The Innovation Business Network
The Innovation Business Group was created to help start-up and emerging consumer brands understand the diversity of retail, food service, hospitality, medical and institutional channels that are out there to do business with.
* IBG is helping start-up and emerging brands with their sales and marketing efforts in relation to medical, wellness and nutrition formats.
The Innovation Business Group (IBG) is an extension of the Contract Manufacturing Alliance (www.ContractMFG.org) which helps consumer brands (of all-sizes) with their contract manufacturing search and relationship needs. Our roster of contract manufacturers, co-packers and packagers is over 43,000.
Our family has been involved within the consumer product industry (US based manufacturing, retailing, distribution) since the early 1920's. From the first generation to the latest, our best practices have been handed down over time leading to a long legacy of successes in the business (manufacturing, retailing, distribution and more).
The Farm and Feed Network and the Pet Retail Group
Pioneers in Retail
The founders of the PetRetailGroup.net, FarmandFeed.net, along with the Sports Retail Group, have been pioneers in developing and supplying innovative retail formats that serve a wide range of industries, including farm and feed stores, hotel pantries, camp stores, marina shops, and more. Their expertise in curating unique retail experiences has helped shape new concepts and introduce specialized products that cater to the evolving needs of consumers. Looking ahead, they are launching transformative programs to empower farms and ranches, including:
- FarmStores.org, which will help farms establish their own retail stores (farm stands, produce stands, fruit stands and CSA models).
- RanchStores.org, designed to assist ranches in creating their own meat e-commerce platforms and butcher shop concepts.
- Agrihoods Network Association (Agrihoods.net), which will support the growth of sustainable, farm-centric communities. Through these initiatives, they continue to drive innovation in the agricultural and outdoor retail sectors, bridging the gap between producers and consumers in new and meaningful ways.
From our central location in Lexington, Kentucky — the Horse Capital of the World — we proudly launch our Specialty Retail series of retail and e-commerce solutions. Our programs begin with the Farm and Feed Group and the Pet Retail Group, two dynamic platforms designed to help new and emerging brands gain traction in highly specialized retail environments.
Both platforms offer access to brick-and-mortar chain introductions and new e-commerce add-on programs, creating faster and more efficient opportunities for brands to reach farm supply, feed, and pet retail customers. These dual-channel strategies not only build immediate visibility but also create pathways for future in-store placements and broader retail expansion.
Sports Retail Group
Delivers sales and marketing solutions for brands targeting active lifestyle channels. From fitness and training centers to sporting goods retailers and martial arts studios, we build retail presence where consumers are most passionate about performance, wellness, and sports.
Key capabilities:
- Access to fitness centers, training gyms, and health clubs nationwide for product placement and promotional campaigns.
- Penetration into martial arts studios, cross-training facilities, and yoga studios with targeted brand activation.
- Relationships with sporting goods chains and independent retailers specializing in team sports, outdoor sports, and athletics gear.
- Customized event marketing programs at sports tournaments, races, and community fitness events.
- Integrated marketing solutions, including sampling programs, branded fitness challenges, and on-site activations to engage high-value consumers.
Camp and RV
Connects brands with outdoor enthusiasts through strategic sales and marketing in campgrounds, RV parks, marinas, outdoor retailers, and wineries. We specialize in building distribution for brands that appeal to the adventure, travel, and leisure lifestyles.
Key capabilities:
- Placement opportunities in campgrounds, RV parks, and outdoor adventure centers across the U.S.
- Access to marinas, wineries, and eco-tourism resorts for brand expansion in recreational lifestyle spaces.
- Specialized outreach programs for RV dealerships and outdoor supply stores targeting travelers and campers.
- Partnerships with campground associations and RV lifestyle organizations for product integration & promotions.
- Event marketing at RV shows, outdoor expos, and wine trail festivals to drive product trial and engagement.
- Our own online platforms include Camp Canteens (CampCanteens.com), Camp Marts (CampMarts.com), Marina Marts (MarinaMarts.com), Lobby Shops (LobbyShops.com) and Hotel Pantry (HotelPantry.com).
Military Retail Group
Offers a direct path to engage the military community through sales and marketing at commissaries, exchanges, shoppettes, veteran canteens, and related military-focused outlets. Our team specializes in navigating the unique requirements of these secured, loyal markets. We work closely with military buying agencies and retail leadership to ensure brands meet all compliance and operational standards. With a deep understanding of the culture and traditions within the military community, we help brands build lasting relationships and loyalty with active-duty service members, veterans, and their families.
Key capabilities:
- Strategic brand placement in commissaries, base exchanges (BX/PX/NEX), and shoppettes across all military branches.
- Access to veterans’ canteens, medical centers, and military family support facilities.
- Assistance with the specialized approval process required for military channel entry, including AAFES, NEXCOM, MCX, and DeCA systems.
- Targeted promotional programs including patriotic events, military appreciation campaigns, and holiday gifting programs.
- Direct connections with veteran groups and military support organizations to build loyalty with active duty, veterans, and military families.
- Introductions to the exclusive Military retail format distribution partners.
Contact
Dennis Durban – Conzumables – 909-336-6473 – Dennis@Conzumables.com
Farm and Pet (Farmand.Pet)
Farm and Pet is our new B2B e-commerce platform designed to help start-up and emerging brands gain-entry into farm supply and related retail formats. Through integration as an add-on to existing farm supply e-commerce stores, we provide brands with immediate online visibility and access to targeted buyers. Additionally, Farm and Pet offers potential pathways for select brands to expand into brick-and-mortar farm and pet supply locations.
Horse ‘n Play (HorsenPlay.com)
Horse 'n Play is our new direct-to-consumer equine store, proudly based in the Horse Capital of the World — the Lexington, Kentucky area. Through our Kentucky-based e-commerce platform, we showcase new and innovative equine products to consumers nationwide, offering a trusted destination for horse owners, riders, and enthusiasts across the country. Our goal is to connect emerging equine brands with passionate customers who appreciate quality, performance, and tradition.