As an independent rep firm, we offer a distinct edge that sets us apart: personalized, hands-on advocacy tailored to your brand’s unique needs. 
We don’t just represent you—we champion you, leveraging our extensive industry connections, insider insights, and strategic know-how to position your products for maximum visibility and sales. From negotiating shelf space to optimizing supply chains and driving operational efficiencies, we handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on what you do best: creating exceptional food. 
With Ciao Chow, you gain a dedicated team that’s invested in your success, delivering the agility of a boutique firm with the firepower of a retail powerhouse—ensuring your brand stands out and scales fast in Target’s competitive grocery landscape.

Our Services

  • Sometimes it's best to go back to basics. We focus on sales channel development and new business to increase market share.

    Sales Strategy

    • Long Term Target Relationships

    • SKU Assortment Strategy

    • Key Merchant Strategy

    • Identify New Opportunities

    • Cost/Retail Pricing Guidance

    • Promotion Planning (Digital and Print)

  • Consumer buying trends are changing. We are focused on omnichannel growth so there is a balance between B&M and eCommerce.

    • PO Management (EDI)

    • Item Setup + Maintenance

    • In-stock/Inventory Analysis

    • Forecasting and inventory planning (Near Term and Long Term)

    • Weekly Reporting with Analysis

    • Audit/Dispute/Chargeback Management

    • AP/Invoice Reconciliation

  • We can guide you and your prepare to take your product from the local supermarket to the big stage of retail.

  • With over 50 years of retail experience as buyers, vendors, founders and entrepreneurs we’ve been there and done that. We are ready to share our experience and cheer along with you and your successes.

    • Chargeback / Dispute

    • Invoice and Payments

    • Audit and Disputes Support

What You can Expect from Ciao Chow

  • ✺ Listen & Learn

    We want to learn everything about you and your brand and aim to become experts in your process and share in your passion.

  • ✺ Support

    We are entrepreneurs too. We know what sleepless nights and closed doors are. We’ve been there and we are here to help you achieve your dream, regardless of how high that mountain seems.

  • ✺ Partnership

    We will partner with you and guide you every step of the way through the process. As reps, we’re successful when you are successful

  • ✺ Eyes and Ears

    We’re your eyes and ears. We follow the trends and report back. As a business leader, you lead the troops and we manage the customers and drive the sell-through.

Lets Get Cooking

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Ciao Chow specializes in connecting food brands with major retailers like Target, leveraging our deep industry relationships and Minneapolis-based expertise. Our proven track record and tailored strategies ensure your brand stands out in competitive retail environments, maximizing visibility and sales.

  • We guide you through every step, from product positioning to buyer negotiations. With established connections at retailers like Target, we craft compelling pitches that align with their buying trends, such as the current demand for mushroom-based products, ensuring your brand gets noticed.

  • Our food-focused expertise, local Minneapolis presence, and hands-on approach set us apart. Unlike general agencies, we understand the nuances of food retail, offering personalized strategies and direct access to key decision-makers, giving your brand a competitive edge.

  • Absolutely. We provide detailed guidance on packaging, labeling, and compliance requirements to meet retailer standards, such as Target’s supplier guidelines. Our team ensures your product is retail-ready, minimizing delays and boosting approval chances.

  • We can expect brands to see results almost immediately. And depending on where a brand is in their product cycle, life-cycle and whether or not the brand is already in retail, will determine the types of results a brand can expect.

    Our process:

    We start with a brand assessment, develop a customized retail strategy, and initiate buyer outreach. While timelines vary, our efficient process often secures initial retailer meetings within 20-30 days, with placements potentially following within 3-5 months, depending on the retailer’s cycle.

  • We actively monitor market trends, like the rising popularity of mushroom products, through industry insights, retailer feedback, and our network of buyers. This ensures we position your brand to capitalize on current and emerging opportunities in the food retail space.