For a brand like Death Wish Coffee, known for its bold, high-caffeine brews, breaking into retail shelves is crucial for growth. However, standing out in the competitive coffee market requires more than just a strong product—it takes strategic tools and certifications to win the trust of retailers.
To gain exposure to buyers, the brand leveraged product discovery platform RangeMe, and to help win the trust of retailers, it secured SQF certification, a food safety management program.
Using RangeMe for retail discovery
By listing its products on RangeMe, Death Wish was able to showcase its coffee to decision-makers at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods. RangeMe streamlines the process for buyers to discover new products, making it easier for brands to get noticed.
For Death Wish, this was a game-changer. It enabled the brand to not only introduce its bold coffee but also provide detailed product information, including packaging, certifications, and pricing, all in one place. The platform’s ability to bridge the gap between suppliers and retail buyers helped Death Wish gain visibility and expand its retail footprint.
Building retailer confidence with SQF Certification
While RangeMe helped get Death Wish Coffee in front of the right buyers, SQF certification helped solidify the brand’s credibility. SQF (Safe Quality Food) certification is a globally recognized food safety standard that ensures products are manufactured, processed, and handled according to the highest quality and safety standards (check out my previous RangeMe blog post to learn more about achieving and maintaining SQF certification).
For retailers, seeing this certification offers peace of mind, knowing that the coffee meets strict food safety protocols. For Death Wish, obtaining SQF certification reassures buyers viewing its brand profile page that its products are safe, high-quality, and produced in a controlled, transparent environment.
“Using RangeMe to connect with retailers has been a game-changer for us,” says Mike Brown, Chief Operating Officer at Death Wish Coffee. “It allowed us to present our products directly to decision-makers in a professional, organized way. Pairing that with our SQF certification gave retailers the confidence that we prioritize quality and safety in everything we do. Together, these tools helped us expand our retail presence and build lasting relationships with key partners.”
Together, RangeMe and SQF certification helped Death Wish Coffee gain the trust of both retailers and consumers, expanding its distribution and solidifying its position as a leader in the high-caffeine coffee market.
About SQF
SQF is a food safety standard recognized by GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative). GFSI has approved SQF as one of the benchmarked schemes that meet their stringent requirements for food safety management systems. This recognition means that companies implementing SQF can demonstrate compliance with GFSI’s global standards, enhancing their credibility and market access.
The Safe Quality Food (SQF) Program is a rigorous and credible food safety and quality program that is recognized by retailers, brand owners, and foodservice providers worldwide. The SQF Food Safety Codes are designed to meet industry, customer, and regulatory requirements for all sectors of the food supply chain – from the farm all the way to retail stores.
At our core, we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in food safety. Achieving SQF certification is not only a testament to your commitment to quality and safety but also a reflection of your unwavering dedication to meeting and exceeding industry regulations.
By becoming SQF certified, your company will enhance its reputation as a trusted and reliable partner in the food industry and open doors to new business opportunities. SQF certification is a powerful differentiator, setting you apart from competitors and instilling confidence in your customers and stakeholders. Learn more about getting starting with SQF.