HUNTING FOR BEANS
Went to the big "All Things Organic Trade Show" at McCormick Place in search of a bean supplier. To my disappointment, I didn't "score." But I managed to make contact with a big food company in Michigan (won't reaveal their name until we agree to work together). However, it's taken weeks to follow up on our initial communication. I'm discovering that when you're a small fish, unfortunately you're at the bottom of the priority list for these big companies.
Nevertheless, I met a very interesting guy who's managed to break into the food industry. And his story is very inspiring. His name is Brian Crummy and his company is called, "Crummy Brothers" (what a great name!). The Chicagoan started an organic cookie company, and he says his products are being distributed nationwide by Whole Foods Market.
He's got a great packaging and a well-written marketing pitch. He calls it, "The Crummy Credo" (see website link below). But his business plan is anything but crummy. He's hoping to expand his Crummy business into other areas.
And he encouraged me to hang tough in my quest to introduce Cuban food to Chicago food lovers. If I can secure a bean supply, I'm on my way. But the problem I've found is these big canneries have 10,000 pound minimums (which would blow my modest start-up budget out of the water).
So I'm hopiing I can convince a bean supplier to take a chance with me, and maybe it'll pay off. I'll keep you posted. And thanks for reading my Julian's Bean Guest blog.
CRUMMY BROTHERS