Profitable Promotions through Trade Association Partnerships

You may know trade association partnerships best by their promotional slogans…. “Beef – it’s what’s for dinner,” “Pork, the other white meat,” “Got Milk?” and “The Incredible Edible Egg.”  These familiar sayings are all part of ingredient-specific trade groups whose job is to build awareness and grow sales of their item.

Often farmers or growers of these specific items band together to fund these groups, to help increase the market or market-share of the item they produce.

For restaurants, one effective strategy that often goes underutilized is partnering with ingredient-specific trade groups to promote menu items featuring their products. These partnerships can not only infuse fresh energy into your restaurant’s offerings but also provide financial support for your promotions.

The Power of Ingredient-Specific Trade Groups

Ingredient-specific trade groups are dedicated to promoting the use of a particular ingredient, be it avocados, mushrooms, or other key components of your culinary creations. These groups are often thrilled to partner with restaurants, providing valuable support and resources for the mutual benefit of both parties. Here’s why you should consider partnering with them:

1. Financial Support: Trade groups often allocate budgets for promotional activities. Partnering with them can help cover some of your marketing and promotional expenses, which is especially beneficial for small and independent restaurants.
2. Expertise: Ingredient-specific trade groups are a treasure trove of knowledge about the ingredient they represent. They can offer insights, culinary techniques, and best practices that can elevate your menu items.
3. Visibility: Collaborations with trade groups can give your restaurant added exposure. Trade groups frequently have established audiences and marketing channels that can help your restaurant reach a broader customer base.
4. Credibility: Partnering with a respected trade group can boost your restaurant’s credibility. Customers are more likely to trust menu items featuring a specific ingredient when they know it’s endorsed by an industry authority.

Sample Ideas for Collaborations

Ready to explore the delicious possibilities of partnering with ingredient-specific trade groups? Here are some sample ideas to inspire your next menu promotion:

1. Feature of the Month: Choose an ingredient you’re passionate about, such as avocados or mushrooms, and work with the corresponding trade group to create a “Feature of the Month.” This could be a special dish or a menu section dedicated to showcasing the ingredient in a variety of ways.
2. Culinary Workshops: Collaborate with the trade group to host culinary workshops or cooking classes in your restaurant. It’s an engaging way to educate your staff and customers about the versatility and benefits of the ingredient.
3. Themed Events: Organize themed events that celebrate the ingredient. For instance, an “Avocado Extravaganza” night where every course, from appetizers to dessert, highlights avocados.
4. Recipe Contests: Partner with the trade group to run a recipe contest, inviting your customers to submit their own creations featuring the ingredient. The winning dish could earn a place on your menu.
5. Educational Marketing: Create educational marketing materials in collaboration with the trade group. Feature informative brochures or menu inserts explaining the ingredient’s origin, health benefits, and culinary uses.

Trade Groups That Support Restaurants

Now that you’re excited about the possibilities, you may be wondering which trade groups you can reach out to. Here’s a shortlist of some ingredient-specific trade groups that actively support restaurants:

1. California Avocado Commission: The California Avocado Commission is dedicated to promoting California avocados. They offer resources, promotional materials, and financial support to restaurants that feature avocados on their menus.
2. Mushroom Council: The Mushroom Council is all about mushrooms. They provide support for restaurant promotions, recipe development, and marketing campaigns that highlight the versatility and umami-rich flavor of mushrooms.
3. National Honey Board: If you’re looking to incorporate the natural sweetness of honey into your dishes, the National Honey Board offers promotional support, educational materials, and recipes.
4. American Egg Board: Restaurants can partner with the American Egg Board for menu promotions that feature eggs. They offer research, resources, and marketing assistance.
5. National Peanut Board: If peanuts are a staple in your cuisine, consider collaborating with the National Peanut Board. They provide resources, research, and marketing tools for peanut-related menu items.
6. National Pork Board: If pork is a central ingredient in your dishes, the National Pork Board offers resources and support for restaurant promotions featuring pork.
7. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association: For restaurants specializing in beef dishes, partnering with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association can provide resources, marketing materials, and culinary support.

Remember, each trade group may have different requirements and criteria for collaboration, so it’s essential to reach out to them directly to discuss your specific ideas and needs.

Partnering with an ingredient-specific trade group is a smart and strategic move for restaurant owners. Not only can it provide you with the financial support needed for successful promotions, but it also gives you access to a wealth of culinary expertise and resources. Consider reaching out to trade groups that align with your menu offerings and start cooking up some fantastic collaborations that will benefit both your restaurant and your customers.