About Us – State Proud

Broker Manager: We created Broker Manager to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking for consumer product industry brokers to hire. These brokers are available via by territory, by retail format and/or by a specific customer or list of customers.

brokermanager.org

College Unions: We created College Unions to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking to do business on college and university campuses (the c-store, the bookstore, the cafeteria, the sports nutrition programs, the vending and more).

collegeunions.com

Expo Manager: We created Expo Manager to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands to understand which trade associations to join and which consumer product trade events to exhibit in. We also help brands with their trade show booth design needs.

expomanager.org

Food Exports: We created FoodExports.org to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands to understand how to sell their products internationally and how to work with the experts from SUSTA, WUSATA and the others.

foodexports.org

Food Imports: We created FoodImports.org to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands from international markets on how to do business in North America (United States of America, Mexico and Canada).

foodimports.org

Funding Brands: We created Funding Brands to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking for funding resources of all-kinds (angel investors, crowdfunding, family and friends and others). We also discuss other subjects such as inventory funding.

fundingbrands.com

Ingredient Manager: We created Ingredient Manager to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking for direct help relating to ingredient manufacturers and suppliers (also a noted resource for manufacturers as well such as co-packers and pilot plants).

ingredientmanager.org

Packaging Manager: We created Packaging Manager to be our resource for start-up and emerging brands looking for direct help relating to packaging designers, manufacturers and suppliers (also a noted resource for manufacturers as well such as co-packers and pilot plants).

packagingmanager.org

Retail Formats: For start-up and emerging brands looking for direct help relating to learn which sales channels (formats) are best to target and sell into. We are pioneers and experts in all retail formats (retail, food service, government, hospitality, e-commerce and more).

retailformats.com

Trade Commissions: We created TradeCommissions.org to be our resource and program for international customers wanting to sell into the North American market. We will be listing key trade commissions worldwide (looking forward to working with all of them).

tradecommissions.org

The Concession Stand Network

With other industry groups, we are soon looking at creating the Concession Stand Network as a concessions (food service) industry incubation model helping new start-up and emerging brands learn how to do business with concession formats.
ConcessionStand.net

Food Away From Home Association

Starting with the International Frozen Yogurt Association (www.InternationalFrozenYogurt.com) we are expanding the model relating to other underserved formats such as smoothie shops, juice shops, boba tea shops and coffee shops.
FoodAwayFromHome.org

Food Halls Association

With partners, we are creating the Food Halls Association (as the first of its kind) to serve the fast-growing food hall formats coming into cities nationwide.
FoodHalls.org

Beverage Distributors: We have created BeverageDistributors.org to be a key resource educating brands of all sizes of what Beverage Distributors are, who they are and how to do business with them.

beveragedistributors.org

Box Programs: One of the newer retail formats, Box Programs are a vital way to introduce new brands and their product a sizable consumer audience. We also help educate brands on how to create their own monthly subscription models (Box Programs).

boxprograms.com

Colleges & Universities: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to the college and university food service, retail, concessions and sports nutrition formats.

universitycafeterias.com

Embark: We have created an extension of the Conzumables program (Embark) relating to helping pet food and product industry entrepreneurs in their needs. We have over 35-years in the pet product industry (working with Petco, Petsmart and others).

em-bark.com

Employee Incentives: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to the employee incentive and promotional product retail formats.

employeeincentives.org

Employee Owned: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to as premier buys to those companies that are owned by employees (Employee Owned).

employeeowned.org

Family Diners: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the restaurant formats (including distributors).

familydiners.com

Farm Stores: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers farm store creation and sales opportunities for entrepreneurs of all size.

farmstores.org

Food Banks: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers opportunities for contract manufacturers to make products for food banks in areas nationwide.

foodbanks.us

Fundraising: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the fundraising formats.

fundraisingsupply.com

Grab-and-Go: We have created GrabandGo.org to be a key resource educating brands of all sizes of what Grab-and-Go is and what retail formats usually have grab-and-go sections. We are pioneers of Grab-and-Go concepts such as the Hotel Pantry.

grabandgo.org

Hotels: As pioneers of the Hotel Pantry concept and current suppliers as well, we are helping brands of all sizes understand the hospitality formats and how to do business with them. There will be direct online ordering opportunities as well.

hotelretailgroup.com

Hospitals: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to the medical related formats such as hospitals, pharmacies, drug stores and pharmacy networks.

hospitalcafeterias.com

Schools (K-12): We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands to the school (K-12) food service, retail, concessions and sports nutrition formats.

schoolcafeterias.net

Smoothie Shops: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the grab-and-go and back of the counter needs for smoothie shops, yogurt shops, boba tea shops and coffee shops.

smoothieshops.com

Vending: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the vending and micro market formats.

vendsupply.com

Wineries: We are creating an online ordering platform that offers products created by start-up and emerging brands for the winery formats (restaurant, gift shop, wine club and tasting room).

tastingrooms.net

Action Aisle: We are creating opportunities for brands (start-up, emerging and established) relating to action alley / action aisle pallet programs (ideal for Wal-Mart, Meijer and others).

actionaisle.com

C-stores: With over 35-years working with convenience store chains and distributors we are creating a site specifically for these as well as for truck stops and service plazas (for start-up and emerging brands).

c-stores.org

Category Management: We are creating an informational site that is specific to category management (also category managers / buyers). Most new brands (start-up and emerging) do not understand how buyers work in their everyday roles.

categorymanagement.org

Center of the Store: The ”Center of the Store” refers to the interior section of a grocery or retail store that typically contains non-perishable and packaged goods such as canned foods, dry goods, cleaning products, and other household items.

centerofthestore.com

Corporate Chefs: Brands getting themselves into key food service operations will eventually work with corporate chefs (or executive chefs). Corporate Chefs are decision makers for colleges, hospitals, restaurant groups and many other formats.

corporatechefs.org

Direct-Store-Delivery: Direct-Store-Delivery (DSD) is a distribution method where suppliers deliver their products directly to retail stores, bypassing distribution centers and allowing for faster replenishment of shelves.

directstoredelivery.org

Field Marketing: Field Marketing, in relation to consumer products, is a marketing strategy that involves on-the-ground activities and promotions conducted in specific geographic areas to engage directly with consumers and drive sales and brand awareness.

fieldmarketingmanagers.com

Food Service Providers: Food Service Providers are businesses that prepare, deliver, or serve food and beverages to consumers, including restaurants, cafes, catering companies, and institutional dining facilities.

foodserviceproviders.org

Franchising: Educating brand groups and others about the possibilities of expanding their business models into franchising.

franchisedu.com

In The Store: Educating brand groups about how to understand each retailer’s store formats and the need to be educated on each one prior to any buyer meetings.

inthestore.org

Military: We are creating a series of websites relating to the food service and retail formats on bases worldwide. These will include The base exchange, the shoppette, the commissary and more.

militaryexchanges.com

Nutrition Stores: Nutrition Stores are retail establishments specializing in the sale of dietary supplements, vitamins, health foods, and related products to support individuals’ health and wellness goals.

nutritionstores.org

Planograms: We are creating an informational site that is specific to planograms/schematics. Most new brands (start-up and emerging) do not understand how planograms work and how retailers decide where to put their products.

planograms.org

Recipe Tool: Aa an extension to the Contract Manufacturing Alliance we are creating the Recipe Tool which will be available to brands, product developers, contract manufacturers and many others.

recipetool.com

Shopper Insights: Shopper Insights are a deep understanding of consumer behaviors, preferences, and motivations that inform businesses’ strategies to optimize product offerings, marketing efforts, and overall shopping experiences.

shopperinsights.org

Slotting Fees: Slotting Fees are fees charged by retailers to suppliers for the privilege of placing their products on store shelves, often used to cover the cost of shelf space and ensure product visibility.

slottingfees.com

Store Perimeter: The Store Perimeter refers to the outermost section of a retail or grocery store where fresh and perishable items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and bakery products are typically displayed. This area is strategically designed to attract shoppers

storeperimeter.com

Trade Deductions: Trade Deductions are financial adjustments made by retailers or wholesalers to the invoices of suppliers, typically for reasons such as promotions, damaged goods, or other negotiated terms, which can impact the final amount paid by the supplier.

tradedeductions.com

Baby Retail Network: The Baby Retail Group is involved in helping brands in the baby and infant categories with retailers nationwide.

babyretailgroup.com

C-Stores Network: The C-Stores Network is involved in helping brands targeting convenience stores, distributors, truck stops and service plazas nationwide.

c-stores.net

Camp and RV: The Camp and RV Network is involved in helping brands targeting campgrounds, national parks, outdoor retailers and summer camps nationwide.

campandrv.com

Farm and Feed Network: The Farm and Feed Network is involved in helping brands targeting farm supply stores, farm cooperatives, nurseries and hardware stores nationwide.

farmandfeed.net

Grab-and-Go: The Grab-and-Go Team is involved in helping brands targeting retail and food service formats known for their Grab-and-Go Sections. These include airports, hotels, smoothie shops, coffee shops, hospitals and many others.

grabandgo.org

Hawaiian Region: Our Hawaiian Region was created to offer sales opportunities for Mainland brands wanting to come into Hawaii and, also is involved (with other internal sites) helping Hawaiian brands get onto the Mainland (also Canada) for business.

hawaiianregion.com

Hispanic Retailers: Our Hispanic Retailers is involved in helping brands wanting to target Hispanic Supermarket chains in markets nationwide (especially in Southern California). Retailers such as Vallarta, Cardenas, El Super and Northgate Markets.

hispanicretailers.com

Pet Retail Group: The Pet Retail Group is involved in helping brands targeting pet supermarkets, doggie daycare sites, animal hospitals, pet hotels and other related pet formats nationwide.

petretailgroup.net

Sports Retail Group: The Sports Retail Group is involved in helping brands targeting sporting goods stores, golf shops, running stores, fitness centers, sports nutrition stores and many other related formats nationwide.

sportsretailgroup.com

About Us:

Conzumables was established as a dynamic product development and retail format concept group, founded by industry veterans with a proven track record in global CPG giants such as Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Conagra, and Pepsi. Leveraging their extensive expertise, they have co-founded renowned start-up brands, including Nature’s Bakery, and served as equity partners and advisors to a long list of successful ventures, including previous partnerships with Perfect Snacks. Over the years, Conzumables has utilized its diverse assets to support and elevate numerous brands, offering innovative solutions and strategic guidance. For more information, visit www.Conzumables.com.

Celebrating 100-Years in the Business

1920's - 1940's

1950's - 1960's

1970's - 1980's

1990's - 2000's

2010's - Today

Our Programs

Conzumables created the Contract Manufacturing Alliance (www.ContractMFG.org) with the Contract Packaging Association (www.ContractPackaging.org). CMA was founded an idea founded on how to better serve the needs of those creating consumer products. We work with any of those who are new in the business, may have an emerging brand group or those who have been established in the business for many years. * The Contract Manufacturing Alliance is utilizing the successful RFQ (Request For Quote) Tool as its inspiration for its all-of its current and future offerings for its client brand groups. A collaboration of the resources needed to develop an idea into a successful product

For over 16-years, the Conzumables created, The Co-Packing Network (www.Co-Packing.net) serves as a powerful contract manufacturer matchmaking engine, connecting start-up, emerging, and established consumer product companies with co-packing partners to bring their products to market efficiently. With a roster of over 43,000 co-packers, the network offers an unparalleled resource for brands seeking manufacturing solutions tailored to their unique needs. By facilitating these co-packing relationships, The Co-Packing Network empowers companies to scale production, maintain quality, and accelerate their market entry, making it an essential partner in the consumer products industry.

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance proudly introduces the Lemonaders program to assist consumer brands and retailers of all sizes in navigating the complexities of product development, production, and market entry. This program is designed to provide end-to-end support across three critical phases: Developing, Creating, and Launching, ensuring that every step of the journey is covered with expert guidance and practical solutions. www.Lemonaders.com

Trusted Consumer Outlets (Corbin, KY) with home offices in Las Vegas, NV, Dallas, TX and Raleigh, NC, offers a complete display and new product innovation system for brand groups and retailers nationwide. Specific programs are available for action alley/action aisle pallet display programs, seasonal programs (product and display development), and general product development, packaging, contract manufacturing, warehousing, supply chain and distribution. www.TCOutlets.com

State Proud (www.StateProud.com) was founded with a mission to support local agriculture and businesses by filling in the gaps where State Department of Agriculture programs related to consumer products were lacking in certain states. By collaborating with existing state-based programs like Go Texan, State Proud strengthens the reach and impact of these initiatives. For instance, in states like California, where no State Department of Agriculture program existed for promoting locally made products, State Proud is stepping in to bridge this gap. By developing and implementing programs tailored to the unique agricultural offerings of each state, State Proud ensures that consumers have access to high-quality, locally sourced goods, while also fostering economic growth and preserving regional heritage.

In The Store (www.InTheStore.org) is a consumer products industry program designed to spotlight the critical role of core departments within a retailer, emphasizing their importance to the overall shopping experience. From the meats and produce sections to the liquor aisle, bakery, service deli, floral department, and even the front-end checkouts, each area contributes uniquely to the store’s success. These departments not only cater to diverse consumer needs but also define a retailer’s identity, showcasing quality, variety, and service. By highlighting these essential areas, In The Store helps retailers and brands better understand how to optimize each department, driving customer satisfaction and fostering a comprehensive, seamless shopping experience.

The Areas of Manufacturing We Cover

We are working with trade associations in the following subjects to help start-up, emerging and established brands with their contract manufacturing needs (as well as other subjects such as ingredients, packaging and more).

Our Extended Community

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance (The Contract Packaging Association and the Co-Packing Network) work with a-number of communities with the common goal of helping start-up and emerging consumer brands:

Contract Manufacturing

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance is continuing to add Contract Manufacturers as partners of our programs including becoming members with the Contract Packaging Association and availing its own events in different parts of North America.
* Our Contract Manufacturer Roster is Over 40,000
* www.Co-Packing.org

Trade Associations

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance is adding more and more trade associations (who have some form of association with consumer products). We are adding both state-based and national trade associations to our roster (to help Consumer Product Companies).
www.ExpoManager.org

Commercial Kitchens

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance created a ‘search by County’ Tool as well is adding more existing commercial kitchens everyday. We are also helping create new commercial kitchens as well as recruit existing entities to offer their kitchens to clients.
www.CommercialKitchens.org

Pilot Plants

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance has added a new sub-association model to the Contract Packaging Association’s roster to add in Pilot Plants. CMA is also working with Pilot Plants nationwide to recruit them to work with start-up and emerging brands.
www.PilotPlants.org

Food Innovation Centers

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance has Food Innovation Centers to its roster of manufacturing types. We are working with Food Innovation Centers as a resource for their needs working with start-up and emerging brands.
www.FoodInnovationCenters.org

Packaging & Ingredient Suppliers

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance is working with packaging and ingredient suppliers nationwide relating to start-up and emerging brands. CMA created Ingredient Manager (IngredientManager.com) as part of its work with ingredient suppliers.
www.IngredientManager.com

Customers (Retail, Food Service)

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance’s founders have over 35-years working directly with retail and food service customers (including distributors). We work with chains and distributors frequently helping introduce new vendors for them to preview.

CPG Technology Groups

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance (especially the Contract Packaging Association) welcome new and existing technology partners that are ideal for contract manufacturers, pilot plants, commercial kitchens, start-up and emerging brands and others in the industry.

State Departments of Agriculture

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance’s founders work with current State Departments of Agriculture (examples include Texas and Utah) as well are talking with others. We plan on creating programs relating to states such as West Virginia and Illinois.
www.StateProud.com

CPG Incubators & Accelerators

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance currently is involved with consumer product industry incubators and accelerators and continue to add others to their roster. We all have the same goals of helping start-up and emerging brands.

Colleges and Universities

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance has a roster of university based food innovation centers it has history with (ex: UNL, Rutgers, Cornell) as well is creating a complete college and university incubation template to help others with their consumer product programs.

SBDC Offices / Score.org Offices

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance has history working with regional SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) and Score.org offices and are creating industry incubation and resources (Ex: Commercial Kitchens search tool) to help their own clients.

VC and Crowd-Funding Groups

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance has been advising start-up and emerging brands how to work with crowdfunding platforms (ex: Kickstarter and Indiegogo) as well as funding groups (ex Kickfurther). We will continue to add funding resources to our rosters.

Farmer's Markets

The Contract Manufacturing Alliance has created incubation template for farmer’s markets to help their consumer product vendors as well is expanding its efforts in helping farms create retail stores (produce stands, farm stands and CSA’s).
www.ProduceStands.org

The Eight Arms of Manufacturing

State and Region-Based Consumer Product Programs

State to State

Region to Region