"Together Talks" feature # 63: Panache presented by KLS, freight company
Some Background on Panache
Today's edition of "Together Talks" campaign, KLS had the luxury to interview Panache and Founder, Ameeta Jaiswal-Dale. The company produces certified botanical infusions - Ginger & Turmeric juice, Aronia Berries and Sour Cherries - in 100% apple juice. They also make Hard Cidre using the French Double Fermation champenois method. Panache celebrates the diversity of the apple with every product. The infusions are uniquely crafted to naturally improve the body’s functions and are tested by generations of family recipes. The hard cider, European style, based on cider apples, is as close to the one you can obtain on site at European Cideries.
A good life is a life lived with purpose. Panache celebrates the diversity of the apple with every product. From our juice infusions to our cidre every bottle is crafted with the best that nature has to offer. Their mission, "To cultivate good living through products that are rooted in tradition".
3 Strengths
The company was incorporated in 2015 with the first product run between 2017 and 2018. Panache is found in the Metro area of Twin Cities, along with Amazon, and through wholesalers, Suppliesonthefly and Faire. Being a Female Founded and Female Led company that also is recognized as WBENC company, Panache realizes the challenge of going against the big players. As Ameeta shared with us, "We don't have the funding and marketing to reach their level currently, so we compete with our genuineness and our three strengths."
1: 100% Real
Panache excels against competition by using only 100% real juice. ZERO concentrate is ever used in any of their products.
2: Ayurveda
You may be like us and have no clue what this means, allow us to define it first...
In lamest terms, "The Food Science behind Yoga".
The traditions of Southern Asia, the juices are uniquely crafted to improve the body's functions naturally. With just the natural sugars of the nutrition rich base fruit, the apple juice, Panache creates infusions that help the body from gut to brain. Just half a bottle is good enough help for the daily challenges of life.
3: Natural Sugar
No added sugars are used. But Ameeta was adamant that natural sugars are wholesome and have benefits when used properly and appropriately. One of her goals of Panache is consumer responsibility. Knowing they are consuming wholesome sugar, they can consume the appropriate amount based on their dietary needs and restrictions. Versatile, it can had on the rocks, as a quick pick me up, a snack, with meals or as base for mocktails and cocktails.
"Prosecco of Apples"
Whilst the infusions are ayurveda based, the hard cider has its own interesting history. Ameeta explained to us that the second product they offer, the hard cider, was their initial foray into the business. Panache began by importing it from Normandy, however due to laws in Minnesota, their imports were only making $0.10/bottle. Immediately they realized this was not feasible and pivoted to sourcing apples locally, creating the product on their own. Mixing in their knowledge of the raw material and the Normandy/Brittany cider making, they instantly found a smashing success with the hard cider.
To start, the process is incredibly unique for creating dry, bubbly and golden hard cidre with 4.5% alcohol. Most US cideries use the brewing process for a quick turn around of less than a month. Panache ferments it. And not just once, but TWICE. Using all natural sugar just like their juice, the double fermentation removes the sugar, giving it the "petillant". This process, French style which date back to the 11th century, requires a cage and wire for bottling. and it POPS. True natural pop, not manufactured, the way it is supposed to be, like champagne, earning the tagline, "Prosecco of Apples"!
Partner with KLS
KLS offers LTL and FTL for both dry and reefer transportation.
Our nationwide coverage provides companies a reliable, consistent, and dependable logistics partner to handle your trucking needs.
For more information on how we can help call our office today 708-980-0920 or reach us via our email quote request here!
Genuineness
Panache is committed to sustainability. Not just in business processes, but the company structure as well. The founder connects that to the culture of the company, remaining grounded and sustainable. She mentioned that this culture is reflected in procurement, resources, not building a huge bottling factory initially, why, when one can partner with copackers and warehouses? Small and strategic moves that allow controllable growth versus immediate scaling.
Another area important to Ameeta and Panache is their contributions to multiple charities including: Ronald McDonald House, Jeremiah Project, local Marathons, and donating the excess inventory to Second Harvest.
Sourcing locally in Minnesota, Panache believes in propagating good living with what is available and present in mother nature. Because even the simplest ingredients can be a vehicle for good living while practicing sustainability in manufacturing, environment and resource management. The ability to create and manufacturer these products are Ameeta's favorite aspect of the company.
Challenges
The company had the initial challenge of importing the cidre and transitioning to locally sourced and manufactured. Ameeta explained that the company almost went under during Covid. "Without having the capital to properly market during that time, we weren't able to take advantage with growing our sales unfortunately." However, they came out of it stronger and continued to push forward.
Ameeta acknowledged that she tries her best to deal with the challenges of corporate food in a manner that is professional and not resentful. Growing up in India, living in Europe, Ameeta has been exposed much less prepared, CPG - consumer packaged goods - food and to a deep connection between urban and rural areas. But it is something she sees disappearing here in the US. She shared with us that she typically works with 5-8 orchards for her supply, but lost 3 in just the last year. "There is a transition phase, a generational shift, and the younger generation do not want to take over their families' orchards, they end up selling them to large conglomerates or to real estate developers. This is not good for local suppliers as relationships are hard to build." Her company is attempting to close that bridge while also providing authentic and genuine products instead of easy and convenient. The ultimate goal is to make more healthy, cost effective, convenient alternatives visible and available to the consumer.
Naivety, Missed Opportunity, Legacy
The company was formed as part of Ameeta's career as a Professor of Finance. One of her MBA students advisee, from Normandy, France,wished to experience first hand exposure to American businesses. Together, they came up with the idea of Panache- apple based beverages. She realized she enjoyed practicing what she preached. She had experience from her time in India and France with apples and thus the company was created. She shared with us: "It was created out of naivety. I didn't know what I was doing, but apples were a low hanging fruit (pun not-intended), and I believed in my experience with apples acquired as a student, working in Brittany orchards." After starting the company, when the student advisee moved on, and with Covid almost decimating the business, there were tough times, but she never had the heart to kill the company. She continued to nourish it. Almost poetic considering the process of growing apples and turning them into juice and cidre.
She also told us that there is one moment she wishes could have went differently. Prior to Covid, Ameeta introduced Turmeric infusions as an ingredient with incredible benefits. At the time the FDA and co-packer were still learning of the power house ingredient, but Ameeta knew it would catch on become mainstream just like ginger. Because of lack of marketing funds she wasn't able to market and capitalize on this opportunity. Looking back now and how mainstream it is, she says she wishes she had those funds and that opportunity.
Ameeta has plans to continue to expand on procurement and her supply chain for the remainder of the year. By solidifying the foundation she believes that will lead to velocity in sales starting as early as next year. She believes in the product and told us her favorite moments are at marathons. Ameeta sets up a table with her product near the finish line. Runners will come up and "chug" the juice and as she describes, "I get to watch their expression change, their eyes widen, and standing next to my creation I can ask them what they think and how they like it and the response is, GREAT!" This is all the validation that she needs and what keeps her going. She plans to one day build this to a level that she can no longer take it further. At this time she will bring in a partner to go the next level. But until that time comes she is going to continue to do what she does and enjoy the process because her one piece of advice was, persistence.
Interested in being featured with "Together Talks"?
KLS is booking our upcoming schedule now!
Contact us as we would love to learn your story and share it amongst our audience.
Weekly we provide 2 companies our platform to expand their reach courtesy of our campaign. Let's collaborate!!!
In Closing
KLS wants to thank Ameeta Jaiswal-Dale, Founder of Panache for today's "Together Talks" feature. Follow along for the Panache journey with their social handles below!
Klimson Logistics Solutions - Together Talks with Panache feature # 63
*Klimson Logistics Solutions is an Industry Leading Customer Service 3PL. Our focus and commitment to our clients has us striving to be the BEST customer service 3PL for LTL, FTL, Reefer, and Drayage in the country. KLS, freight company, is a 3PL providing nationwide logistics solutions. KLS shipping services include: LTL freight, FTL freight, Reefer LTL freight, Reefer FTL freight, and Drayage. Klimson Logistics Solutions thanks you for viewing our marketing campaign, "Together Talks". If you have any interest in being featured or questions regarding your freight operations please contact us today!
Why KLS?
Our precise and reliable effort.
We handle every shipment with the exact same process. It does not matter if you move one shipment a year or ten per day, you will receive the same level of customer service from us. When we started this company, we had one goal in mind, treat every shipment like it was our own. With our vast knowledge of the industry, we understood what a customer would want from a communication standpoint. We applied that process to be the standard here at KLS. Our reliability and being able to depend on our consistency is why we have such long-standing relationships with our clients.
Our Process?
Every shipment in our industry starts with a quote. We are firm believers that time is money, thus we strive to have quotes back in a 5-10 minute reply time for LTL and FTL, any FCL quotes are at the mercy of the carriers getting back to us. For LTL we have the flexibility to quote both off of NMFC and also Density depending on the carrier. Utilizing our services, you’re allowing us to use our expertise to class your freight accordingly to ensure we are providing the best rate we possibly can.
Once a quote has been submitted and a client chooses to proceed with KLS handling the arrangement of the shipment our full process begins. We create the BOL that will be used for the shipment. If it is a new location for our system, we will obtain all the important/special details (reference numbers, contact details, shipping hours, closed for lunch, dock/doors, etc.). We meticulously build every detail into our software for all future shipments involving that location. After we have both locations built and necessary reference numbers have been applied we will tender the shipment to the carrier. We use this method because it provides us a real time pickup number from the carrier to obtain updates prior to pickup. Our staff will either email the BOL directly to you or to the shipper (at your request) the minute after the tender has been accepted by the carrier. LTL carriers require a 2 hour window prior to close time in order to schedule it for a same-day pickup attempt.
The following morning you’ll receive an email from us. It will either provide the reason the pickup was missed (driver’s trailer filled up, driver missed the close time, truck broke down, shipper said no freight, etc.) or if the pickup was successful you will receive the PRO (tracking) number from us, along with the eta for delivery. Our staff will track it throughout the duration of transit and advise if anything happens that will alter the estimated delivery date. The day the shipment delivers we will email you with confirmation and the POD (Proof of Delivery), should you require it.
Your shipment has been quoted, scheduled, picked up, and delivered. The next step is waiting for the carrier to invoice us and make sure the rate matches up. If it does, we close out the invoice from the carrier in our system and automatically your invoice is created and sent to the requested party at your company. In the event the carrier has an additional charge on their invoice “Variance”, we will never send you an invoice with an additional charge without first identifying you of the charge.
Let us repeat, NEVER WILL WE JUST BILL OUT AN EXTRA CHARGE WITHOUT YOU BEING NOTIFIED.
You are our customer, we represent you. Should the carrier provide an extra charge on an invoice, “Lift gate, additional weight, reclass, detention, etc.) We notify you of the charge via email first. Second, within that email we identify what is required should you choose to dispute the charge. Again our goal is to honor your request, if you want to dispute, we will dispute. During a dispute we will provide you updates every step along the way. Once a dispute is closed out, whether it is approved or rejected, then we will invoice you as the invoice has been resolved.
For reference, our company only had 6.2% of all shipments go to dispute in 2022 and we successfully won 91% of those disputes on behalf of our customers.
This is our process for every single shipment you move with us. We don’t cut corners, we don’t hide from difficult situations. We believe in being available, honest, and transparent. We don’t ever want to tell you that a shipment is lost, damaged, misrouted, but it is our duty to notify you the second we find out something has gone wrong. We hate to present bad news, but it is part of the job. What you can guarantee is that we will work a shipment all the way through and turn over every stone until we get a resolution for our clients.
Services offered?
Our core business is LTL and FTL. Within these options we have options for both dry and refrigerated/frozen. We also offer FCL/Drayage options. Our company as a 3PL has nationwide options and services clients across the US.
Let’s breakdown our services more in-depth
LTL:
Standard and Guaranteed
CFS (Imports & Exports)
Tradeshows
Hazmat
Anything that is on a pallet can be moved LTL. Typically LTL is up to 10 pallets, but the sweet spot for a carrier is 6-8 pallets at most for an individual shipment. LTL quotes are good between 5-30 days depending on the carrier. LTL can be quoted either via NMFC or density to determine the class (we do this for you).
Volume:
Anything over 10-12’ of space in the truck is the technical rule for a volume shipment. When we run a quote for you we will determine if it qualifies for volume and provide you a rate if available. Volume moves allow you to get a reduced rate for larger shipments. The caveat to volume shipments it the quotes are only valid for 3-7 days and they move on capacity between terminals. If a terminal is backed up they will move their LTL freight first before the volume freight, which can lead to longer transit times for volume moves.
FTL/Dedicated/Expedited: 53’ Dry and Reefer 26’ Box trucks with lift gate Sprinter Van The main difference for FTL vs LTL is space and transit time. For standard pallets you can fit either 26 or 30 pallets in a 53’ dry van. The other main difference is transit time, for FTL each day counts in the transit time, whereas LTL does not count the day of pickup, weekends, or holidays in their transit time.
Reefer/Frozen:
LTL and FTL
We specialize working in the CPG space with food manufacturers. We regularly deliver to
the following locations:
Kehe
UNFI
Core Mark
DPI
Wegmans
Cugini
H.T. Hackney
Netrition
HEB
ALDI
Chambers and Owens
EBY Brown
Nassau Candy
Harris Teeter
Wakefern
NU INC
Long Distribution
What makes KLS different?
There are thousands for freight brokers and 3PL in our industry. Barrier to entry is rather easy and agents or owners will often hire sales people without any intention of properly training them. It results in high turnover for many freight companies and a forgettable experience for the client. We choose to operate differently through our consistency. We truly care about doing right by our clients and prospects too. While we would love to help provide our services to every company we speak with, that just isn’t realistic. We won’t always be the right fit for every company that moves freight and that is ok. Our authenticity as a shipping company sets us apart from the competition and that is backed up by our testimonials. We also run a marketing campaign bi-weekly called “Together Talks”. We interview, highlight, and promote two businesses every week. Our goal is to grow our network, make new connections, and learn something new with each collaboration. Check it out on our website and if you’re interested in being featured reach out.
Our company also runs a year long charity promotion. Book your first shipment through KLS and we donate to the charity of your choice in your name. Our way of thanking you for giving us an opportunity to show you the KLS way and what makes us one of a kind. This entire package is what we offer to every prospect and every client. Our goal is to help provide answers that customers may have when it comes to shipping. We want to always be available as a resource and will always offer a lending hand whenever we can.
Komentar