Produce and floral professionals received a first-hand account of how to market to millennials at the Fresh Produce and Floral Council (FPFC) April luncheon in Cerritos, California, from an actual Millennial, Alex Jackson, Senior Account Manager of Frieda’s Specialty Produce.
“Different generations shop differently and think differently,” said Jackson. “You need to understand your shoppers’ core beliefs to stay relevant.”
Traditionalists were born before 1946. “The Silent Generation” spends the least amount of money during shopping trips, but takes the most time going through the store.
Baby Boomers, currently the largest generation, were born between 1946 and 1964. They like sales and bargains, but at the same time don’t mind spending on the brands they are loyal to. While they are getting more tech savvy, personal touches like helpful produce managers and cheery cashiers keep them loyal to stores.
Born between 1965 and 1980, Generation X is a highly independent generation, but still holds buying power. Gen Xers are willing to go with a new brand if they are won over by superior quality and exemplary customer service.
Millennials are the next wave of influential shoppers. Born between 1981 and 2000, they will be 50 percent of the workforce by the year 2020 and will spend more than $200 billion annually, starting in 2017. Millennials are loyal to brands that treat them well, offer new experiences, and are aligned with their beliefs.
“Companies in all industries are making changes to their branding to appeal to my generation, the Millennials,” said Jackson. “But to make your stores relevant to us, it takes more than just changing the look—you have to be a company we can believe in.”
Using this generational marketing angle, companies like Frieda’s have redesigned their packaging to appeal to Millennial shoppers without alienating other generations. By focusing on inspiring new food experiences for friends, families, and food lovers everywhere, Frieda’s brand not only offers culinary adventures to Millennials, but to all the generations before them.
