Podcasts about cpg

Consumer expectations are changing fast, and brands of every size are being forced to adapt.  In this episode, we discuss what PepsiCo's response to GLP-1s and inflation signals for CPG. We also dive into Vita Coco's acquisition of a super-premium rival, and sample everything from cereal-inspired protein shakes and date-sweetened cola to birch water and caffeinated banana milk. Show notes: 0:20: Chi, Summer. Is Ce Real? Pep Rally. Coco + Copra. Date Drink. The Two a Yous. It's French. — Ray and Melissa lament how quickly summer is slipping away, but they're looking ahead to Taste Radio's upcoming meetup in Chicago. Meanwhile, Mike is mixing up an unconventional concoction he swears will improve his physique. Melissa then leads a conversation about PepsiCo's response to GLP-1 adoption and persistent inflation, prompting a discussion about how major CPG companies are balancing lower prices on core products with innovation in premium and functional offerings—a dynamic that's creating both headwinds and opportunities for emerging brands. The hosts also examine Vita Coco's acquisition of premium coconut water brand Copra, viewing it as a strategic move to expand across multiple price tiers and compete more directly with Harmless Harvest. Ray samples Unpop's date-sweetened cola and highlights Tuyyo agua fresca hydration sticks, NYMBL high-protein ice cream, and OOZ birch water, while Melissa gives high marks to Halfday iced tea and Matcha DNA's powdered matcha lattes. Brands in this episode: Spylt, Miils, Doritos, Carbone, Copra, Vita Coco, Harmless Harvest, Jolt Cola, Olipop, Poppi, Nixie, Stiller's, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Halfday, Nymbl, Protein Pints, David, Tuyyo, Unpop, OOZ, Matcha DNA, Minor Figures

Jennifer Barney is the founder of Barney Butter, author of the newsletter The Business of Food, and an advisor on food manufacturing and agricultural innovation. On this episode of ITS, Jennifer and Ali talk about the CPG system. what she's optimistic about, and how founders need to understand the economics of what they're building. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Susanna W. Blair, Senior Director of Regulatory and Technical Affairs for the Consumer Brands Association (CBA), which represents the interests of the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) community. Having left the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) after a distinguished career as a senior scientist and policy expert, Dr. Blair is putting her science policy chops to good use at CBA. We discuss CBA's mission, its focus on food and beverage ingredients, how Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) advocacy has impacted CBA, the Association's focus on the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) framework, among other priority projects CBA is pursuing, and much more. ALL MATERIALS IN THIS PODCAST ARE PROVIDED SOLELY FOR INFORMATIONAL  AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. THE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE OR THE PROVISION OF LEGAL SERVICES. ALL LEGAL QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ANSWERED DIRECTLY BY A LICENSED ATTORNEY PRACTICING IN THE APPLICABLE AREA OF LAW. ©2026 Bergeson & Campbell, P.C.  All Rights Reserved

On today's episode, we welcome Katie Lee, Founder of Katie's Pizza & Pasta — a chef-driven Italian restaurant and fast-growing CPG brand based in St. Louis. Katie's journey from high school dropout, recovering addict and single mom to James Beard-recognized restaurateur and one of the fastest-growing food entrepreneurs in America is a powerful story of resilience, grit and building something from scratch. In this episode, Katie shares how she launched her first restaurant in 2008 and helped ignite the artisan Italian pizza movement in the Midwest. She talks about taking Katie's from a beloved neighborhood restaurant to the national frozen food aisle, why handmade quality and rigorously sourced ingredients remain core to the brand, and what it took to produce 400,000 pizzas for Target in just 96 days — all by hand. We also discuss clean comfort food, building a brand with real identity, staying true to your roots while scaling, and what founders should do when the idea they believe in still isn't working. A must-listen for founders, operators, food lovers and anyone interested in resilience, restaurant growth, CPG, brand building and what it really takes to scale without losing the soul of the product.   Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks.   To learn more about Katie Lee and Katie's Pizza & Pasta:https://www.katies.com/https://www.instagram.com/katiespizzaandpasta/https://www.instagram.com/katiepizzalee/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leekatie/   Sponsored By: AT&T Business - Switch to AT&T Business at business.att.com Chime - Join the millions who are already banking fee-free today. Head to Chime.com/KARAGOLDIN. Superhuman Go - Helps the whole team move faster. Find out more at Superhuman.com   Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/871

When is the right time to sell your CPG brand?In this episode of CPG Insiders, Mark Young and Justin Girouard break down one of the biggest—and most emotional—decisions every entrepreneur faces: when to exit. They explain why the best time to prepare for a sale is years before you plan to sell, how buyers actually value brands, and what separates a $50M exit from a $500M+ exit.You'll learn why buyers aren't purchasing your history—they're buying your future.In this episode:Why founders should start preparing for an exit 3 years in advanceThe biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make before sellingHow strategic buyers value growth differently than private equityWhy momentum matters more than current revenueThe 10 signs your company may be ready for an acquisitionThe exit readiness scorecard every founder should useReal acquisition examples including Rao's, RXBAR, Kind, Native, Cremo, - Primal Kitchen, and moreHow to build a company that can thrive without the founderOne of the biggest takeaways:"The right price to sell your company is when someone offers you more than you'd pay for it yourself."Whether you're planning to sell next year or ten years from now, this conversation will change how you think about building enterprise value.

Kristine Root is a brand strategist, agency leader, and the Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Socha Branding.Bio HighlightsThe Agency Founder: Kristine founded Socha Branding, a food systems branding and marketing agency that partners with natural, organic, and regenerative brands, non-profits, and government programs across the food value chain.Systems Storytelling: With over 20 years of marketing experience, she specializes in using deep research, consumer insights, and systems thinking to help purpose-driven food and agriculture companies connect what they believe in with real market demand.Bridging Farm to Retail: Her work through Socha sits at the nexus of soil health, CPG supply chains, and consumer perception—helping everyone from small artisan food makers to global enterprise CPGs scale with integrity.

When Shaw's Ice Cream announced it was closing its doors in 2001, three sisters — Christine, Kelly, and Kim — made a decision most people would call reckless: they dropped out of university and bought the shuttered 1950s manufacturing plant. Their logic? "We know retail. How hard can manufacturing be?" Twenty-five years later, Shaw's is a Southwestern Ontario institution — and one of the best "green, naive, and figured-it-out" founder stories we've had on the show. In this episode, Phil and Kenny sit down with the sisters behind Shaw's Ice Cream (based in Tillsonburg & St. Thomas, Ontario) to unpack how they rebuilt a brand from nothing, survived on a two-week crash course and a wrench, and grew into a three-part business spanning retail, wholesale, and co-pack/private-label manufacturing for other brands. Whether you're a founder, a CPG operator, or just someone who loves a good Ontario road-trip-and-ice-cream day, this one's a treat.

Can you imagine a CPG company with an 87% customer retention rate and a 50% subscribe and save rate on Amazon? Wouldn't you want to know their secret? Well now you can, thanks to our guest today, Catherine Hayden, Chief Marketing Officer at Kate Farms, the #1 doctor-recommended plant-based nutrition brand. She recounts the journey that got them where they are today, and explains their tremendous investment in product quality, customer care, and medical research that drives trust and long term customer value.

In 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 Retail Media on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/costco-retail-media/Follow Costco online at: https://www.costco.com/f/-/company-informationMark answers these questions:So Mark, let's kick it off with the big news that completely shocked the industry. At recent industry events, you took the stage and did what almost no other Retail Media Network does: you completely exposed Costco's full technology stack—revealing every single identity vendor, DSP, and clean room provider you use. Why did you make the deliberate choice to embrace absolute transparency, and how has that transparency directly influenced ad spend from skeptical brands and agencies?Transparency builds the ultimate trust, no doubt. Now Mark, you have a beautiful phrase that we absolutely love: "Retail media at Costco exists to accelerate merchandise sales." You maintain a strict structural hierarchy where merchandise velocity and member loyalty sit firmly at the very top. If a digital ad campaign doesn't help move a physical pallet of product or reinforce the value of a membership card, it simply doesn't belong in your ecosystem. How do you enforce this "merchant-first" philosophy when national brand managers come in with legacy KPIs focused entirely on vanity ad metrics? Pallet velocity over vanity metrics every single day of the week! Mark, let's talk about your unique "Last-Mover Advantage." While other networks rushed to stand up brittle, overly complicated platforms out of the gate, Costco spent its time quietly observing the market and engineering a robust private data cloud from the ground up. How did waiting and prioritizing a clean, unfragmented data foundation allow you to completely leapfrog the "black box" reporting traps that have frustrated CPG teams for years?That backend data foundation is the real secret sauce. Let's look at a highly disruptive offsite capability you recently rolled out: Google Product Listing Ads (PLAs). This isn't typical offsite audience extension or standard Connected TV (CTV) storytelling; you are moving Costco's first-party retail media directly into Google Shopping search. For the brands listening, why does leveraging Costco's high-intent audience data inside Google's open shopping engine radically perform better than a brand trying to buy those generic keywords on their own?Tying high-intent open web search to verified warehouse data is a game-changer. Mark, let's look at what you call "In Real Life" (IRL) Activation—the third pillar of your omni-channel media strategy. Costco's physical club warehouses are legendary for their high-frequency, massive-basket foot traffic. How are you taking real-world, physical-store signals—everything from fuel pumps to warehouse digital screens—and dynamically connecting them back into a single, cohesive digital loop?Physical-digital loop integration is exactly where the massive volume lies. Mark, let's talk about building a Composable Architecture. Your technical setup is intentionally designed as a cohesive orchestration layer where identity, activation, and clean room metrics can evolve independently without disrupting the core business. Why should global CPG technology heads stop trying to build rigid, custom end-to-end stacks and instead adopt Costco's modular, composable blueprint?Composable modularity is the ultimate future-proofing play. Mark, we are rapidly entering the "Agentic Era" of commerce, where autonomous AI agents are beginning to manage complex segmentation, path recommendations, and real-time budget optimization behind the scenes. How is Costco utilizing advanced AI orchestration layers to cut through operational friction, making your complex, multi-partner systems intuitive and highly usable for brand teams?AI-driven demand generation is going to separate the winners from the laggards. Let's double-click down on The Merchant-Media Collaboration Loop. In many traditional retail environments, the media network operates as an isolated, outside fiefdom that frequently causes friction with the actual category merchants. At Costco, you have deliberately fused media capability directly into the merchandising lifecycle. Can you take us under the hood of that internal relationship? How do your media specialists work harmoniously alongside the warehouse buyers to drive mutual top-line growth?Tying the merchant loop directly to the ad stack is how you achieve sustainable scale. Mark, Costco is world-renowned for its hyper-curated, disciplined product assortment—you don't carry 50 versions of an item; you carry the absolute best value selections. How does this strict, limited-SKU club environment fundamentally change the digital shelf auction on your onsite properties? Does a highly curated box mean that retail media real estate on Costco is infinitely more valuable and defensive for an incumbent brand?Highly curated spaces demand highly precise execution. Alright Mark, final question for today, and we want to send our global practitioner audience home with an absolute golden nugget of advice. If you could look a corporate CPG Chief Customer Officer or Head of Sales dead in the eye today, what is the single biggest "reality check" or piece of blind-spot advice you can give them to help them stop treating retail media as a lower-funnel marketing tax and instead unlock true, closed-loop incremental volume this quarter?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Phil Chang and Kenny Vannucci sit down with Sylvia Bennett, founder of SURCH Foods (that's S-U-R-C-H), a B2B search platform built to solve a problem the food industry has quietly lived with forever: there is no good way to find ingredients, packaging, co-manufacturers, or expertise.  Sylvia spent her career in the industry — starting in a Sobeys bakery, then product development and private label at Sobeys and Walmart, then R&D at a cookie plant — and kept watching sourcing managers dig through old business cards because "I know a guy" was the only system available. We flipped this episode on its head. Instead of starting with Sylvia's story, we start with the platform, walk through it live, and then back into why someone with her background decided to build it.   The honest takeaway: a search engine for food ingredients shouldn't be revolutionary in 2026. But it is — and it only works if the industry actually shows up and gets listed. Find Sylvia at surchfoods.com or sylvia@surchfoods.com.

Rachel Moore is a partner at Goldilocks, and has advised brands from Brami and Laoban to Perfect Bar and Back to Nature. More recently, she and the Goldilocks team launched Plainspeak, a wellness brand designed specifically for women navigating midlife. On this episode of ITS, Rachel and Ali discuss the real meaning of brand positioning and why, done well. it's the filter for every other decision you make.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Ali Miller, GM of Advertising and Tim Castelli, VP Global Ad Sales at Instacart.This episode was recorded in France at the 2026 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.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://company.instacart.com/adsAli & Tim answer these questions:So Ali, let's kick it off with you on a massive macro trend. We just read Nik Modi's latest RBC Capital report, Modi's Musings Volume 4, and theme number one is that Cultural Relevance > Brand Equity—meaning scale alone doesn't protect you anymore; you have to turn online platforms into an active "economic substrate" for identity and transaction flow. How is Instacart evolving its ad tech stack to let legacy CPG giants quickly move at the speed of a viral TikTok trend or cultural moment, turning immediate social media inspiration into a converted grocery basket? That speed to conversion is everything. Tim, let's talk about some news you announced at Cannes this week. Let's start with your AI Shopping assistant. What makes Instacart's AI assistant different?As consumers look to collapse choice complexity because of low mental energy and rising anxiety, the visible shelf is shrinking from 50+ items down to 1 or 2 AI-curated recommendations. How does this radically compressed digital real estate change your ad business strategy and Joint Business Plans with brands? You mentioned you're intentionally not running ads in AI experiences yet. Walk us through how you're thinking about that. Jumping back to the news…Immersive Feed feels like a direct response to how consumers are already discovering food on social media. How do you make sure that experience feels additive and not just like another ad unit? Does this foreshadow more to come with media publishers and creators? And for Ads Studio – is that essentially opening up Instacart's own marketing engine to brand partners? What made you confident enough in that internal capability to turn it into a commercial offering?Tim, let's pivot to New Revenue Streams and Business Models. CPG brands are desperately trying to evolve from old-school, unit-driven transactional models toward ecosystem-based monetization. With Instacart Caper Carts rolling out smart screens right into the physical brick-and-mortar aisles, you guys have built a literal physical-digital loop. How should brands rethink co-created, real-time physical store experiences using your connected hardware?Connected hardware in the physical aisle is the ultimate frontier. Ali, we can't talk about Cannes Lions without talking about Closed-Loop Measurement. Marketers are completely burnt out on self-attributed platform metrics. Instacart's entire value proposition is anchored on receipt-level, purchase-verified deterministic truth. For the brand marketers listening who are caught in the "Validation Trap," what does mathematically clean, independent attribution look like over the next three years, and how does Instacart enforce it?If it doesn't move actual volume off the shelf, it's just noise. Tim, looking at your front-row seat to enterprise sales, what separates the North Star CPG brands—the progressive companies that are aggressively growing their volume share on Instacart right now—from the legacy laggards who are still trying to run 20-year-old, static, distribution-only playbooks? What core corporate competency or operational rhythm allows them to win?Incredible, provocative insights. Now, before we pack up the mics and head out onto the Croisette for a glass of rosé, we have to save a special final question. Cannes Lions is famously the birthplace of massive, landscape-shifting partnership announcements and enterprise platform reveals. Ali, Tim... what do you guys have cooking up under the hood for Instacart that you can uniquely share with the CPG Guys community live today?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Rafa Flores, Chief Product and Growth Officer of Treasure AI, joins the podcast to talk about his career path from engineering recruiter to “boomerang” leader returning after six years away, and Treasure Data's rebrand to Treasure AI. Flores says the shift is an evolution based on the company's machine-learning and predictive heritage, its technical DNA of using AI internally, and a desire to create a lifestyle-like community brand. He explains Treasure AI Studio, which orchestrates CDP and activation in plain English across web and mobile, enabling faster troubleshooting, campaign deployment, and real-time insights. Flores argues first-party data remains a “goldmine” but must be activated incrementally with governed access; how AI helps answer questions quickly but requires guardrails, discusses fear and overemphasis on speed/cost versus value and predicts growth of “digital workers”.   About Treasure AI Treasure AI is the agentic experience platform helping the world's most loved brands finally activate the customer data they already have. Founded in 2011 and backed by SoftBank, the company spent 15 years quietly building the infrastructure behind some of the most recognizable names in retail, automotive, CPG, and financial services — before rebranding in 2026 to reflect what it had always been building toward. Named a Forrester Wave Leader for B2C CDPs, Treasure AI unifies fragmented first-party data into a single living customer profile and puts AI to work on it in real time, on behalf of human marketers who set the strategy and make the calls. The result for brands like Nestlé, AB InBev, Stellantis, and Condé Nast is measurable: millions in recovered media spend, significant revenue generated, and marketing teams that finally get to go home on time.   About Rafa Flores Rafa Flores is the Chief Product and Growth Officer at Treasure AI, where he leads product strategy and growth with a simple conviction: the best technology gives people their time back. A builder by nature and a father of four, Rafa has always believed that progress is personal — that the products worth building are the ones that free someone up to be more present, more creative, and more human. That belief drives everything from how he runs his teams to the unconventional call he made to give away free access to a platform traditionally reserved for Fortune 500 companies, a bet that raised eyebrows and is already showing results. He brings that same bias toward progress to every stage he walks onto.  Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:39 Rafa's Career Journey 01:53 Returning to Treasure Data 03:25 Move at Speed of Now 04:12 Rebrand to Treasure AI 07:22 Lifestyle Brand in B2B 09:57 AI Studio Use Cases 12:37 First Party Data Goldmine 16:29 AI Hype and Real Value 18:38 Digital Workers Ahead 20:31 SaaS Future and Guardrails 23:59 PLG Try Now Campaign 26:02 Advice and Wrap Up   Quotes "It's not just about how much time AI can save you, it's also about how much revenue it can drive for the business." Rafa Flores, CPO at Treasure AI. "Digital workers are about better supporting the human in the loop." Rafa Flores, CPO at Treasure AI. "The biggest mistake is everyone wants to rush to deploy AI."  Rafa Flores, CPO at Treasure AI.   Follow Rafa: Rafa Flores on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ref2019/ Rafa Flores on Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/people/rafaelflores/ Treasure AI website: https://www.treasure.ai/ Treasure AI YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TreasureData   Follow Mike: Mike Maynard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikemaynard/ Napier website: https://www.napierb2b.com/ Napier LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/napier-partnership-limited/   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to our podcast for more discussions about the latest in Marketing B2B Tech and connect with us on social media to stay updated on upcoming episodes. We'd also appreciate it if you could leave us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Want more? Check out Napier's other podcast - The Marketing Automation Moment: https://podcasts.apple.com/ua/podcast/the-marketing-automation-moment-podcast/id1659211547

Send us Fan MailStephanie sits down with Sari for a conversation about how CPG founders should decide when, and whether, to move into a new sales channel, emphasizing self-awareness, true costs, margin analysis, and strategic patience over comparison and FOMO-driven impatience. They close with a shared reminder that discipline, facts, and knowing your "why" beat chasing every opportunity, and tease a future episode on fear and false urgency.And, grab the roadmap and Sales Channel quick training with Sari https://www.foodbizsuccess.com/roadmapLaunch & Grow is hot out of the oven with a full update for 2026 and it's the only way you can join us inside the Fuel membership.  Click here to join us today!If you are thinking about starting a food biz or want to grow into a new channel - Get the FREE three-part video series: 3 Ways to Sell → click here ← Is 1:1 Business Coaching calling your name to scale your existing business and stop working so dang hard? Explore coaching with Sari herePick up your copy of the Amazon best selling book

Trish, founder of Kettle & Hive, joins This Commerce Life to share how a coworker's break-time basket of lemons, ginger, and honey sparked the idea for a fresh, spoonable lemon and honey tea — made with just two ingredients, no corn syrup, no thickeners, no shortcuts. From her first job as a day baker at Tim Hortons to quitting her job after one exhausting-but-successful farmers market season, Trish walks us through the real journey of building a small-batch food business in BC: honing recipes 20 jars at a time, using baker's math to scale batches, moving from a home kitchen to shared commercial kitchens to her own facility with a 60-gallon steam kettle — and learning the hard way what it costs to sell out and cancel a Christmas market because production couldn't keep up. Whether you're still selling at craft fairs or eyeing your first distributor conversation, this episode is a masterclass in growing a CPG food brand the right way — one honest customer conversation at a time. Find Kettle & Hive:

Evan Dash is the CEO of StoreBound and Author of the best-selling book, A Dash of Good: How to Turn a Business Based on Values into a Valuable Business. Evan's journey took him from firefighter to business executive before becoming a household name in the kitchenware industry. Alongside his wife Rachel, they launched DASH, their namesake kitchenware brand. Under Dash's leadership, the company skyrocketed to success, achieving sales of over $1 billion in sales and becoming the world's largest producer of waffle makers, popcorn poppers, and egg cookers, with over 100 million units sold. Before its 10th anniversary, Dash negotiated a majority sale of his company to Groupe SEB, the $8 billion global leader in the housewares industry.Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Entrepreneurial journey from firefighter to CEO of a billion-dollar kitchenware brand.Transition from corporate retail experience to founding a business.Importance of a retail-first strategy versus direct-to-consumer approaches.Challenges faced in retail, including inventory management and product-market fit.The significance of a caring company culture and hiring practices.Strategies for DTC brands entering the retail space.The role of AI in enhancing business operations and creativity.Partnership dynamics in business, particularly with a spouse.Lessons learned from early failures and successes in product launches.Emphasis on building trust and relationships with customers and retailers.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Evan Dash, CEO of StoreBound and founder of Dash kitchenware. Evan shares his unconventional journey from firefighter to entrepreneur, building a brand that surpassed $1 billion in sales. He discusses leveraging brick-and-mortar retail expertise, the importance of a content-first strategy, and hiring people who genuinely care. Evan also highlights his partnership with his wife Rachel, strategies for DTC brands entering retail, and AI's growing role in business operations.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Start where you have an unfair advantage Leverage your existing expertise, network, or channel (retail, DTC, etc.) instead of blindly following trends. Validate demand before scaling Use tools like crowdfunding, small test runs, or pilot launches to confirm product-market fit and reduce inventory risk. Treat retail like a different business If entering brick-and-mortar, master pricing, margins, cash flow, and logistics—don't assume your DTC playbook will work.Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction and Setting the StageEvan discusses generational shifts in kitchenware preferences and the initial marketing approach for Dash.00:00:22 Podcast IntroductionHost introduces the E-com Breakthrough Podcast and sets up the episode's focus.00:00:35 Guest Introduction: Evan Dash's BackgroundEvan's journey from firefighter to CEO, and the founding of Dash kitchenware.00:01:51 Personal Connection and Product RecognitionHost shares personal experience with Dash products and introduces the main interview.00:02:19 Evan's Entrepreneurial JourneyEvan recounts his unconventional path from firefighting to retail and business.00:04:01 Lessons from Retail and E-commerce EvolutionEvan discusses his retail background, the fall of legacy brands, and the rise of e-commerce.00:05:57 Transition from Corporate to EntrepreneurshipEvan explains how being fired led him to start his own business with his wife.00:07:45 Working with a Spouse: Partnership InsightsEvan and the host discuss the dynamics and benefits of building a business with their wives.00:10:02 Travel and Business Partnership BenefitsEvan shares the advantages of traveling and working closely with his spouse.00:11:21 Launching Dash: Retail-First StrategyEvan explains why Dash started with a retail-first approach and the challenges faced.00:12:11 Early Product Experiments and Brand NamingEvan describes initial product ideas, licensing, and the decision to use his last name for the brand.00:14:30 Content-Driven Brand BuildingDash's early focus on content creation, social media, and appealing to younger consumers.00:16:37 Retail Placement and Cash Flow ChallengesHow Dash leveraged retail relationships for credibility and managed cash flow pressures.00:17:47 Retail Flywheel and Industry FOMOThe impact of early retail success and how it led to more opportunities.00:18:35 Product Flops and Risk MitigationEvan discusses product failures, the importance of sell-through, and strategies to minimize risk.00:22:07 Crowdfunding and Retailer RelationshipsUsing Kickstarter/Indiegogo to test products and proactively managing retailer relationships.00:24:30 Advice for DTC Brands Entering RetailEvan's recommendations for DTC brands looking to expand into retail.00:25:08 Learning New Channels and Building ExpertiseThe importance of becoming an expert in new sales channels and hiring for knowledge gaps.00:27:02 Brokers vs. Direct Outreach in RetailPros and cons of using brokers versus direct outreach for retail expansion.00:28:14 Focus, Time Management, and Agency PitfallsThe risks of losing focus, the value of time, and challenges with agencies.00:29:37 Hiring Smart People and Building TeamsHow hiring smarter people and building strong teams drives business growth.00:30:36 Culture of Caring and Core ValuesEvan's approach to company culture, hiring for care, and building a values-driven organization.00:34:15 Defining “Care” in Company CultureWhat “care” means at Dash and how it's embedded in the company's DNA.00:35:16 Empowerment, Trust, and Winning HeartsPairing care with empowerment, trust, and a focus on winning hearts internally and externally.00:38:20 Culture as a Competitive AdvantageHow culture and core values translate to consumer experience and business success.00:39:16 AI in Business: Human vs. AutomationEvan's perspective on AI, its role in efficiency, and why humans remain central.00:40:17 AI as a Multiplier, Not a ReplacementHow Dash is adopting AI to boost productivity while maintaining a human-centric approach.00:41:28 Final Thoughts and Book RecommendationEvan recommends his book and offers to connect with listeners.00:41:49 Three Actionable TakeawaysHost summarizes key lessons: domain expertise, caring culture, and hiring smart people.00:45:08 Rapid-Fire Questions: Book, AI Tool, InspirationEvan shares his favorite book, AI tools, and sources of inspiration in CPG and fashion.00:48:34 Closing and Contact InformationHow to connect with Evan and Dash; episode wrap-up.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comTools and Websites"Kickstarter": "00:23:27""Indiegogo": "00:23:27""ChatGPT": "00:46:15"Books"

CPG's next big ideas often emerge in unexpected places. In this episode, we explore what founders across food and beverage can learn from the rapid rise of hard sodas and hard sports drinks, as alcohol brands borrow from health, wellness and functionality to connect with younger consumers. The Taste Radio team is joined by Brewbound reporter Zoe Licata to discuss why familiar flavors, better-for-you positioning and shifting consumer behaviors are fueling these fast-growing categories—and whether they're poised for long-term success or destined to become another fleeting trend.   They also unpack the surprising split between Costco and Deschutes Brewery, what it reveals about the evolving role of private label and retail strategy, and why Guinness has become one of the world's hottest beer brands by winning over an entirely new generation of drinkers. Show notes: 0:20: Harry Calling. Inspired Imbibing. $40M Is A Crooked Number. Lyte Come Lately. Crafty Costco. – Zoe and John share their experiences of seeing Harry Styles perform at Wembley Stadium and discuss how drinking culture among younger consumers in the U.K. differs from that in the U.S. The conversation explores Gen Z's evolving relationship with alcohol, the pandemic's lasting impact on drinking habits, and how brands are leaning into nostalgia and familiar flavors to connect with legal-age younger consumers. They also examine why alcohol companies are borrowing cues from the better-for-you beverage category, and the marketing challenges of positioning products with wellness-inspired messaging despite alcohol's inherent health limitations. Along the way, they spotlight the surprising rise of alcoholic sports drinks modeled after electrolyte beverages and viral drinking trends like BORGs. The discussion then turns to beer, where the hosts unpack the unexpected end of Costco's long-running private-label partnership with Deschutes Brewery, producer of the retailer's popular Kirkland Signature Helles Lager and Vintage Ale. The episode concludes with a look at Guinness' remarkable resurgence, exploring how the iconic stout has become one of beer's biggest success stories by winning over younger consumers through social media, the viral "Split the G" challenge, and the growing realization that it's lighter, more sessionable, and far more approachable than many first-time drinkers expect. Brands in this episode: Simply, Fresca, Owl's Brew, Bai, Crooked Pop, Poppi, Super Lyte, Surfside, Stateside Hard Seltzer, Gatorade, Spiked Ade, Pedialyte, Electrolit, Hoist, Deschutes, Guinness, Diet Pepsi

In this episode, Adam Torres interviews Shane McConnell, Founder & CEO of Primal Power, live from SEICon 3 to discuss the inspiration behind Primal Power's grass-fed beef liver nutrition bars, the challenges of launching a CPG brand, the importance of finding the right marketing strategy, and the company's vision for expanding into retail and global markets. Watch Full Episode on ⁠Youtube⁠. --- Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The wellness CPG space was just rocked by a massive headline: Prenetics announced that its supplement brand, IM8 Health (co-founded with David Beckham), secured a staggering $1 billion non-dilutive growth financing commitment from venture capital titan General Catalyst. But behind the gaudy headlines lies a complex financial mechanism that could either change wellness CPG forever. In this video, I'm breaking down the reality of General Catalyst's Customer Value Fund, unpacking the mechanics of cohort financing, and exposing the silent operational risks known as "Growth Trap Over-Optimization."Is Prenetics executing a brilliant sprint to a Big CPG acquisition, or are they walking into another corporate strategy nightmare? Let's look past the spreadsheet illusion.Additionally, I'll cover key topics like:Prenetics' strategic detour and divestiture of Europa Sports ProductsHow General Catalyst's CVF funds up to 70% of digital marketing spend without equity dilutionWhy software scales effortlessly but physical consumer packaged goods do notHow global CPG giants like Unilever or Nestlé unroll internet-famous brands and fix "cost problems"

What can coaches, consultants, creators, and service providers learn from someone who markets nationally recognized consumer brands? In this episode, I sit down with Celina Cooper, founder of Encompass Marketing, to explore how consumer brands think about marketing, customer loyalty, positioning, and consumer psychology. We talk about her journey from Executive Assistant to building a boutique marketing agency, the leadership lessons she's learned along the way, and why understanding people—not just marketing tactics—is what separates good marketers from great ones. Whether you're building a personal brand, growing a business, or simply love learning how successful companies think, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on marketing beyond the online business world. In this episode, we discuss: How Celina went from Executive Assistant to founding her own marketing agency What working with nationally recognized consumer brands has taught her about marketing The biggest mindset shifts that helped her build a business on her own terms Why understanding people matters more than chasing marketing trends How consumer brands think about customer loyalty and long-term growth What happens before a major marketing campaign ever launches The similarities (and differences) between marketing products and marketing personal brands A fun conversation comparing what we'd do with a $10K marketing budget versus a $1M marketing budget Our rapid-fire takes on what's overrated and underrated in marketing today About Today's Guest Celina Cooper is the founder of Encompass Marketing, a boutique consultancy specializing in Amazon, social media strategy, and omnichannel growth for consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. She partners with a select portfolio of brands to help them grow across retail and e-commerce through data-driven strategy, brand positioning, and culturally relevant marketing. Celina is especially passionate about supporting Hispanic and emerging brands as they scale in competitive markets while building a business that reflects her values and family life. Timestamps 00:00 – Introducing Celina and why I wanted this conversation 03:20 – From Executive Assistant to marketing strategist 06:15 – Motherhood, boundaries, and building a business around your priorities 13:00 – Starting Encompass Marketing after leaving corporate 17:00 – Finding your niche by removing the noise 23:00 – How consumer brands think about marketing and customer loyalty 33:00 – Why understanding people comes before marketing campaigns 40:00 – $10K vs. $1M marketing budgets 48:00 – Rapid-fire marketing scenarios 51:00 – What's overrated and underrated in marketing today

Fred Hart is a branding consultant, creative director, and founder of Hart Brands who has helped build more than 130 consumer brands. On this episode of In the Sauce, Ali and Fred talk brand, packaging, the state of CPG, and of course, Fred's takeaways from the Fancy Food Show.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Deepak Maini, SVP and GM of Walmart +, Walmart's membership program helping members save more time & money with exclusive benefits. Follow Deepak on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deepak-maini-49b9089/Follow Walmart+ online at: https://www.walmart.com/plusDeepak answers these questions:Walmart+ has grown from 3 benefits at launch to 12 today — still at $98 a year. How does that expanding benefit stack change the behavior of the Walmart+ member in ways that matter to CPG brand partners — in terms of basket size, purchase frequency, and category loyalty?Walmart reaches 150 million shoppers every week across ecommerce and 4,600 stores, with data mapped to the SKU level. How does Walmart+ membership amplify the quality and fidelity of that first-party data signal — and how should CPG brands be thinking about activating against it differently than they do with non-member data?Before running Walmart+, you led the VP/GM role for Customer Digital Identity and Data Platform at Walmart. How does a logged-in, identified Walmart+ member change the economics of the digital shelf for CPG brands, particularly as agentic commerce and AI-powered discovery reshape how shoppers find products?The honest question your CPG audience wants answered: when brand partners think about their joint value creation with Walmart, how should they be weighting Walmart+ member households versus non-member households in their investment strategies? Is the gap in lifetime value as dramatic as what your major online competition has seen with their loyalty subscription program?The addition of Peacock to Walmart+‘s streaming choices drove a record number of sign-ups in Q3. What does entertainment engagement tell you about a member's overall relationship with the Walmart ecosystem — and does streaming behavior surface any insights that CPG partners can act on?Walmart Connect grew 33% in the U.S. last quarter, representing, along with membership fees, about a third of Walmart's operating income . How tight is the integration between Walmart+ membership data and the Walmart Connect advertising platform — and what does that mean for a CPG brand trying to close the loop from impression to in-store purchase?Walmart tested its first advertising formats tied to the Sparky AI shopping agent in fall 2025, with 81% of surveyed Walmart customers saying they'd used Sparky to check product availability and review specs before buying . How do you think about Walmart+ membership as a foundation for agentic shopping — and what does that mean for how CPG brands show up in those AI-mediated discovery moments?Walmart has publicly highlighted share gains with upper-income households as a strategic priority. Does Walmart+ skew toward those households — and if so, what does that mean for premium CPG brands that may have historically underinvested at Walmart?You ran Fire TV, Alexa Skills, and Amazon Music — all businesses that lived at the intersection of media, identity, and commerce. What's the most important thing you brought from that Amazon experience that directly shaped how you're building Walmart+?Walmart+ is five years old. If you fast-forward five more years, what does the relationship between Walmart+ membership and CPG brand investment look like — and what should brand and agency leaders be doing right now to position themselves for that future?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Creating a great product is only the beginning. The real challenge is getting people to notice it, remember it, and ultimately buy it.In this conversation, I sit down with Duncan Alney, founder of Firebelly Marketing, to explore what it takes to grow a CPG brand in today's crowded and fast-moving market. We discuss why founder-led storytelling matters, how brands can turn one core story into consistent content, and why consumers need to see your message multiple times before they take action.Duncan also shares lessons from launching his own tea brand, Brown Warrior, and explains why smaller brands can use speed, creativity, and authenticity to compete with much larger companies.Listen in to learn how to build awareness, create familiarity, support sales, and develop content that connects with real people, not just algorithms.Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

Daniel Scharff isn't a media guy. He's a CPG operator who stumbled into community-building almost by accident, looking for people to talk to at trade shows. That accidental start turned into Startup CPG, a Slack-based community that's become a trusted ...

Malinda Sanna is the Founder and CEO of LookLook, a consumer insights platform that helps brands uncover customer insights through curated communities and intimate, one-on-one digital research. She leads the company's methodology, recruitment, and client work, translating human behavior, culture, and customer journeys into actionable insights for global brands across luxury, beauty, CPG, tech, and e-commerce. Malinda moves beyond surveys and focus groups to reveal the motivations that drive buying decisions. In this episode… Customers rarely make decisions in the neat, logical way brands expect. They may say an ad, review, or recommendation influenced them, but the real motivation often starts earlier and runs deeper. So how can brands uncover what people actually think, feel, and do before they buy? The answer is to get closer to the customer's real life, and Malinda Sanna, a consumer insights expert, explains how deeper research can reveal what surveys and focus groups often miss. Instead of relying on surface-level answers, brands need to understand the full path to purchase, the emotional context behind decisions, and the moments when customers feel seen or unheard. One-on-one conversations, thoughtful recruitment, and in-the-moment observation can uncover more useful insights than traditional research methods. For e-commerce brands, better creative, stronger messaging, and smarter growth all start with more human understanding. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris talks with Malinda Sanna, Founder and CEO of LookLook, about why brands need to move beyond shallow customer research. Malinda explains how to uncover buying motivations, why focus groups fall short, and what e-commerce brands should learn from the full customer journey. She also touches on luxury psychology, community, and analog connections.

What do you do when your product is so unique that no five-second pitch can explain it? This week, Phil and Kenny sit down with Brad and Sheila, founders of Natural Farmworks — a regenerative farm in BC's Boundary Country that grows barley greens and processes them using traditional Chinese tea methods to create green, oolong, and black teas that deliver a serving of greens in every cup. No bitterness, no flavourings, no "barley shivers." Brad's journey starts with a Crohn's disease diagnosis in the 1980s, runs through buying a decommissioned Saputo spray-drying plant ("How do we even turn it on?"), and lands on two years of WhatsApp messages with a tea master in China to learn an entirely new craft. Sheila shares how they hand-cut greens in their kitchen, trained with a certified herbalist, and turned lab results from BCIT's nutraceutical program into a genuinely new product category.   Whether you're a food and beverage founder, a CPG brand builder, or just love a great Canadian entrepreneur story, this one's packed with honest, practical retail advice. Check out Natural Farmworks here: https://www.naturalfarmworks.com/ If you think you fit in the Export Navigator program - check it out here: https://exportnavigator.ca/

This interview is disseminated on behalf of Spartan Metals Corp.Spartan Metals (TSXV: W | OTCQB: SPRMF | FSE: J03) President and CEO Brett R. Marsh, M.Sc., MBA, CPG discusses the growing strategic importance of tungsten and the company's two U.S.-based projects, Eagle and Victorio. Learn more about Spartan Metals: https://spartanmetals.comWatch the full YouTube interview here: https://youtu.be/zTnPrWTuSNYAnd follow us to stay updated: https://www.youtube.com/@stockstowatchofficial

AI is rapidly changing the packaging design world, but most founders are still trying to figure out where it actually creates value.In this episode, I sit down with Michael Keplinger from SmashBrand to break down how AI is being used in packaging design today, where it helps accelerate creative workflows, and where human strategy and expertise still matter most.We discuss:The biggest misconceptions founders have about AI-generated packagingWhat AI is genuinely good at in the design processWhy strategy and consumer psychology still can't be automatedHow founders can use AI to communicate ideas more clearly to agenciesThe risks of relying too heavily on AI-generated conceptsHow agencies are adapting their workflows internallyWhat packaging design could look like over the next 3–5 yearsWhether you're designing your first package or managing a growing retail brand, this episode offers a practical look at how to use AI as a tool instead of a shortcut.Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, hosts Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton welcome Sunny Khamkar, a leading food and beverage trends expert, to discuss the forces reshaping the future of foodservice, retail, and consumer dining habits.  From rising food costs and the impact of GLP-1 medications to the growing demand for protein-rich options, global flavors, functional beverages, and personalized meal experiences, Sunny shares the trends transforming menus across restaurants, grocery retailers, and convenience stores. The conversation also explores the rise of prepared meals, the power of limited-time offers, and how retailers can compete for more consumer meal occasions.  Whether you're in retail, foodservice, CPG, or consumer insights, this episode offers a look at the innovations, flavors, and consumer expectations shaping what's next in food and beverage. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Contact us at Kantar's Retail Sound Bites Podcast. Contact Barry: Email | LinkedIn Contact Rachel: Email | LinkedIn

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Chris Riedy, Chief Revenue Officer at Ibotta and Yeimy Garcia Smith, SVP, Global Measurement and Enablement at Circana. Ibotta is is a performance marketing platform allowing brands to deliver digital promotions to over 200 million consumers through a network of called the Ibotta Performance Network. This episode is sponsored by Ibotta and was recorded in Cannes Francine at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.Follow Chris on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisriedyFollow Ibotta online at: http://ibotta.comFollow Yeimy online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yeimyChris and Yeimy answer these questions:From Circana's macro perspective, where does the traditional measurement infrastructure break down first in this fluid loop?Are you guys competing, complementing, or building a completely distinct layer of demand? Where do brand equity investment and performance investment harmoniously meet in this modern loop, and how do you ensure one isn't starving the other?What does trustworthy, mathematically sound measurement actually look like in 2026, and why is it an absolute baseline requirement right now?When you listen to CPG brands express their deep frustrations with modern attribution models, what is the core complaint you hear, and how do you define "trustworthy truth" to a skeptical CMO?Yeimy, what does it mean for the industry that promotions can now be evaluated on equal footing with media? And Chris, for a brand CMO sitting here at Cannes today, how should this change the way they think about where promotions sit in their investment mix?Yeimy, when Circana runs the numbers across the entire consumer staples landscape, what unexpected, baseline operational traits do a legacy multi-billion-dollar giant and an agile, emerging challenger brand have in common when it comes to capturing actual volume growth today?Chris, expanding on that, when Ibotta double-clicks down on a hyper-growth challenger brand like Chomps — which Circana crowned a Growth Leader and which has blockbuster velocity across the IPN — the independent Circana Household Lift study told a striking story: households exposed to the Ibotta campaign outperformed the snacking category household penetration benchmark by 9x. What does that kind of new buyer acquisition data reveal about how challenger brands should think about promotions as a growth lever, beyond the traditional discount mechanic? If you two could completely re-architect the ideal measurement infrastructure from the ground up for a CPG brand trying to successfully navigate the next three years, what does that blueprint look like, and exactly who needs to be in the corporate room to enforce it?For a CPG brand CMO or commercial executive sitting in this room today who leaves Cannes and has to make one decisive change to how they evaluate, measure, or deploy capital across the commerce funnel this quarter—what is the single piece of practitioner advice you would give them? Yeimy, you first, then Chris.CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Send us Fan MailAmazon sellers can use AI, CTR, product images, and packaging to get more clicks and sales.Is your Amazon packaging helping you sell, or is it holding you back? In this episode of the MAG Growth Podcast, Noah Wickham is joined by Monty Desai, founder of Pixie.AI, to talk about the 5 rules for better packaging on Amazon. They cover why screens are the new shelf space, how AI helps sellers create listings faster, and why product images can change click-through rate and sales. This video is for Amazon sellers, CPG brands, and brand owners who want better visuals, stronger packaging, and more clicks.Improve your Amazon product images and get more clicks. https://bit.ly/4jMZtxu#AmazonSeller #AmazonFBA #AmazonListing #AmazonMarketing #AmazonSalesWant free resources? Dowload our Free Amazon guides here:Amazon Receiving Delay Guide: https://hubs.ly/Q04cdD4c0Amazon Catalog Spring Cleaning: https://hubs.ly/Q046BVfp0Amazon Proft Margin Defense 2026: https://hubs.ly/Q042trRH0Amazon SEO Toolkit 2026: https://bit.ly/4oC2ClTAmazon Seller Strategy Report 2026: https://bit.ly/3YN1RME2026 Ecommerce Website & SEO Readiness Checklist: https://hubs.ly/Q04btghf0Amazon 2026 PPC guide: https://bit.ly/4lF0OYXTimestamps00:00 - The Power of AI in Amazon Listings01:00 - Introducing Monty Desai from Pixie01:50 - How Pixie Revolutionizes Listing Strategy02:45 - The Massive Advantage of AI Early Adopters05:10 - The "Free Money" of Iterative Optimization06:50 - 5 Rules for Viral Product Packaging07:40 - Rule 1: Why You Must "Go Dark" on Screens09:10 - Rule 2: Simplicity and the Thumbnail Test10:45 - Rule 3: Choosing a Unique Typeface13:20 - Rule 4: Breaking the Category Rule (The Graza Method)14:15 - Rule 5: Selling Identity over Product15:50 - L'Oreal Case Study: Dominating the Aisle16:50 - Closing Advice: Going All-In on AI-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Follow us:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/28605816/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenpopemag/Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/myamazonguys/Twitter: https://twitter.com/myamazonguySubscribe to the My Amazon Guy podcast: https://podcast.myamazonguy.comApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/my-amazon-guy/id1501974229Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4A5ASHGGfr6s4wWNQIqyVwSupport the show

In this newest episode of The En Factor, we are very excited to welcome a recent graduate from the entrepreneurship program at The University of Tampa and Founder & CEO of Dirty Bastard Laundry Co., Maximus Mattuchio. You could say Maximus was born an entrepreneur, as side hustles and finding creative ways to make money have always been a part of his life since constantly operating lemonade stands at six years old, to hosting his own podcast and consistently posting on social media before he even arrived at UTampa. From his experiences at the Lowth Entrepreneurship Center over his collegiate years to traveling across the country creating content with Jake Paul creating content for Paul's men's hygiene brand, W, Maximus recently launched his own venture, Dirty Bastard Laundry Co., just over one week ago where he has already has received positive public interest in his product. Maximus is eager and ready to make his mark on the masculine CPG space with his cologne infused laundry sheets, hoping to follow in the footsteps of successful men's hygiene brands like Dr. Squatch and Dollar Shave Club. You won't want to miss out on this energizing and insightful conversation as Maximus joins the show to chat reflect with Dr. Rebecca White on his journey to Dirty Bastard and his plans and goals for the future with his product just recently launching. Join us for a deep dive into discussions including the bold branding identity he is leveraging and committing to in order to gain traction and interest from his target market, and how the increasing availability and advancements of AI helped him throughout his product development process. Key Words - Brand Building, Target Market   Explore this episode, and many other conversations with entrepreneurs on The En Factor Podcast, here: https://drrebeccawhite.com/podcasts/en-factor   Connect with Maximus to learn more about his venture, Dirty Bastard Laundry Co., here: https://getdirtybastard.com/   Connect with Maximus and Dirty Bastard on Instagram below: Business Account: @getdirtybastard Personal Account: @maxtooch   Explore Dr. White's new Entrepreneurial Intelligence (EI) Lab, here: https://drrebeccawhite.com/entrepreneurial-intelligence-lab/   Check out Dr. White's book, “See, Do, Repeat”, and more from her website, here: https://drrebeccawhite.com/see-do-repeat/

What makes a brand great?Is their logo?Their slogans?Maybe, just maybe, it goes way deeper than that.Good brands sell products. But good is the enemy of great. Great brands know their Why. Great brands have great products. They have great customer service. They obsess over achieving their Why and go above and beyond to get there. If more brands truly believed in their product and the reason they got started in the first place, well, we'd be inundated with great brands! Chief Commercial Officer & President of New Ventures at Bobbie, Sara Ahmed Holman, joins us on this episode of The Longer Game to share why Bobbie is winning all over the place.They know their Why. They obsess over getting the best product into the hands of moms so they can feel good about what they feed their babies. Don't sleep on this episode. Let your baby do that.Grab a bottle, put in your headphones, and feed that baby!What they cover1. Staying true to your brand identity and knowing your why is crucial for all brands that want to have staying power.2. Many brands mistake virality for brand building. Chasing the trend isn't what builds a brand. Chasing trends means you bend your Why around the What. And your Why should always dictate your What.3. Breakout brands are the ones who are building the brand and trust over time with the consumer. One way you build trust is through great product, That is at the core of every iconic brand. It's absolutely essential that you have great product in order for you to have longevity.4. We're in a dangerous situation right now where we believe that building something fast means we're building something great.The Longer Game explores the future of retail across Amazon, ecommerce, and brick-and-mortar.The goal is simple: help brands grow by understanding how all channels work together.Retail is evolving. The brands that win are the ones willing to adapt.Subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Learn more: https://thelongergame.comAbout the Guest:Sara Ahmed Holman is Chief Commercial Officer & President of New Ventures at Bobbie, the infant formula company that came to market in 2021. Before Bobbie, Sara led growth and partnerships at Innovation Endeavors, the venture firm founded by Eric Schmidt, focused on food, agriculture, and life sciences. Earlier she held operating and leadership roles at Lookout and Weebly (acquired by Square). A UCLA School of Law graduate, Sara co-founded the Food and Beverage Team at Bryan Cave and has advised numerous CPG and health startups.Connect with Sara:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraahmed/Bobbie: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bobbie-baby/About the Host:Michael Maher is Chief Idea Officer of Cartology, an Amazon-focused agency helping brands grow revenue and profitability.Connect with Michael:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/immichaelmaherEmail: michael@thinkcartology.comSponsored by Cartology https://thinkcartology.com

Jay Klein lost $2 million on a gum nobody wanted. He sold the remaining stock to a pig feed company for $13,000 - then used every cent of it to launch Pur. Sixteen years later, Pur is the fastest-growing gum in North America, the #1 selling gum on Amazon, sells in over 50 countries, and does over $250 million in retail sales annually. All bootstrapped. All founder-owned. And built in a $20 billion industry controlled by fewer than ten giants who still haven't managed to take him out. In this interview, the founder of The Pur Company breaks down how he discovered his winning product insight for free at 30,000 feet, why he deliberately ignored Walmart and Tesco to win thousands of tiny independent stores first, and how he absorbed a brutal 39% tariff - without raising a dollar or passing a cent to his customers - and still grew 30% that year. What you'll learn in this interview: • How losing $2 million on his first gum brand rewired everything - and why getting back to zero was his greatest victory • The airplane focus group: how he discovered the aspartame insight for free that became the entire Pur thesis • Why he targeted independent health food stores instead of big retailers - and the "major league attitude in a minor league setting" strategy behind it • How he convinced his manufacturer to extend 30-day credit on a $250K first order with only $13K to his name • The "assemble the crumbs to make the cookie" philosophy: why Pur has never been built on a single big retail relationship • How duty free airports became his global expansion engine - and why he treated them like his version of New York City • Why he turned down the Dragon's Den deal even after it went through - and what he got out of it anyway • The 39% Swiss tariff crisis: how he absorbed the full hit rather than disrupt his retail relationships - and why scale actually amplified the problem instead of solving it • Why he keeps the lowest possible balance in his checking account on purpose - and what it does for his hunger as a founder • What he looks for now as a Dragon's Den investor: the two things that matter before any unit economics conversation If you're building a CPG or retail brand, trying to figure out how to grow without giving away equity, or looking for the real story behind what bootstrapped category-building looks like across 16 years and 50 countries, this conversation will fundamentally change how you think about distribution, resilience, and what it means to outwork the competition one crumb at a time. SAVE 50% ON OMNISEND FOR 3 MONTHS Get 50% off your first 3 months of email and SMS marketing with Omnisend with the code FOUNDR50. Just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://your.omnisend.com/foundr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started. WANT TO GROW YOUR BRAND WITH META ADS? Join the Foundr Operators Waitlist → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://foundr.com/operators⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HOW WE CAN HELP YOU SCALE YOUR BUSINESS FASTER Learn directly from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders inside Foundr+ Start your $1 trial → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.foundr.com/startdollartrial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PREFER A CUSTOM ROADMAP AND 1-ON-1 COACHING? → Starting from scratch? Apply here → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-start-application⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → Already have a store? Apply here → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-growth-application⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH NATHAN CHAN Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nathanchan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhchan/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH JAY KLEIN Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/iamjayklein/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-klein-92b93319/ Website → https://thepurcompany.com/ FOLLOW FOUNDR FOR MORE BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGIES YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2uyvzdt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.foundr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/foundr/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/foundr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/foundr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundr/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.foundr.com/podcast⁠

On this episode of In the Sauce, Ali and Jess Haghani, CEO of Lucille Health, talk about building for an aging population, earning the trust of older consumers, and what it takes to reinvent a category that has barely changed in decades.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is Simply Good Foods' Turnaround Strategy Working?

Dr. Kristen Wager is PhD-trained consumer insights leader with deep expertise in the food creator economy. Over the past decade, she's led research initiatives at Kellogg Company supporting top CPG brands like Special K, Cheez-It, and Morning Star. Most recently she built research programs for the top 100 food creators at Raptive. That's where she gained firsthand insight into the food creator ecosystem and the challenges creators face. That experience led to the creation of Recifix, a creator-powered cooking platform that connects home cooks, food creators, and brands within one ecosystem.

Today's guest is Alex Snodgrass, the blogger, bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and mom behind The Defined Dish. Alex is also the founder of SideDish, a line of sauces and vinaigrettes.  Alex joins host Kerry Diamond to talk about her fourth cookbook, “Everyday Eats,” out this August; what it takes to build a CPG brand today; the challenges facing food bloggers in the AI era; and how The Defined Dish came to be and what the Whole30 program had to do with it.   They also discuss Alex's recipe North Star–“Can I make this on a Wednesday night?”--and why Ina is such a big inspiration to her.  Click here for Alex's Brothy Saffron and Lemon Fish Over Rice recipe from “Everyday Eats.” Thank you to Whole Foods Market for supporting our show. Click here for more information on our Supper Club Series.  Click here to order The Game Changers issue of Cherry Bombe magazine. Sign up for our free Radio Cherry Bombe newsletters at cherrybombe.substack.com More on Alex: Instagram, The Defined Dish, SideDish, "Everyday Eats" cookbook More on Kerry: Instagram, “So You Want To Open A Restaurant” Substack series

The latest episode of Taste Radio's Elevator Talk spotlights innovative leaders from Bakeful, Scoops, Luv & Yum and DOU. The founders and operators introduce their brands and share recent company updates and milestones. This week's special co-host is Tom Spier, the founder and managing partner of BFG Partners, a venture capital firm that holds stakes in Olipop, Graza, Mid-Day Squares, AG and other fast-growing CPG companies. Tom offers insightful questions, thoughtful feedback, and strategic perspective alongside regular host Ray Latif, editor and producer of the Taste Radio podcast. Early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for future episodes of Elevator Talk. Participation is free, interviews are conducted remotely, and it's a unique opportunity to pitch your product, share news, and receive expert feedback from industry leaders.  Apply now to be featured in an upcoming episode.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Christine Gambino, CEO of Omni, Omnicom's next-generation marketing and sales intelligence platform. It connects strategy, creativity, media, CRM, commerce, data, and AI to help brands grow with greater clarity, speed, and measurable business impact.Follow Christine on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-gambino-59683ab8Follow Omni online at: https://www.omc.com/omni/Christine answers these questions:Christine, you came up through Flywheel — one of the most commerce-native organizations in the industry — and now you're operating at the platform level as CEO of Omni. What did that journey from commerce practitioner to enterprise platform operator teach you about what CPG brands actually need from a marketing intelligence system?Your move from Flywheel to Omni was a deliberate cross-capability appointment. What was the mandate when you stepped into the CEO role, and what did you see as the biggest operational gaps you needed to close?At CES you demonstrated Omni live — walking through a campaign brief in real time, from media budget breakdowns to synthetic audiences to creator suggestions. For a CPG brand team watching that demo, what's the "aha moment" you're trying to create? In other words, What should click for them?You've been clear that Omni is additive, not a replacement — your words were: "It's meant to give real-time insights to teams and brands through our agentic environment." For CPG marketers who are worried about what AI means for their jobs, how do you make that case authentically, not just rhetorically?Omni now integrates Acxiom's 2.6 billion consumer profiles, Flywheel Commerce Cloud, and IPG's data and technology assets. That's a massive data convergence. How are you ensuring that consolidation creates clarity and speed for CPG clients rather than complexity?Omni is reported as having 41+ frontier LLM models and 24,000 monthly active users across 77 countries. What does it actually mean operationally to manage a platform at that scale — and how do you govern consistency of outputs when so many models and markets are in play?Flywheel's Commerce Cloud is described as the largest digital transaction data set in the world. Now fused into Omni, that commerce signal is live inside a broader marketing intelligence platform. For a CPG brand running retail media across Amazon, Walmart, and a dozen other RMNs, how does that change what's possible from a targeting and measurement standpoint?Omni includes what you're calling "Return on Consumer" — tracking consumer progression through Opportunity, Awareness, Interest, Purchase, and Loyalty — rather than just campaign metrics. That's a fundamental reframe. How ready are CPG brand teams to actually buy into that measurement model, and what's holding back adoption?There's a real tension in the industry right now between AI as efficiency play and AI as growth driver. Omnicom's own data points to 25-55% faster production times. But CPG CMOs are being asked to prove incrementality, not just efficiency. How does Omni help brands make that leap from "we're saving money" to "we're growing share"?GEO — Generative Engine Optimization — is becoming a major conversation as AI-driven search displaces traditional keyword rankings. Omni appears to have a point of view here through AI Optix on the PR side. How is the broader Omni platform thinking about brand visibility in an era where the algorithm deciding what consumers see isn't Google anymore?You are sitting at the intersection of the largest data asset in advertising, the largest commerce platform, and a next-gen agentic interface. If you had to name the one capability that CPG brands are most dramatically under-utilizing today — what would it be, and why?Christine, you came from Flywheel, which has deep roots in CPG. What's your message to the brand leaders, the commerce managers, and the retail media practitioners in our audience about what Omni means for them specifically — not for the holding company, but for them, in their day-to-day work?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comSheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/Rhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Tampons in an Ice Cream TubIn this episode of Brand Growth Heroes, I'm joined by Tara Chandra and Susan Allen, co-founders of Here We Flo, the organic, sustainable period care brand turning one of the most shame-coded categories in consumer brands into something loud, funny, feminist and brilliantly visible on shelf. We talk about how two friends from LSE spotted a gap in women's intimate products, started with a period care idea in a Hackney flatshare, and built a challenger brand now stocked across major retailers including Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Superdrug and Holland & Barrett.Here We Flo shows us the power of brand strategy to create value when the category ITSELF is broken. Tara and Susan didn't just create organic cotton tampons, pads and liners; they questioned why period care was hidden, clinical and functional when other parts of consumer life had already moved towards better materials, better design and better conversations. We cover packaging as a growth lever, why their ice cream tub became a “trolley magnet”, how they think about rate of sale rather than just chasing distribution, and why their mission now stretches across cycle care, bladder care and sexual wellness.What You'll Learn Why Here We Flo used packaging as their first “billboard” before they could afford media.  How starting in independent Hackney stores helped them build product market fit.  Why brand tone of voice matters so much in categories shaped by shame and stigma.  How they think about growing rate of sale with existing retail partners.  Why product reliability is non-negotiable in period care and bladder care. Key Topics Discussed Building a feminist challenger brand  Organic and sustainable period care  Packaging as a shelf strategy  Launching in independent retailers  Breaking into WHSmith Travel, Boots and Tesco  Making taboo categories emotionally accessible  Period care, bladder care and sexual wellness  Growing through rate of sale, not just distribution  Education on shelf and in-store communication  Sports partnerships, stigma and period confidence  Building a team of 31 women  Scaling towards 50–100% growth ambitions Like this episode? PLEASE share the love by sharing this episode with another founder building a challenger brand, a colleague or a mate who loves brilliant non-alcoholic drinks, or anyone trying to work out how to build a sharper, more focused growth model.Don't forget to FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to Brand Growth Heroes on your favourite podcast app, and even LEAVE A REVIEW - both of these actions make a MASSIVE difference to our mission to help more founders just like you.Join our community Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brandgrowthheroes) LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-growth-heroes/?viewAsMember=true) Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/@brandgrowthheroes)Find out more about the programmes and courses Fiona runs here (https://www.brandgrowthheroes.com/mini-mba-2026)AND Do you want to lean in to unlock value from AI? We have a whatsapp group -the  NextGen CPG WhatsApp group for founders leaning in to the value that a leadership approach to engaging with AI can unlock for businesses like yours. Do you want to join? *** A massive thanks thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor -  Joelson, the commercial law firm ***If you're a founder, you already know how much energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with consumers.But scaling a CPG business also brings legal complexities that can make or break your growth journey - from contracts and regulatory compliance to protecting your intellectual property.That's why we're proud to partner with Joelson, the leading commercial law firm specialising in helping founders of scaling consumer brands.Joelson works with brands like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze and Pulsin, and advised the innocent founders on their landmark sale to Coca-Cola - and still work with them at JamJar Investments today!Joelson is offering a FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION to all BGH listeners (mailto:hello@joelsonlaw.com) - we highly recommend you take them up on it!CREDITSThanks to our Sound Engineer Gyp Buggane at Ballagroove.com and all the rest of the Brand Growth Heroes team.

In today's conversation, Carly sits down with SONNI co-founders Eliana Field-Marsham and Megan Black, who share the journey they took to start the SPF brand. Eliana and Megan share how bad sunburns and a family member's melanoma scare plus a frantic business-school text between each other led them to starting SONNI. They also unpack the realities of founder life, why 24/7 grind isn't effective, and how they navigate leading a company together with clear, clean division.We also discuss:The health scares that led to SONNI being createdWhy "You can't be everything to everybody" in CPGWhy daily SPF was a product experience problem, not an awareness issueFundraising, bootstrapping, and when founders should pay themselvesThe case against the 24/7 founder grindReferences:Beauty of Joseon: https://beautyofjoseon.comCheryl Strayed: https://www.cherylstrayed.comEstée Lauder Companies: https://www.elcompanies.comFactfulness: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factfulness_(book)Hans Rosling: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_RoslingHeyday: https://www.heydayskincare.comKellogg School of Management: https://www.kellogg.northwestern.eduKIND Snacks: https://www.kindsnacks.comLittle Spoon: https://www.littlespoon.comMcKinsey & Company: https://www.mckinsey.comStanford University: https://www.stanford.eduThrive Market: https://thrivemarket.com"Tiny Beautiful Things": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiny_Beautiful_ThingsTimestamps:00:00 Introduction01:40 Growing up as family friends in Toronto06:10 Eliana's path: sociology, McKinsey, and a love of operating08:10 Megan's consumer obsession, from USC to Estée Lauder11:35 The sunburns and a sister's melanoma behind SONNI13:20 Finding a formulator who starts with metal, not powder16:45 Eliana's business-school panic and reaching back out to Megan21:00 "Best text to ever receive": hiring her co-founder25:05 Right brain, left brain: splitting the company cleanly32:55 What no one warns you about building a CPG brand35:15 Mineral vs chemical: what does the FDA actually back?39:15 How the name, brand, coloring, packaging was born41:05 Learning to bask in the wins, not just the lows45:15 Fundraising vs bootstrapping, and just paying yourself50:25 What 24/7-grind startup culture gets wrong

Rachel Swanson is the founder of Method + Mode, a consultancy delivering primary research for product innovation, audience development, and brand building across beauty, fashion, wellness, tech, CPG, and media. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with early-stage startups and global brands, previously holding senior strategy and insights roles at Condé Nast (Glamour, W, Corporate) and agency-side at Digitas and POSSIBLE (WPP).In this episode, Lexie Bettina sits down with Rachel to explore her path from sociology research to founding Method & Mode. Rachel opens up about her early roles at Digitas and Condé Nast, the leap into independent consulting, and how she's using AI to scale research and help partners build AI-native insights functions.

The Secret Weapon Powering Peter Rahal's New Food Empire

Your packaging may be costing you sales, attention, and margin before a customer even tries your product. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Jason Wong, Founder and CEO of Paking Duck, who discusses his transition from selling products to manufacturing custom packaging for consumer brands. He explains how factory-direct production, e-commerce experience, and attention to design details can help brands improve packaging quality while reducing costs. Jason also shares how packaging can support social media marketing, strengthen the customer experience, and help growing brands prepare for retail scale. Key Takeaways:→ Packaging can influence marketing performance. → Better packaging can enhance product presentation.→ Packaging should enhance the unboxing experience.→ Strong design details can increase perceived value. → Factory-direct sourcing can reduce packaging costs. Jason Wong is an operator with a background spanning growth marketing, operations, and manufacturing. He is the CEO and founder of Pughaus, a holding company for a portfolio of consumer brands and supply chain service providers. Under the Pughaus umbrella, Jason launched Saucy, a full-service sourcing and logistics firm that helps brands identify the right supply-chain partners and drive cost efficiencies. In 2023, he introduced Paking Duck, Saucy's packaging manufacturing arm, delivering factory-direct pricing and production solutions tailored to emerging brands. Jason's CPG investments focus on backing category challengers led by AAPI founders. Notable investments include Doe Lashes, Fly by Jing, Nectar Hard Seltzer, Kaja Beauty, and Awkward Essentials. He has also invested in e-commerce martech companies, including Triple Whale, Postscript, Skio, Icon, Octane AI, Siena CX, Social Snowball (acquired), and Lyvecom (acquired). Connect With Jason:Website: https://www.pug.haus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pugTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pugX: https://x.com/eggroli

AI is becoming embedded in retail operations, shifting the conversation from experimentation to scalable, sustainable execution. At Shoptalk Europe, Azita Martin (VP & GM of Retail, CPG & QSR AI at NVIDIA) joined Yael Kochman, Chair, AiR (AI in Retail) to explore what leadership looks like in this next phase. The discussion focuses on how leading organizations are approaching ownership, cost, and operational scale as AI moves into production. Inside the episode: - How retailers are adopting hybrid architectures that combine frontier models with smaller, task-specific systems - How AI is being applied across physical store operations, fulfillment, and real-time inventory management - Why cost discipline and infrastructure decisions will define the long-term viability of AI deployment Listen to the full conversation to learn the practical steps for navigating the next phase of retail AI

Stop clinging to that "pristine" brand image, as the old CPG playbook of polished, sterile messaging is fundamentally broken because it ignores how trust actually works today. Modern consumers don't want abstract brand voices…they want believable like seeing how your product fits into a messy, real, lived-in life! Arguably, this is why social commerce is exploding…as it's more real life than sales pitch. So, start putting humans at the center of your CPG brand…whether it's a founder or an employee with actual skin in the game. Individual personalities are the only things that scale now because video platforms are literally built to distribute people, not logos. Likewise, tap into niche creators who already speak the language within your specific cultural intersection. However, remember that collaborations aren't just for "reach," they represent your CPG brand's community and societal class…which can earn you the right to expand laterally (when strategically appropriate).

Getting in front of retail buyers can feel impossible, but it does not have to be a guessing game.In this episode, I sit down with James Pippin of Good Now Foods and Harvest Hub to talk about what actually gets a buyer's attention, how to send better pitches, when to follow up, and how brands can use the right data to improve their chances of getting on shelf.Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

Amy Guittard is the CMO of Guittard Chocolate Company, the oldest continuously family-owned chocolate company in the United States. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Amy talk about keeping a heritage brand nimble, and how chocolate represents the intersection of agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer products.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are you ready to redefine success with superfoods and a side of franchising? Dive into the world of Everbowl with Jeff Fenster, its founder and CEO, who's transforming the quick-serve scene with acai bowls that mean business. Jeff, once a skeptic of franchising, shares his journey from anti-franchising to franchise pioneer, revealing how he scaled Everbowl into a nationwide brand without burning out. Learn how to build an empire, discover the power of making friends, having fun, fueling growth, and turning challenges into opportunities. This Start With a Win episode is your blueprint for winning in business and life.A pioneer in the quick-serve restaurant category, Jeff Fenster is the founder of the rapidly expanding, SoCal-based superfood brand, Everbowl™, which he established in 2016. Everbowl is nationally recognized as a rising-star within the sector, making healthy superfoods accessible and affordable for everyone. With a growing footprint of retail locations in SoCal and Arizona, Fenster is driving the monumental growth of Everbowl, with plans to introduce the brand nationwide through both retail operations and a line of superfood-infused CPG products. As part of successfully scaling the brand, Fenster has spearheaded the implementation of innovative processes to streamline Everbowl's revenue-driving efficiencies in areas including operations, procurement, supply chain, and construction.00:00 Intro02:08 Is this why you say no to a franchise?03:57 ...And the Power of Partnerships06:49 Lessons from the Top08:47 Making Friends and Having Fun?12:25 Performance Coaching Advice – 5 Steps! 15:55 Is it possible to make one individual become five?20:20 Leverage up – AI for busy work, you focus ON your business!25:02 Challenge it / ask why it is wrong – it will create so many opportunities!32:10 I don't do this but drink this…https://www.everbowl.com/ https://jefffenster.com/===========================Subscribe and Listen to the Start With a Win Podcast HERE: