These past two weeks have been incredible, and I am so sad that our time here has come to an end. I will forever cherish the memories, friendships, and knowledge that this trip has provided me with. This trip has impacted me in so many ways, and the knowledge and perspectives that I have gained will undoubtedly influence me for the rest of my life.
Throughout our time here, we got to get an inside look behind several different steps of the supply chain for coffee, bananas, pineapple, palmito, and chocolate. All of these are far more complex than I ever would’ve imagined, so it was really neat to get to see all that goes into this. Our group focused on the design and launch of these products, and what I learned about this topic in each step is summarized below.
Farms
Farms are where the product is grown and harvested. While the design and launch may not be the most crucial in this step as compared to others, it still holds some relevance. One important marketing aspect would be tours. If the farm offers tours, this is an excellent way to get people to be more supportive of their brand. By giving a good story, building up your brand in an appealing way, you can gain the support of consumers and improve upon your brand’s success.
Processing Mills
This is where the crop is processed after being harvested. The design and launch is similar in this step- their primary source of marketing lies within the quality of their tours. By showing consumers all that goes into the production of the products, they can build up their brand in a positive way.
Coffee Roasters/Retail Stores and Cafes
This step is the most crucial when it comes to design and launch, as it is the one that directly relates to the consumer. Customers come to these places to purchase the product, so it is crucial that it is properly marketed to them. Social media, influencer deals, traditional advertising, and free samples are all excellent ways to market your brand and get customers to buy your product.
Customers
Customers are the target of marketing. They are the ones who are purchasing the product, so it is important to keep them in the forefront of your mind throughout every step of the process. You must be sure to keep your target audience in mind and cater to their needs, as they are the bulk of your income. Working to expand and grow and a brand is great, but you must always stay true to your roots and mission, not compromising quality or your customer’s values.
I’m so so grateful that I got to go on this trip and be a part of this amazing experience. I love Costa Rica and hope to be back someday, but until then hasta luego & pura vida!