1. The Blend at Retail Increased Sales Increased Value
Finely chopped mushrooms blended seamlessly with ground meat
The Council may be able to assist you in developing your Blend program.
Please contact Steven or Katie prior making your retail sales call to find out more.
Contact information on last page.

2. Finely chopped mushrooms blended seamlessly with ground meat
2015 Retail
Introducing…
The Blend
Finely chopped mushrooms blended seamlessly with ground meat

3. 2015 Retail
Target: Up to 100 Million Transitional Meat Consumers
More consumers are cutting back on red meat than any other type of meat (39%)*
Number 1 reason: “I’m trying to eat healthier and that means eating less red meat” (57%)*
78%* of meat consumers are putting “Some” or “A Lot” of effort in making healthy and nutritious meat choices
This group is comprised of 50% of consumers years old and 60% of consumers ages , all of whom are “health aware” and concerned with food and their health
*Source: Mintel, U.S. Red Meat, Sept. 2013

4. 2015 Retail Nutrition Information:
A U.C. Davis study shows that many guests prefer the flavor of meat-mushroom blended concepts. Several major foodservice chains are proving that they can now serve healthier versions of guest favorites without sacrificing taste. Here are some examples of fewer calories and fat based on some foodservice recipes:
Using a combination of mushrooms and beef brings a ½ serving of whole grains, more than ¼ cup vegetables and 1.25 oz. meat to each portion.

5. 2015 Retail
What’s in it for You?
First-to-market with an innovative, on-trend culinary concept
Spotlights your perimeter: foodservice, deli, meat and fresh produce departments
Potential cost savings, reduced shrink and increased sales
Health benefits for consumers

6. 2015 Retail The Blend Program Benefits Retailer:
New “Healthy for you” value-added product offerings in deli, foodservice and meat departments
New culinary appeal for foods like burgers, meatloaf, meatballs and tacos
Potential cost savings by replacing a portion of proteins with mushrooms
Or offer increased portion size
Potential to reduce shrink in the produce department
Appeal to your customers’ desire for convenient, easy ways eat healthier

7. 2015 Retail The Blend Program Benefits: Consumer:
Easy way to change one’s diet with little-to-no effort while improving taste
Improved flavor (through umami-rich mushrooms)
Enjoy iconic foods like burgers, meatloaf, meatballs and tacos while reducing calories, cholesterol, fats and sodium
Turkey burgers are improved through the addition of moisture that mushrooms provide
Perfect for Gluten Free diets
Your stores make healthy changes easy and easy and convenient for your customers

8. 2015 Retail
Pilot Program Support
We will support The Blend program in your stores with promotional materials, employee education, recipe/concept development, in-store sampling and more

9. 2015 Retail Support: Add your support list here (See examples below)
Strategic planning and support
Mushroom and The Blend Expertise
Pilot planning
Sales collateral/resources development
Point-of-Sale materials for pilot stores – highlighting consumer benefits
Artwork files available for you to customize
Custom artwork development available
Digital printing available (limited)
Mushroom and The Blend research and information
Consumer
Nutrition
Foodservice
Mushroom factsheets and recipes

10. 2015 Retail
In-Store Activities: Add your support list here (See examples below)
Cooperative planning, development and support for in-store promotional activities

11. 2015 Retail Nutrition Expertise
Nutrition information and materials for Registered Dietitians participating in the pilot program
The Blend Toolkit available for Registered Dietitians
Plain-English nutrition “talking points” for store staff members involved
Turns complex nutrition messages into relevant and easy to understand documents for staff and customers

12. 2015 Retail
Public Relations Add your support list here (See examples below)
Amplification of The Blend promotion success in local and trade media
Social Media content and microsite with The Blend promotional materials

13. 2015 Retail Goals: Introduce The Blend to consumers
Provide healthier eating options for consumers
Increase mushroom sales and consumption
Work with you to gauge the effectiveness of the various support elements and their overall impact on sales performance

14. Are You Ready to Get Started with The Blend?
2015 Retail
Are You Ready to Get Started with The Blend?

15. 2015 Retail
To learn more about The Blend, or how to bring this exciting new program from the Mushroom Council to your stores, contact:
Steven Muro OR
President
Fusion Marketing
Ext. 205
21049 Devonshire Street, Ste. 102
Chatsworth, California 91311
Katie Preis
Marketing Manager
Mushroom Council
1284 Gap Newport Pike
Avondale, PA 19311