The CPG Guys

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Sammi Zola and Pete Fox from Haleon plus Andrew Butz from Kroger Precision Marketing.This episode was recorded at 84.51 in Cincinnati, Ohio.Follow Sammi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthakliff/Follow Pete on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-fox-91b57/Follow Andrew on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbutz/Follow Haleon online at: http://haleon.comFollow KPM on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/krogerprecisionmarketingFollow KPM online at: http://www.krogerprecisionmarketing.comThey answer these questions:Tell us who you are, what your role is, and what ‘turning insights into action' means in practical terms from where you sit.From a category strategy standpoint, what's driving that? And Sammi, how is changing media consumption behavior adding fuel to that fire?How has the job of category insights actually changed in the last year at Haleon? As your team builds out activation plans, what separates purchase data that is genuinely actionable from data that is merely informative? How is AI specifically changing your ability to deliver faster, more relevant insights to your brand partners — and what does that look like in practice?What are the most surprising shopper insights your team has surfaced in the past year? Can you share a real moment where faster insights directly changed a media decision mid-flight? Beyond data delivery, how are retail media networks like KPM evolving their role to help brand partners optimize in real time?How are you modernizing your approach to how you leverage retail data in your planning and activation process? What does the gap look like between where most CPG brands are today in terms of insight-to-action speed, and where the leaders are? What separates the two?How are you building the connective tissue between Pete's world and Sammi's world at Haleon — and what does that collaboration unlock?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Grocery InflationQuarterly EarningsStarbucks LayoffsTarget Board BattlesCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Barbara Connors VP of Strategy & Activation and Brian Downey, Senior Director at Kroger Precision Marketing (KPM), the retail media business of Kroger designed to make brand advertising more effective by closing the loop between media exposure and store sales. Powered by 84.51˚ data science, and Kroger's popular loyalty card program, KPM connects consumers to brands through engaging moments that inspire purchasing online or in-store.Follow Barbara on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-connors-10312810Follow Brian on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-dowey-079b018Follow KPM on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/krogerprecisionmarketingFollow KPM online at: http://www.krogerprecisionmarketing.comThey answer these questions:Please introduce yourselves and your roles at KPMWhat does genuine alignment between a CPG brand and a retailer actually look like in practice — versus the version of alignment that's mostly just a slide in a JBP deck?How does that reframe the way you think a brand team should walk into a retailer conversation, and what do most brands still get wrong?How do you help brands build a singular strategic framework that still gives each team the flexibility it needs — without creating chaos?Where do you see the biggest mindset shifts still required — on the brand side and on the retailer side — to make that evolution real?What are the most sophisticated users doing with it that the average user isn't — and what does ‘near real-time' insight access actually change about how brands plan?What are the two or three decisions that have to be locked in early for a joint brand-retailer strategy to actually deliver?How can brands use retailer insights to anticipate where preferences are going—not just report where they've been?In practical terms, what does true integration across data, insights, activation, and measurement look like — and where do you see brand teams still getting stuck?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys recap their attendance at the 2026 Amazon Upfront event which took place in New York City at the Beacon Theatre on May 11.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Giant Eagle partners with ibottaGeneral Mills LeadershipKraft Heinz increases marketing $$$Doordash resultsCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by John FitzGerald, Sr Director of Growth at Mad Tree Brewing Company. Founded in 2013, MadTree is an award-winning brewery that's rooted in Cincinnati and planted in purpose. Driven to craft great beer - but more importantly - build a business dedicated to doing good, MadTree protects and celebrates nature while reducing impact on the environment. MadTree is a B-Corp certified company and proud member of 1% for the Planet with a commitment to donate 1% of sales to local, sustainable nonprofits.  Follow John on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwfitzg/Follow Mad Tree Brewing online at: https://madtree.com/ John answers these questions:What is the one core discipline or strategic framework from that world that you've found most indispensable when running a craft brand like MadTree?How do you find the balance between Big CPG rigor and the "fail fast" agility required in the craft brewing industry?When you look at the beer aisle now—which is notoriously crowded and fragmented—how do you apply a "Category Management" mindset to help MadTree win at the shelf against the mega-brewers?How are you leveraging your background in retail partnerships to ensure MadTree isn't just a "local favorite" but a "must-have" brand for major regional retailers?From a leadership perspective, how do you ensure that sustainability isn't just a marketing "badge" but a functional part of your supply chain and operational DNA?You're managing a complex journey between the taproom (DTC/Experience) and the grocery store (Wholesale). How do you ensure the brand "feeling" a consumer gets in the Oakley taproom translates when they are picking up a 6-pack at Kroger or Meijer?In craft beer, data can often be opaque. How are you building a "Full View" of your consumer, and are you leveraging tools like AI to predict the next big flavor profile or seasonal trend?How is MadTree evolving its product portfolio to capture that shifting demographic and maintain relevance?For a regional brewer, how critical is real-time inventory and sales data to your production planning, and how do you handle those "uncomfortable" supply chain moments?What is the biggest "reality check" you can give to someone looking to transition from a global giant like Kellanova to a high-growth local leader like MadTree?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kim Cox, Managing Director NA Omnichannel Intelligence Solutions & Richard Pereira, Regional Product Leader, NA at NielsenIQ, the world's leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth.Follow Kim Cox on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-cox-nielsenFollow Richard Pereira on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardanthonypereiraFollow NIQ online at: http://nielseniq.comThis episode is sponsored by NielsenIQKim and Richard answer these questions:How is retail measurement fundamentally changing in terms of how brands now have to think about competitive visibility?How are AI technologies actually changing the day-to-day experience for a category manager using NIQ tools today?How are your strategic models adapting to ensure brands aren't just seeing "data snapshots" but a fluid omnichannel journey?What makes club measurement so uniquely challenging, and how is NielsenIQ helping brands find the full view of performance there?In practice, how far away are we really from achieving true full-funnel visibility—linking consumer behavior directly to purchase and incrementality?What are the current best practices or product innovations you're leading to build a more "unified" performance pictureWhat should brands expect as these retailers integrate loyalty and sales data into the broader measurement ecosystem?If we look at the next 36 months, what specific capabilities—like unified taxonomies or real-time signals—do you believe will define the next chapter of measurement innovation?Kim - For the brands listening who want to lead rather than lag, what internal skill sets or data investments should they be prioritizing over the next 3–5 years? What can you share about NIQ's vision for the future? Are there specific partnerships or innovations the industry should be paying attention to coming from NielsenIQ?If you could give our audience just one piece of advice to future-proof their measurement strategy starting tomorrow, what would it be? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Kimberly-Clark Q1 2026 ResultsUnilever Q1 2026 ResultsWalmart Scintilla Media Data FeedReddit Q1 2026 ResultsCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Caitlin Winsor Senior Director of Media, Strategy & Investment at PepsiCo and Chris Grillo Vice President of Sales, CPG at Tubi, the most watched free TV and movie streaming service in the U.S.Follow Cailtin on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-coburn-winsor-80789810/Follow PepsiCo on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepsico/Follow Chris on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-grillo-abab465/Follow Tubi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tubi-tv/Follow Tubi online at: https://corporate.tubitv.com/partners/advertisewithus/ad-experience/We ask them these questions:How would you describe Tubi's role in the CTV ecosystem today?What shifts are you seeing in how they think about reach, engagement, and performance in streaming?Where does connected TV fit within your overall media mix strategy, and what signals do you monitor when evaluating a new CTV partner?What were some of the most surprising or important findings for CPG marketers in the Harris Poll study?How are these insights challenging or reshaping traditional assumptions around reach, frequency, and engagement for CPG brands?How do these findings align with what you're seeing in your own consumers and media performance?What are the key implications for how CPG brands should rethink their media mix and investment strategies moving forward?As CPG brands invest more in streaming, how are they starting to think differently about what success looks like beyond just reach and awareness? Can you share a recent example where a CPG campaign on Tubi delivered a measurable lift that surprised the team?In the CPG space, how do you collaborate with advertisers to craft creatives that perform on CTV? Are there best practices for integrating traditional TV ad assets with shorter video assets for streaming environments to maximize resonance and efficiency?With inflationary pressures and changing consumer behavior, how do you optimize the media mix to protect brand equity while driving growth on CTV?What attribution model or measurement framework do you rely on for CTV campaigns? What does a successful CPG–CTV partnership look like from your perspective?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:KDP Quarterly earningsGen Z pre-games drinking before heading outMicrosoft Voluntary RetirementsTikTok MeasurementCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Shelley Zalis, Founder & CEO of The Female Quotient. Founded in 2007, The Female Quotient (The FQ) is an equality services company that provides thought leadership platforms for women and develops solutions for organizations committed to closing the gender gap in the workplace. Co-Hosting this episode with PVSB is Jacqui Dynowski, co-host of SheCommerce Podcast.Follow Shelley on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleyzalis/Follow The FQ online at: https://www.thefemalequotient.com/Shelley answers these questions:What's the most compelling ROI data you've seen from CPG companies that have actually closed their internal gender gaps — and what did they do differently?How big is that disconnect, and what's the cost to brand relevance when leadership doesn't reflect the shopper?How have CPG companies — historically some of the biggest advertisers in the world — performed on the Gender Equality Measure (GEM) score, and where is the biggest gap still?How do you counsel companies that are getting squeamish — and what do you say to those who argue that pulling back is a business-neutral decision?For CPG companies deploying AI in marketing, hiring, and consumer insights, what guardrails should they be building in?How are you seeing CPG executives use those spaces differently than other industries — and what conversations are you hearing most from women in the retail media and commerce ecosystem?In CPG, where field sales, trade roles, and supply chain jobs often require significant travel and irregular hours, how should companies redesign work structures to stop losing women mid-career?What does it look like when a male CPG CEO truly leads on this — versus when it's performative — and how can listeners of this podcast who are male executives actually show up differently starting Monday morning?What do you see as the unique opportunity that Cannes creates for driving meaningful equality commitments from CMOs and brand leaders — versus it being another cocktail-party conversation that doesn't translate back to the office?What are the two or three metrics that CPG companies should be tracking internally that most of them currently aren't — and how do you hold leadership accountable when the numbers don't move?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in the episode by Patrick Nommensen, Head, Strategic Initiatives, AMS & Europe, E-Commerce at TikTok.This episode was record in Las Vegas at Shoptalk 2026.Follow Patrick on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pnommensen/ Follow TikTok on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiktok/ Patrick answers these questions:Patrick, you've been vocal about how TikTok Shop is “discovery-led commerce,” where shopping starts with inspiration, not intent. In 2026, reports by others have estimated there are over 80 million U.S. shoppers on the platform, how do you preserve that sense of discovery at scale?There's a perception that TikTok Shop is driven by viral, one-off purchases. But we're now seeing brands build repeat purchase behavior and long-term customer value. What tools are TikTok Shop providing for brands to move from “viral moment” to sustained brand loyalty?We see the huge stars, but your data shows that micro-influencers often have 2x the engagement for CPG brands. How is TikTok Shop's affiliate model evolving to help a brand like PepsiCo and flavor swap chips manage multiple micro-creators at scale without a massive manual headcount?Live shopping is often seen as an Asia-first behavior, but we're seeing strong adoption in the U.S. What's different about how U.S. consumers engage with LIVE, and where do you see the biggest opportunity?Traditional e-commerce starts with search and intent. TikTok Shop starts with discovery and inspiration. How should CPG brands rethink their entire go-to-market strategy in a world where consumers don't search—they discover? Retailers like Walmart and Amazon have deep "closed-loop" measurement. How is TikTok Shop closing the gap to show a CPG Brand Manager exactly how a viral video on Tuesday led to an in-store purchase at a physical Kroger on Friday?Amazon and Walmart have launched their own social feeds. What is the "moat" that TikTok Shop has that a legacy retailer can never replicate, no matter how much they invest in "social" features?We're hearing more brands describe TikTok Shop as a real-time “test kitchen” for product development. Can you share how brands are using the platform to test, iterate, and scale products faster than traditional retail cycles?TikTok Shop is no longer just a test channel–many enterprise brands are now treating it as core infrastructure. What are you seeing from large CPG brands in terms of investment and long-term strategy?If we sit down in 2030, is TikTok still an "App," or is it the underlying operating system for how the world discovers and consumes everything?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Uber Invests More in Delivery HeroDGMN introduces in-store audioConagra's new CEOGoop KitchenCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in the episode by Benoit Vatere, Chief Media Officer for Liquid Death. As one of the fastest growing non-alcoholic beverage brands, Liquid Death uses comedy and entertainment to make health and sustainability 50 times more fun. We take low-calorie beverages and package them into infinitely recyclable cans that compete with the fun marketing of unhealthy brands across beer and junk food.This episode was record in Las Vegas at Shoptalk 2026.Follow Benoit on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benoitvatereFollow Liquid Death on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liquid-deathBenoit answers these questions:Benoit, you've famously said Liquid Death is an entertainment company that happens to sell water. How do you maintain that "unfiltered" creative edge while managing the rigid P&L and distribution requirements of a global CPG?You have a "Country Club" of fans who literally tattoo your logo on their bodies. In an AI world where algorithms try to predict loyalty, how do you protect and scale the "irrational" human connection your brand has built?You've built a massive brand by doing the opposite of "best practices." What is one "traditional" CPG marketing rule that you think is officially dead in 2026?Most brands use Retail Media for lower-funnel "search" (buying keywords). Liquid Death is a lifestyle brand that wins at the shelf. How are you using Retail Media Networks (RMNs) to drive discovery rather than just capturing existing demand?Does Liquid Death focus strictly on the "Big 3" (Amazon, Walmart, Instacart), or are you finding unique value in the smaller, niche retail networks?How is Liquid Death structured to ensure the "vibe" isn't lost in the math of an ad-stack?How does a brand as visually loud as Liquid Death plan to win the journey from the living room sofa to the kitchen fridge?How does a brand built on impulse and rebellion stay relevant when a literal robot is making the household grocery list?Are you using GenAI to scale your content production, or do you find that AI currently lacks the "edge" or "danger" required for your brand voice? How does Liquid Death sync its DTC data with physical retail signals to create a 360-degree view of your "Country Club" members?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Christian Hasshold, host of the In/Organic Podcast and Managing Partner of Resilient Edge M&A Advisors.Follow Christian on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Follow the In/Organic podcast on Apple Podcasts at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inorganic-podcast/id1710070954Follow the In/Organic podcast on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/show/0oa6R4M37vtys5II6clEfF?si=7fdee69be69747f4Christian answers these questions:How do you distinguish between a “nice-to-have” tuck-in acquisition and a transformational, growth-enabling deal in the lower/middle markets?In the lower-to-middle market, what characteristics make an agency or SAAS target attractive to PE buyers versus strategic acquirers? Are there red flags you consistently see?What valuation levers tend to move the needle most for digital agencies and B2B SaaS in private equity? In what scenarios do earnouts or seller financing play a critical role in aligning incentives post-close? What's a must-have due diligence checklist for an M&A in this space (e.g., tech stack, client concentration, monetization models, recurring revenue quality)? Any surprises you often encounter? After closing, what are your top three priorities to de-risk integration and accelerate value realization in a digital agency or B2B SaaS platform?How do you evaluate and incorporate AI and data-driven product improvements in these companies to unlock scale? Are there specific bets you'd avoid in early-stage growth scenarios?For CPG brands and their agencies, what practical lessons can you share from the M&A and growth playbook that help them become more attractive to PE-backed buyers or to strike better LP-aligned partnerships? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Unilever acquires GRÜNSSazerac Counters Pernod Ricard for Brown-FormanNutella in SpaceUpfront SeasonCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Jason O'Toole, Head of Connected Commerce & Media, and Katie Tripodi, Director of US Digital Merchandising and eCommerce Expansion at Gildan, a leading manufacturer of everyday basic apparel. The Company's product offering includes activewear, underwear, socks, and intimates sold to a broad range of customers, including wholesale distributors, screenprinters, embellishers, retailers or e-commerce platforms, as well as global lifestyle brand companies. Follow Jason on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonmotooleFollow Katie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-sierveld-tripodi-b945262Follow Gildan on LinkedIn at: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/gildanFollow Gildan online at: https://www.gildan.com/us/enJason & Katie answer these questions:How have you structured your connected commerce teams internally to meet the demands of this complex omnichannel landscape and break down traditional silos?For a legacy apparel brand, that is a bold and necessary move. What does your playbook for TikTok Shop look like, and how does your merchandising strategy there differ from a traditional dot-com?In a world where 'attention is the new storefront,' how do you ensure that your upper-funnel brand storytelling actually connects to disciplined, bottom-funnel media systems?When you are merchandising for a platform that is driven by viral moments and creator content, how do you forecast inventory and manage the digital shelf differently than you would for a predictable weekly cadence at a mass retailer?How did you convince the organization to invest so heavily in that upper-funnel homepage placement rather than just fighting it out in bottom-funnel search?you consciously chose to prioritize branded search and incremental ad-attributed sales as your main success metrics. Why were those specific metrics the best indicators of the consumer's path-to-purchase journey for apparel?How do you approach digital shelf management—specifically regarding Product Detail Page (PDP) content, ratings, and reviews—to help the consumer confidently navigate that SKU complexity and hit the 'buy' button?How do brands like Hanes and Maidenform approach 3P competition and brand protection across digital marketplaces to ensure the consumer gets an authentic, premium experience?As consumer discovery shifts away from traditional search bars toward social feeds, creator recommendations, and even generative AI, what is the most critical muscle an apparel brand needs to build today to win the digital shelf in 2026 and beyond?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC orCPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Greg Brown, SVP of Innovation for the DAS Group of Agencies at Omnicom. Greg joins to share key themes coming from the 2026 SXSW which dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW® is best known for its conferences and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture.Follow Greg on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsgregbrown/Follow Omnicom online at: http://omnicom.comDownload Omnicom's SXSW 2026 Wrap Report here: https://www.omc.com/newsroom/omnicom-at-sxsw-2026-wrap-report/Greg answers these questions:Omnicom's SXSW recap is titled “Where Growth Is Moving Next” — what was the single most unexpected signal you picked up in Austin that confirmed that framing for you personally?For CPG brands that have built entire commercial models around scale and mass awareness, how disruptive is that shift really — and how urgently should they be acting?For CPG brands whose products live on retailer shelves and retail media platforms, what does it mean practically when an AI agent intercepts a shopper before they ever reach a PDP?Walmart is reportedly opening its doors to autonomous shopping agents while Amazon is moving to block them — two of the most important retail media platforms taking opposite positions. How should CPG brands be hedging right now?Where do you see genuine participation-led growth opportunities for everyday CPG brands?Gen Z and Gen Alpha were called out specifically — they don't reject branded content, they reject inauthentic content. What's the line between a CPG brand showing up credibly in culture versus coming across as cringe?As CPG brands accelerate AI adoption across content, commerce, and consumer insights — where's the line?The report coins the phrase “the E-IQ economy.” What does leading with emotional intelligence actually look like in practice for a CPG marketer building campaigns in 2026?What's the realistic on-ramp for CPG brands to participate in immersive, experience-led growth without a Las Vegas budget?As you look across all six themes from SXSW 2026, what's the one move you'd tell a CPG Chief Marketing Officer to prioritize in the next 90 days — and what's the one thing they should stop doing immediately?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Amazon FBA SurchargeContainer Store gets a new ownerKristin Wolf promoted at UltaHome Depot's new CTOCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kim Lefko, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Ace Hardware, which has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. Follow Kim Lefko on linkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimlefko/Follow RedVest media on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redvest-media/Follow RedVest Media online at: https://www.redvestmedia.com/Kim answers these questions: You've had a career that spans iconic brands like Weber and Graco before moving to the retail side at Ace. How did that journey shape the kind of marketing leader you are today—and what pulled you into hardware?What surprised you most when you moved from vendor to retailer?For people who don't live in the hardware world, what makes Ace fundamentally different from other national retailers?How does that hone your focus for marketing on behalf of Ace?Ace may not be the first retailer people think of when they hear ‘digital scale,' but you do have significant site traffic and an innovative app. How would you describe Ace's journey to digital maturity?With 75% of U.S. households within 15 minutes of an Ace store, how are you redefining convenience for your customers?The Elevate Ace format represents a $1B investment in reimagining stores. What does this teach brands about the future of physical retail?One of Ace's super powers, in my opinion, is the fact that you have loyalty data. Not all retailers have it, and it allows for a longitudinal view of customer behavior. What's your philosophy on loyalty?Molly Hjelm was on our Podcast in August, and she indicated that Retail Media at Ace was your executive vision and pitch. What was your vision behind launching RedVest Media, and why now?Ace has called itself a ‘late mover' to retail media. Why is that an advantage?What's the biggest thing CPG marketers misunderstand about hardware retail?Ace's purpose is ‘We exist to help others.' How do you ensure purpose drives decisions?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Doug Baker, VP of Industry Relations at the Food Marketing Institute. As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply. FMI is a champion for the food industry and the issues that make a difference to our members' fundamental mission of feeding and enriching society. The reach and impact of our work is extensive, ultimately touching the lives of over 100 million households in the United States and representing an $800 billion industry with nearly 6 million employees.Follow Doug Baker on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debaker/                  We ask Doug these questions:How has your deep, hands-on operational background informed your view on where the grocery industry is today regarding its historical struggle with technology adoption?What is the origin story of GroceryLab, and why was Detroit chosen as the backdrop for this launchpad?How will the hands-on, think-tank format of GroceryLab actively help merchants and technologists co-design a 'zero-friction grocery ecosystem'?Yet, you still talk about the friction between bold ideas and execution. With all that money flowing, where is the execution friction happening the most right now in the grocery sectorHow will GroceryLab help bridge this AI divide so retailers and brands can speak the same technological language?How does GroceryLab plan to tackle the practical integration of technology directly into the aisles?How do we move the grocery industry away from legacy paper coupons and pure trade-spend into truly predictive, relevant engagement?GroceryLab is bringing Chief Merchants, COOs, CIOs, CMOs, and Retail Media leaders all into the same room. How do you force these disparate functions to actually co-develop solutions together?How did the early, unfiltered insights from these industry leaders help shape the specific, hard-hitting themes you will be tackling at the Gem Theatre?What actionable insights or blueprints will they have in their hands to prove this was a game-changing investment?Follow FMI on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmithefoodindustryassociation/Follow FMI online at: https://www.fmi.org/CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Dollar General getting new CEOPernod Ricard / Brown-Forman merger talksHenkel buys OlaplexThe perils of AI-generated contentCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Vassili Samolis, Head of Ad Product at DoorDash, one of the world's leading local commerce platforms that helps businesses of all kinds grow and innovate, connects consumers to the best of their neighborhoods, and gives people fast, flexible ways to earn. Follow Vassili on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassilisamolis/ Follow DoorDash LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doordash/Follow DoorDash Ads online at: https://advertising.doordash.com/en-us/cpgThis episode is sponsored by DoorDash.Vassili answered these questions:Talk to us about this evolution. How has DoorDash transformed into a platform built for everyday moments—from a weekly grocery shop to flowers for a holiday?How does DoorDash capture that high-intent demand differently than a traditional retailer's dot-com site?How do DoorDash Sponsored placements actually unlock discovery for consumers, helping them find local grocers, fresh food, and everyday products seamlessly?What does the playbook look like for an emerging CPG brand trying to unlock incremental audiences on your platform versus a legacy CPG enterprise?Why do you believe the industry needs to redefine how retail media effectiveness is measured today?Everyone uses the word incrementality, but few actually prove it. How is DoorDash advancing transparent, outcome-based standards to prove that your ads are driving truly incremental revenue for CPG brands?How should brand marketers rethink their ad creative and targeting to align with these specific, occasion-driven everyday moments on DoorDashFast forward three years: how does DoorDash continue to differentiate itself as the winning commerce media platform for CPGs in an increasingly fragmented landscape?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:GLP-1McCormick to acquire Unilever Food BrandsLast Mile DeliveryGeneral Mills woesCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPGGUYS hosts Sri Rajagopalan & Peter VS Bond discuss the emerging themes that dominated the first quarter of 2026 in the CPG and retail industry. From their iconic visit to CAGNY summarizing the presentations of 21 CEO's of some of the largest brands in the world to the reality of AI, there's something for everyone in this episode.Follow Sri on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sri-rajagopalan-09a0062/Follow Peter on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pvsbond/Here's what we discuss :Sri - The CAGNY 2026 Reality Check: Moving from "Pricing Power" back to "Volume Growth."PVSB - Agentic Commerce & PXM: How AI bots are changing the way product data is managed (via Syndigo/NielsenIQ).PVSB - The Walmart "Flywheel" 2.0: Analyzing their 41% ad growth and the Vizio integration.Sri - The "Death of Validation" in Insights: Bob Nolan (Conagra) and the shift to behavioral science.Sri - Retail Execution at Scale: The Trax + FORM merger and the "Command Center" for the shelf.Sri & PVSB - Joint Value Creation (JVC): Moving beyond JBP with insights from Bimbo Bakeries.PVSB - Social Commerce as a Mainstream Channel: The Ampd/TikTok Shop explosion.Sri - The "K-Shaped" Consumer: Dealing with sticky inflation vs. the luxury/wellness surge.Sri * PVSB - Super Bowl 60 Ad Analysis: Which CPG brands won the "Emotional Connection" war?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:McKinsey AI BreachUlta Beauty ResultsTarget price reductionsKroger Growth PrioritiesCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by David Gottlieb, Chief Revenue officer and Jeff Wrona, VP Product, Image Recognition for FORM, the makers of the award-winning market execution software GoSpotCheck and FORM OpX, and Trax, the industry-recognized global pioneer of Image Recognition, delivering AI-powered shelf-level insights that help brands and retailers improve execution, availability, and growth in the physical store, have merged. Follow David on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmgottlieb/ Follow Jeff on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gospotcheckjw/Follow FORM online at: https://www.form.com/ This episode is sponsored by FORM.They answer these questions:When you combine Trax's global reach with FORM's innovative model training and deployment capabilities, what fundamentally changes for CPG brands on the ground?How does proactively onboarding the most popular SKUs in each region shift Image Recognition from just reactive reporting to a proactive competitive advantage?What does 'agentic AI' realistically look like inside a CPG organization over the next three to five years? Is it hype, or are we looking at an operational revolution? If you were building the modern CPG tech stack from scratch today, what happens when IR data is integrated directly into sales, supply chain, and marketing systems?Could shelf-level data become the fastest leading indicator of these generational behavior changes—even faster than syndicated data?In this margin-compressed world, does flawless in-store execution become the single biggest lever brands still control?How does integrating FORM's AI-powered image recognition directly with FORM's mobile task management fundamentally close that gap between identifying a shelf issue and executing a fix right there in the aisle?What unique execution challenges do traditional CPGs face when competing with the speed and emotional connection of these newer brands?How does leveraging AI and granular, SKU-level shelf intelligence help brands manage their physical presence with the same precision and responsiveness as their digital storefronts?If two brands have equal product quality and trade support, does the one with superior IR-driven visibility win every time?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Oksana Sobol, Vice President of Insights & Decision Intelligence at The Clorox Company, Follow Oksana on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oksanasobol/Follow The Clorox Company online at: https://www.thecloroxcompany.com/Download the white paper on "Home Care Redefined" here: https://www.thecloroxcompany.com/home-care-redefined/Oksana answers these questions:The report shows emotional outcomes from cleaning are up 13 points since 2016 — how did that finding land internally at Clorox, and how does it change the way you brief brand and innovation teams?How should CPG brands be thinking about product placement, pack size, and on-shelf adjacencies to meet consumers where they actually clean — rather than where we assumed they did?31% of consumers think their products are disinfecting when they're not. Where does the responsibility sit — on the brand, the retailer, or the shopper marketing ecosystem — to close that gap?The report highlights Gen Z rebranding chores through cultural frameworks like “Giving the Dishes a Bath” and #CleanTok. How is Clorox thinking about reaching this cohort?How are sensory experiences becoming a legitimate product development and marketing discipline at Clorox, and do you see this creating new shelf segmentation opportunities at retail?How do you help retailers and their buyers understand that this isn't cannibalization, it's a category expansion opportunity?Given that laundry dissatisfaction skews toward younger and multicultural households, what does a winning insights-to-innovation pipeline look like for that category?Pet owners use ~21 cleaning products and clean floors more frequently, yet most don't buy separate laundry products for pet-related loads. How big is the unmet need here commercially, and is the challenge one of product innovation, consumer education, or retail shelf organization?How does Clorox use insights to make portfolio and price-pack architecture decisions that serve both ends of that spectrum without diluting brand equity?As VP of Decision Intelligence alongside Insights, how are you thinking about where AI accelerates your work versus where human closeness to the consumer remains irreplaceable?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Kroger's new CEOMilen Mahadevan named Chief Data & AI Officer at KrogerTarget's new strategyCostco pursues tariff refundsCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Particia Corsi, Chief Growth Officer & Craig Slavtcheff, Chief R&D Officer at Kimberly-Clark, manufacturer of trusted brands that are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries and territories. The portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, Goodnites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. Our company's purpose is to deliver Better Care for a Better World. Follow Patricia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciacorsi/Follow Craig on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-stephen-slavtcheff-7115455/Follow Kimberly-Clark online at: https://www.kimberly-clark.com/en-us/They answer these questions;Under the 'Powering Care' strategy, you talk about the need to 'out-innovate, out-market, and out-activate' together. Practically speaking, how have you re-wired your teams to work in lockstep? Does R&D sit in on the creative briefings now?How do you engineer that kind of premium performance into a value-tier product without breaking the margin structure? That seems like an R&D magic trick.Can you give us an example of a product that worked in one market that you rapidly adapted and deployed to another? How are you customizing for local needs without losing the efficiency of a global chassis?How do you balance the functional 'science' that Craig's team builds with the 'brand love' you need to build? Can you talk about the creative strategy behind your recent Cannes wins and how that translates to actual market share gains?How is Kimberly-Clark 'breaking through the noise' right now? Is it about being more provocative with the creative, or is it about being more precise with the targeting?You've just wrapped year two of the 'Powering Care' transformation—the largest in the company's 154-year history. And now, you have the Kenvue deal on the horizon later this year. When you look at the combined potential of these portfolios, how does your mission to 'raise the standard of care' evolve? What does the next 12 months look like for your respective organizations?Craig, talk to us about one favorite innovation you've launched in the last year & one consumer trend that is keeping you up at night?What is the one thing you want the retail partners listening to this to know about Kimberly-Clark's plans for 2026?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their ownCPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Dr. Jeffrey Hendrix D.B.A., Chief Customer officer at Bimbo Bakeries USA, part of Grupo Bimbo, the world's largest baking company with operations in 35 countries. Bimbo Bakeries USA employs 22,000 associates across the Country in bakeries, sales centers, corporate offices and on sales routes to ensure our consumers have the freshest products to feed their families at every meal.Follow Jeff on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hendrixj/Follow Bimbo Bakeries USA online at: https://www.bimbobakeriesusa.com/Jeff answers these questions:As Chief Customer Officer at Bimbo Bakeries USA, how are you evolving the customer organization to drive both topline growth and profitability in today's omnichannel retail environment? With your background bridging commercial and supply chain, how are you using customer transaction and POS data to reduce out of stocks and improve execution at the shelf? Retail media can create immediate lift but also real risk. How do you think about governance and readiness before committing trade dollars to retailer media platforms? When digital demand moves faster than replenishment systems, where do you see the biggest execution breakdowns today? What customer and supplier data signals matter most to closing the loop between demand creation and shelf availability?The industry is shifting from joint business planning to joint value creation. How does that show up in day-to-day decisions, not just quarterly plans?Beyond revenue and share, what KPIs best reflect whether marketing, sales, and supply are truly working together? As AI and automation become more embedded, where should algorithms guide decisions and where must frontline judgment remain essential? What are the hardest organizational barriers to making convergence real: systems, incentives, or culture? Looking ahead, what capabilities will separate companies that can compress the response cycle from those that cannot?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Walmart settles with FTCConsumers prioritize proteinTariff refundsGrocery pricesCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by returning guest Nik Modi, Co-Head of Global Consumer & Retail Research at RBC Capital Markets for a CAGNY 2026 post-mortem conversation.Follow Nik Modi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-modi-675926/Follow RBC Capital Markets on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rbc-capital-markets/Follow RBC Capital online at: https://www.rbccm.com/en/=CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:CAGNY RecapBath & Body WorksWalmart Connect Q4 resultsWalgreens LayoffsCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

In this episode, Sri & PVSB recap the highlights from the 2026 Consumer Analysts Group of New York (CAGNY) annual conference.Read our recaps at Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/tag/cagny-2026/To learn more about CAGNY, go here: https://consumeranalystgroupny.com/This episode is sponsored by retailmediaIQ, publishers of Mass Market RetailersWe rated each presentation on 7 attributes:Portfolio Stability & InnovationAI AcknowledgementOmnichannel UnderstandingPPA/RGMConsumer Insights DepthOrganic Volume GrowthM&AThe follows companies are analyzed:L'Oreal P&G McCormick Kimberly-Clark Reckitt Colgate-Palmolive Church & Dwight Clorox Coca-Cola Unilever Utz Brands e.l.f. Beauty Hormel Conagra Brands Kraft Heinz Celsius Holdings Newell Brands PepsiCo J.M. Smucker JBS Vita Coco Mondelez General Mills Molson CoorsCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Joshua Gebhardt CEO & Co-Founder and Brandon Nutter, CTO & Co-Founder of Ampd which connects paid social campaigns to actual sales at retailers, unlocking new, full-funnel targeting capabilities for brands that want to scale CPG sales from Meta and TikTok ads.Follow Joshua Gebhardt on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuagebhardt/Follow Brandon Nutter on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonnutter/ Follow Ampd on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ampd-ads/ Follow Ampd online here: https://www.ampd.io/This episode is sponsored by Ampd.We ask Joshua & Brandon these questions:What exactly does Ampd exist to do, and why did you and Brandon set off on this journey as co-founders?Where do you see the media world most ripe for disruption? Where are the biggest "old problems" waiting for new solutions?When you look at paid social today, what are some things brands' competitors are doing that should honestly trigger a little FOMO for anyone not keeping up?You've said discovery and commerce engines are fundamentally disconnected—how did we end up here, and why is that such a big problem for CPG brands?Shopper Journey, and touch on a topic that I know energizes you. “Where to Buy” used to be the standard—why doesn't it work anymore in a social-first, mobile-first world?You talk about brands needing to “move at the speed of culture.” What breaks down when teams can't optimize paid social in-flight?How does a one-click shopper journey change conversion behavior compared to traditional paths to purchase?Can you share the details of that creative split-test you ran for one of the world's leading CPG portfolios?You've built a Next Gen MMM specifically for offsite traffic to Amazon—why is that so important, and what did the beverage brand learn when Meta showed an 8x sales contribution in their ad console?How do you address fair and equitable requirements without limiting growth or causing massive headaches for operators?For CPG leaders who feel like paid social isn't delivering retail results, what's the first step they should take—and how can Ampd help?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Grok market shareRoku resultsAlbertsons partners with Open AIKraftHeinz halts breakupCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Justin Honaman, Head Worldwide Retail & Consumer Goods Go-To-Market at Amazon Web Services. Justin is also the host of the popular “Contendercast” podcast. This episode was recorded in San Diego, CA at the 2026 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference.Follow Justin Honaman on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinhonamanFollow The Contendercast podcast at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/contendercast-with-justin-honaman/id1253179825CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

In this episode, the CPG Guys review all of the television ads that played in Super Bowl 60, February 8, 2026.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Michael Krans, Vice President of Retail Media at Macy's Inc. and Andreas Reiffen, Founder and CEO of Pentaleap, a best-in-class ad-serving platform focused on relevance, transparency, and performance.Follow Michael on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-krans-a7ba85Follow Macy's online at: https://www.macysmedianetwork.com/Follow Andreas on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasreiffenFollow Pentaleap on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pentaleaptech/Follow Pentaleap online at: https://www.pentaleap.com/This episode is sponsored by Pentaleap.Michael and Andres answer these questions:From your vantage points, what's broken today about how organic and sponsored product search currently coexist—or don't—on retail sites?From a retailer perspective, how do you balance monetization with protecting the shopper experience from potential friction impeding the journey?Why is unifying organic and sponsored search so critical to relevance, and what happens to performance when those systems operate in silos?How do shoppers respond when relevance breaks down?Retail media has largely been built as closed ecosystems. Why is that becoming a limitation for advertisers today?What do advertisers actually want when they say they want retail media to “meet them where they already are”?What does “opening up” retail media really mean in practice?Retail media RTB can sound abstract—can you break down what's actually new here and why it matters now?What does it unlock for a retailer when you can connect demand partners and swap ad servers without losing control of the experience?Can you share a real-world example of how RTB-driven retail media improves outcomes for the retailer, the brand, and the shopper?If this model continues to scale, how should brands rethink their approach to retail search and retail media investment?Looking ahead, what does “best-in-class” retail search and media look like from a shopper's point of view?If there's one thing retailers or brands listening today should start doing differently based on this conversation, what would it be?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Sarah Iooss, Director of Global Agency & Global Twitch at Amazon Ads, the retail media division of Amazon.This episode was recorded at CES 2026 in Las Vegas Nevada.Find Sarah on Linkedin at: Find Sarah on Linkedin at: Find Amazon Ads online at: Here's what we asked Sarah:What were kind of the key lessons or pivotal components of your experience that helped inform how you approach agency partnerships today?What does global agency development at Amazon ads mean to you?What are some of the most common misconceptions agencies may have about advertising on Amazon?How are agency relationships evolving and how are those partnerships working out, especially when I think of some of the smaller ones?How's Amazon ads really helping agencies connect those dots on a full funnel basis?Is streaming in video are central to full funnel strategies as you just opened that up?What are agencies getting right or still learning when it comes to working with Twitch communities?How are agencies taking advantage of these AI-powered tools in the shift to more automated, integrated workflows?Budgets are facing more scrutiny. What's resonating most with agencies when they talk to clients about efficiency measurement and improving impact on Amazon apps.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:TikTok Shop announces all sellers must use their fulfillment servicesPinterest cutting 15% of workforce, blaming it on AIAmazon shutters Fresh and Go storesGen Z Holiday shoppingCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Curt Munk, Head of Sales & Strategy at Tracy Locke, the Original Commerce Agency. Their relentless focus on the future and willingness to embrace innovative thinking has kept them and our clients ahead of the commerce curve for over 100 years. This episode was recorded in Las Vegas Nevada at CES 2026.Find Curt on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-munk/Find Tracy Locke on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tracylocke/Find Tracy Locke online at: https://tracylocke.com/Here's what we asked him:What are the major areas of focus at CES?With respect to the Venetian Hotel, what types of tech are found on the show floor?How do you go about curating all of the tech on display?What you take clients on floor tours, how do you think about ensuring the content matches their business issues?What were some of the best tech innovations at CES 2026?Is 2026 a step-change year for tech or a natural progression?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Parag Shah, CEO & Co-Founder of ThinkBlue Consulting.We decompose what happened at the 2026 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference.Learn more about FMI Midwinter here: https://www.fmi.org/midwinter-conferenceFollow Parag on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omnigrowthparag/CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Target announced new board membersSouthwestern rebrands as The Winn-Dixie CompanyAmazon to open Illinois supercenterFMI Midwinter RecapCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Simon Angove, CEO of Syndigo which works behind every product to deliver consistent content and digital shelf performance, efficient product syndication and vendor-retailer collaboration, and accurate data and insights – all in one composable platform, on the largest commerce network.This episode is sponsored by Syndigo.Follow Simon Angove on LinkedIn here.Follow Syndigo on LinkedIn here. Follow Syndigo online here.Access the full consumer report mentioned by Simon here.Simon answers these questions:Syndigo operates in the world of Product Experience Management—PXM. For folks who might not be familiar, what are we talking about when we use that term?Why should brands be thinking about product experience right now? What's the big deal?Managing product experiences sounds straightforward, but clearly it's not. What makes managing product experiences so complicated; why isn't everyone doing it well?What does agentic commerce mean for brands and retailers in terms of the opportunity it presents and also the difficulties you see in taking advantage of the Trend?The market's shifting fast—consumer behavior, tech innovation, even economic pressures. What is Syndigo doing to stay ahead?With tighter budgets and resource constraints, where do you see the biggest opportunities for efficiency in PXM workflows? And where do companies tend to get bogged down?One way we've seen technology vendors like Syndigo stay flexible and capable of delivering results for clients is a strong partner network with providers (like Flywheel, for instance) to support them along the way – tell us a little bit about your partner strategy and why that's a priority for you right now.You touched on how AI is transforming how consumers browse and buy. Let's turn to the tactical side, where is it coming up in PXM in a tactical, practical way?For companies that are hesitant about AI-driven solutions for product content management, what's your advice? How do they start without feeling overwhelmed?What do you see as the next phase for PXM—and what should we be watching for in 2026?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by John frost, Chief Customer Officer at Chobani, Find John Frost on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-frost-20963155/Find Chobani on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chobani/Find Chobani online at: https://www.chobani.com/Here's what we asked John:John, let's start with your journey. What path led you to Chobani, and how has your experience at Frito-Lay and PepsiCo shaped your perspective as Chief Customer Officer?The Chief Customer Officer role is all about building deep partnerships. How do you define retail customer centricity at Chobani, and how does it show up in your day-to-day?Chobani has grown from disrupting yogurt to becoming a modern  food and beverage company. How do you balance staying true to the brand's roots while  expanding into new categories?Innovation is at the heart of Chobani's DNA. How do you align with retail partners to ensure that innovation lands successfully with shoppers?Chobani has always led with purpose, from food made better to community impact. How does that purpose translate into customer partnership and retail collaboration?Consumer today demand more authenticity & transparency from brands. How is Chobani meeting those expectations in ways that build both brand equity and customer trust?Looking out to 2026, what excites you most about the future of food, beverage, and retail partnerships?For emerging leaders in CPG, what advice would you give on building trust, driving results, and being an effective customer-first leader?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Coca-Cola names first Chief Digital OfficerStratably State of retail Media ReportWalmart org changesConsumer spending reportCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Liz Roche, VP for Media and Measurement at Albertson's Media Collective, the retail media division of the Albertsons Companies.This episode was recorded in Las Vegas Nevada at CES 2026.Find Liz Roche on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/eroche1/Find AMC on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/albertsons-media-collective/Find AMC online at : https://albertsonsmediacollective.com/Here's what we asked her:Liz, you've just crossed the one-year mark leading measurement and media at Albertsons Media Collective. Looking back, what surprised you most about the role—and what are you most proud of accomplishing in year one?In-store retail media has become one of the most talked-about topics in the industry. Why was it so important for Albertsons Media Collective to lean in here—and what problem were you trying to solve first?You first announced your in-store efforts at Cannes, and now at CES you're sharing pilot results. What did those pilots validate—and what did they challenge in your original assumptions?You've highlighted a Mondelez and Sargento case study—what made those partners a strong fit for in-store activation, and what outcomes should brands be paying attention to?From a retailer perspective, what does it actually take to scale in-store retail media without compromising the shopper experience or store operations?You've been very vocal about transparent measurement. Why is that such a critical foundation for retail media relationships, especially as in-store and offsite continue to grow?Albertsons Media Collective has done some creative things—like the BOGO Blitz with enterprise media match and the Alby Awards with guaranteed ROAS. What was the thinking behind rewarding performance in these ways?As we look toward 2026, how do you see measurement evolving—especially across in-store, onsite, and offsite—and what should brands and retailers be preparing for now?You're showcasing future-state demos here at CES. Without giving too much away, what should the industry be excited about when it comes to where in-store and retail media are headed?For brands and retailers listening who want to be ready for what's next in retail media, what's the one mindset shift—or capability—they need to start building today?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Khurrum Malik, VP of Business and Customer Marketing at Walmart Connect, the retail media arm of Walmart Inc.The episode was recorded in the Walmart Connect Studio in the Aria Resort.Follow Khurrum on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malik/Follow Walmart Connect on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmart-connect/Follow Walmart Connect online at: http://walmartconnect.comKhurrum answers these questions:You've recently taken on an expanded role overseeing business and product communications at Walmart Connect. How has that broader remit shaped the way you think about telling the Walmart Connect story today?WMC has evolved quickly over the last few years. For listeners who still associate retail media mainly with lower-funnel ads, what's the biggest misconception you're trying to correct?AI is reshaping nearly every part of the marketing stack. From your perspective, what does AI-powered retail media actually mean—and what does it enable that wasn't possible even a year or two ago?As WMC makes announcements in this space, what problems are you most focused on solving for advertisers with AI—efficiency, effectiveness, measurement, or something else?Looking ahead, how do you see AI changing the role of the marketer as retail media becomes more central to the media mix?From a marketing leader's vantage point, what are the biggest challenges CMOs are staring down as we approach 2026?Many CMOs are under pressure to do more with less—fewer partners, tighter budgets, higher accountability. Where does retail media uniquely help address those pressures?How do you think retail media's role in the media plan will shift over the next 18–24 months—especially relative to traditional digital and linear channels?Since joining, you've led a brand refresh and new narrative for Walmart Connect, simplifying the story into two buckets: brand and performance. Why was that distinction so important, and how does it help advertisers better navigate the platform?You've compared this moment to a bit of a “Who Knew?” campaign—what are the most surprising capabilities of Walmart Connect that brands still don't fully appreciate?If you were advising a CMO or media leader today, what's one thing they should start doing now to be ready for where retail media is headed by 2026?When you think about the next chapter for WMC, what excites you most about what's coming—and what should our listeners be watching closely?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week's topics:Omnicom post-IPG CloseAlbertsons Media Collective introduces in-store digital will store-match control measurementWalmart and Google infuse Gemini with shoppingOura doubles down on Roundel at TargetCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.