Like every dish, no two clients are exactly alike. That’s why we’ve come up with a range of options, from one-time to long-term, to suit a variety of needs.
Small Plates
Get a taste of what The Apple Cart is all about without making a long-term commitment. We’ll share our road-tested expertise and industry secrets while empowering you to take the next step on your own.
What goals can The Apple Cart help you reach?
The Strategy session →
The first step to working with The Apple Cart Company is to schedule a Strategy Session. Each session is 1.5 hours and during this time we will dive headfirst into your concept, and determine exactly what is needed to move forward. For some, only one session is needed, others go on retainer while we work together to reach your goals.
Brand Discovery →
Starting a food business from scratch:
We can teach you how to legalize your product, set up your business structure, and assist in finding you a commercial kitchen. There are many regulations surrounding the food industry, and most clients need help navigating this realm. Make it easy on yourself and get some expert advice that will save you time and money.
Growing your existing food business:
Are you ready to scale from the regional to the national level? Are the obstacles you are facing in the areas of distribution, co-packing, or capacity? Learn what solutions are available, and how to grow organically.
Sides
Hungry for something with a very specific flavor? We’ve developed our sides based on the most common short-term needs we’ve found among our clients. After taking a look at where you’re headed, we’ll create a solution tailored just for your business.
Professional Speaking →
From workshops to keynotes, we have honed the craft and are available to speak on a local or national level. We offer ongoing workshops, The Appleseed Series, in Richmond, VA. We serve as facilitators, panelists and industry experts at conferences and tradeshows.
Tradeshows →
Take your products to the biggest buying audiences in the country on the tradeshow circuit. Barb is a tradeshow expert, with years of experience in tradeshow marketing with her clients!
Food Event Marketing →
The Apple Cart has worked with the following events to make them a success, and can sell out your event as well!
Fire, Flour & Fork, Richmond Restaurant Week, Virginia’s Finest Conference. Real Local Help to the Shelf, and the Bluegrass & Blue Crab Festival
Main Courses
This is the meat and potatoes of our business--our retainer clients. Once we get to know what makes your business tick, we’ll create a three to six-month strategy for you to follow, and we’ll provide the implementation, introductions, and insight along the way to help you achieve your goals.
Specialty Food →
Do you have the next big idea that needs to be on fine food and grocery store shelves? Are you already producing a small-batch food product and selling in a few markets? This is the option for you!
Marketing & PR →
Need help with your marketing?
There are only two ways to sell food, directly to consumers and wholesale. Having a mixture of both is essential. Learn how to land more wholesale accounts and how to sell more product online.
Brick & Mortar →
If you’re ready to open the restaurant, bakery, or shop of your dreams; let us support you through the process. We’ve helped several businesses go from a farmers market stall or food truck to a full-scale brick and mortar establishment, and we can use our road-tested lessons to make sure you make the right moves. We also provide Brand Discovery for existing restaurants that need a behind-the-scene evaluation of your service, food consistency, menu, marketing, and pricing model.
DESSERTS
The Apple Cart works with their tried and tested partners to create solutions specific to the specialty food industry. We can provide all the essentials using our network.
Do you need an upgrade?
Resources →
- Graphic Design and Branding
Logo Development
Website Creation
Label Creation (It is much more difficult than it sounds)
Social Media Setup
Packaging
Wholesale Pricing Sheet Design
- Legal referrals for business setup and trademark
- Professional photography (Please do not post bad product pictures!)
- Food scientist referrals
- Client collaborations
- Introductions in the food industry
- Commercial kitchen referrals
- Speaking engagements - If you need a speaker, contact Barb!
The Apple Cart is a one-stop shop for all things in the specialty food and beverage arena. If we can't help you, we know someone who can. Let's talk!
“The Apple Cart Company helped us grow our wholesale and retail accounts, and our social media engagement. It is fun to brainstorm with Barb and see those ideas come to fruition. We’ve enjoyed the partnerships and opportunities we’ve developed by tapping into her network. She expertly evaluated our strengths and weaknesses in order to improve our processes. Barb is easy to work with and believes in our company as much as we do. It feels so good having Barb in our corner.”