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3 Lessons Learnt in my Food & Drink #startup

I worked for many years in the global food & drink industry (Coca-Cola, Unilever, Mars, & Kraft/Mondelez) before launching my own startup brand. Many people have asked me since what's it like running a startup versus working "in corporate". I want to share with you just 3 lessons I have learnt that are reinforced for me every day.
Quality remains priority #1:
One of the things drilled into me from early in my career was the importance of product quality. Indeed, the first of Mars Inc.’s 5 principles is “quality” which I remember being defined as “the consumer is our boss, quality is our work and value for money is our goal.”
Product quality is an important strategic weapon for small and large food & drink manufacturers alike and no corners should be cut! It was also a key factor for us winning a place on Tesco Backit, a new-to-the-world specialist food and drink

crowdfunding platform which has been developed to support emerging brands raise funds to scale up (and of course help Tesco customers discover great new products from the best small food and drink businesses in the UK).
Direct Communication:
I have learnt that you don’t need 1 way focus group mirrors nor 100 page PowerPoint presentations to understand your customers. 
In a startup, you get the chance every day to chat with customers and even build a natural two-way relationship which in no small way enables you not just to fulfil customer’s needs and expectations but also to surprise & delight them.
Recognition:
External recognition is critical as you build awareness and availability. Awards gives retailers and consumers reassurance that the product is worth trying out.
That every one of our iced teas were recently shortlisted for a 2016 Quality Food Award can go a long way to encouraging listing & trial. I can’t thank the judges enough for acknowledging that Tg green tea is something special. 
YOU also get a chance to “road test” Tg green teas. Click on www.drinktg.com to get through to our “Tesco Backit” crowdfunding page. With a pledge of £25 or more, in addition to helping me immensely to scale up, you will rewarded with tasty Tg green teas – and other goodies – to enjoy! As Tesco says, "every little helps".
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