Beverage companies that are growing in incubation channels like natural and specialty need to be able to think strategically about the steps they will take as they start to look to move toward more mainstream retailing opportunities. And while that move is often in the direction of the supermarket or the convenience store, brands would be wise to consider the dynamics of the drug channel as they look to grow.
Particularly at a time when function is an increasingly important component of consumable products, beverages can pop up in a variety of parts of the drug store, from the cold case to a growing set of fresh food offerings; from shelf-stable shelves to supplement aisles.
To provide advice on how to take advantage of the opportunity that can lie within the drug channel, BevNET Live will feature a talk with Glenn Figenholtz, the Divisional Merchandising Manager of Beverages and Snacks for Walgreens. Mr. Figenholtz will be speaking to the BevNET Live audience on pitching products and growing within the Walgreen’s footprint, as well as helping them understand how both the store and the drug channel overall can become paths to growth for entrepreneurial beverage brands.
Walgreens itself is massive: with more than 8,000 drugstores, Walgreens ranked 3rd overall in food and drugstores in revenue, according to Fortune magazine. The huge footprint includes both urban and suburban stores, and combines with an overall trend toward channel-shifting that has caused the company to seek to evolve its food and beverage offerings, creating an extremely attractive growth opportunity for the right brands. BevNET Live attendees focused on a national footprint shouldn’t miss this chance to synchronize their own aims with those of this massive retailer.
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About Glenn Figenholtz
Glenn Figenholtz has been the Divisional Merchandise Manager of Beverage & Snacks for Walgreens since 2013. Glenn began his career at Walgreens in 2002 and over the past 12 years he has held numerous positions within Merchandising. Prior to his current position he was the Category Manager for the beverage and snack categories.
About BevNET Live
Taking place on Dec. 8 and 9, BevNET Live Santa Monica is a two-day conference for beverage entrepreneurs, suppliers, distributors, retailers and investors to gather, speak, exchange ideas through interactive panels and lectures, and enhance their sales, marketing, growth and product development strategies. Attendees can tap the expertise of investors and investment professionals who can help them realize growth capital or exit opportunities, explore and discuss strategies from business owners with inspiring success stories, and otherwise absorb case studies curated by BevNET.com, which has spent a decade dedicating itself to careful reporting on the fast-moving beverage industry. More than just a conference, BevNET LIVE includes networking options including the BevNET LIVE Expo, beverage breaks, cocktail receptions and, most of all, community.