In 2013, we wrote about the emergence of a unique growth curve in the packaged food and beverage sector. We call it the Skate Ramp (see figure). It is sneaky. It requires patience and persistence. But it works in the end. It was the Skate Ramp that launched Chobani to stardom as many in the industry sat back and wondered: How could no one have seen this coming? The answer is simple: Because, back in 2006, CPG companies weren’t looking at the growth dynamics of early-stage food companies selling below $25M. They left this to Venture Capital (VC)/Private Equity (PE) firms. 

Why? There are two basic reasons: 

• The gold standard launch model for packaged food and beverage companies orients to a swift, high ACV market share grab-and-hold, whether large or small. The focus is on attaining large Y1 revenues through line extensions and then sustaining stable velocities that maintain shelf presence with customers. It is a model designed for incremental innovations easily copied by a competitor. In this model, a plateau or a mildly inclining slope (i.e., low-single-digit %) are considered successful. The emphasis is on scale, not growth.
• Exponential growth from low initial scale requires a level of sneakiness and patience inimical to the core management culture of most major CPG firms.

We believe that the entrenched, brand-driven, go-to-market launch model just described has lulled the industry into complacency in the face of the continuing threat of product-driven, early-stage companies sneaking up on the market via the Skate Ramp. 

This white paper highlights several breakout premium brands that demonstrated in 2014 that they are now riding the Skate Ramp and should be closely watched. 

Download this free white paper to see what is driving brands like Noosa, Nature’s Bakery, Eat Well Embrace Life and Theo to new heights in performance and growth.