake mixes, pizza crust and non-dairy macaroni and cheese. The company is committed to providing consumers with great tasting allergen free products at a fair price. For more information visit the companies website at https://www.namastefoods.com. |
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Good Taste, Good Health, Good Karma
Good Karma introduces the very first organic non-dairy frozen dessert. Organic Rice Cream is a delicious rice milk ice cream available in delicious flavors like Carrot Cake, Mud Pie and Mint Chocolate Chip. Good Karma offers their products in the form of pints, sundae cups and chocolate covered bars. For more information visit http://www.goodkarmafoods.com/.
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Gluten Free Southern Comforts
These 100% gluten free Tortilla Crumbs and Corn Flake Crumbs are brought to us by Southern Comforts. The products are tested in an independent laboratory to guarantee less than 10 parts gluten per million. The bread crumbs differ from wheat bread crumbs in that they pick up less oil in frying which means less calories and less fat per serving. Visit the company's website at: http://www.corncrumbs.com. |
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SPINS Company Updates
SPINNER role changes, promotions and new hires
Jeff Nibler moving to SPINS Advisor role
Starting November 1st, Jeff Nibler will assume a new role as an Advisor and Consultant to SPINS, serving as a resource for key initiatives and discrete projects. As our President, Jeff has been instrumental in developing SPINS partnerships and services by lending his extensive market research expertise and passion for the Natural Products Industry. We appreciate his invaluable contributions and look forward to working with him on an ongoing basis in his new role.
Message from Jeff to SPINS clients and partners (PDF) >
SPINS Consulting Services
Charlie Kingery, SPINS' new Vice President of
Strategic Partnerships & Consulting Services
We are pleased to announce the newest member of our executive management team, Charlie Kingery. Charlie's extensive sales and marketing career spans the consumer packaged goods, media and marketing services sectors. Most recently, he served as Sr. Vice President of Sales and Client Services for CoolSavings, Inc., an online marketing services and media company. Prior to CoolSavings, Charlie was Executive VP and General Manager of Client and Customer Marketing for Information Resources, Inc., and a Sales and Marketing Director at Kraft Foods. Charlie's 20-year career with Kraft Foods, Inc. and General Foods included sales and marketing roles throughout the US.
Dedicated Analyst team now "Business Insights Group"
With a new leader and an increasing emphasis on our consulting capabilities, SPINS is proud to offer even deeper insight into this dynamic and multi-dimensional industry. The new name of “Business Insights Group” reflects a move from a reporting services model towards forward-thinking consulting services that are focused on specific business issues.
Lara Christenson promoted to Director of Business Insights
Lara Christenson has been promoted from Sr. Analyst to Director of Business Insights. In her 5 years as a SPINS analyst, Lara has lent an astute perspective highly valued by SPINS and clients alike. Her extensive experience working with Consumer Packaged Goods companies and the Natural channel will be a key contribution to SPINS' growth.
Chris Chufo promoted to Director of Business Insights
Chris Chufo has been promoted from Sr. Analyst to Director of Business Insights. As our industry health and wellness expert, Chris will contribute to the development of new services focused on this important segment. Chris will continue to represent SPINS at industry seminars and speaking engagements regarding health and wellness trends.
Satya Ramanathan moving to role of Manager of Advanced Analytics and Reporting
Satya Ramanathan is being promoted from Whole Foods Business Analyst to Manager of Advanced Analytics and Reporting for the Business Insights Group. In his new role, Satya will be working on a variety of custom and syndicated analyses and client reporting deliverables. These projects will include report automation, forecasting model development, and custom analysis using ACNielsen consumer data and analytic resources.
Gerald Stroobosscher, SPINS new Business Insights Manager
Gerald “Jerry” Stroobosscher joins SPINS as the newest member of the Business Insights Group. Jerry comes to SPINS with 10 years experience working at Information Resources and most recently with Target Corporation. In Jerry's role as Business Insights Manager, he will be supporting a variety of our clients as he completes his training later this month.
SPINS Content Services
SPINS Product Library to expand in scope
The SPINS Product Library has always been integral to understanding the many dynamics behind Natural & Organic Product sales.
It evolving not only to reflect trends in Natural & Organic, but those that span the entire Health & Wellness segment.
David Browne promoted to Vice President, SPINS Product Library
SPINS is pleased to announce the promotion of David Browne from Director of Content Services to Vice President, SPINS Product Library. In just over five years with SPINS, David Browne has built a competent, committed team of Natural Products Experts that lend invaluable knowledge to our content and categorization structure. He's served as a tremendous information resource for SPINS clients and partners, and is also a
knowledgeable
media spokesperson for SPINS. David is leading SPINS' initiative to refine industry-standard Natural & Organic and Health & Wellness segmentation.
Jennifer Canali, SPINS new Natural Products Expert
Jennifer comes to SPINS' Content Development team after serving as a nutritional consultant for Chicago-area restaurants. In this role, she researched consumer trends, expanded menu options, and developed successful promotional strategies. Jennifer also worked in the promotional campaigns division of Walkers Crisps, where she organized and conducted market research.
SPINS IT and Operations
Bill Fitzgerald to serve as Vice President of IT and Operations
SPINS' Vice President of Information Technology, Bill Fitzgerald has taken on the additional role of Vice President of Operations.
Bill is establishing an IT and Operations foundation that will be instrumental to carrying out SPINS' 2007 and 2008 services plans.
Production Team responsibilities expand
As SPINS projects for new sample based key account services, produces ACNielsen extracts, publishes databases for new services and supports a large increase in the number of retailers submitting data, the operational duties of our Production team have significantly increased.
Keith Sanny promoted to Director of Production
In recognition of additional responsibilities, strong leadership and positive contributions to the production process, Keith Sanny has been promoted to Director of Production. Since Keith began his career with SPINS as a DBA in 2004, his commitment to operational excellence and customer service has been invaluable to SPINS.
Amy Swanstrom, SPINS new Data and Reporting Analyst
Amy Swanstrom has got a strong background in database marketing and business application development that will be a great asset to SPINS. Prior to joining us, she was a Website and IT Manager for Sherwyn's Health Food Shop, and a Data Analyst for PRG-Shultz, where she customized data processing for large grocery clients. Amy is a Microsoft Certified Professional and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Mike Amidei, SPINS new Lead Systems Engineer
Mike Amidei has got extensive experience with technologies we employ here at SPINS, as well as those we are planning to implement. He will be responsible for our overall infrastructure including our datacenter, network and desktop environments. Mike comes to SPINS from iSymetry Consulting Services, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Management.
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SPINS Headquarters Moving to Schaumburg, IL
Starting this November, SPINS' main office will be located in Schaumburg Illinois, a suburb to the northwest of Chicago. A global market-research hub that's home to ACNielsen, IRI and Mintel, Chicago will make a great new home base for SPINS.
San Francisco Spinners will continue to work with us remotely, and their updated contact information will be available in the coming weeks.
Please send all mail to this address, including product information and accounting correspondences:
SPINS, Inc.
1111 N. Plaza Dr., Suite 715
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Tel: 415.957.4400 | Fax: 847.517.1170
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Charitable Contributions
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"Explorago" Sustainabity Scavenger Hunt
On September 30th, SPINS sent a team of 4 to participate in Chicago's second annual sustainability-themed, neo-scavenger hunt. Spinners Rafael Bratman, Vinnie Hernandez, Jennifer Canali, and David Villalobos took part in this adventure in order to raise awareness around current sustainability initiatives and cultivate momentum towards building a greener city. Proceeds benefit the Foresight Design Initiative, whose mission is
to improve and sustain the quality of life in the urban environment through intelligent design, without sacrificing the needs of future generations.
Learn more at: http://www.foresightdesign.org
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
MADD's mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
Autism Society of Southeast Wisconsin
This organization builds awareness for
Autism Spectrum Disorder in Southeast Wisconsin, and
provides support for these individuals and their families. Their goal is to encourage people with the autism
spectrum to be fully included, participating members of their communities through information and referral, advocacy, public awareness, and education.
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Upcoming Events
Natural Products Expo East
October 4-7, Baltimore, MD
Trends Session Part II: New Product Trends With Phil Lempert
Friday, October 6th, 9AM
Join SPINS' Jeff Nibler and supermarket industry expert Phil Lempert as they reveal the latest new product research and audience input on the hottest products on the show floor.
HerbDay, October 14th
Natural Product stores, botanical gardens, schools, and garden nurseries across the US and Canada are educating the public about herbal medicine by hosting HerbDay celebrations this year. Promotional efforts are being sponsored by American Botanical Council, The American Herbalist Guild, American Herbal Pharmacopoeia, America Herbal Products Association, and United Plants Savers.
Find information on participating, as well as support materials at www.herbday.org.
Supply Side West
October 18-20, Las Vegas, NV
On October 19th, Jeff Nibler will be discussing trends in natural supplement sales.
Naturally Boulder
October 20, Boulder, CO
Jeff Nibler will join The Hartman Group to discuss Natural Products Industry and consumer trends.
October is National Fair Trade Month!
Fair Trade is a market-based approach to sustainable development that
helps family farmers in developing countries gain direct access to international markets, and develop the business capacity necessary to compete globally.
TransFair USA, the US certifier of Fair Trade products, invites you to join thousands of businesses and consumers promoting Fair Trade throughout the month. This year's retail promotion of Fair Trade Certified™ products will include an online consumer sweepstakes, retail display contest, internet marketing, public relations outreach, and more! Many companies will be discounting their Fair Trade Certified products and hosting promotional events. For more information and to order free POS materials visit www.fairtrademonth.org.
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Partner News
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Bring your sales story to life with SPINS data and Mediasecond. Get the
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next trade show, corporate or training video. Mediasecond's unique video
montages combine data, images and video to simultaneously excite and
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Managed by former Natural Products Industry participants, Mediasecond
understands the unique needs within the industry and delivers an
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full range of cost-effective Public Service Announcement (PSAs) solutions,
ranging from television to Internet.
Please visit our website at: www.mediasecond.com to learn more.
Mention SPINS and receive a 10% discount off of our rate card prices.
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