Real Deal Expo 2006 Updates

March 17, 2006

Discovering Solutions Called Key Benefit of REAL DEAL EXPO

For many distributors attending the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO in Las Vegas last week, sharing ideas and finding new solutions to common problems was a major benefit gained from spending three days in Las Vegas.

"It has been—as always—a great opportunity for us to meet with other distributors and discuss common issues," Elvin Smythers, Merchants Grocery Co. Inc., Culpeper, VA, said. "And then, by taking advantage of the terrific show deals that are offered, we can help pay for the trip."

Tobacco Innovation, Smokeless Competition Predicted

Distributors were advised to prepare for new product innovation from cigarette manufacturers and increased offerings and competition in the smokeless tobacco category during the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO in Las Vegas, NV on Friday.

Snacks: Convenience is King

Snack food companies are looking for ways to capitalize on the consumer’s need for convenience, even as they seek to respond to increased concern about nutrition and health.

That view was presented Friday during the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO by Snack Food Association (SFA) President & CEO Jim McCarthy, who told attendees that many products, not previously considered snacks, are now being extended in order to capture snack food sales.

Big Winners at REAL DEAL EXPO

Cash drawings for some serious money, a special Buyer Reward raffle program and a Silent Auction added extra excitement during the 2006 REAL DEAL EXPO in Las Vegas last week.

On Friday, two drawings for a total of $7,500 took place on the trade show floor as EXPO wound down. The winner of the $5,000 grand prize was Jim Keyes, Mrs. Freshley’s, a division of Flower’s Snack Group, Tucker, GA. Taking the $2,500 prize was Steve Shing, GSC Enterprises Inc., Sulphur Springs, TX. Earlier in the show, another $2,500 check was won by Jean Jones of Andalusia Distributing Co., Andalusia, AL.

2006 AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO Called ‘Great Success’

The 2006 AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO concluded Friday with a report on the association’s growth and activities, insight from a Wall Street analyst on the outlook for the tobacco industry and a report on developments in the snack food industry.

photo by Mike Gatty
2006 AWMA Chairman Ricky Jones calls REAL DEAL EXPO "a great success."
Then, attendees hit the EXPO show floor for a final day of business, taking advantage of more than 50 show deals, networking, and discussing issues and concerns with suppliers.

March 16, 2006

‘Value of Distributor’ Study Underway

A major study by AWMA to illustrate the value of the distributor to the entire supply chain now underway was outlined for attendees during the opening session of the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO in Las Vegas Thursday morning.

Industry consultant Kit Dietz, president of Dietz Consulting, LLC, outlined the scope of the project, which will "quantify and demonstrate the essential role of the distributor and discuss the impact the distributor has on the supply chain."

"We know that distributors play an essential role in the supply chain, but they can’t get their fair share of the profit," he said.

Get Your Fair Share of Snack Sales

EXPO attendees were urged Thursday to take advantage of a new multi-vendor end cap program offered by AWMA, which can go a long way toward helping distributors get their fair share of c-store snack sales.

Developed by AWMA’s Warehouse Delivered Snacks Committee, the program allows distributors to choose the "power brands" in major snack categories and merchandise them on stand-alone end caps.

"You can’t afford to miss out on this opportunity," said industry consultant Kit Dietz during an EXPO presentation Thursday morning. "Everybody is winning on this."

Strategies for Cigarette Business Viability

Distributors attending the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO Thursday morning were urged to carefully assess their approach to cigarette sales in order to maintain viability in a difficult and challenging marketplace.

Distributors Jam AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO Seeking Great Deals & New Opportunities

AWMA members jammed the AWMA REAL DEAL EXPO show floor in Las Vegas Thursday looking for ways to build business, solve problems and stock up on great deals for the months ahead, all the while giving suppliers a terrific opportunity to connect with their customers and promote their new offerings.

March 15, 2006

First AWMA Buyer’s Program a Huge Success

By Traci Carneal

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