5x Distribution Growth
Winning with Walmart: How a Canned Chicken Brand Transformed Its Distribution Strategy
Challenge
A world-class canned meat supplier faced significant challenges in gaining traction at Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. Despite years of trying, the brand struggled to break into Walmart's supply chain, which hindered growth opportunities.
Action
To overcome these obstacles, GrowthWise stepped in to establish strong buyer relationships and trust over time to help get this chicken in the door. From there, the brand partnered closely with Walmart to grow their distribution network by >5x. A new line of 7 SKUs of a different format was introduced, diversifying their product offerings. Growthwise proactively managed forecasting and inventory to meet Walmart’s needs, anticipating potential disruptions like natural disasters and advising Walmart on inventory strategies, This reliable performance (95% OTIF score) earned Crider a spot in Walmart's network, further strengthening their partnership and opening the door for new opportunities.
Result
The collaboration paid off, with the chicken brand’s sales surging 17x from 2018 to 2024. The expansion of DCs and the introduction of new SKUs played a critical role in this growth. As the brand deepened its relationship with Walmart, it became a key supplier, filling gaps left by other vendors, particularly for Walmart’s private label products. The partnership with Walmart exemplifies how strategic growth, operational excellence, and a commitment to customer needs can lead to transformative results.
$75k Profits Recovered
Eliminating Compliance Fines for a Frozen Foods Brand
Challenge
A frozen foods brand was facing hefty compliance fines from a major retailer, cutting into profits and creating operational headaches. While the issue was recognized, deeper insights were needed to pinpoint the exact cause and implement a fix. With multiple compliance factors—labeling accuracy, pallet compliance, load integrity, and Advance Ship Notices—there were many moving parts to investigate.
Action
GrowthWise stepped in as a strategic partner, conducting a thorough investigation. Our team analyzed shipment data, found the source of fees, and outlined a clear plan of action. By digging deeper than the brand had the internal bandwidth for, we uncovered a critical issue that had been quietly draining thousands of dollars every month. Our expertise in retail compliance allowed us to identify the smallest inconsistencies—issues that had gone unnoticed but had major financial implications.
Result
With our support, the brand swiftly corrected the problem, preventing ongoing fines and improving operational efficiency. As a result, the brand is now saving upwards of 6 figures annually, keeping hard-earned revenue where it belongs. This success not only strengthened the brand’s bottom line but also reinforced their retailer relationships by ensuring consistent compliance moving forward.
$1M in Recaptured Sales
Solving Inventory Gaps for International Olive Oil
Challenge
A major retailer's distribution centers weren’t stocked adequately, leading to severe product shortages. An international olive oil brand and the retailer lost millions in sales, while frustrated shoppers turned to competing brands instead.
Action
The GrowthWise Analytics team uncovered the reason for widespread out-of-stocks (OOS). Weekly data insights revealed that forecasting gaps, particularly around international shipping time, led to the dramatic, recurring distribution center stock issues. We flagged the issue and pushed for larger, more accurate purchase orders to prevent further shortages.
Result
The retailer responded by increasing orders, keeping this olive oil consistently on shelves and minimizing lost sales. The data-driven approach not only solved immediate inventory challenges but also strengthened trust between the retailer and the brand, paving the way for better forecasting and sustained success.
