Value Chain Coordination Services

At TLD, building authentic relationships is the core value that resonates with us most. We thrive when connecting the people who make up Michigan’s local food economy – whether it be expanding markets for growers and producers or increasing locally sourced items for chefs and grocers.

We can help you enter into a new market or wholesale channel because we have the strategy, resources, and insight to make sure you’re prepared. If you’re looking for a local source, we can help you too. Whether you’re ready to get started with our services today or just want to explore our offerings with a complementary conversation, get in touch to take the next steps!

A Sweet Success Story: Harvest Chocolate

Harvest Chocolate has established meaningful market relationships through TLD Value Chain Coordination services.

Tecumseh-based business, Harvest Chocolate, sought support to introduce their exceptional chocolates to cafes and locally-focused retail companies in the greater Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City areas. Our TLD Southeast x Mid Michigan Local Food Coordinator, Karey Stid, tapped into Taste the Local Difference’s extensive local food network to coordinate some major Michigan matchmaking. Interested parties were connected to owners Matt Cross and Elizabeth Gentry to pursue wholesale opportunities.

Karey also collected feedback from potential buyers, compiling their questions to improve Harvest Chocolate’s future outreach to new markets. Since working with TLD, Harvest Chocolate has established its product in multiple new locations throughout Michigan. Three cheers for great chocolate!

“Partnering with Taste the Local Difference has been transformative for us at Harvest Chocolate. Karey at TLD has truly felt like an extension of our team, who deeply understands the market of food consumers and businesses in Michigan.

She’s been able to connect us with speed and efficiency to like-minded local customers, vendors, and entrepreneurs. From our very first engagement, we’ve observed a positive ROI that we’re confident will only continue to grow.

MATT CROSS, CO-OWNER HARVEST CHOCOLATE

They haven’t just been a service provider; they’ve been an invaluable partner, helping the Harvest Chocolate story resonate more deeply and for more Michiganders to discover the delicious world of craft chocolate.”

Matt Cross, Co-owner Harvest Chocolate

Build Wholesale Relationships and Sales

Increase sales by growing your wholesale customer list. Whether you’re just starting to think about wholesale or you’re a seasoned wholesaler looking to grow the number of businesses you’re selling to – our team can help. Services available include:

  • Hot Leads List
  • Personal Introductions to New Sales Opportunities
  • Sales Outreach & Email Templates
  • Designed Sell Sheet & Brochure
  • Wholesale Readiness Checklist
  • E-Commerce Website Set-up

Success Story: Baobab Fare

Taste the Local Difference facilitated a connection between Baobab Fare and Zingerman’s Mail Order, enabling Pili, Baobab Fare’s specialty hot sauce, to be savored by food enthusiasts across the nation.

“The credibility we gained by working with Zingerman’s made a real difference. It gives people confidence in your brand and the way you do business.”

Mamba Hamissi, Co-owner Baobab Fare

Increase Local Sourcing

Ready to take your restaurant, retail, or specialty product business to the next level by sourcing the highest quality local ingredients? Our roots in Michigan’s local food scene mean we can help you tailor your offerings to fit what’s in season and we know where to find the ingredients you need. Our local food purchasing services include:

  • Curated Local Vendor List
  • Targeted Email Newsletter & Sales Promotion
  • Personal Introductions to Local Vendors
  • Local Vendor Meet & Greets

Interested in our services? Let’s connect!

Some of our Value Chain Coordination Partners Include