‘Local’ movement brews up business for area spirits makers – Nashville Business Journal:
“The local food movement is fast becoming the local booze movement. In an annual survey of more than 1,800 professional chefs who are members of the American Culinary Federation, the National Restaurant Association found that locally produced beer and wine would be among the top five hottest menu trends this year and the No. 1 trend in alcohol and cocktails. To varying degrees, restaurant and liquor industry professionals said that trend is playing out in Nashville.” — Nashville Business Journal
The local food movement hasn’t caught on here like in some of the areas I’ve dealt with lately, but it is finally showing some growth in Tennessee. Local food, in my opinion, has more potential for success than the shop local programs. Eating is not only a necessity, but also ‘breaking bread’ has more appeal that can draw people to local food. Whether the experience, the social and/or the health components of good food, local business, even non-food retailers, should be conscious of how the local food movement can influence their connection to customers. For a description of the local food movement (and to add ‘localvore’ to your vocabulary), check out Wikipedia or Sustainable Table.
About Daryl Phillips, CEcD
I am a professional economic developer. I presently work for communities and companies in developing and implementing workforce and economic development solutions as CEO of Phillips Economic Development Solutions (Phi EDS).
Prior to September 2017, I was the economic development professional who served a community team of elected officials, business people, community leaders and dedicated stakeholders for economic development in Cheatham County, Tennessee (pop. 39,880) and its four towns. During my five-year tenure, I served the team as Cheatham County grew over 1,700 jobs, turned around population declines at the start of this decade into healthy population growth, increased tourism expenditures 20.3% and local tax revenue from tourism 25.4%, grew sales tax revenue 36%, focused on developing the local workforce and was recognized by SmartAsset as having the 9th highest Incoming Investment Index of all the 95 counties in Tennessee.
I am a member of International Economic Development Council, Southern Economic Development Council, Tennessee Economic Development Council and International Council of Shopping Centers.
I have earned the designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from National Development Council and hold a Master of Business Administration from Tennessee Technological University.