Be Strong, Be Hopeful, Be Visible

Be Strong, Be Hopeful, Be Visible

Thanks to Covid19, plant-based categories are growing faster. Keep going!

· Growth,Disruption,plant-based,vegan,covid19

Be Strong

Hope you are all staying safe and well under these trying conditions.
 
With a growing list of families impacted, I know many of you are keeping your families, staff and customers safe.
 
It’s not just the physical safety, but the mental safety with the major news channel and social media fanning the flames of anxiety. Remember to detox from this to stay well.
 
My thoughts go out to Victorian businesses right now who are having to face it all over again, and even much stronger conditions.
 
Many of you had a difficult time during the first round of Covid19 restrictions. With the second wave, it’s even tougher.

Businesses around Australia and the world are remaining alert for any escalations.
Remember to be kind to yourself as you navigate this rough passage.

Be Hopeful

Do keep in mind that no matter how bad the news becomes, the rise of plant-based is growing ever faster. This is from the Vegconomist...
 
“In April 2020, FMCG Gurus consumer insights showed that 18% of global consumers were looking to include more plant-based foods within their diet as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this has now increased by 8% to 26% of global consumers looking to increase their intake of plant-based foods as of July 2020.”

While over in the US, the alternate protein think thank Good Food Institute share this...

“from March 1 through June 7, 2020, fresh plant-based meat—increasingly sold in the meat aisle—has performed particularly well, with sales growth as high as 454 percent during peak pantry stocking compared to the same week in 2019. This is significantly more than fresh animal meat’s 100 percent growth over the same period, demonstrating that plant-based is attracting a broader consumer base that is anything but niche.”

This research is mainly from Europe and the US, but this be in Australia, NZ and Asia soon enough.

Be Visible

 This week a few businesses contacted me to check-in.
I have not been as visible lately. There is a lesson here for me. Stay relevant to your audience and serve you more. 

With the zoom meetings held over the last few months, some of you are collaborating.
It’s rewarding to see this.

Over the last few weeks, I've been working with a few clients on their business growth plan.
Under Covid19 scenario, this is naturally taking longer because we are working on the business as usual activities too – but this is not the real reason for me being quiet.

The real reason is this: To date, I have been hidden behind a Beta Catalyst Consulting brand. The ‘business’ is easier to promote than sharing information about me personally.

As I’m repositioning to my own name, there is a level of discomfort, I’m yet to fully breakthrough.
* Is it the self-doubt?
* Who am I to position my name?
* Why would anyone listen to me?

Does any of this resonate with you?

When speaking to Katrina Fox from Vegan Business Media, we talked about the hesitation of plant-based business owners.
Many are hiding behind the brand and not getting their stories (your ‘why’) out to the public.

What's most important is I create content and be of service to you.

Similarly, what's most important for you is to create a product the customers want, in a way they can access it through Covid19, and let the public know you exist. 

What will you do to reach your growing audience?

I’d love to hear what actions you are going to take.

Over to you now…
 
Bob Ratnarajah
 
 Ps. for me, I’ll send out a blog and newsletter weekly. And also communicate more through social channels. 

Photo Credit: Photo by Mahdi Dastmard on Unsplash