Sarah Delevan, host of the Good Food CFO Podcast, joins us to delve into the crucial role of financial sustainability in good food businesses. Drawing on her dual expertise as a specialty food buyer and a business owner, Sarah discusses the intersection of mission-driven food production and sound financial strategies. From managing margins to strategic promotions, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for any food or e-comm business looking to thrive.

This episode originally aired on our YouTube channel on September 1, 2022.

What we discussed:

(01:00) The mission of getting good food to more people

(03:15) The critical role of financial sustainability in business success

(05:30) Understanding and utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

(08:00) Strategies for using discounts and promotions effectively

(10:45) Overlooked metrics in e-commerce and their impact

(13:20) The significance of customer retention and repeat purchase rates

(15:40) Exploring the potential of subscription models in e-commerce

(18:00) Technical aspects of tracking KPIs for subscriptions

(20:30) The importance of understanding and forecasting financial data

4 Key Takeaways:

1. Sustainable Profitability is Key: Long-term success in the food industry hinges on achieving financial sustainability, not just having a good mission or product.
2. Know Your KPIs: Understanding fundamental financial KPIs like revenue, gross profit, break-even points, and net income is essential for making informed decisions.
3. Strategic Use of Promotions: Discounts and promotions should be used strategically, with a keen understanding of how they impact gross profit margins.
4. E-commerce Considerations: For e-commerce businesses, paying attention to often-overlooked metrics like shipping costs and merchant fees, and understanding customer behavior, particularly repeat purchase rates, are crucial for success.

Find PPC Pitbulls at:
Website: https://ppcpitbulls.com
IG: @ppcpitbulls

Subscribe to our YouTube for the video version of this podcast!