Initial Strategy: Our consulting company began a 1.5-year cooperation with a premium Italian coffee brand, targeting the Middle Eastern market. Our initial focus was on reaching shops specializing in European products, retail chains, distributors of premium products, and the HoReCa sector. For the first six months, we introduced the coffee products to distributors and retail chains, receiving positive feedback almost immediately.

Main Obstacles: Despite the initial positive response, the primary buyers took a long time to make their decisions as they deliberated on prices, order volume, and listing fees. This prolonged negotiation process prompted us to re-evaluate our strategy.

Solution: We shifted our focus to entering the market through specialized small shops and coffee houses, offering them favorable conditions. This pivot proved to be successful, with the first order placed just a few months later. As the product became increasingly recognizable over the next year, the distributor saw its sales statistics and agreed to bear the listing fee costs.

Outcomes: We signed an exclusive contract with a distributor for the UAE area, securing a strong foothold in the Middle Eastern market. An exhibition event was held where we invited buyers from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, further expanding our reach.

Future Strategy: Our strategy for the future includes increasing sales and entering new Middle Eastern markets through targeted marketing activities. We also plan to register the coffee producer company in the Middle East, solidifying its presence and enhancing its reputation as a premium Italian coffee brand.

Initial Strategy: Our consulting company began a 1.5-year collaboration with a premium German organic food producer, targeting the markets in the USA, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. We aimed to reach stores and chain stores specializing in organic products and premium supermarkets. The product range includes sauces for both retail and the HoReCa sector, pasta, crackers, mousses, and puddings.

Main Obstacles: The primary challenge was to find suitable distribution channels for the diverse range of premium organic products in various international markets, each with its unique preferences and demands.

Solution: During our collaboration, we successfully partnered with NaturaSì, a chain of organic goods stores in Italy. We also found distributors of organic products in the Middle East and Asia. In the USA, we initiated negotiations with Whole Foods, a retail chain specializing in organic products. We participated in exhibitions across these target markets and deployed export managers in Asia and the Middle East to ensure smooth operations.

Outcomes: The successful partnerships with NaturaSì and distributors in the Middle East and Asia have significantly expanded the market reach for the premium German organic food brand. Additionally, ongoing negotiations with Whole Foods have the potential to further enhance the brand’s presence in the USA.

Future Strategy: Upon confirmation of the purchase from Whole Foods, we plan to organize a stock warehouse in the USA, facilitating efficient distribution and enabling the German organic food brand to cater to the increasing demand for high-quality organic products across the country.

Initial Strategy: Our consulting company embarked on a three-year cooperation with an Italian wine producer, aiming to expand into European and American markets. The wine is priced at approximately 6 euros per bottle, and the company has a production capacity of 500,000 bottles per year.

Main Obstacles: The initial challenge was to find suitable buyers and distributors for the wine, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which made travel and in-person meetings difficult.

Solution: We began promoting the wine through our network of buyers, and after four months, we received positive feedback in the European market. Despite travel restrictions, we held an exhibition and secured a distributor in the USA. The distributor traveled by private plane to meet with the client, resulting in a deal for 10,000 bottles per month. For the European market, we focused on Germany and successfully partnered with a well-known chain of organic wine stores, leading to an agreement for 120,000 bottles per year.

Outcomes: Over the first year of cooperation, we established a strong presence for the Italian wine in both the European and American markets. By securing a distributor in the USA and forming a partnership with a popular organic wine store chain in Germany, we facilitated the sale of thousands of bottles per month, increasing the brand’s visibility and reach.

Future Strategy: Our strategy for the future involves increasing production by purchasing grapes from other producers, which will enable the Italian wine brand to enter the Asian market. This expansion will further solidify the wine’s global presence and capitalize on new growth opportunities.

Initial Strategy: Our consulting firm entered into a 2-year collaboration with a renowned Italian olive oil producer, targeting the Russian market with premium extra virgin olive oil. The initial strategy was to break into retail chains, premium supermarkets, and distributors that specialized in high-end food products. We aimed to leverage the growing demand for healthy, organic products in Russia by highlighting the premium quality and health benefits of Italian extra virgin olive oil.

Main Obstacles: One of the key challenges was navigating the highly competitive market, as well as overcoming Russia’s reliance on cheaper, locally-produced oils. Additionally, import tariffs and distribution channels posed logistical hurdles, especially in gaining access to premium supermarket shelves.

Solution: We started by conducting a targeted PR campaign to educate consumers about the health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, which was relatively new in the Russian market. The product was promoted at high-end food exhibitions in Moscow, where we engaged directly with key buyers from premium supermarkets and distributors. We also partnered with local influencers and chefs to showcase the product in cooking demonstrations. A strategic alliance with a leading Russian food distributor was secured, providing the brand with access to retail chains.

Outcomes: Within the first year, the Italian olive oil brand gained traction in premium supermarkets in Moscow and St. Petersburg, securing contracts for 20,000 bottles per month. The influencer marketing campaign successfully raised brand awareness, leading to a steady increase in consumer demand. By the end of the first year, sales had increased by 30%, and the brand was featured in several food and lifestyle magazines.

Future Strategy: Going forward, the strategy includes expanding the product line to include flavored olive oils and targeting niche gourmet stores. We also plan to open a distribution center in Russia to lower logistical costs and improve market penetration. The long-term goal is to increase market share by entering the HoReCa sector, providing premium olive oil to luxury restaurants and hotels across Russia.

Initial Strategy: Our consulting company commenced a 3-year cooperation with a Spanish wine producer, aiming to introduce premium Spanish wines to the Russian market. The target was to secure deals with premium restaurants, wine distributors, and luxury hotels across major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. The initial focus was to position the wine as a high-quality, artisanal product, appealing to Russia’s elite clientele who appreciate fine wines.

Main Obstacles: Breaking into the Russian premium wine market posed several challenges, particularly due to strong competition from both domestic and international brands. Additionally, many Russian buyers were more familiar with French and Italian wines, meaning the Spanish brand had to work hard to establish recognition and trust among wine enthusiasts and distributors.

Solution: We organized exclusive wine tasting events at high-end restaurants and hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where sommeliers and wine critics were invited to sample the product. Simultaneously, a PR campaign was launched to highlight the unique characteristics of the wine, particularly its artisanal production methods and rich Spanish heritage. We also partnered with premium wine distributors and participated in international wine exhibitions held in Russia to further boost brand visibility.

Outcomes: Within the first year, the Spanish wine secured partnerships with several luxury hotels and fine-dining establishments in Moscow, establishing itself as a premium product for elite consumers. Sales grew by 25% in the first year, and the wine received positive reviews in several Russian wine magazines. The partnership with a leading wine distributor also facilitated the product’s entry into high-end wine shops and specialized retailers.

Future Strategy: Our future strategy focuses on expanding the product range to include reserve and vintage wines, as well as increasing exports to other major Russian cities such as Sochi and Kazan. We also plan to open a dedicated wine cellar in Moscow, offering exclusive tasting experiences for VIP clients and expanding the brand’s presence among affluent wine enthusiasts.