IFMA & TPG's New White Paper Addresses Application of Category Management Best Practices and Processes

News provided by

Oct 01, 2015, 10:00 ET

CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) released a white paper addressing the application of category management best practices and processes that help both distributors and manufacturers drive more collaborative and effective partnerships. The white paper, titled "Full Plate™, Applying Collaborative Planning Best Practice in Foodservice," is provided by IFMA in conjunction with The Partnering Group (TPG).

Distributor-manufacturer teams were created to develop and activate 4 different category plans using the Full Plate™ process, with TPG serving as the facilitator. These pilots resulted in an average of 22% category year-over-year sales growth in divisions and operating companies where pilot plans were executed. In addition, a series of ongoing insights and leveraged strategies were realized that presented continued opportunities for future growth.

"Effective foodservice category management processes enhance the ability for manufacturers and distributors to work together to more efficiently and effectively reach and support the operator and drive consumer demand," said Larry Oberkfell, president and CEO of IFMA. "Full Plate™ brings value by allowing them to develop collaborative business plans that more profitably serve their mutual operator customers. This white paper helps explain how companies can implement the process into their operations."

"Winning distributors are applying the insight-driven principles of Full Plate™ Category Management and beginning to realize its significant potential," said Doug Morrison, partner & CLP Director at The Partnering Group, Inc. "At the same time, manufacturers are building category management platforms as their go-to-market strategy in order to better interface with the distributors that they serve. It's a very exciting time in foodservice."

About Full Plate™ Foodservice Category Management
Created in partnership with The Partnering Group and a board of 35 leading manufacturers, distributors, brokers, research/ insights providers and industry associations, the process identifies the work and resources that lead to better category plans between stakeholders and profitable business growth. Training and certification on the Full Plate™ best practice is available through IFMA. Click here to learn about the upcoming training on November 17 in Rosemont, IL.

Obtain a Complimentary Copy of the Full Plate™ White Paper
View a complimentary copy of the Full Plate™ white paper by joining IFMA's Category Management Update Group. There is no cost to join the Update Group, but viewers do need to click here to register.

About International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA)
IFMA is the leading trade association comprised of the world's most prestigious food, equipment and supply manufacturers in the $600 billion foodservice industry, as well as related marketing service organizations, trade publications, distributors and brokers. IFMA's Vision is to provide our member community and industry partners the opportunity to enhance the consumer's enjoyment of the foodservice choice. For more information, visit ifmaworld.com. Follow IFMA on Twitter: @IFMAWORLD or join our group on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About The Partnering Group (TPG)
The Partnering Group (TPG) is a practitioner-based, strategic management consulting firm with a focus on developing Best Practices within industries. TPG's work has revolutionized go-to-market strategies and planning processes within the Foodservice space.

SOURCE IFMA