Consultants to food and beverage firms.
At Deep River Advisors, we specialize in delivering expert marketing consulting services to private equity firms targeting consumer food and beverage companies, as well as directly to food and beverage brands across the U.S. and internationally.
Our mission is to identify or create enduring competitive advantages for each client brand.
By bringing an intense focus to due diligence, product innovation, and marketing alignment, we empower our clients to make informed decisions, drive growth, yielding sustainable competitive success.
150+
15
Proven Success
Expert Guidance
Our team combines tested line management expertise with market-tested strategies to provide actionable insights and innovative solutions.
Whether you’re evaluating a potential investment or optimizing your brand’s market position, Deep River Advisors is your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of the food and beverage industry.
Leverage points
Strategic Blueprints
We can guide businesses through a structured high-level master planning process designed to align their vision with actionable business goals:
Overview: A collaborative approach to define your company’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
Key Deliverables: SWOT analysis, core value identification, vision and mission declarations, competitive positioning, and strategic goals.
Benefits: Enhanced clarity, organizational alignment, and a roadmap for sustained growth.
Competitive Advantages
Our market analysis services provide critical insights to inform strategic decisions:
Techniques: Comprehensive research methods including competitor analysis, trend identification, and consumer behavior studies.
Insights Gained: Market size, growth opportunities, and competitive positioning.
Impact: Data-driven strategies that reduce risk and maximize ROI.
Product Innovation
We identify opportunities for innovation to help you stay ahead in a competitive market. Our approach is rooted in two critical factors:
Unique Consumer Insights: While traditional brainstorming sessions may yield actionable ideas, we go deeper to uncover insights your competitors don't have—providing you with a distinct strategic advantage.
Co-Development: Iterative product development with key target consumer segments accelerates timelines and improves success rates. Expert consumer panels can serve as a pivotal resource in refining your products for market success.
Launch services
Distribution Strategy
We have hands-on experience making the most of DSD (direct store delivery), broker sales, direct sales, and hybrid models—to guide you in selecting the most effective go-to-market strategy for your brand.
Channel Selection
Selecting the right sales outlets is critical to your success. Our expertise spans leading supermarket chains, independent retailers, convenience stores, mass merchandisers, drug chains, vending, and food service outlets—ensuring optimal product placement and promotions.
Merchandising
From packaging design to shelf placement and off-shelf displays, we take a systems approach to win at the point of purchase. Through partnerships with specialized packaging research firms, we identify the most effective designs and shelf locations—providing data-driven insights for maximum impact.
A consultant or an employee?
Engaging a senior marketing consultant offers several benefits compared to hiring a full-time employee, especially for small businesses looking to improve their marketing strategies.
Independence
Consultants bring an unbiased viewpoint and can propose innovative solutions, drawing from their experience across various industries.
Experience
Consultants provide expertise and insights to enhance marketing efforts, assess business models, and create effective marketing plans. They can also optimize current strategies and guide businesses toward more profitable channels.
Value
Moreover, consultants can be more cost-effective than hiring a full-time marketing professional, as you can access their expertise on a project or part-time basis, saving on expenses like salaries and benefits.
Lead consultant
Our practice leader is Michael Ganey. He brings over 30 years of marketing leadership for category-leading brands, with an emphasis on effective product innovation.
He has helped energize brands for Anheuser-Busch Companies, Bahlsen, Austin Quality Foods, Coors Brewing, Kimberly-Clark, Georgia-Pacific, House-Autry Mills, and The American Kennel Club.
Mike believes a holistic view of business objectives and aligned marketing objectives provides a foundation for success.
He directs a group of specialists who apply their unique skills on an as-needed basis, thus assuring you top talent access on a variable cost basis.
Mike earned an MBA from The University of Virginia Darden School of Business where he serves on the Alumni Board and as Class Agent. Annually, he moderates a GREAT DECISIONS foreign policy course at OLLI at North Carolina State University and is committed to lifelong learning.
