We help food & beverage brands understand why people buy

The only buyer psychology consultancy in food & beverage.
We research consumer behavior & motivations to create marketing strategies that generate more sales.

Audit

We document your current strategy, identify weak points or obvious gaps, and create an action plan.

Audit

We document your current strategy, identify weak points or obvious gaps, and create an action plan.

Audit

We document your current strategy, identify weak points or obvious gaps, and create an action plan.

Research

We run custom research to find out what consumers think, feel, and do—and why they buy.

Research

We run custom research to find out what consumers think, feel, and do—and why they buy.

Research

We run custom research to find out what consumers think, feel, and do—and why they buy.

Strategy

We build a strategy by segment, so you know exactly how to reach each customer.

Strategy

We build a strategy by segment, so you know exactly how to reach each customer.

Strategy

We build a strategy by segment, so you know exactly how to reach each customer.

Testing

We launch a pilot to prove the research and strategy works before you scale it everywhere.

Testing

We launch a pilot to prove the research and strategy works before you scale it everywhere.

Testing

We launch a pilot to prove the research and strategy works before you scale it everywhere.

Who We Help

Who We Help

Who We Help

Who We Work With in Food & Beverage

We help marketing, brand, and growth leaders in CPG, manufacturing, foodservice, private equity, and throughout the food & beverage value chain.

Brands call us when something big is changing — or needs to.

New Customers

You’re reaching for a new segment, and want to know what actually motivates them to try, buy, and stay.

New Products

You’re launching something new and need the right insight, strategy, and message to make it stick.

New Geographies

You’re entering a new market and need to understand the behavior, culture, and demand on the ground.

New Strategies

You’re updating your playbook—or throwing it out—and need a clear, tested path forward.

Our Work

Our Work

Our Work

Who We Are

Who We Are

Who We Are

Services

We simplify research into a clear plan you can actually use.

Buyer Psychology

People buy when you know their why. We help you ID and understand your ideal customers.

How We Work

No junior staff. No filler. Just well organized, regular communication from senior experts.

Collaboration

Flexible, tailored services from partners who care about your success.

Our Approach

Food and beverage only. Hyper-specialized.

Our Philosophy

Smart, friendly & boutique on purpose.

We kept seeing food marketing fall short, and decided to fix it.

After years of building campaigns, launching products, and leading brand strategy, we noticed the same thing over and over—teams were skipping the hard parts. The research was shallow. The strategy was scattered. And the pressure to deliver results kept rising. So we focused on what actually makes marketing work: research, strategy, and real validation.

We’ve sat in your seat—as CMOs, brand leaders, and insights pros—and we’ve partnered with some of the best food and beverage companies in the world. That’s why everything we do is designed to be practical, proven, and pressure-tested in the real world. There's no shortcut for knowing your customers. You have do the heavy lifting, or let us.

Our Team

Our Team

Our Team

Hands-on, senior-level leadership

Food and beverage research and marketing strategy partners in CPG, manufacturing, food service, and private equity.

Team

Sidnee Schaefer

Partner

Team

Sidnee Schaefer

Partner

Team

Sidnee Schaefer

Partner

Team

Seth Waite

Partner

Team

Seth Waite

Partner

Team

Seth Waite

Partner

John Schnettgoecke

John Schnettgoecke

Lead

John Schnettgoecke

John Schnettgoecke

Lead

What Clients Think

What Clients Think

What Clients Think

”What impressed us most about Schaefer was their meticulous attention to detail.”

Schaefer delivered all requested metrics and identified additional key insights, greatly exceeding our expectations. Their findings included detailed demographic data, market demand, consumer preferences, and barriers to entry, all critical for refining our U.S. market strategy. These outcomes have directly shaped our product positioning and marketing approaches, ensuring a strong launch. We are thoroughly satisfied with their performance and will collaborate with them again in the future. - Caleb (Executive)

"With Schaefer, we are assured ONLY senior-level care, insight, and idea leadership."

I can count on one hand how many times I have been compelled to complete a reference on behalf of one our partners. This is not a function of poor, average or even great performance. It is a discernment that only truly exceptional performance should be recognized at this level. Today I am making the exception to recognize the efforts of Schaefer. With Schaefer, we are assured ONLY senior level care, insight, and idea leadership. While they have been a partner across several projects the execution of our Market Study was nothing short of awesome. They surpassed EVERY expectation we set delivering insights into our products, our categories, our existing customers, and even new channels that are now driving our business growth. Most importantly they are genuinely invested and passionate about the success of my Stampede Family. There is nothing more important to me than ensuring the 2300 families that support Stampede Culinary Partners continue to learn, growth and thrive in what has become an increasingly challenging business environment. Schaefer through design and execution of the Market Study helped us craft a powerful path to ensure the continuity of our team through accelerated profitable growth. From the entire Stampede Culinary Partners team...THANK YOU! - Brock Furlong (CEO)

Straus Family Creamery Logo

"A game changer for our digital marketing strategy. "

Schaefer has been a game changer for Straus Family Creamery’s digital marketing strategy. The Schaefer team brings innovative ideas and technical expertise to match Straus’ goal of increasing brand awareness. Bonus – Schaefer is a fun, approachable, organized, and responsive team. - Meryl Marr (VP of Marketing)

Contact

We help you move from gut feel to grounded.

Not sure where to begin? That’s okay. Reach out—we’ll meet you where you are.

Contact

We help you move from gut feel to grounded.

Not sure where to begin? That’s okay. Reach out—we’ll meet you where you are.

Contact

We help you move from gut feel to grounded.

Not sure where to begin? That’s okay. Reach out—we’ll meet you where you are.