Newsletter 2: October 2014
Challenges, setbacks & progress
Overall, we are really pleased with progress but, as you would expect with a difficult project like this, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing...
Volunteer distributors:
We have more than 25 volunteer distributors which is excellent but not enough to fill a crate load yet. This means we have to fill half of the first crate with the new wholesale product. This is not a problem except it will take time to design and produce the new packaging and the shipment will be delayed by up to 6 months. But, early or late, it will be a great achievement for Vissot and worth the wait!
Annatto:
Overall, we are really pleased with progress but, as you would expect with a difficult project like this, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing...
Volunteer distributors:
We have more than 25 volunteer distributors which is excellent but not enough to fill a crate load yet. This means we have to fill half of the first crate with the new wholesale product. This is not a problem except it will take time to design and produce the new packaging and the shipment will be delayed by up to 6 months. But, early or late, it will be a great achievement for Vissot and worth the wait!
Annatto:
Vissot uses natural traditional ingredients to produce a nice colour in the curry paste. Instead of using processed or artificial colours, pigments and healthy nutrients are washed from the annatto seeds and added to the Vissot curry paste. Using this method, it is not easy to monitor the exact levels of annatto in the product to ensure that it is within the levels set by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Sanitarium is helping Vissot ensure their product meets the required specifications.
Display boxes:
Alicia Cook has kindly offered to help with design work, including the artwork on the display boxes. But first, Vissot had to get boxes designed and find a suitable printing company. Initially, we wanted Vissot to print the boxes in Cambodia to support the local businesses. Unfortunately, their quotes were too high and would have dramatically blown out our costings. This has resulted in major delays looking for alternative packaging options in other countries. We decided it is best not to rush but it is more important to make sure the packaging is high quality and cost-effective.
Here are the mock-ups of the display boxes and now we are just waiting for the graphic artwork to be completed ready for printing:
Display boxes:
Alicia Cook has kindly offered to help with design work, including the artwork on the display boxes. But first, Vissot had to get boxes designed and find a suitable printing company. Initially, we wanted Vissot to print the boxes in Cambodia to support the local businesses. Unfortunately, their quotes were too high and would have dramatically blown out our costings. This has resulted in major delays looking for alternative packaging options in other countries. We decided it is best not to rush but it is more important to make sure the packaging is high quality and cost-effective.
Here are the mock-ups of the display boxes and now we are just waiting for the graphic artwork to be completed ready for printing:
Sanitarium/ADRA project:
The joint Sanitarium/ADRA project in Cambodia is no longer involving Vissot which means the industry may not get as much technical support as a result. This is a major set-back. Sanitarium and ADRA have done their best to find ways to support Vissot but are often prevented because of policies and government regulations.
It is all coming together...
Despite the setbacks and delays, progress is being made and we at Jomnin are absolutely determined to let nothing stop Vissot from getting our order to us soon. Even though we have not reached our target of volunteer distributors and investments, Jomnin members have offered to make-up for any short-fall to ensure the shipment can be financed. In the mean time, we have been ordering small quantities of curry by post and have sold over $15000 worth! The feedback has been excellent overall.
Remember, the goal of Venture 1 is to import and distribute a crate load of Vissot curry. With this larger shipment, the product will be subject to stringent regulation. We have to be sure that the product meets the Australian standards in packaging and food safety. Our goal is to help Vissot to overcome the challenges so they can successfully export their first crate of product overseas.
Leaflet:
Alicia Cook also volunteered her time to design this great leaflet that will be part of the distributor pack for volunteers to share with customers:
The joint Sanitarium/ADRA project in Cambodia is no longer involving Vissot which means the industry may not get as much technical support as a result. This is a major set-back. Sanitarium and ADRA have done their best to find ways to support Vissot but are often prevented because of policies and government regulations.
It is all coming together...
Despite the setbacks and delays, progress is being made and we at Jomnin are absolutely determined to let nothing stop Vissot from getting our order to us soon. Even though we have not reached our target of volunteer distributors and investments, Jomnin members have offered to make-up for any short-fall to ensure the shipment can be financed. In the mean time, we have been ordering small quantities of curry by post and have sold over $15000 worth! The feedback has been excellent overall.
Remember, the goal of Venture 1 is to import and distribute a crate load of Vissot curry. With this larger shipment, the product will be subject to stringent regulation. We have to be sure that the product meets the Australian standards in packaging and food safety. Our goal is to help Vissot to overcome the challenges so they can successfully export their first crate of product overseas.
Leaflet:
Alicia Cook also volunteered her time to design this great leaflet that will be part of the distributor pack for volunteers to share with customers:
You can support by:
Investing in Venture 1: Investment
Ordering a distribution pack (Australian residents only): Distribution pack
Visiting our website to see how else you can help: www.jomnin.org
The Jomnin team:
Investing in Venture 1: Investment
Ordering a distribution pack (Australian residents only): Distribution pack
Visiting our website to see how else you can help: www.jomnin.org
The Jomnin team: