Research to Enter a New Horticultural Market
CHALLENGE:
Northern Hemp Specialists is a successful agricultural company who is committed to revolutionizing the horticultural industries with clinically-proven living soil technologies. Having developed Mor-ganics a successful technology that is effective in yield boosting and anti-pathogenic for horticulture industry, they have been selling in Canada. With the United States market growing exponentially the company is in need of research and direction in how to enter that market. Northern Hemp Specialists requires assistance in understanding the opportunities in Canada and the U.S. and in exploring multiple markets to uncover opportunities; industries to observe include cannabis, herbs and commercial crops sector.
SOLUTION:
In order to help Northern Hemp Specialists Ltd., to penetrate the cannabis, vegetable & fruit farming, and plant & flower growing markets effectively, the Business & Commercialization Solutions (BCS) research team performed a detailed environmental scan covering market statistics, latest trends, risks factors and opportunities to consider. Also, a competitive analysis was conducted to understand how the company’s offer can adapt to the competitive landscape by emphasising their strengths and work on their weaknesses. Lastly, the BCS team created a distribution strategy that will help Northern Hemp Specialists break into new markets while overcoming challenges and barriers that represent a business threat. The company was provided with resources to make ideal connections with partners that will help them grow by sharing infrastructure, labour and expertise.
Funding: This project was made possible by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, through the Niagara College-led Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN).