Retail Gets Real · with Jomaree Pinkard · February 23, 2021 · 28 min
Summary
Hella Cocktail Co. successfully navigated the pandemic by leaning into its core values and pivoting its business model. By focusing on direct-to-consumer sales and expanding retail partnerships, including a unique collaboration with Delta Airlines, the company not only survived significant disruptions in the foodservice industry but also achieved sustainable growth and broader market reach. This episode offers a blueprint for how values-driven decisions can drive resilience and innovation in challenging times.
Key takeaways
Identify and leverage core company values as a compass for strategic decision-making, particularly during times of disruption.
Develop a robust omnichannel distribution strategy that balances DTC sales with strategic retail and unconventional partnerships (e.g., airlines) to diversify revenue streams.
Be agile and willing to adapt your business model rapidly in response to external crises, transforming challenges into opportunities for expansion.
Prioritize product innovation and brand building to differentiate in competitive CPG markets and maintain customer engagement.
While most people aren't crowding the bar these days, Jomaree Pinkard knows that the pandemic doesn't have to stop you from savoring a delicious cocktail. He is the CEO and Co-Founder of Hella Cocktail Co., which makes cocktail mixers and bitters that are sold online and through partner retail stores across the United States, and even offered on Delta Airlines flights. Prior to the pandemic at least half of Hella Cocktail’s business came from the foodservice and hospitality industry. Leaning into the values of their company helped them focus on where to grow the company in a sustainable way. Learn more at retailgetsreal.com.
Identify and leverage core company values as a compass for strategic decision-making, particularly during times of disruption.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Develop a robust omnichannel distribution strategy that balances DTC sales with strategic retail and unconventional partnerships (e.g., airlines) to diversify revenue streams.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Be agile and willing to adapt your business model rapidly in response to external crises, transforming challenges into opportunities for expansion.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Prioritize product innovation and brand building to differentiate in competitive CPG markets and maintain customer engagement.
