Business Details
21 Years
experience
Expert Food & Drink Trade Marketing Consultants
Cognosco Marketing is a specialist food and drink trade marketing consultancy with over two decades of experience in the sector. Established by industry veterans, we combine deep sector knowledge with practical sales expertise to help businesses develop market strategies and achieve growth. Our services include comprehensive market research, outsourced national accounts management, and tailored sales strategies designed to maximise opportunities in retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels. With a team of seasoned professionals, we provide actionable insights into distribution networks, competitor analysis, and route-to-market planning. Our approach combines rigorous research with hands-on execution, supporting clients through every stage from initial market entry to long-term account management.We maintain a database of industry contacts and market intelligence to ensure targeted, efficient client engagement. Our consultants work closely with food and beverage producers to identify growth opportunities, optimise product positioning, and build relationships with key industry decision-makers. Through a combination of strategic planning and practical implementation, we help clients navigate the complexities of the food and drink market. Our track record includes successful market entries for innovative products and category development initiatives. We pride ourselves on delivering measurable results through a combination of sector expertise and operational excellence.
Services
Market research
Sales strategy development
Outsourced sales management
Route-to-market planning
Competitor analysis
Distribution network optimisation
Foodservice channel support
Retail sector consultancy
Product positioning strategy
CRM implementation support
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of specialist experience in food and drink market strategy
- Our team includes former FMCG sales directors with proven industry track records
- We provide actionable market research combined with practical sales execution
- Our extensive industry database enables targeted, efficient client engagement
- We offer tailored solutions from market entry strategy to long-term account management
Services
Market research
Our market research service provides comprehensive insights into food and drink distribution networks, competitor analysis, and consumer trends. We identify growth opportunities through detailed channel mapping and market intelligence. Our research informs strategic decision-making for product positioning and market entry.
Sales strategy development
We develop tailored sales strategies for food and drink producers, focusing on market entry, account management, and growth planning. Our approach combines sector expertise with practical implementation to maximise sales potential. Strategies are based on rigorous market analysis and competitor benchmarking.
Outsourced sales management
Our outsourced sales management service acts as an extension of your team, handling key account management and new business development. We leverage our industry contacts and market knowledge to build relationships with retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice operators. This service includes CRM implementation and performance tracking.
Route-to-market planning
We develop effective route-to-market strategies for food and drink producers, identifying optimal distribution channels and partners. Our planning considers market dynamics, competitor activity, and logistical efficiency. We help establish and optimise distribution networks to maximise market coverage and profitability.
Competitor analysis
Our competitor analysis service provides detailed insights into market positioning, product offerings, and sales strategies of competing brands. We identify market trends, competitive threats, and opportunities for differentiation. This intelligence informs strategic decision-making and helps maintain competitive advantage in the food and drink sector.
People
Simeon Van Der Molen
CEO and Founder
With over 20 years in food trade consulting, Simeon leads Cognosco Marketing's strategic direction. He specialises in market entry strategies and has helped numerous food brands expand their market presence through innovative channel development.
Andrew Coulson
Director and Co-founder
Co-founder with 25+ years in FMCG sales, Andrew brings expertise in sales strategy and market development. He has worked with major brands like P&G and Glebe Farm Foods, specialising in creating new market categories and driving business growth.
Daniel Shaw
Director and Co-founder
Co-founder and Chartered Institute for Marketing fellow, Daniel focuses on strategic implementation and client consultancy. With experience at KP and McVities, he manages Cognosco Marketing's operations and client relationships while delivering retail sales strategies.
Barrie Welch
National Account Manager
With 25 years in FMCG sales, Barrie manages national accounts across the North, Scotland, and Ireland. His expertise in relationship management and wholesaler networks helps clients achieve strong market penetration and account growth.
Marcel James
National Account Manager
Specialising in foodservice sales, Marcel leverages his industry experience to develop relationships with key wholesalers and restaurant groups. He manages accounts south and west of Birmingham, focusing on expanding market reach for client products.
Questions
What specialist areas does Cognosco Marketing Marketing cover?
We specialise in food and drink trade marketing, covering retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels including supermarkets, pubs, hotels, education, and specialist retail.
How does Cognosco Marketing help businesses grow?
We provide market research, sales strategy development, and outsourced sales management to help food and drink producers maximise their market opportunities.
What experience does the team have?
Our consultants have over 25 years' experience in FMCG sales and marketing, working with major brands like P&G, Nestlé, and Diageo.
Can you help with market entry strategies?
Yes, we specialise in helping food and drink producers enter new markets through tailored route-to-market planning and distribution network optimisation.
What sales channels do you support?
We support retail (supermarkets, specialist shops), wholesale (distributors, buying groups), and foodservice (pubs, hotels, contract caterers) channels.
Videos
