The CPG Guys

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Lesley Conway, VP & Head of Walmart Connect Canada, the Retail Media arm of Walmart's Canadian retail division.Follow Lesley on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesleyconway/Follow Walmart Connect Canada on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmartconnectcanada/Follow Walmart Connect Canada online at: https://www.walmartconnect.ca/Here's what we asked Lesley: Please provide us with an overview of Walmart Connect in terms of your mission and how you integrate into the merchandising activities?How do you define success for Walmart Connect in Canada, both from a brand advertiser and a consumer experience standpoint?Recently, Walmart Connect in Canada adopted the core retail media campaign development platform being operated by your colleagues in the U.S. Would you please elaborate on this change?Walk us through the full funnel capabilities of Walmart Connect Canada: onsite, offsite and in store.What is happening in Canada relative to behavioral data applications?How are you leveraging AI and data analytics to refine ad targeting and improve campaign effectiveness?What strategies are you implementing to deepen partnerships with brands and agency partners in Canada?What KPIs are you prioritizing to measure campaign success and media ROI and how transparent is your measurement approach for brands seeking to activate via Walmart Connect Canada?What is WMC's current capabilities for self-serve vs managed services and how are your working with commerce acceleration agencies like Flywheel to activate on your platform?What's the next big milestone you're aiming for with Walmart Connect Canada?How should brands not currently working with WMC get started with you?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea 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.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea 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 Ben Johnson, SVP of Marketing at Red's All Natural. Red's is on a mission to cook food better for people with big things to do. They know they are a good small part of consumers' great big lives, and they take that seriously. Follow Ben Johnson on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-w-johnson-/Follow Red's on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/red's-all-natural-llc/Follow Red's online at: https://www.redsallnatural.com/Here's what we asked him : Red's positions itself as an authentic, premium foods brand with a strong emphasis on ingredient integrity and product innovation. How do you keep that authenticity alive in marketing while still scaling the brand?In the competitive grocery segment, how do you approach balancing spending between in-store and digital channels to both delight consumers and drive awareness?What strategies is Red's using to build deeper, more personalized consumer relationships—whether that's through loyalty programs, social media storytelling, or in-market experiences?With big players leading the pack, what creative plays or differentiators has Red's leaned into to stand out in a category so saturated with competitors?Have you experimented with newer forms like influencer activations, experiential pop-ups, or TikTok campaigns? If so, which ones are resonating most with Red's audience right now?Sustainability is often top of mind for natural-focused brands. How do you communicate Red's environmental or wellness commitments transparently—but without coming across as “preachy” or performative?How are you collaborating with retail partners—whether getting shelf innovation, exclusive SKUs, or co-promotions—to drive both trial and repeat purchase?What marketing metrics (e.g., repeat rate, social engagement, retail velocity) are giving you clear signals on whether your campaigns are advancing the brand's long-term health?Looking into the future: What CPG and food trends are you most excited (or concerned) about? Are there new innovation territories Red's is exploring?As a senior marketer, what's one piece of advice you'd give to emerging marketers looking to lead marketing in the CPG grocery food space today?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea 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. We actually cover 12 publicly traded company stocks and get Nik's opinion on what's working / not.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/Here's who we cover : General Mills, P&G, Church & Dwight, Coca-Cola, Kenvue, Monster Energy, Brown Forman & Hershey.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 Jordan Bass, CEO & co-founder of HOP WTR - a new beverage startup that is scaling quickly. HOP WTR is the hop-infused, non-alcoholic sparkling beverage that's making serious waves in the functional beverage space. Jordan's background spans finance, brand-building, and strategic ops — and with HOP WTR, he's tapped into a white-hot consumer insight: people want to cut back, not miss out. Follow Jordan Bass on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordantbass/Follow HOPWTR on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hopwtr/Follow HOPWTR online at: https://hopwtr.com/Here's what we asked him : Jordan, what inspired the creation of HOP WTR? Was there a specific “aha” moment that sparked the idea? You left a career in finance and business to launch a beverage startup — what pushed you to take that leap?Let's talk about Hopwtr's actual product. How do you balance functionality (like adaptogens and nootropics) with taste and consumer satisfaction?How did you approach flavor development — and what have you learned from early consumer feedback? HOP WTR isn't just non-alcoholic — it's functional. How important is that dual-positioning for your brand?You started DTC but have moved into retail — how have you managed that shift in distribution strategy? What was your first major retail win — and what did it teach you about scaling a beverage brand?How do you think about retail execution in-store vs. online visibility and conversion?What's been the most effective way to build brand awareness in such a competitive category? You've leaned into wellness and lifestyle messaging — how do you ensure authenticity in your branding?How do you think about community? Who is the HOP WTR consumer, and how do you stay connected to them?Where do you see the future of the functional beverage space heading in the next 3–5 years? Are we witnessing a permanent cultural shift around drinking behavior and moderation?What's been your biggest mistake as a founder — and what did it teach you? What advice would you give to other CPG founders entering a crowded category?Finally, What's next for HOP WTR — new flavors, new formats, international expansion?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 Claudia Johnson, Technical Advisor to the CEO of Flywheel Commerce Network, the commerce acceleration division of Omnicom.Follow Claudia on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-johnson-b133436/Follow Flywheel on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-johnson-b133436/Follow Flywheel Next online at: https://www.flywheeldigital.com/Claudia answers the following questions : How has your role at Flywheel evolved, especially since Flywheel's acquisition by Omnicom? What new opportunities or challenges has this created?Your work emphasizes capability building in digital commerce. How are ecommerce strategies evolving today, and how does Flywheel help brands stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape?In a recent podcast episode, you described retail media as advertising that occurs “close to or at the point of sale.” Could you walk us through how that concept fits into broader brand strategy and which brands are using it most effectively right now?Flywheel's research shows that the most impactful drivers of sales on Amazon are media spend and organic shelf ranking, ahead of price and inventory. How should brands prioritize investments given these insights?What are the biggest roadblocks brands face when trying to scale digital commerce capabilities? How do you approach "connecting the dots" across teams and markets?With Flywheel now within Omnicom's ecosystem, what new tools or data synergies have emerged to help your clients achieve growth in commerce?You've recently discussed how unified ecosystems and AI-driven insights are transforming retail. How are you leveraging AI and ecosystem integration to deliver more relevant consumer experiences?At the 2025 Syndigo Connect event, you spoke about optimizing product and commerce experiences for long-term success. What storytelling techniques or content strategies are driving retention and loyalty beyond the initial purchase?Are there emerging trends in retail media, ecommerce infrastructure, or omnichannel tech that you're watching closely—and that CPG brands should be paying attention to?On a more personal note: What first drew you into digital commerce, and what advice would you give someone aspiring to lead capability-building in this fast-evolving space?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 are joined in this episode by Ron Bielski, Managing partner, Global FMCG lead of NielsenIQ Next which is the strategy, growth and transformation consulting division of NIQ. This episode is an industry focused one that will span the spectrum of macro and microeconomics and what CPG brands can really do about it as they look for volume growth. This episode is sponsored by NielsenIQFollow Ron on LinkedIn at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbielski/Follow NielsenIQ on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/Follow NielsenIQ Next online at: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/solutions/quest-for-next/Ron answers the following questions : Decompose what is this strategic consulting arm of NIQ?As Head of Strategy Consulting, how are you advising CPG brands to evolve in response to the most critical market shifts—especially regarding consumer behavior, inflation, and supply chain volatility?With vast shopper data at NIQ's disposal, how do you help clients move beyond data collection to actionable, predictive strategies that drive growth and resilience?How is the rise of e-commerce and digital marketplaces reshaping your strategic consulting approach for CPG clients balancing online vs. traditional brick-and-mortar?Many retailers are expanding private label offerings, while consumers are more price-conscious than ever. How are you positioning CPG brands to preserve margin and differentiate in this environment?Consumer demand for sustainability and ethical branding is rising. How does your team at NIQ support brands in aligning these consumer values with business performance, avoiding both underperformance and greenwashing?What role is AI playing in NIQ's strategic consulting capabilities—from forecasting to scenario planning—and how are you helping clients adapt to its usage?As global consumer markets diverge post-pandemic, how do you help clients calibrate strategies across diverse regions—from developed to emerging markets?How are you advising on quicker innovation cycles and stronger retailer collaborations to capture incremental growth opportunities amid expedited category changes?What modern KPIs—beyond sales and market share—do you recommend for measuring the long-term impact of strategy consulting engagements in areas like brand health, consumer loyalty, and omnichannel effectiveness?Reflecting on your career in strategy consulting, which lessons do you hold most valuable? And what emerging CPG trends excite—or concern—you the most looking ahead?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 appeaCPGGUYS 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 Toby Espinosa, Vice President of Ads 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. Since its founding in 2013, DoorDash has expanded to over 30 countries, using technology and logistics to shape the future of commerce. Through its Marketplace and its Commerce Platform, DoorDash is driving economic vitality in the regions it serves worldwide.This episode is sponsored by DoorDash.Follow Toby on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/a-toby-espinosa-b9458812/ Follow DoorDash on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doordash/ Follow DoorDash Ads online at: https://advertising.doordash.com/en-usToby answer these questions:Can you walk us through your role at DoorDash Ads and how the organization fits within the broader DoorDash ecosystem?What unique value does DoorDash bring to the retail media landscape, especially compared to traditional players like retailers or streaming platforms?What makes advertising within the food delivery sector different from other consumer industries?  What types of CPG brands are seeing the most success on DoorDash Ads—and why?Can you share a campaign or partnership or examples that exemplify what "great" looks like on DoorDash Ads? aka what is best in class?How is DoorDash doing things differently, and how do advertisers look to us as an additional opportunity to what other RMNs are already offering?What does working with Doordash ads entail - aka the customer experience?What key performance indicators (KPIs) do you consider most critical when evaluating ad success at DoorDash? Can you share some examples of how data insights have directly influenced campaign adjustments?What advice would you give to brands, especially in the consumer packaged goods arena, looking to leverage digital advertising for growth?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 Ali Miller, General Manager of Advertising & Tim Castelli, VP of Ad Sales at Instacart, the leading grocery technology company in North America, works with grocers and retailers to transform how people shop. The company partners with more than 1,500 national, regional, and local retail banners to facilitate online shopping, delivery and pickup services from more than 85,000 stores across North America on the Instacart Marketplace. Follow Ali on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/about-ali-miller/Follow Tim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcastelli/Follow Instacart Ads online at: https://www.instacart.com/company/adsAli & Tim answer these questions:Instacart has been rapidly expanding its retail media capabilities—what's the overarching vision for Instacart Ads in the next 1–3 years?How does Instacart differentiate its retail media network from others in the increasingly crowded landscape?What role does AI or machine learning play in Instacart's ad platform today—and how might that evolve?How are CPG brands using Instacart Ads to drive full-funnel outcomes—from awareness to conversion?What kinds of insights or shopper data are most valuable to brands—and how does Instacart deliver those responsibly?Instacart has quickly expanded its offering over the last few years to include ad products like shoppable video and display, and more recently, inspiration formats. What's been the reception from brands and shoppers?Measurement and incrementality are top-of-mind for advertisers. How is Instacart helping brands understand true performance across the path to purchase?Are there plans to integrate Instacart Ads more directly with broader omnichannel or media mix modeling tools?With more retailers launching their own RMNs, how does Instacart fit into—or compete with—those ecosystems? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 Sean Summers, EVP Mercado Ads & CMO at Mercado Libre. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Mercado Libre is Latin America's leading e-commerce technology company. Through its primary platforms, MercadoLibre.com and MercadoPago.com, it provides solutions to individuals and companies buying, selling, advertising, and paying for goods online.Follow Sean on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-summers-870363/Follow Mercado Ads on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/mercadoads/Follow Mercado Ads online at: https://ads.mercadolivre.com.br/Sean answers these questions:How is Mercado Libre evolving its marketing strategy to support the CPG category's digital expansion across Latin America?What role does Mercado Libre marketing play in shaping omnichannel experiences—especially for CPG brands—across your marketplace, app, and media network?How do you support CPG brands in activating precision targeting and attribution on your platform?What shifts have you observed post-pandemic in online consumer behavior within the CPG space in LATAM and how is Mercado Libre positioned to win with these changes?How are you leveraging personalization and dynamic creative to enhance relevance in media for your CPG advertisers?What measurement frameworks do you use to assess CPG campaign effectiveness—especially at the lower funnel—and how transparent is that to brand partners?Can you share how emerging technologies like AI are being embedded into your media offerings to optimize targeting and creative?How does Mercado Libre collaborate with CPG manufacturers directly versus working through commerce acceleration agencies like Flywheel?How do you keep your team and partners aligned with fast-moving trends in omnichannel commerce and retail media—especially in the CPG domain?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 Molly Hjelm, Corporate VP of Red Vest Media, the retail media division of Ace Hardware, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,900 locally-owned and operated hardware stores in 71 countries. Follow Molly on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyhjelm/Follow Ace Hardware on LinkedIn at: http://acehardware.com Follow RedVest Media online at: http://redvestmedia.comMolly answers these questions:Ace has a unique position as a cooperative of independent retailers. How does that structure shape the way you approach retail media compared to traditional big-box retailers?We're read that Ace balances local relevance with national scale—how do you preserve that hyper-local feel while delivering a unified marketing message through Ace Media?Ace Rewards has over 71 million members with impressive active engagement—how are you leveraging this loyalty data to power Ace Media's audience targeting and personalization?Ace Media is launching with a full-funnel portfolio right out of the gate. What led to the decision to debut such a comprehensive offering instead of rolling it out incrementally?You're partnering with Epsilon and launching with interoperability across commerce platforms like Flywheel & Pacvue. How does this commitment to open infrastructure benefit your brand partners?Your approach to launch is intentionally curated, not a land grab for ad dollars. How are you choosing which brand partners to bring in first—and why is that intentionality important?Measurement seems to be a passion point for you. What can advertisers expect when it comes to transparency and performance reporting from day one?Looking ahead, what's your vision for how Ace Media will evolve—and how do you see it helping both national brands and independent store owners thrive over time?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 Jenny Holleran, VP Media Insights & Incentives at Kroger Precision Marketing / 84.51 and Mariama Kamanda, Associate Director Data & Analytics at Barilla Group.This episode was recorded at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Follow Jenny Holleran on LinkedIn at: Follow Kroger Precision Marketing online at: http://krogerprecisionmarketing.comFollow Mariama Kamanda on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariama-k-93303083/Follow Barilla Group online at: https://www.barillagroup.com/en/Jenny and Mariama answer these questions:Mariama, Brands are facing a lot of uncertainty today – both from economic uncertainty and from changing shopper habits. How are CPG brands navigating some of that consumer volatility they're facing today?Mariama, One of the big changes in CPG is the shift in people's diets. People are looking for functional ingredients and higher-protein meals. Tell us about Barilla's Protein Plus line and some of the challenges you've faced.Mariama, And how did access to retail data play a role in bringing back shoppers?Jenny, How is access to retail data changing the way brands think about media planning?Jenny, Can you explain more about what goes into crafting those audiences inside Collaborative Cloud?Jenny, How do you decide when a brand is ready to use the Collaborative Cloud? Is there a maturity level or data mindset that makes this work better?Mariama, We understand that your campaign to bring people back to Protein Plus included multiple digital tactics—onsite media, digital coupons, social media, offsite display. What did you learn about the effectiveness of using purchase based audiences?Mariama, What has been the internal conversations at Barilla sparked by the testing and work you've done with Kroger? Any learnings on internal alignment within CPGs?We're at the end of the week in Cannes? What has been the most surprising or exciting topic you've heard this week?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 Heather Land, Senior Director of Grocery Merchandising at Dollar General which strives to make shopping hassle-free and affordable with more than 20,000 convenient, easy-to-shop stores in 48 states.Follow Heather on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-land-97382817/Follow Dollar General on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dollar-general/Follow Dollar General online at: https://www.dollargeneral.com/Heather answers these questions:Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background and experience. What motivated you to transition from foodservice to Retail?How would you explain Dollar General to someone who is unfamiliar with the retailer?How do you see DG's role in the food and beverage category? Are your food customers motivated primarily by convenience, value, assortment or some other factor?Given DG's expansive footprint, how are you using that to make a positive impact when it comes to providing for and serving others?What are some recent examples that illustrate impact?And to further your reach of Serving Others, you're now offering delivery services, too. Can you expand on that?As you look at the company's consumables mix, where do you see room for innovation and expansion?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 are joined LIVE from Cannes Lions international festival at Cannes, France by Emily O'Hara, VP Global Head of Brand and Media at eBay and Lisa Clunie, co-founder & CEO of the agency Joan. This episode focuses on the partnership between an agency and how a relationship with a brand helps develop its long term equity.Find Emily O'Hara on Linkedin at : Find Ebay on Linkedin at : Find Lisa Clunie on Linkedin at : Find JOAN on Linkedin at : Here's what we asked them : Emily - Most people don't immediately think of eBay in the CPG context. How are you shifting that narrative, and where does eBay fit in the modern commerce ecosystem?Lisa - How do you approach brand storytelling differently for platforms like eBay, where community and culture play such a big role?”Both - What makes the eBay + JOAN partnership successful? How are you aligning around bold ideas while staying rooted in performance? What does success look like for you both? What are the KPIs that matter when you're balancing storytelling with commerce?Emily - How does brand voice show up on a marketplace like eBay? What does authenticity look like there? Can you share an example where storytelling, brand identity, and commerce came together really well on the platform?Lisa - How do you navigate brand control in a space like eBay, where sellers drive so much of the listing content and experience? What advice do you give them as  you navigate creative?Emily - What insights have surprised you the most about today's eBay shopper, especially from a CPG or lifestyle brand lens?Lisa - Are there tools or strategies you've used to show that non-traditional retail exposure drives long-term brand health?Both - How do you both see the role of marketplaces like eBay evolving in the future of CPG and brand marketing?Lisa – the future is already upon us, AI is here in practice? How does it impact creativity and personalization? Emily – how are you thinking about responsible AI for eBay and ensuring consumer trust as they use the platform?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 Alanna Handelman, Head of U.S. Commerce & Canada Mid-Market Sales at Snap Inc., a technology company that contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. Follow Alanna on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alannahandelman/Follow Snap for Business online at: http://forbusiness.snapchat.com/cpgguysFollow Snap Business Blog at: https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/blogFollow Snap on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/snapchat-for-business/postsAlanna answers these questions:What do you say to marketers who still think of Snapchat as “just for Gen Z”? Talk to us about your audience proposition. How does Snapchat compare with other digital platforms when it comes to driving awareness and conversion for CPG products?Retail media is exploding, but most of it is focused on on-site. Where does Snapchat fit into the off-site retail media puzzle?How is Snapchat uniquely positioned to support CPG brands in today's attention-fragmented world? Give us a breakdown of the various products / inventory available to brands and agencies?Can you talk about how Snapchat is partnering with retailers or data providers to close the loop on attribution and sales lift?Measurement is always a top concern for CPG advertisers. What's Snapchat doing to help brands prove ROI or incrementality? What's the most misunderstood metric in social advertising for CPG, in your opinion?How do you see AI and personalization shaping the future of ad experiences on Snapchat for CPG brands?Let's close by discussing how a partnership with Snapchat works. Start fo finish, what does it take and how does it get executed?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 Sri Rajagopalan & Peter VS Bond muse current industry topics.Find Sri Rajagopalan on Linkedin here : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sri-rajagopalan-09a0062/Find Peter VS Bond on Linkedin here : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pvsbond/Find the CPGGUYS on Linkedin here : https://www.linkedin.com/company/cpgpodcast/The CPG Guys cover these topic:Trader Joes post by Peter BondAI in action on LinkedInRetail media pie for everyone smaller other than AMZ and WMT Doing store walksConference roundup Is podcasts still #1 for learning growing Cornell retail media program Top retail episodes 2025 : Jamil, Diana, Pulsifer, Williamson, jeff Cohen CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

This episode was shot LIVE at the Cannes Lions festival of creativity at Cannes, France. **A reminder - LIVE episodes are taken from conference floors, there may be background noise or interference**The CPGGUYS are joined by @Jody Hallman, VP of integrated marketing at Perdue farms & SVP of account management at Colle McVoy - Kate Frank.This episode is another masterclass given by a brand marketer and a partner agency.Find Jody Hallman on Linkedin :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodyhallman/Find Perdue Farms on Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/company/perdue-farms/Find Kate Frank on Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/katehfrank/Find Colle McVoy on Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/company/collemcvoy/Here's what we asked them :Jody -  Perdue is a legacy brand with a strong reputation for quality and trust. How are you evolving that brand story for today's consumers?"Both - How do you ensure alignment when it comes to short-term performance goals vs. long-term brand building? Kate - specifically from the agency side, how do you ensure that creative excellence lives within a results-driven, omnichannel world?Kate - What does great storytelling look like in a category like fresh meat and poultry, where shopper decisions are often quick and price-sensitive?Jody - How do you craft campaigns that stay true to Perdue's values while still driving conversion at shelf or online? Both - How are you both navigating the growing influence of retail media networks on creative, messaging and measurement? How is Perdue operating beyond owned channels for co-creation with consumers? (this is space to directly speak to “Winging It” effort.)How has leaning into improv informed greater ways of working between Perdue and Colle McVoy as it relates to where to take risks, show up differently with consumers and have some brand spontaneity? Kate - What have you learned about integrating upper-funnel storytelling with lower-funnel activation across platforms like Instacart, Walmart Connect, etc.?What brought you here? How has this conference been? What are some themes that intrigued you? Both - What trends are you watching closely as you plan for the next 12–18 months in CPG marketing?"CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 are joined by Laurie Lam, Chief Brand Officer at E.L.F. Beauty & Josh Rosenberg, the founder & CEO of Day One Agency.This episode was recorded at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Follow Laurie on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurielam/ Follow E.L.F. Beauty on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-l-f-beauty/ Follow Josh on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jzrosenberg/Follow Day One Agency on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/day-one-agency/CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 Kheri Holland Tillman, Chief Marketing Officer of Primo Brands & David DeMuth, CEO of Doner Partners Network.This episode was recorded at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Follow Kheri on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kheri-holland-tillman-1601563/Follow Primo Brands on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/primobrands/Follow David DeMuth on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-demuth-a7110b6/Follow Doner Partners Network on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doner-partners-network/Kheri & David answer these questions:How do you each define creativity today — especially in a world driven by data, retail media, and performance metrics?From your brand and agency perspectives, how can creativity and commerce actually work in harmony, not in conflict?What does a modern, high-functioning brand–agency relationship look like in 2025?What do you both wish more agencies/brands understood about each other when it comes to delivering real business outcomes?How do you align around both short-term wins and long-term brand equity?Retail media is reshaping the CPG marketing funnel — how is it influencing creative strategy? Are agencies ready for the retail media revolution? And are brands equipped to lead it creatively?What happens when the same campaign has to live on TikTok, an RMN banner, and a store display? How do you protect the idea across platforms?How does Primo balance bold brand-building with the need to drive measurable business results?How do you measure the impact of emotional resonance — and justify investment in brand storytelling in a ROAS-heavy world?What does  sustainability mean to you? How are guys practicing it out What's one emerging trend — in consumer behavior, media, or creative — that excites you most right now?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 Lacorazza, CMO of U.S. Bank, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States & Mike Barrett, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Supergood, a full-service advertising agency that combines human ingenuity and judgment with AIpower and insights.This episode was recorded at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Follow Michael Lacorazza on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lacorazza/Follow U.S. Bank on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-bank/Follow Mike Barrett on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/in/michael-barrett123Follow Supergood on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gosupergood/Michael & Mike answer these questions:How do you both define a brand today, in a world where consumers expect both meaning and measurable value?How do you balance emotional storytelling with performance pressures in your respective industries?If you could launch a co-branded campaign between Supergood and U.S. Bank — what would it look like? Wait – we have one, and it's called ‘the power of US'- tell us all about it. Michael first, and then Mike – how did you help US Bank design this?What are the most significant shifts you're seeing in how consumers make purchase or financial decisions today — and how are you adapting?How does trust play a role in your brand narratives, and how do you actively earn and maintain it? What advice do you have for our large brand audience on this given AI and its role in creativity today?What can CPG learn from financial services about loyalty and long-term customer value which means so much for the financial sector?With increasing pressure to prove ROI, how do you both think about the role of brand marketing in a world dominated by short-term metrics? What are your go-to KPIs that go beyond impressions and clicks — metrics that tell you your brand is actually growing?What's one emerging trend you're watching closely — whether in consumer behavior, marketing tech, or creative culture?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 e 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 Jamil Ghani, VP & Worldwide Leader of Prime at Amazon.Follow Jamil on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamilghani/Follow Amazon on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/amazon/Jamil answered these questions:How do you define the core value proposition of Prime beyond loyalty—what makes it truly unique? With Prime Day expanding to four days in 2025, what metrics will you use to measure success this year? Prime Day now spans 26 countries. How do you prioritize market expansion (e.g. Ireland, Colombia)? You've described inventory placement and last-mile enhancements as key to faster delivery—what's been the biggest operational challenge?How do you balance speed of delivery with minimizing out-of-stock experiences during peak events like Prime Day? How is AI reshaping personalization in Prime—especially for recommendation engines and support chatbots like “Rufus”? What are the “six pillars” that Prime uses to foster an innovative mindset (referencing the podcast)? With Prime Day including daily deal drops every five minutes, how do you ensure members aren't overwhelmed? How do you measure and iterate on Prime member satisfaction during high-intensity periods?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 Abby Laursen, Senior Director of Ads Product Marketing at Snap Inc., a technology company that contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. This episode was recorded at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Learn more about Snapchat for Business : https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/cpgguysFollow Abby on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-laursen/Find the Snapchat Generation Report here: https://newsroom.snap.com/snapchat-generation-reportRead Snap Success Stories here: https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/inspirationAbby answers these questions:What makes Snap a uniquely powerful platform for CPG marketers compared to other social or retail media environments?"How does Snap bridge the gap between upper-funnel storytelling and lower-funnel conversion?"Snap's focus has always been on real relationships. How does that translate into real retail outcomes for brands?"What does Gen Z expect from CPG brands today — and how should brands evolve to meet that? What's the biggest myth brands still believe about Gen Z engagement on social platforms?How is Snap helping brands remain culturally relevant while staying true to their identity?What's the biggest myth brands still believe about Gen Z engagement on social platforms?How do you see the line between social and retail blurring in the next 12–24 months?"What does the future of 'retail media meets social commerce' look like from your seat? What's one innovation or trend at Snap that CPG leaders should be paying more attention to?How is Snap helping brands prove ROI, especially when it comes to full-funnel performance? How do you think about attribution in a world where so many platforms are walled gardens?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Ajay Salpekar, the GM of Brand & Creator Commerce at TikTok, the world's leading social destination for short-form video. Follow Ajay on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salpekar/Follow TikTok on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tiktok/Follow TikTok online at: http://ads.tiktok.com Ajay answers these questions:What inspired your transition from roles at Unilever and Amazon to leading TikTok's beauty commerce strategy?You've mentioned that a shopping journey that once took 19 days can now take 19 seconds on TikTok because of compelling content. How does that happen - on the Brand side and on the Consumer behaviour end?What strategies have proven most effective for brands to convert viral TikTok moments into sustained sales?How do you define success for beauty brands on TikTok Shop, and what key metrics do you prioritize?Can you share insights into how TikTok Shop is leveling the playing field for emerging/small beauty brandsHow do you see the role of creators evolving in the context of brand storytelling and product launches? Can you give us some insight into the Creator mindset and how that drives long-term partnerships, particularly with Beauty brands?Can you share an example of a successful creator-brand collaboration on TikTok Shop that led to significant business results?What best practices do you recommend for brands when collaborating with creators to ensure authentic and effective partnerships?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Dan Bonert, SVP of Retail Analytics and Retail Media at NielsenIQ. Dan has a background in media from his days at Amazon and was able to share quite a few insights on today's environment LIVE from the NielsenIQ c360 conference down in Hollywood, FL. Ajay Sharma, VP of ecommerce + omnichannel was our guest co-host for this episode, officially now his 6th appearance on the CPGGUYS.Find Dan Bonert on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danbonert/Find NielsenIQ on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/Find NielsenIQ online at: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/Here's what we asked him : What are the key challenges you foresee in the retail media landscape, and how do you intend to address them?How does your experience at Amazon and The Trade Desk inform your approach go forward in retail media?How is NielsenIQ integrating advanced analytics to enhance retail media offerings?What technological innovations are you most excited about in the retail media space?Can you discuss how NielsenIQ's Full View™ platform contributes to retail media strategies?How do you foster collaboration between retailers and brands within NielsenIQ's ecosystem?What emerging trends do you believe will shape the future of retail media?What consumer behavior changes have you observed, and how are they impacting retail media? How do you see the role of personalization evolving in retail media strategies? What advice would you give to brands looking to optimize their retail media investments?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Cristina Preston - Director of Digital Marketing at Schnuck Markets, Inc., a supermarket chain based in the St. Louis area. The company was founded in 1939 and currently operates over 100 stores in four states throughout the Midwest.This episode was recorded at the 2025 Digital Food & Beverage SummitFollow Cristina on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-preston/Follow Scnucks on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/schnuck-markets-inc-/Follow Schnucks online at: https://schnucks.com/suppliersCristina answers these questions:What role does personalization play in your digital campaigns, and how do you balance it with data privacy concerns?How do you measure the success of digital initiatives, and which KPIs are most critical for your team?How do you foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability within your team?How does Schnucks leverage customer feedback to inform digital marketing decisions?What challenges have you faced in creating a seamless omnichannel experience for customers, and how have you addressed them?What emerging trends in digital marketing do you believe will have the most significant impact on the grocery retail industry?What role do partnerships and collaborations play in expanding Schnucks' digital reach?How do you see the role of digital marketing evolving in the next five years within the grocery sector?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Jeff Cohen, Tech Evangelist at Amazon Ads as we discuss the key themes discussed at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Follow Jeff on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/in/jeffreycohenFollow Amazon Ads Partners on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/amazon-ads-partners/Follow Amazon Ads Partners online at: https://advertising.amazon.com/partners/networkWe cover 5 key themes from the conference:Impact of AI on contentRetail Media NetworksInfluencer MarketingLearningNetworkingCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined in their 500th episode by Tanner Elton, Vice President of US Advertising Sales at Amazon.Follow Tanner on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tannerelton/Follow Amazon Ads on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/amazon-ads-partners/Follow Amazon Ads online at: https://advertising.amazon.com/Tanner answers these questions:Reflecting on your career journey at Amazon, what experiences have been most pivotal in shaping your leadership style?What role does innovation play in your leadership, and how do you foster a culture that encourages innovative thinking within your teams?What trends are you observing in consumer behavior that are influencing advertising strategies?How do you envision the future of advertising sales evolving over the next few years, particularly with the rise of streaming services and ecommerce integration?How has Amazon's relationship with major brands evolved?What feedback mechanisms are in place to ensure that advertiser needs and concerns are addressed effectively?What are the biggest challenges facing the advertising industry today, and how is Amazon Ads positioned to address them?From your perspective, what is the reason for advertisers to believe that Amazon is the best place for them to build their brands?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kevin Host, SVP of Pharmacy at Walmart. He is the current chair of NACDS (National association of chain drug stores) and we've had the pleasure of hearing him speak LIVE from Palm Beach at the NACDS annual this year. As a career pharma veteran he is well known for his partnership with center store and this episode revolves on his leadership and partnership with the store.Find Kevin Host on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-host-pharmd-1412453/Find Walmart on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmartFind Walmart online at: https://www.walmart.com/Here's what we asked him : Kevin, your career is anchored on pharmacy over the years. Tell us how different it is to lead a pharmacy vs. merchandising a center store? What are drivers you look at?What is the connection between pharmacy and center store? What kinds of cross-collaboration exists among you and other Walmart leaders?Lets talk leadership - what are some principles you are guided by and how do you mentor others on your team?As Walmart leads the industry with omnichannel capabilities as a retailer, how have you shaped this for Rx home delivery?In your current role as NACDS chair what is expected of you and what leadership are you driving for them?How does Walmart pharmacy lead with data and stay ahead of other pharmacies in the competitive environment? What is your vision for the future?How is retail media impacting your team and work?What are latest consumer trends you are following these days ? What role does artificial intelligence play in the pharma journey?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kathryn Mazza, CMO & President of Red Media at Hy-Vee, the midwest retailer. She leads the growth of the platform. Prior to, she was at Dick's Sporting Goods. This was a conversation ranging from customer loyalty building, retail media, data measurement and of course 'back to basics' in store today.Find Kathryn Mazza on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-mazza-6523372a/Find Hy-Vee on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/hy-veeFind Hy-Vee online at : https://www.hy-vee.com/Here's what we asked her : What leadership lessons have you learned in your career that guide you today at Red Media? What inspired you to take on the leadership role at Red Media? What are some of the biggest challenges facing retail media today?Can you share insights on how Red Media integrates with Hy-Vee's e-commerce and in-store experience?How does Red Media help CPG brands maximize their marketing ROI with metrics you share?How does Red Media leverage Hy-Vee's first-party data to enhance advertising effectiveness? What role does personalization play in Red Media's ad strategy?How does AI and machine learning impact Red Media's advertising capabilities?What do you look for in best in class brand and agency partnerships?What is your vision for the future of Red Media over the next five years?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

Send us a textIn this episode, the CPG Guys are joined by Lucas Barros, Head of Walmart Connect and Pamela Castro, Commercial Manager for Walmart Phronesis at Walmart Chile, the largest grocery retailer in Chile, operating under the "Lider" banner.Follow Lucas on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-barros-631955103/ Follow Pamela on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-castro-8447bb13/Follow Walmart Chile on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmartchile/ Follow Walmart Chile online at: https://www.walmartchile.cl/ Lucas & Pamela answers these questions:Let's start with some background on Walmart in Chile. Lucas, would you please share with us an overview of your retail operations.What is the state of omnichannel in Chile relative to the rest of Latin America and to North America? Any statistics on eCommerce penetration and mobile engagement would be great to hear.How long ago did Walmart Chile decide to formally enter the retail media space and would you walk us through the different ways that your suppliers can activate through your platform?Lucas, how is your team helping brands to activate through Walmart Connect? Do you offer them managed services, a self-serve platform or some combination of both?Pam, retail media success is highly dependent on the ability to personalize customer experiences. In comparison to its US counterpart, Walmart Chile has a very high transaction attribution rate to its customers. What is the story behind this?Pam, how do you make this customer data available to your suppliers to analyze behavior and help collaborate with the merchants at Walmart Chile?So how are brands effectively using Phronesis to inform their retail media strategy at Walmart Chile? Any case study you care to use as an example?Where are you focused on innovating the Walmart Connect and Walmart Phronesis offerings over the next few years?CPG Guys Website: http://cpgguys.com FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys,com ThinkBlue Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkbluesolutions/ Rhea Raj Website: http://rhearaj.com Katseye Website: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 doe 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.

Send us a textIn this episode, the CPG Guys are joined by Mark Williamson, AVP of Retail Media at Costco, the world's largest club format omnichannel retailer. Follow Mark on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkwilliamson/Follow Costco on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/costco-wholesale/Follow Costco online at: https://www.costco.com/f/-/company-informationMark answers these questions:Mark, you have a rich professional background working at Sam's Club, Ahold Delhaize USA and Citrus Ad recently rebranded as Epsilon. What was it about the opportunity at Costco around retail media that made you make this move and what were your objectives coming into the role?Why is retail media an important mechanism for brands to engage with shoppers and what makes it so appealing compared to the last century driven by linear TV and print media? What is the promise of retail media in your opinion?What do you see as the key attributes of Costco's retail media offering that should drive brands to leverage it in engaging your members?What are the core onsite ad unit offers that brands can leverage and which ones drive the most application from your suppliers?How about offsite and instore ad units? How is Costco affording quality offerings to brands in these areas?Why is transparent measurement of retail media performance marketing an essential component of brands moving their budgets into closed-loop measurement ecosystems and how is Costco ensuring that their platform succeeds in providing brands with the necessary omnichannel measurements?How does Costco make these solutions available to brands? Is it managed service, self-serve, ad tech partnerships with agencies?What are some of the industry trends that you are focused against for platform improvement and supplier adoption of Costco's RMN?CPG Guys Website: http://cpgguys.com FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys,com ThinkBlue Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkbluesolutions/ Rhea Raj Website: http://rhearaj.com Katseye Website: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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.

Send us a textIn this episode, the CPG Guys are joined by Jeff Clark, VP of Product & Commercialization at Walmart Connect, the retail media division of Walmart. Follow Jeff on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffclark/ Follow Walmart Connect on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmart-connect/ Follow Walmart Connect online at: https://www.walmartconnect.com/ Jeff answers these questions:Walmart Connect has grown from an incubator project to a full funnel media publishing business. What were the pivotal moments from a product innovation perspective that propelled this transformation?How does Walmart Connect differentiate itself from other retail media networks, particularly in leveraging Walmart's unique assets?How do you approach the commercialization of new ad products while ensuring they align with Walmart's customer-centric values?How does Walmart Connect utilize first-party data to provide measurable ROI for advertisers?With the rise of omnichannel shopping, how does Walmart Connect ensure consistent messaging across online and in-store touchpoints?What innovations are being explored to enhance CX in retail media?Can you discuss the integration between Walmart Connect and Scintilla in delivering actionable insights to brands?ExperienceWhat advancements have been made in closed-loop measurement, and how do they benefit advertisers?How is identity resolution handled within Walmart's advertising ecosystem to ensure effective targeting?What are the biggest challenges you foresee for retail media, and how is Walmart Connect preparing to address them?CPG Guys Website: http://cpgguys.com FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys,com ThinkBlue Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkbluesolutions/ Rhea Raj Website: http://rhearaj.com Katseye Website: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 are joined by Joe Davis,  Managing Director of Tree Line Strategy Group which helps companies with strategic planning, customer development, digital commerce & sales strategy.Follow Joe on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-davis-co/ Follow Tree Line Strategy Group on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tree-line-strategy-group/ Follow Tree Line Strategy Group online at: https://www.treelinestrategygroup.com/ Joe answers these questions:Retail Media continues to grow in importance for both retailers seeking to develop profitable revenue streams and for brand advertisers seeking meaningful full funnel alternatives to linear television & print media. What's your take on the level of challenge that is presented to CPG brands trying to navigate all of the retail media networks available to them?Should brands be focused on the big marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart, Instacart etc. or do they need to develop negotiation strategies for all the places their products appear for sales and why?Brand advertisers find themselves in different types of situations in which they must negotiate retail media investments. What are these situations and what types of response do they necessitate? What are the essential questions brands need to ask the retailer before agreeing to anything?How should brand advertisers build their teams for effective negotiation?How do brands decide what they should be negotiating for in these discussions?:  What are the red flags of RMN negotiation and how can brand advertisers prepare for the rabbit holes that the retailer may be forcing you to go down? Beyond what you've shared, what should brand advertisers be looking to address in helping them deliver success in their retail media activation strategy?CPG Guys Website: http://cpgguys.com FMCG Guys Website: http://fmcgguys,com ThinkBlue Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thinkbluesolutions/ Rhea Raj Website: http://rhearaj.com Katseye Website: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 Jack Shannon, Co-Founder & CEO of Recess, which helps brands drive velocity at retail with turnkey sampling partnerships that reach shoppers who frequent Target, Walmart, Kroger, and 6,000+ top retailers, and Mike Feldman, strategic advisor & former SVP Head of retail Media at VaynerMedia.Follow Jack on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonjack/Follow Mike on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-feldman-9962b230/Follow Recess on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/recess-inc-/Follow Recess online at: https://www.recess.is/Jack & Mike answer these questions:Mike, tell us a bit about your background and would love to hear from you about what macro trends you are seeing in the industry and how it relates to what you all are building with Recess.Tell us what led you to launch Recess, and how did the pandemic shape your model?How does Recess leverage data and analytics to match brands with events and venues effectively? And how do RMNs like Dollar General tie in?What does Recess actually do differently — and how does content and amplification factor into it?Can you talk about the value Recess delivers across the funnel?What trends are you seeing, and where does Recess go next?How does Recess plug into those relationships, especially when it comes to JBPs? How can brands unlock upper-funnel budget while still getting lower-funnel accountability?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comSubscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 Daniël van Gool, VP of Fulfillment Strategies & Solutions at Ahold Delhaize USA.Find Daniel on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dvangool/Find AD USA on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ahold-delhaize-usa/Find AD USA online at: https://www.adusa.com/Daniël answers these questions:You are an OG of ecommerce, going back as far as early 2000's. What changes have you seen over the years? The latest conversation and buzz in the industry is that ecommerce and omnichannel is taking a backseat given the volume challenges and that instore back to basics is everything. Is this what you see? Another common myth is that ecommerce of any sort including click & collect is a profit negative proposition. If so, why is it such a focus and also growing nation wide? Data – I have to imagine you are in the midst of all kinds of analysis and algorithms all the time. Can you give us an overview of the types of data that matter and how does POS sales data inform your decision making, especially customer loyalty? Home delivery – dead or alive? Why? Can you take us behind the scenes of what it takes to build a retail fulfillment network? What's involved ? Are there DC's, the challenges and what you face everyday to keep it running? What metrics matter the most in your role? How do you optimize these metrics to deliver for your customer? How do you work with the merchandising and space planning teams in your role? Do you share data with each other? Does one decision from you or them impact what either of you have to deliver for your customer? You have 5 banners that operate fairly independently – both promotional and assortment. How do you manage this complexity? Finally, what trends are you following in the industry? What concerns you the most? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comSubscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 are joined in this episode by Delta 181 plane crash survivor from 1985 and now founder/CEO of the nutritional wellness brand Lucky Energy. This is the story of resilience, tenacity, courage and curiosity. Laver's daughter, Kate, had cerebral palsy and couldn't eat solid foods. He created a plant-based protein shake, which led to the founding of Kate Farms and then inspired by being a survivor - Lucky Energy.Find Richard Laver on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-laver-38268616/Find Lucky Energy on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucky-beverage-co/Find Lucky Energy online at : https://luckybevco.com/Here's what we asked him :Let's get to know you. Take us through your life story summary and why Lucky energy was founded. What leadership principles have you anchored your career on?Take us through the portfolio of the company and your innovation approach. What's new for 2025?. How are you looking at Omnichannel holistically and coaching your teams on building for an always-on 360 consumer?You are up against stiff larger competitors with deep media pockets - how do you match up here and become the challenger that is fast-growing?Startups - fun and not so much. What challenges have you encountered, and how have you mitigated them?Who is your target consumer, and how do you follow them and provide for them? Why is your brand attractive for them vs others in the crowded category?What is advice you would share for others looking to start the next CPG brand? What trends are you following these days?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 Nicole Collida Davis, Managing Director & SVP US National Accounts and Jennie Bell Managing Director & SVP US Global Clients at NielsenIQ, the world's leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Today NIQ has operations in 95+ countries representing 97% of the world's GDP. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™.Find Nicole on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/in/nicolecollidaFind Jennie on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/in/jennie-bell-a27568bFind NielsenIQ Media online at: http://nielseniq.com Nicole & Jennie answers these questions:Let me ask the obvious - what does a day in the life of each of you look like? What does the word work life balance mean to you?How do you both bring a sense of balance in your lives and get some ‘me time'What are day to day challenges you'll deal with in just getting it all done?How do you deal with away from home business travel? What does vacation travel mean to you? Do you get away? What's your next getaway? Let's talk the world of business leaders you two are. How do you practice wellness and balance and what you learn in your own lives - in your day job? What advice would you give other CPG parents listening to this episode ? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comSubscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 Alison O'Keefe, Partnership Director at WHSmith North America Media Network, Powered by SMG. WHS Media is the first-ever in-store travel Retail Media Network, connecting brands to consumers across travel hubs in North America.Find Alison on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-o-keefe-42b1a830/Find WHSmith Media on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whsmith-north-america-media-network/Find WHSmith Media online at: https://smg.team/en-us/retailers/whs-media/Alison answers these questions:What are some of the biggest challenges brands face when trying to engage consumers in travel hubs?How do you see the role of physical retail media evolving in an increasingly digital advertising landscape?Why did WHSmith choose to partner with SMG in launching a media platform?How does WHSmith differentiate its media network from other retail media networks in the travel space?What are the core solutions that you offer brands to engage consumers in your physical retail locations?What types of brands or advertisers see the most success when partnering with WHSmith's media network? Is it all about endemic advertising?Can you share any recent success stories of brands leveraging WHSmith's retail media network effectively?What advice would you give to companies looking to create meaningful partnerships within the WHSmith ecosystem?How does WHSmith's media network measure and report on ad effectiveness for partners?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comSubscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 are joined in this episode by Vice President of grocery merchandising at Wakefern Food Corp. Jeff is a remarkable example of a pharmacist expert and leader now transformed into an everyday grocery merchant. We were so impressed by his leadership, he is the winner of the DSN (Drug store news) + CPGGGUYS retail merchandiser of the year for 2024! Find Jeff Mondelli on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-mondelli-95a72148/Find Wakefern Food Corp on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/wakefern-food-corp-/Find Wakfern Food Corp online at : https://www2.wakefern.com/Here's what we asked him : 1.  You are a rare breed of merchants that have successfully transitioned from pharma to CPG - what did it take and how did you accomplish this?2. How have consumer behaviors and preferences shifted in the post-pandemic world, and what does this mean for CPG brands?3. CPG companies are facing a lot of disruption with e-commerce and changing consumer behaviors. What are the biggest shifts you're seeing in the industry today?4. How do you see the relationship between traditional retail and CPG evolving over the next 5 years?5. What advice do you have for CPG companies that are struggling to adapt to the consumer digital-first world?6. How do you think CPG companies can best leverage data and analytics to improve their operations, marketing, and customer engagement?7. What does a best in class partnership with Wakefern look like for a CPG brand?8. What's the best piece of advice you've received during your career, and how did it shape your path?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.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 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 are joined in this episode by Shaan Modi, from New Jersey. Shaan is still in high school but was spotted by us at CAGNY (the annual consumer analysts gathering with senior CPG brand leaders) down in Florida in February. We observed him attend several sessions, and we quite surprised to see someone from Gen Z in this conference. We asked him what he thought, and his answers both intrigued and challenged our own biases of how he saw the notion of a 'brand'. We decided to bring him on the pod, he agreed, here is the episode. Enjoy the listen to what Gen Z thinks of the many brands we have spent decades building.Here's what we asked Shaan : Personal Experience & Perspective : What inspired you, as an 18-year-old, to attend CAGNY 2025, and how did you prepare to get the most out of it? Were there any moments during the conference that shifted your opinion about a brand or product?Health & Wellness Trends :Do you think the current “better-for-you” trends reflect authentic health concerns among Gen Z—or are they still mostly marketing tactics?Marketing Strategy : Which brand do you think best understands Gen Z in terms of digital-first marketing, and what made it stand out? How important is authenticity in influencer marketing to you and your peers? What makes something feel “forced” versus genuine?Innovation & Missed Opportunities : You pointed out how companies missed TikTok trends—why do you think they're slow to adapt, even when the data is right there? Do you think there's a risk in brands trying too hard to be trendy or viral? What's the right balance?If you could advise General Mills on a single product innovation to better appeal to Gen Z, what would it be?Product Development & Personalization : How important is personalization in food products for Gen Z? Would you actually use something like a custom snack box?Cultural & Social Relevance : What's one cultural or social movement you feel CPG brands are completely missing out on when it comes to Gen Z? Which viral food trend do you think has the most untapped brand potential right now?Vision for the Future : If you were to attend CAGNY 2030, what changes or evolutions would you hope to see in how brands engage with your generation?Personal Experience & Perspective? Were there any moments during the conference that shifted your opinion about a brand or product?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.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 Brandon Nutter, co Founder and CTO of Ampd, which connects Google Ads directly to the world's largest marketplaces like Amazon and turn incremental revenue all the way up, and Steve Pet, Antitrust Associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.Find Brandon Nutter on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonnutter/ Find Steve Pet on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-pet-22b12040/Find Ampd online at: https://www.ampd.io/Brandon & Steve answer these questions:What is the RPA policy and why does it hold brands back in your observation? Is it a ‘where to buy' challenge?We'd love to learn how RPA came about and how often do you encounter it in the law practice? Is it a big deal or not? Have you seen it enforced?We have a new administration and it's clear they are moving aggressively on removing business barriers. What are you guys anticipating?In your observation, what do CPG brands do today to stay compliant? Does this compliance then destroy ‘where to buy' as an intent to help the consumer know promotional offers?Let's stay on the theme of where to buy. What is it then ideal for and what is it not ideal for? Can I have both of you respond to that – Steve you first?Any case studies recently that you can share from personal experiences?Since this is a misunderstood topic, how is Ampd's platform help in this space? Why should a brand invest with you to overcome this challenge? What is then the advantage of sending closed loop traffic directly to retailers? Is first party data then lost as only retail will have it?How can a brand be RPA compliant? What is your outlook and closing advice on this topic?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comSubscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.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 returning guest Nik Modi, Co-Head of Global Consumer & Retail Research at RBC Capital Markets.In this episode, Nik discusses his recent communication equity research newsletter called “Attention CPG Management/Boards: It's Time to Cut EPS Significantly”Nik argues that cutting numbers significantly would not only provide a floor on valuations, but also provide ample flex for investments that are critically needed, especially in marketing, innovation, supply chain and AI talent/capabilities.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/To read Nick's letter go here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cpgpodcast_growth-activity-7320215173019942913-wRRY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAAB-1kB_qphpg7T2qlI24Zz4i_8wB0zMTICPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comSubscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.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, Sri interviews Jordan Berke, founder & CEO of TOMORROW, a leading digital retail advisory firm, enabling global retailers to accelerate growth through digitization.Sri and Jordan tour an Amazon Fresh store as they unpack Amazon's omnichannel grocery strategy live from the original Amazon Fresh store in Los Angeles. While much of Amazon's physical store rollout has been hit or miss, the Amazon Ads presence in stores shows the potential to combine in store screens, programmatic, and physical promo space to create immersive brand experiences. Find Jordan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-berke-tomorrow/Find TOMORROW on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomorrow-retail-consulting/Find TOMORROW online at: https://tomorrowretail.com/CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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, the CPG Guys are joined by Greg Pulsifer, SVP of eCommerce at Sam's Club, the club format division of Walmart.Find Greg on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregpulsifer/Find Sam's Club on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sam's-club/Find Sam's Club online at: https://corporate.walmart.com/about/samsclub/sams-club-suppliers?Greg answers these questions:Tell us about you the person? Take us through your career growth journey in digital and ecommerce and how you got here?Take us through Sam's ecommerce strategy and what is the 2025 focus? [Greg will respond to #6 below as a response to this strategy question, hence striking out the questions below.]NRF digital council - what does this mean and how are you and Sam's club contributing through it in our industry? How has ecommerce fundamentally changed over COVID and in a post COVID environment? How are you and Sam's dealing with this?Tell us about your team and how you motivate them everyday? What is your approach to people leadership?Retail media has fundamentally changed shopping. How are you partnering with MAP and leveraging this for your customers experiences?What trends are you following these days? AI, tech, other or digital trends? Why are these important?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 straight from Sydney, Australia by Imteaz Ahamed, founder and CEO of an artificial intelligence platform called Applied Intelligence. This episode is contextual for the CPG industry and covers many topics related to what YOU as a listener - either from a brand or retailer are faced with today.Find Imteaz Ahamed on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/imteaza/Find Applied Intelligence on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-intelligence-newsletter/Find Applied Intelligence online at : https://appliedintelligence.beehiiv.com/Here's what we discussed : Is the CPG industry ready for AI at scale?Do we understand the difference between ML & AI?What is applied AI?Where is AI the most effective in commercial forums, teams and growth?Are CMO's doing what's needed to leverage AI?Why ChatGPT is merely a beginning...How can you learn, adapt and adopt.Applied AI in CPG.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 by Michael La Kier, Vice President Brand Development at the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) the largest affiliation of independent grocers in the U.S. andaround the world, boasting 2,500 U.S. stores and 7,500+ globally. This episode was recorded at the 2025 Commerce Media Brand Summit produced by WB Research.Find Michael on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellakier/Find IGA on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iga-inc./Find IGA online at: https://www.iga.com/Michael answers these questions:What is the history of retail media at IGA and how can brands activate on it?How can independents help brands regain their volume through customer acquisition?How does IGA help its members with assortment planning?Why should all marketing efforts drive actions?How has IGA partnered with Instacart?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/WB Research: https://www.wbresearch.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 are joined by Cristian Arcangeli, Vice President of Omnichannel and Customer Experience at illycaffè, an Italian family business, founded in Trieste in 1933 and committed to offering the greatest coffee to the world.Find Cristian on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carcangeli/ Find illycaffè on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/illycaffe/Find Illycaffè online at: https://www.illy.com/en-usApply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/Cristian answers these questions:Can you share pivotal experiences in your journey from working with fashion brands like Gucci and Diesel to your current role at illycaffè?How does illycaffè ensure a seamless omnichannel experience for its customers?How has illycaffè's digital business evolved under your leadership? What have been your key objectives in this area?How does illycaffè differentiate its digital customer experience from competitors in the market? What have been successful components of this strategy?Can you discuss any recent digital innovations at illycaffè that have significantly impacted customer experience?How are you leveraging customer data to inform your digital strategies? You have a large presence on Amazon & you have a thriving DTC business. How are you utilizing the generated transaction data?In what ways does illycaffè collect and implement customer feedback to improve its digital platforms?What emerging digital trends do you believe will shape the future of customer experience in the CPG industry?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 welcome the senior editor of the Path to Purchase Institute, Cyndi Loza, to discuss the latest retail media networks benchmarking report produced by them and the results. Some outcomes will surprise you, some are a confirmation and some retail media networks have missed the opportunity completely.Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/Find Cyndi Loza on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndiloza/Find Path to Purchase Institute on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-path-to-purchase-institute/Find Path to Purchase Institute online : https://p2pi.com/Here's what we discussed : 1.) Which retail media networks outperform and are seen as best in class?2.) Which RMN's have the best measurement frameworks?3.) Who is the easiest to work with?4.) Which RMN is integrated with merchants?and so much more....CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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 the founder of Doughlicious - the London dough company. Indulgent, yet healthy cookies - yes, that's whipping up treats in her kitchen to becoming London's cookie queen, Kathryn Bricken turned her American baking magic into a sweet success story. Her legendary homemade cookies, crafted with clean, premium ingredients and free from artificial nasties, sparked such a frenzy among friends—who begged for her secret dough to bake at home—that she knew she had to share her creation with the world.Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/Find Kathryn Bricken on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-bricken-78620625/Find Doughlicious on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doughlicious-dough/Find Doughlicious online at: https://doughlicious.co.uk/Here's what we asked her : Tell us about you the person? How did the idea for doughalicious come by? How did you convert the idea to a product? How is doughalicious scaling? Why is it better than other brands? Where can it be found Take us through the portfolio of doughalicious. What's next? In categories where there are brands with deep marketing pockets and distribution how do you captivate the consumerTell us about your team and how you motivate them everyday? What is your approach to people leadership?Who has been your mentor and advisor and what is the importance of this? What advise would you give other startups in this place? Challenges as a startupWhat trends are you following these days? AI, tech, other or food trends? Why are these important? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea 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.