Getting A Sustainable Solution into Grocery Stores

Putting Anti-Microbial Bags Behind the Deli Counter

Baer & Associates’ Mike Loftus knew he’d found a winner in WhiteHall Products’ Anti-Microbial Bag. With a background in sourcing medical supplies, he was already keenly aware of food safety concerns. The anti-microbial bag could kill bacteria, fungi, and pathogens. It also eliminated waste. Usually, a chub of deli meat is wrapped in cling film until it needs to be sliced, then rewrapped in a new film. One anti-microbial bag could be used to rewrap the chub several times. Here was a product that increased food safety, was more sustainable for the planet, and had the potential to save grocery stores money.

The Objective: Convince Grocery Stores to Make the Change

Getting anyone to make a change is difficult. Loftus knew he would have to help the merchandisers understand the “why component” before they would make a change. One truckload of cling film weighs 38 thousand pounds. Keeping that out of a landfill is a success for everyone. Loftus prepared dozens of presentations tailored to each grocery store he approached to make sure they understood what could be gained by switching to the anti-microbial bag.

The Strategy: Work the Relationships

One thing Baer & Associates prides itself on is the relationships they maintain throughout the packaging industry, on both the distribution and manufacturer sides. Loftus had a great relationship with WhiteHall Products. He took their product to a group of grocery stores in the Midwest. This particular group came with its challenges, however. It involved a mixture of company-owned stores and independent stores operating under many different banners and merchandisers. Loftus sought out each person and made a connection with them.

The Process: Personalize the Data

Loftus tailored his data to each store’s account so they could see the direct benefits that this product would have for them. He found that while a larger group of stores had the most cost savings, even a stand-alone store benefitted by switching to anti-microbial bags. Loftus was persistent in wanting to meet with each person, which required a big commitment on Baer & Associate’s part.

The Result: A Sustainable Future

After approaching everyone, Loftus was able to convince the stores to make the change from clingfilm to Anti-Microbial bags. He looks forward to seeing what’s next for this product, particularly in a post-Coronavirus world where people are more concerned with health and food safety.

If you want to know how anti-microbial bags could increase your sustainability and food safety efforts, please contact us. Mike Loftus will be happy to help you.

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