We begin with solution-based strategies. Typically that involves proper product positioning expressed through relevant theme line and sales copy points. Often, arriving at this involves researching competitive aspects and trends that effect buying behavior. Sometimes this also includes category development or management research and reviews. We can help your company implement all these activities.

One of the key aspects of our success is that we contract top industry research and sales executives who bring packaged-goods or direct retail experience to each partnership. This method ensures that each client has a team of top-level professionals motivated to work for them, at no overhead cost. Most relevant for today, we have Latino (Portuguese and Spanish), bi-lingual management and support personnel.

We are most known for our Regional Merchandisers covering the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Brazil. Trained in the fine art of "concept selling" to obtain maximum results, this team "opens the doors" for our clients and their sales personnel through headquarter visits. The Merchandisers are supported by a network of Merchandising Auditors in key markets who help ensure promotions and proper merchandising practices are carried out in-store. All this – coupled with highly-personal client service and insightful reporting – helps clients evaluate how efficient and effective their programs are.

...each client
has a team

of relevant

professionals

motivated to

work for them.

We carefully evaluate our results based on stated goals. Measuring yardsticks typically involve percentage increases in accounts promoting, volume purchased, enhanced display or other customized improvements to the status quo. It is a fact that programs that deliver long-term results stem from complete understanding of the entire marketing process: familiarity with all elements and how they work in tandem, whether research, publicity, advertising, or promotion. Few in this industry offer VIVA's breadth of experience in these disciplines.

These are some of our team's most notable successes:

• Launched one of the first industry category management studies ever for generic
  produce commodities
• Helped introduce a new value-added product line for a top produce processor
• Directed sales for national line of soy products, increasing gross sales and case volume
• Successfully introduced three major agricultural export groups to new export markets
  in Latin America
• Received grant awards from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop export
  programs for clients
• Launched first major Mexican fruit export efforts to U.S. and Canada, resulting in a 60%
  increase in shipments
• Implemented new program and materials to introduce premium potato seed to targeted
  Latin American countries
• Helped organize U.S. distributors into the first-ever industry marketing effort to support
  imported produce
• Researched and developed first-ever multi-commodity ethnic consumer guidelines for
  retailers
• Conceived and directed the first on-line research panel of over 4000 consumers to study
  specific commodity shopping behavior
• Helped launch the Government of Sonora, Mexico's first major U.S. grower outreach
  and cross-border investment program.

Our services include:

• Strategic planning and marketing
  plan development
• Trade and consumer market research
• Promotional strategies and
  in-store execution
• Store, promotional and sales
  data analysis
• Sales materials and collateral
• Trade public relations and publicity
• Special events
• Bi-lingual Spanish/English programs