Podcasts about cpg

A lot of founders believe scaling a CPG brand is about working harder, running more ads, or grinding through incremental growth. But what if the real path to scale is completely different? In this episode, Mark and Justin sit down with Keith and Ryan DiGregorio—founders building a breakthrough cleaning product—to talk about what happened when they got an early look at the new book "27 Unbreakable Rules." What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a blueprint for how CPG brands actually grow. From discovering that 80% of purchases still happen in retail, to rethinking pricing strategy, positioning, and category creation, this conversation unpacks several myths that hold founders back. They also share the mindset shifts required to build a brand that can scale—and eventually be acquired. Key Takeaways: Why most founders misunderstand the path from e-Commerce to retail The surprising reason retailers prefer higher priced products How to position your product to create its own category Why scalable brands must be able to run without the founder The key questions every CPG founder must answer honestly If you're building a consumer brand and want to grow beyond the ceiling of digital, this conversation offers a practical look at what it actually takes to scale.

Gary Vaynerchuk believes the future of CPG might look a lot more like Pokémon than packaged goods. We met up with Gary at Expo West 2026, where the entrepreneur and marketing powerhouse discussed Very Luckee, his new better-for-you gummy brand that pairs the promise of ultra-clean ingredients with collectible stickers from his VeeFriends character universe.  In the conversation, Gary explains how the idea came together, why he's betting big on collectibles as a driver of consumer engagement, how organic social media will power the brand's growth, and why entrepreneurs should embrace "micro quitting" when a strategy or product isn't working. Show notes: 0:20: Gary Vaynerchuk, Co-Founder, Very Luckee – On location at Expo West 2026, Gary discusses the origins of Very Luckee, its focus on ultra-clean ingredients, and its approach to blending CPG with collectability. He shares his perspective on modern brand building, emphasizing the importance of consistently creating content across multiple social platforms. Gary also highlights the growing role of influencer advocacy and emerging commerce channels. He offers advice for entrepreneurs as well, encouraging founders to let go of tactics that aren't working while remaining committed to long-term ambitions. Gary also notes that entrepreneurship is a "hits-driven" business that requires humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to pivot when necessary. Brands in this episode: Very Luckee, Empathy Wines

In this special bonus episode of HEARD, Kappy shares insights from Expo West - the natural and organic CPG industry's biggest event. He joins Ilana Shenitzer, EVP of Consumer Brands at Ruder Finn, to talk about the brands, collaborations, founders, and food products that stood out on the show floor.Links and handles mentioned in this episode:Cloud 23 | Cravings | Caliwater | Once Upon A FarmPromobile Marketing | Sababa Foods x Fearless Eggs | Little Sesame x Yellowbird | Gato Dates | Tamar Date Coffee Kooshy Croutons | Popnuts | Purely Elizabeth | Poppi | FishwifeSiete Foods | GoodlesFrontera Foods | Stacy's Pita Chips | Larabar | MadeGood | Rao's | Carbone Fine FoodSimply NKD Chips | Amylu FoodsZahav Foods | Sweet Loren's | Just Ice TeaEvergreen Waffles | Nana Joes Granola | CirC Protein BitesGoldie Lemonade | Ice Cream For BearsFollow Beyond the Plate on Facebook and X.Follow Kappy on Instagram and X.www.beyondtheplatepodcast.com www.onkappysplate.com

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

Target is expanding its food and beverage footprint with new store concepts and larger grocery sections – potentially creating more space for emerging brands. In this episode, the hosts discuss what it means for startups and also spotlight notable trends and brands from Expo West. We also revisit interviews from our Miami meetup, including a conversation with angel investor Spencer Slaine on what he looks for in early-stage brands. Show notes: 0:20: Expo Energy. IRL All Year. Nom News. Bullseye, Babe. Mez & The Gang. Citrus Boost. – The hosts recap the energy and standout trends from Expo West and preview upcoming industry events, including BevNET Live and Taste Radio meetups. Melissa highlights a Nombase Podcast episode that features insights from investors who launched their own CPG brand and revealed how they think about pricing, ingredients, and growth. The hosts also discuss Target's expanding focus on food and beverage and how founders can take advantage, highlight a major funding round for protein bar brand Mezcla and reflect on brands born during the COVID era. They sample several new products, including espresso sodas, probiotic mouthwash (yep) and cocoa-flavored bone broth. 32:27: Interviews from Taste Radio's Miami Meetup – We kick things off with Spencer Slaine, a founding member of The Angel Group, who explains how the early-stage investment network helps early-stage CPG brands bridge the funding gap with both capital and operator expertise. He is followed by Little Saints founder and CEO Megan Klein who shares how her functional, non-alcoholic cocktail brand was born out of  a personal shift toward moderation and has become an anchor in the fast-growing adult non-alcoholic beverage category. Rounding out the discussion is AB InBev's Conrad Barrett who talks about PerfectDraft, a countertop system designed to bring bar-quality draft beer into the home, highlighting how consumer feedback and AI-driven insights are shaping its growth.  Brands in this episode: Little Saints, PerfectDraft, Stella Artois, Guinness, Athletic Brewing, Lucky Energy, Kate Farms, Trip, Mingle Mocktails, Cadooz, Mezcla, Poppi, Fishwife, B.T.R. Nation, Unite Foods, Folkland, Farmwell, Painterland Sisters, One Degree Organics, Moozy, Singing Pastures, Esspo, Manhattan Special, Basicase, Pikora, PWR UP, Good & Gather

Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan)https://join.stan.store/the505podcastUnlock your first product and start getting paid as a creator (FREE download)https://the505podcast.courses/paidofferplaybookWhat's up Rock Nation! Today we're joined by Greg La Vecchia, co-founder of Bloom, the bootstrapped creator brand that scaled to $180M before taking on their first strategic partnership and is now moving over 170 million cans of energy drink with distribution in 70,000 doors nationwide. In this episode, we break down how Bloom went from a niche greens powder brand to a nine-figure CPG powerhouse, the marketing psychology behind selling out products and using "restocked" as your most powerful word, why product will always beat branding, how they used Amazon dominance as a launchpad into major retail, and what it really takes to compete with the monsters of the beverage world.Check out Greg here:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@GregLaVecchia⁩  https://www.instagram.com/greglavslife/Timestamps00:00 - Intro00:01:08 - Bloom's Origin Story00:01:56 - Bootstrapping to $180M and the NutriBullet Partnership00:02:23 - Keurig Dr Pepper Deal and 70,000 Doors00:03:09 - Performance Marketing vs. Brand Building00:03:39 - Growing Mari's Personal Brand Through Meta Ads00:04:16 - Booty Bands, Pre-Workout, and How Bloom Was Born00:04:52 - Why You Need to Launch to a Hyper Specific Niche00:05:39 - Scared Money Doesn't Make Money00:06:57 - The Meme Page Strategy That Unlocked Everything00:08:05 - Finding Customers When They're Not Looking for You00:08:39 - How the Influencer Marketing Playbook Changed00:10:02 - Building the Largest In-House Influencer Network00:11:20 - Stan Store00:12:27 - Scaling TikTok and the Creator Brand Stigma00:13:47 - Using Amazon and Target as Validity Markers00:14:26 - How They Redirected Their Entire Community to Amazon00:15:41 - Becoming the #1 Health Product on Amazon00:16:12 - Competing against Amazon supplements00:22:16 - The Flavor Formulation Process00:23:08 - Getting Better Terms From Manufacturers00:24:10 - Why Small Goals Take the Same Effort as Massive Ones00:25:31 - Thinking Month to Month and Staying Nimble00:26:52 - Hiring Mistakes and Copying the Wrong Org Chart00:28:23 - Why Hiring From Red Bull and Monster Backfired00:29:30 - How Many People Are at Bloom00:30:09 - The Business Mishap That Led to the NutriBullet Partnership00:30:47 - The McLaren Moment That Changed Everything00:31:47 - Why VCs Wouldn't Touch an Energy Drink Company00:32:42 - Meeting Dos Cunningham and Selling 30% of the Business00:34:07 - Why High Barrier Categories Are Actually Easier00:34:46 - Getting Frustrated With the Nutrition Space00:35:26 - How Much Capital You Need to Launch a Beverage Brand00:36:14 - How Each Bloom Business Funded the Next00:37:45 - The $1.3M Black Friday and Selling Out Overnight00:41:05 - "Restocked" Is the Most Powerful Word in Marketing00:42:15 - Greg's Relationship With Money00:44:21 - How Becoming a Father Changed the Way He Operates00:45:06 - Delayed Gratification 00:47:09 - Longevity Mindset and Protecting Yourself00:48:45 - ADHD as a Superpower00:49:03 - Brutal Mistakes Brands Make Going Into Energy00:51:41 - Organic Marketing and Founder Content00:53:22 - Building the Right Team for Social00:55:18 - Why Greg Waited to Build His Personal Brand00:57:00 - The Valley of Despair in Building a Business00:59:06 - Getting Your Testosterone Checked01:03:46 - Selling Candy in School01:05:26 - What Greg Has Learned From Billionaires01:06:55 - Greg's Superpower: Consistency and Routine01:08:27 - Designing Your Life Around Your ADHD01:10:46 - Why Greg Doesn't Touch Spreadsheets01:14:36 - Using Data vs. Gut Feeling for Product Decisions01:15:54 - Why Greg Hates Being the First Mover01:17:42 - What Bloom Learned From Being in Target and Walmart01:19:34 - Getting Robbed by the Cartel01:22:34 - What a Full Bloom Marketing Campaign Looks Like Today01:23:42 - Staggering Your Launch Moments01:31:15 - The After PartyIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/

In this episode of Retail War Games, Jeremy sits down with Jason and Meradith Christensen, the husband-and-wife duo behind Blue Unicorn Bar. After building Northstar into one of the largest home security companies in the nation and exiting to private equity, Jason "disrupted himself" to enter the brutal world of CPG.  We dive into the "Willy Wonka" chemistry behind their proprietary manufacturing, the logistical nightmare of shipping real chocolate in the summer, and how they landed major retailers like Harmon's and Associated Food Stores in record time. From the high-stakes pivot of a tech founder to the molecular science required to create a "fluffy" protein bar without additives, this conversation reveals what it truly takes to scale a premium brand while maintaining total control over production.  

On this episode of the ReGen Brands Podcast, AC and Kyle sit down to record together in person for the very first time – and for the final episode of the show. We reflect on the full journey of ReGen Brands, from a spontaneous idea to more than 119 podcast episodes, a growing regenerative CPG community, and the launch of two non-profits dedicated to supporting regenerative brands. Along the way, we share the wins we're most proud of, the impact the community made possible, and the lessons we learned building organizations to support the movement. We also open up about what didn't work. From strategy and fundraising challenges to the broader macroeconomic headwinds facing regenerative brands, we walk through the real reasons behind the decision to shut down the ReGen Brands Coalition and the ReGen Brands Institute. Finally, we zoom out to explore the current state of regenerative CPG and where the movement might go next. From retailer incentives and path-to-purchase education to brand collaboration and the future of regenerative claims, we share our honest predictions for what it will take to unlock the next phase of growth.   Episode Highlights:

Keegan Myles is Head of Business Operations at Confido, the end-to-end operations platform built specifically for CPG brands. On this episode of ITS, Keegan and Ali talk about how his experience at Simple Mills, MUSH, and PATHWATER led him to the team at Confido and why sales and operations planning with the right numbers are so critical to a brand's success.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've worked across startups, agencies, and large enterprises. What connects all those chapters of your career and brought you to where you are today? What originally drew you to TikTok and made this role the right next step in your journey?As Head of US Enterprise Retail and Telecom how do you help legacy brands succeed on a platform that moves at internet speed? How do you help large enterprise retailers and CPG brands translate their existing strategies into something that feels native on TikTok and what separates brands that truly win from those that simply show up?Looking ahead what do you think brand leaders need to unlearn in order to win on modern platforms?

In this keynote from Expo West, I share my current strategy for conquering the evolving media landscape, which has shifted from "social media" to "interest media" where content finds its audience. I explain why CPG brands must view themselves as media companies and aggressively invest in organic content creation across multiple platforms, dedicating at least 20% of their marketing budget to organic social production.  You'll learn about:Why I'm Tired of Brands Ignoring Organic SocialThe Secret Connection Between YouTube Shorts and Gemini LLMAI is the New Internet: Why You're Not Too LateMy 20% Rule for Organic Social Production (Even for Small Brands)How to Become a Media Company That Sells a ProductWhy Efficiency (Not Hustle) is the Key to Finding More TimeThe Danger of Compromising Culture and IngredientsI reveal the crucial role of YouTube Shorts in feeding the Gemini Large Language Model (LLM) to help your products show up in search results. Plus, I tackle the panic around Artificial Intelligence (AI), confirming that you are not behind and providing immediate steps to start leveraging these powerful tools to become more efficient and win the future.

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

In this episode of the GaryVee Audio Experience, I sit down with executives from a major CPG company to break down the biggest shifts happening in marketing right now. I talk about why cost-cutting is a flawed philosophy, why attention is the only true asset, and how the "underdog mindset" must translate into spending money wisely.  You'll learn about:Why I believe 20% of your entire marketing budget should be allocated to organic social media creative production.The massive opportunity in Live Social Shopping for CPG brands.The single most important piece of career advice I have for mid and young professionals.Why creative must be validated organically before you spend working media dollars.How YouTube Shorts are "feeding the LLMs on Gemini" and why this matters for your brand.

Most founders think fundraising is persuasion. It's not—it's alignment. In this episode, Ali Dastjerdi (Co-Founder of Raylu) shares the mental models he learned from speaking with 5,000+ founders, raising seed and Series A, and surviving multiple near-death pivots. You'll learn how to diagnose investor fit in minutes, engineer momentum with strategic angels, and recognize product-market fit when customers try to rip the product out of your hands. Click below to listen and apply these frameworks to your next raise. Listen Now & Qualify Smarter Guest Bio: Ali Dastjerdi is the Co-Founder and CEO of Raylu, an AI platform built for private market investors. Raylu helps funds separate signal from noise, evaluate opportunities faster, and make higher-confidence investment decisions with complete transparency. Before founding Raylu, Ali worked on the investment team at Insight Partners, where he focused on developer infrastructure, data, and enterprise software. His experience investing in companies such as Weights & Biases, Landing AI, and DNSFilter inspired him to bridge the gap between technology and investing. Based in New York, Ali leads Raylu with the belief that the future of private markets belongs to investors who combine judgment with intelligence and who move not just fast but smart.   Connect with Ali Dastjerdi: LinkedIn Relu Careers Relu - AI Platform for Investor-Startup Matching    About Your Host   Jayla Siciliano is an entrepreneur with 25+ years in consumer brands, product, and marketing. After raising her first angel round against all odds and later appearing on Shark Tank, where she closed a deal with Mark Cuban, she now helps founders become fundable, confident, and ready to attract the right investors. Entrepreneurship changed her life, and she's on a mission to help first-time founders raise their first round of angel funding and change theirs too.   Know If You're Investor Ready Raising capital for a CPG brand can feel like a black box. The Investor Ready Checklist shows you exactly what investors are looking for, the signals they use to judge founders, and whether your brand is truly ready to raise. Use this simple checklist to remove the guesswork and approach investors with confidence. Click below to get your copy now. See If You're Investor Ready https://seedmoney.mysamcart.com/free-checklist     Disclaimer The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.  

In this episode, Lydia shares how to reach out to a journalist for press coverage — this is a (part 2) where we cover the exact steps to determine which publications are a fit for your brandIf you're a product brand, founder, or CPG company trying to land media coverage, this video walks you through exactly where to start.You'll learn how to:- Reverse engineer your competitors PR campaigns to see where your brand is also a fit- determine what keywords to Google -- to discover which publications consistently write about brands and products in your industry Support the showWant a Personalized PR Plan? (includes: a custom PR pitch, 6 part "how to research media contacts" module, curated list of 5–10 ideal media outlets, “Where to Go from Here” roadmap (pitch cadence, next steps, etc.) AND a personalized voice note. Click here: https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/offers/prxBzYXW/checkout DIY PR COURSE!! https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/pitchpartySIGN UP ON QWOTED for free: https://www.qwoted.com/?via=VOPWatch our FREE masterclass to start landing big press features like Forbes & interviews on top 1% podcasts: https://www.visibilityonpurpose.com/getfeatured Connect with us on and off the pod! Website: ⁠www.visibilityonpurpose.com⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/visibilityonpurpose/⁠ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@visibilityonpurpose

Points of discussion:1. CODO Design's 2026 Beer Branding Trends Report-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 9,500+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

We chew through billions of sticks of gum annually. In fact, about half of the entire U.S. population chewed gum in the last year. And while many today envision it strictly as just another modern checkout aisle impulse purchasing decision…the history of chewing gum is a wild story of accidents, war rations, social distancing demand drops, and a bizarre resurgence in the era of Ozempic. Although understanding chewing gum's past makes its functional future seem even more inevitable. Consequently, every multibillion-dollar ingestible CPG category is in the early innings of a remarkable transformation, as consumers are moving closer everyday towards this four-way intersection of taste, convenience, nutrition, and functionality. Therefore, it shouldn't surprise anyone to learn that even chewing gum brands have begun competing for consumer attention with wellness-focused marketing and functionality of ingredients. Don't believe me? Well, look no further than strategic actions by the market leader. In early 2024, Mars Wrigley started repositioning a few of its key gum brands as an "instant stress reliever" to target Gen Z and Millennials who prioritize mental wellness. Also, largely due to the format popularity (and effectiveness) of nicotine-replacement therapy (specifically Nicorette) eventually becoming available over the counter in 1996…chewing gum started gaining traction as an innovative nutraceutical ingredient delivery system several years later when a federal grant enabled research into caffeinated gum for the U.S. military. Thus, it probably shouldn't surprise anyone either that (in terms of functionality of ingredients), “energy & focus” is the most sizable segment within the rapidly growing functional gum category. In fact, based on the 52-week period ended January 25, 2026…dollar sales of caffeinated gum reached $340 million (increasing around 7% YoY). And while even Wrigley's launched a (more defunct) caffeinated gum competitor more than a decade ago, the prominent brands currently in the “energy & focus” functional gum subcategory include NEURO and REV. Although “energy/focus” functional gum is emerging as a compelling alternative to the crowded RTD energy market…not only because it offers a more portable, lightweight alternative to energy drinks (or coffee), but it also takes effect faster. Nevertheless, the new age of gum is here…and it's infused with functional benefits beyond the masticating joy that traditional chewing gum provided forever. So, for this next part of this content, I wanted to explore a few emerging opportunities within this bold new world of functional chewing gum. Also, I believe it's important to take a step back and consider why functional gum…or more broadly, water-free direct-to-mouth delivery systems (like fast-melt powders, chewable fast-disintegrating tablets, and effervescent fizzing granules) are rising in popularity. Consumers are increasingly tired, inconsistent, and overwhelmed by traditional dietary supplement formats. And this “format fatigue,” along with consumers' looking to eliminate friction from modern routines, is creating an opportunity for water-free, direct-to-mouth delivery systems that eliminate prep, improve convenience, enhance the sensory experience. Moreover, these benefits make direct-to-mouth formats not just consumer-friendly, but also strategically valuable for functional CPG brands looking to meaningfully differentiate and breakthrough crowded categories.

What if you could invest in promising Canadian startups for as little as $5,000 — and help a food or CPG brand scale to retail shelves at the same time?   In this episode of This Commerce Life, Phil and Kenny sit down with Jesse Wiebe, Community Development Manager and key figure at Startup TNT — an Edmonton-based angel investing syndicate that's democratizing early-stage investment across Canada.   Jesse shares his unconventional path: from growing up on a Saskatchewan farm to working in Gordon Ramsay's kitchen, bartending through an economics degree at York University, and eventually returning home after COVID wiped out his job, his apartment (fire above his unit), and his relationship — all at once. Out of that reset came a mission to activate Canadian capital and build a real startup ecosystem outside of Toronto.   In this episode: ✅ What Startup TNT is and how their stage-gate investment model works ✅ Why Canada is losing its best founders to the U.S. — and what to do about it ✅ How CPG industry veterans can put their retail skills to work as angel investors ✅ The difference between VC, angel investing, and family offices (explained simply) ✅ How early-stage food and beverage brands can apply for funding ✅ Why "playing Moneyball" is the right strategy for Canadian startups ✅ Portfolio companies to watch: Vegain, Seven Summit Snacks, Toothpod, Scription, and more   If you work in Canadian CPG, retail buying, or food and beverage — this episode is your introduction to a funding model that could change how brands you love get built.  

Bobo's: Beryl Stafford. A Single Mom Turns a Baking Project into a $100M BusinessAt 40, Beryl Stafford's life cracked open. Her marriage ended, she hadn't worked in years, and she had two daughters to raise. She needed income—fast. So she did the only thing that felt real: she baked.What started as 4-ingredient oat bars— hastily placed in a Boulder coffee shop—became Bobo's, a national brand built in the Silicon Valley of natural foods. In this episode, Beryl walks us through the scrappy early days: buying ingredients at full retail, a risky $25K packaging machine, the Whole Foods breakthrough, the burnout, and the pressure shift that comes with outside capital—and Costco.It's a story powered by community support, relentless demos, and a founder who kept saying “yes” before she knew how.What you'll learn: Why “survival” can be a powerful founder advantageHow to sell your product before you feel ready (and why that's often the point)The unglamorous truth of early CPG: shelf life, shared kitchens, endless demosIn a trend-driven category, the value of sticking to a recipe “your grandmother could have made.” The two faces of Costco: growth rocket and operational trapTimestamps:08:35—Divorced at 40… “I was trying to survive.” 12:02—The baking project with her daughter… and the unexpected product-market signal17:21—The first sale: snack bars in cellophane; making up a price28:38—Sharing a kitchen with Justin's Nut Butters: scrappy collaboration + conflict31:49—The first-time founder playbook: sell first, learn the rest later33:54—Whole Foods says yes… before she knows what “freezer safe packaging” even means39:10—Getting into national distribution: “What just happened?” 46:34—Burnout, hiring a CEO, raising outside money—and what changes when investors arrive54:31—The Costco conundrum: huge upside, real downside —------------------This episode was produced by Noor Gill, with music by Ramtin Arablouei.Edited by Neva Grant, with research help from Alex Cheng.—--------------------- Follow How I Built This:Instagram → @howibuiltthisX → @HowIBuiltThisFacebook → How I Built ThisFollow Guy Raz:Instagram → @guy.razYoutube → guy_razX → @guyrazSubstack → guyraz.substack.comWebsite → guyraz.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Mark Young, the Founder and CEO of Jekyll & Hyde Advertising, a powerhouse agency that's been helping challenger consumer brands break through the noise and scale into household names with billions of revenue and exits for nearly three decades.He's also the host of the CPG insiders podcast, the number 2 podcast in all consumer packaged goods niche.Mark is also the author of a new book 27 Unbreakable Rules of Retail, how to build a $100M+ brand in brick and mortarMark is not your average marketer — his background blends neuroscience, persuasion, and behavioral psychology with decades of hands-on experience in CPG and direct-response advertising. Through his agency, Jekyll & Hyde, he's helped hundreds of emerging brands launch, grow, and dominate retail shelves and online marketplaces.Highlight Bullets> Here's a glimpse of what you would learn…. Importance of brick-and-mortar retail in the consumer products industry.Challenges faced by e-commerce brands in a competitive market.Strategies for successfully entering physical retail spaces.The significance of product differentiation and authenticity in retail.The impact of traditional media, especially television, on brand awareness and consumer demand.The concept of SKU rationalization and its role in retail product selection.The necessity of creating consumer demand before approaching retail buyers.Understanding the economics of media buying and the Media Efficiency Ratio (MER).The principle of "Who Not How" in building a successful business team.The role of AI as a collaborative tool in enhancing business strategies.In this episode of the Ecomm Breakthrough Podcast, host Josh Hadley interviews Dr. Mark Young, CEO of Jekyll and Hyde Advertising. Mark shares his expertise on building $100 million consumer brands in brick-and-mortar retail, emphasizing that 80% of product sales still occur offline. He discusses the challenges of retail entry, the importance of unique, premium products, and the power of TV advertising to drive demand. Mark also highlights the value of expert partnerships and leveraging both human intuition and AI, offering actionable advice for e-commerce brands aiming to succeed in physical retail.Here are the 3 action items that Josh identified from this episode:Prove Demand Before Approaching RetailersBuild real consumer pull through DTC + paid media (TV, social, influencers). Retail buyers want evidence of demand, not Amazon screenshots. Come in with a buyer-ready pitch showing how you'll drive traffic to their stores.Position Your Product as a Clear Upgrade or Category ExpanderEnsure your SKU hits at least one winning lever:Premium trade-up (higher-margin, innovative)Demographic expander (brings new shoppers)Category expander (increases consumption)If your product is a “me-too” item, it won't make it onto shelves.Build a Retail-Ready P&L With Strong Margins & Media PlanYou need minimum 5:1 markup and a funded media strategy (TV recommended) to support retail sell-through. Retailers expect marketing that drives velocity—without it, your product risks getting cut during SKU rationalization.Resources mentioned in this episode:Josh Hadley on LinkedIneComm Breakthrough ConsultingeComm Breakthrough PodcastEmail Josh Hadley: Josh@eCommBreakthrough.comAmazonChatGPTShopifyHelium 10IRI (Information Resources, Inc.)Meta AdsWRTVJekyll+Hyde LabsCPG InsidersThinking, Fast and Slow"Who Not How" by Dan Sullivan and Ben Hardy"The Science of Scaling" by Dr. Ben HardyPrimal IntelligenceWalmartShark TankThe Home DepotDan SullivanSpecial Mention(s):Adam “Heist” Runquist on LinkedInKevin King on LinkedInMichael E. Gerber on LinkedInRelated Episode(s):“Cracking the Amazon Code: Learn From Adam Heist's Brand Scaling Secrets” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast“Kevin King's Wicked-Smart Tips for Building an Audience of Raving Fans” on the eComm Breakthrough Podcast

Co-founded in 2012 by Ryan Emmons, his cousin Alex Preston, a Hawaiian artist and game designer, and friend Matt Meyer, Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages is a premium beverage company from Hilo, Hawai‘i, offering volcanic water, sparkling water, and coffee, crafted with deep respect for the land, its people, and the responsibility that comes with both.  Rooted in sustainability, Waiākea is setting a new standard for CPG, blending exceptional taste with conscious practices. From their certified B Corp status and proprietary 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, OceanPlast®, to their community-driven Kōkua Initiative nonprofit, Waiākea is changing the way we hydrate. Inspired by the founders' long-standing work with clean water and education non-profits, the concept for Waiākea was to move away from singular profit and towards a triple bottom line model (circular packaging, sustainable sourcing, and commitment to the community).  Their water embodies that mission with an experience that's natural alkaline pH, 100% BPA & PFA Free, packed with electrolytes & minerals, light, crisp, and refreshingly clean. In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro [01:25] Turning sustainability into an advantage [03:28] Starting without industry experience [05:49] Sponsor: Electric Eye [07:00] Building a business from a class project [09:45] Self-distributing to reach early customers [11:57] Sponsor: Klaviyo [13:56] Building trust through consignment [15:12] Scaling distributions with good relationships [17:06] Callouts [17:16] Adjusting strategy based on performance [20:47] Sponsor: Intelligems [22:47] Managing supply chains for heavy goods [25:01] Balancing risk with growth opportunities Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Alkaline Hawaiian Volcanic Water waiakea.com/ Follow Ryan Emmons linkedin.com/in/ryan-emmons-8709871b/ Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Migrate and grow more klaviyo.com/honest    Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Note from Adam - This episode was prerecorded on January 26, 2026 as noted with the conversation about the snow storm. A lot as happened in the Middle East since this recording. There are some very powerful segments like this one about the importance Benita places on bridging cultural and political differences around the table:Enjoy the episode!

Kellogg Company divided itself into WK Kellogg and Kellanova. But then, less than two years later…each got absorbed by another Big CPG portfolio. Keurig Dr Pepper is going through a strategic separation process. Kraft Heinz announced it will split into two standalone businesses. PepsiCo is currently dealing with an activist investor urging portfolio simplification. And those are just the most buzzworthy “breakup and buyout” examples within the CPG industry! Though, many pundits seem to be misreading these “new configurations” as some type of signal that the “Big CPG” empire has collapsed. Yet, Big CPG is flushed with resources and full of strong (intelligent) human capital…that know the future will be shaped by those who disrupt themselves. In fact, a recent PwC report showed 49% of CPG executives believe their current business model won't survive the next decade…a rate that is seven times higher than the average across other industries. So, what if the next big CPG disruptor isn't a startup, but a legacy brand rebuilt from the inside out that's better equipped to navigate changing consumer preferences, increasing competitive pressure, and heightened economic uncertainty?

Expo West 2026 made one thing clear: food and beverage brands are racing to add function, but the ones that nail flavor have the best chance of winning. The hosts break down the show's biggest trends, from protein-packed everything to standout brands in candy, beverages, frozen treats, and snacks, while sharing the products and ideas that reinforced a simple truth: in modern CPG, taste still comes first. Show notes: 0:23: Barking Dogs. Plenty Of Protein. Where's The Fiber? Blurring Lines. Sweet (Date) Treats. – The hosts are wiped but loquacious as they break down the biggest themes and trends from Expo West. They highlight the surge of protein across nearly every category – from popcorn, chips, and pretzels to beverages and ice cream – and debate whether some applications make sense today or may become more relevant in the future. Ray emphasizes that taste remains the ultimate test, spotlighting standout brands such as high-protein ice cream maker Protein Pints. The team also notes that added fiber was surprisingly less visible at the show and wonders whether it faces a bigger consumer education hurdle than protein. They examine emerging beverages like spiked prebiotic or probiotic sodas and question their long-term appeal. Beyond functional products, they highlight innovative brands discovered around the show, including crispy jerky chips, soy-based high-protein yogurt, sea moss lemonade, non-alcoholic cocktail alternatives, a modern MSG brand, and date-based candies positioned as better-for-you sweets. Brands in this episode: Khloud, Jam Packed, Lumen, Sky Pop, David, Protein Pints, Manitoba Harvest, Belly Well, Poppi, Pop Sips, Beast, YAY's, Tezza, Bitter Love, Tips, Mother Root, OSIA, Dime MSG, Black Beverly Hills, Oh My Dessert Butter, Sleet Pops, Chara, Benny Bites, Ohum, Kias, Gato, Lasso Jello, Wobbled Jello, Very Lucky, True Dates, Joolie's, Smood, Daddl, Harken Sweets, Farmwell, Quip, House of Joy, Crafty Ramen, Prickly, Fresh Fizz, Leisure, RXBAR, Häagen-Dazs, Ben & Jerry's, Van Leeuwen, Swedish Fish, Mounds, Almond Joy, High Noon

Scaling a CPG brand is incredibly difficult. It's a delicate balance of bold moves and precise execution. And I honestly think more CPG brands should transparently share the early difficulties and associated growing pains on their social media. Both Smackin' Seeds and NOCA Beverages are amazing examples to reference. But this openness helps build an authentic connection with today's consumers who value honesty and relate to the "behind-the-scenes" journey of a smaller business trying to break into a highly competitive market.

Three Latin-American food brands saw the opportunity to go further, faster, together – so they took it. Stefanie Garcia Turner of Tuyyo, Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde, and Regina Trillo of Nemi share how they met, why they decided to merge their businesses and brands, and what their vision is for the new brand, unified under Tuyyo. The three woman-and-minoroty-owned brands share a mission of amplifying their Latin-American food culture through authentic and innovative latin foods, representation food culture, and community impact . Learn how this strategic merger will allows each leader to lean into their strengths, and how collaboration aligned on shared values can accelerate growth in the challenger food brand space.Takeaways:The origins and individual missions of Jocelyn of Todo Verde, Regina of Nemi Snacks, and Stephanie of Tuyyo FoodsThe strategic process behind their merger—personality tests, role division, and cultural alignmentHow they'll leverage their merger to reduce costs, expand categories, and innovate fasterTransition strategies for branding, retail placement, and consumer education across their unified brand Tuyyo FoodsSupply chain synergies and efforts to lower COGS by 35% or more through manufacturing and sourcing efficienciesThe broader vision: promoting Latin American flavors regionally and globally while supporting farmers and sustainabilityChallenges faced—costs of rebranding, education hurdles around regional products, and maintaining brand integrityThe importance of shared values, culture fit, and a growth mindset for successful mergersRecommendations for founders considering collaboration and merger as a growth pathwayBook and resource recommendations around exponential thinking, sensory storytelling, and personal spiritualityThoughts on building a healthier food system rooted in equity, community, and transparent ingredient sourcingSound Bites:“We can create something that is even bigger, that is even more impactful, that really is going to make a dent in the food industry.” (Stefanie)“We went from, I'm holding this, this is my baby, to really egoless, like this isn't about me, this is about a brand.” (Jocelyn)“We all knew each other relatively well before the merger. Stephanie is better at this than I am, Regina is better at this than I am, you know, so there was already a sense of like, if we came together, we could split the work in that way.” (Jocelyn)“We are planning on bringing everything under the one Tuyyo brand.” (Stefanie)“We're moving towards standardizing our supply chain operations. It's been a constant conversation and communication with suppliers, both in the US and in Mexico to see what's going to be the best way to do it.“ (Regina)“As of right now, [cost of goods optimization has] been at least 35%, which is it's been a big amount. And based on some information that we have, it's probably going to be higher than that.” (Regina)“I think that it's really gonna be about putting our community first and building a brand that not only can we be proud of, but that is a reflection of our heritage.” (Stefanie)“It took me six years to figure out that I didn't want to continue doing it alone.” (Regina)“[A better world is one] with more representation of the reality of how the community and how that should be represented on shelf as well. Ideally with products that are actually better for us, that are made with real ingredients, that are also supporting the farmers that are producing those ingredients.” (Regina)“[A better world is one with] a food system that is actually catered to the betterment of people in their everyday lives. It would just solve so many issues. And with all of the problems that we have between preventable diseases and healthcare systems that don't work for the people, it goes beyond justice for the farmer, but justice for everybody in the food chain.” (Stefanie)“I think that that in an ideal world there are policies put in place that are protecting people [by regulating] what is allowed and what isn't allowed in our food system. And products, especially those we give to children, that allow us to really reshape our palates and create shortcuts for cooking without taking the cooking part away because that's an basic survival life skill that most people should have and it empowers people to like know what's in their food, and how to nourish their families.” (Jocelyn)Links:Stefanie Garcia Turner on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanie-garcia-turner/Jocelyn Ramirez on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyncramirez77/Regina Trillo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-trillo-a5055711/Tuyyo - https://tuyyofoods.com/Tuyyo on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tuyyofoods/Tuyyo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tuyyofoods/Tuyyo on Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/tuyyofoods/Tuyyo on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tuyyofoodsTuyyo on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4b_-VIdL7Yl7UQb91y5Vow…Tuyyo Wefunder - Coming soon……Todo Verde (website will go away soon) - https://todoverde.org/Nemi (website will go away soon) - https://neminative.com/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioTimestamps: 0:00 - Introduction of guests and their brands2:11 - The idea of merging to amplify Latin American food culture3:14 - The role of Jocelyn as a connector4:14 - Initial conversations and alignment of goals5:09 - Personality tests and understanding team dynamics6:18 - Personal insights and alignment of values7:19 - Confirmation of shared vision and responsibilities8:36 - Expanding vision and impact9:23 - Egoless collaboration and shared goals10:16 - Overcoming personal challenges in the merger process11:33 - Open communication and external support12:47 - Technical adjustments during recording13:00 - Introduction and alignment of values and vision13:29 - Discussion on dividing responsibilities among the founders13:49 - Initial retreat and mission alignment14:19 - Specific roles and responsibilities based on skills15:16 - Transitioning responsibilities before the merger15:57 - The natural fit of the founders' skills16:18 - Pre-existing relationships and collaboration17:27 - Importance of enjoying the process and having fun19:20 - Branding and unifying product lines under Tuyo Foods20:11 - Transition phase and retail placement21:11 - Marketing strategies and community engagement22:34 - Plans for easing the transition on retail shelves23:28 - Supply chain synergies and manufacturing efficiencies25:12 - Cost reduction strategies and shared resources26:54 - New shared vision and broader goals27:39 - Community focus and brand representation29:28 - Expanding Latin American food representation31:01 - Becoming a go-to platform for Latin foods33:07 - Benefits and opportunities unlocked by the merger36:30 - Challenges and unresolved issues37:37 - Fundraising and rebranding costs38:20 - Advice for other founders considering mergers41:58 - Future of the industry and collaboration45:26 - Fun questions about favorite Latin American foods53:51 - Book recommendations and personal insights60:10 - Influential voices and brands to watch65:17 - Vision of a more representative, equitable, and sustainable food system71:13 - Upcoming plans and ways to connect with Tuyo FoodsFor more insights on food innovation, community building, and scaling purpose-driven brands, subscribe and stay tuned for future episodes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cameron Gould-Saltman is a CPG growth leader, angel investor, and former Head of Food & Beverage at TikTok Shop, where he built one of the platform's fastest-growing verticals by connecting emerging brands, creators, and consumers through social commerce. On this episode of ITS, Cameron explains all things social commerce: How to meet consumers where they are today and where they'll be tomorrow. Don't miss this one!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You've held leadership roles across advertising, data, and now retail media. What excites you most about the journey that brought you to NielsenIQ, and how does it shape the way you approach this role?Retail media has become a critical investment area for CPGs. From your vantage point, what's next in retail media, and where do you see the biggest opportunities for innovation?As you focus on merchant analytics and collaboration, how do you see data helping to close the gap between retailers and CPGs in creating more aligned growth strategies?You've emphasized the role of automation and personalization in digital advertising. How can CPG brands deliver personalized retail media experiences at scale without sacrificing efficiency?With over 20 years in digital and advertising, what lessons have you learned about building and leading teams that can thrive in the fast-moving world of CPG and retail media?

In this episode, Neal sits down with Samantha Pantazopoulos, co-founder of Vizer, to unpack the company's pivot from a consumer fitness rewards app to a B2B retail demand engine used by brands like Olipop and Health-Ade.What started as a mission-driven app tying workouts to food bank donations evolved - through COVID, retailer shutdowns, and customer pull - into a platform helping brands drive measurable retail velocity across Walmart, Kroger, Albertsons, and beyond.This conversation dives into what it really takes to pivot, how offers power demand generation, and why grocery may be one of the most complex - and fascinating - battlegrounds in tech today.Key Topics* How Vizer pivoted from consumer app to enterprise CPG platform* Why COVID forced a rethink of the original marketplace model* The fragmented world of grocery offers: paper, rebate, retailer apps, and beyond* Turning marketing impressions into measurable retail conversions* Compressing the funnel with QR codes, paid media, and off-site offers* The tension between DTC, Amazon, and in-store retail strategies* Why data in CPG has historically lagged behind DTC* How brands are thinking about AI in retail* What drives trial and long-term retention in grocery* Creative campaigns: sweepstakes, surprise-and-delight, and experiential activationsLinks & Resources* VizerConnect on LinkedIn* Samantha Pantazopoulos This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit risingtidepartners.substack.com/subscribe

What if the biggest bottleneck in your commerce strategy isn't the strategy itself, but the time it takes your team to actually perform the actions to execute it?Agility requires not just having the right insights, but also the operational capacity to act on them at the speed the market demands.Today, we're going to talk about a critical bottleneck many brands face: the delay between data-driven insight and real-world execution. Commerce teams are often drowning in data but struggle with the manual, time-consuming work of implementing changes, whether it's updating product pages or optimizing media spend. This has led to a major shift, where brands are looking beyond traditional agency models and toward a new paradigm of 'agentic AI'—using automated agents to handle execution, freeing up human experts to focus on what they do best: strategy.We are here at eTail Palm Springs, and to help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Himanshu Jain, Co-Founder and Head of Product, and Bill Schneider, VP Product Marketing at CommerceIQ. About Bill Schneider and Himanshu Jain Himanshu Jain is the Cofounder and Head of Product at CommerceIQ, a Series D agentic AI company based in the Bay Area. CommerceIQ is a leader in retail technology, having raised $200M from SoftBank and Insights Partners, and serving 10 of the top 12 CPG brands globally. He builds vertical AI and autonomous agent platforms that help the world's largest consumer brands win across ecommerce and omnichannel retail. Over the past decade, he has repeatedly taken AI products from zero to product–market fit, scaling them into multi-million-dollar businesses across retail media, pricing, supply chain, and digital shelf. With deep roots in machine learning, SaaS and enterprise strategy, he operates at the intersection of advanced AI systems and measurable commercial impact. Himanshu Jain is the Cofounder and Head of Product at CommerceIQ, a Series D agentic AI company based in the Bay Area. CommerceIQ is a leader in retail technology, having raised $200M from SoftBank and Insights Partners, and serving 10 of the top 12 CPG brands globally. He builds vertical AI and autonomous agent platforms that help the world's largest consumer brands win across ecommerce and omnichannel retail. Over the past decade, he has repeatedly taken AI products from zero to product–market fit, scaling them into multi-million-dollar businesses across retail media, pricing, supply chain, and digital shelf. With deep roots in machine learning, SaaS and enterprise strategy, he operates at the intersection of advanced AI systems and measurable commercial impact. Bill Schneider and Himanshu Jain on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-schneider-b32a6a/ Resources CommerceIQ: www.commerceiq.ai The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://aglbrnd.co/r/d15ec37a537c0d74 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

Ashley Rouse shares how surrender, letting go, and reinvention led to clarity and new beginnings after closing her company, Trade Street Jam Co. _____ After building a nationally recognized brand, Ashley Rouse returns to Dreams In Drive - eight years later - to share the raw truth about closing Trade Street Jam Co., embracing surrender, and stepping into new beginnings with her new creative agency Rouse Like House. A heartfelt, inspiring conversation for anyone navigating change, letting go, or finding clarity and purpose in life's next chapter. ______ In this deeply honest and full-circle conversation, Ashley Rouse (Episode 174 guest) returns eight years later to Dreams In Drive to reflect on the evolution from the woman who was scaling Trade Street Jam Co. at lightning speed to the woman she is today — one who chose surrender, healing, and alignment over external definitions of success. Ashley opens up about the circumstances surrounding and the grief of closing Trade Street Jam Co., the loss of identity that comes when your life's work ends, and the emotional and spiritual clarity that followed. She shares how motherhood and deep personal growth forced her to redefine what success, ambition, and purpose look like in this new season. Most importantly, she reframes surrender as a power move, a conscious decision to trust that releasing what no longer aligns creates space for new vision, new pathways, and a more authentic future. What We Discussed: Surrender & Purpose: Finding the courage to realize that a business is just a "tangible asset" and that her true purpose—helping other entrepreneurs—remains intact. The Realities of Running A Product-Based Business: Ashley breaks down why running a product-based CPG business is "no joke," discussing the capital intensive, inventory-heavy nature of the industry and the pressure of scaling, and seeking investors as a Black Woman The Power of Community: How sharing her "messy" journey on Instagram built a community that ultimately saved her during her transition. This conversation is for anyone who: Feels the pull toward a new beginning Is questioning a long-held dream Is learning to detach their worth from their work Is navigating a transition season You'll walk away with both the emotional language and the practical mindset shifts needed to: Recognize when it's time to move on Honor the chapter you're closing without shame Trust the unknown Rebuild from a place of clarity and self-alignment. FIND ASHLEY ROUSE ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymarierouse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouselikehouse Website: https://www.rouselikehouse.com

Nationwide Whole Foods distribution. A seven-figure DTC engine. A five-person team. In this episode, Ashley Nickelsen, the founder and CEO of nutrition bar and chocolate brand B.T.R. Nation, breaks down the systems behind her brand's growth, from using DTC zip-code data to unlock retail expansion, to building a creative-first Meta ads strategy that drives real revenue (not just impressions).  She shares why velocity is her North Star metric, how she thinks about omnichannel as a flywheel – not separate businesses – how she evaluates when syndicated data is worth the cost, and why she chose to self-warehouse to maintain margin and operational control.  Ashley also unpacks her approach to pricing across channels, portfolio expansion beyond a single hero SKU, and constant creative testing in one of grocery's most competitive categories.  Show notes: 0:20: Ashley Nickelsen, Founder & CEO, B.T.R. Nation – Ashley talks about her deep ties to New York City and a life largely spent on the road for work. She also shares her path into CPG from a master's in higher education and then into the supplement world and applied lessons from her experience to B.T.R., Ashley's discusses evolution as a spokesperson and her belief that brands need a consistent "face," explains B.T.R.'s origin story and how losing both parents to rare cancers before age 30 shaped her mission and her decision to avoid natural flavors. She describes how trust and community grew "organically" through direct customer engagement and helps generate retail discovery and online reorders across channels. She also details how B.T.R. approaches growth with constant iteration while keeping affordability and velocity in mind, and shares practical learnings on Meta advertising and how to pair digital attribution with retail data stories to win new accounts. Brands in this episode: B.T.R. Nation, Spindrift, Mid-Day Squares, Graza, Simple Mills, Siete, Perfect Bar, Lily's, Unreal, Heinz, Crumbl

How do you actually reach out to a journalist for press coverage — without sounding awkward, desperate, or spammy?Join Qwoted: https://www.qwoted.com/?via=VOPIf you're a product brand, founder, or CPG company trying to land media coverage, this video walks you through exactly where to start.In this episode, we break down:✨ How to find the right outlets for your brand (trade publications, industry magazines, business media, food & wellness publications, and more)✨ The difference between staff writers and freelance journalists✨ Why you should pitch a story angle — not just your product✨ What to include in your email to increase your chances of a reply✨ Why thought leadership (blog + LinkedIn) helps your credibility✨ The most overlooked step: how and when to follow upIf you've ever wondered:– “Do I just DM a journalist?”– “How do I find the right writer?”– “What do I even say in the pitch?”– “Why am I not getting responses?”This video will help it click.

What if I told you that there is a mathematical formula that separates those brands that scale really quickly and those brands that just tick along nicely? Well, there is one. I wish I had found out about it 25 years ago, but today the guest that we've got on the show (all the way from the USA) has studied this IN DETAIL, and comes on the show today to help YOU learn all about it.***If you like this episode and learn from it, PLEASE share it with a fellow founder or colleague, subsrcibe or folllow the show, and leave a review - it makes a real difference to us at Brand Growth Heroes**Dr James Richardson, author of 'Ramping Your Brand - How to Ride the Killer CPG Growth Curve', unpicks this maths for the first time, giving you the formula to help your brand scale like the enormous skate ramp brands in the USA.Ramping Your Brand (2nd Edition) - Dr. James Richardson's book on scaling premium CPG brands Dr. Richardson has lowered the price of the UK paperback from £18 to £9.99 until March 10What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe Premium Pricing Trap - Why founders face unit economics that are 10-15x worse than big CPG companies (and why you can't avoid it)The 6-10% RoS Rule - The specific monthly growth rate in same-store sales that creates exponential "skate ramp" growthThe Heavy User Strategy - Why your first $10-25M requires a completely different customer acquisition approach than Byron Sharp's mass market playbookDistribution vs. Velocity - How to layer exponential velocity growth on top of linear distribution expansionThe Founder Evolution Journey - The #1 reason investors take over brands (and it's not what you think)Early Fan Research - How to identify and replicate your "Gonzo fans" without spending a fortune on market researchThe Danger of Slow Growth - Why growing too slowly can be just as fatal as not growing at all when you're undercapitalisedUseful LinksConnect with Dr James Richardson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/premiumgrowthsolutions/Ramping Your Brand (2nd Edition) - Dr. James Richardson's book on scaling premium CPG brands Dr. Richardson has lowered the price of the UK paperback from £18 to £9.99 until March 10Website: https://www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com/Podcast: Startup Confidential (available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify)============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce you to Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board for the second year running.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com==============================================.Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

How This Cookie Company Went from Farmers Market to 10,000% Growth Overnight | Maya Madsen of Maya's CookiesWhat happens when a home baker goes viral - and suddenly has 10,000 orders she has no idea how to fulfill? In this episode, we sit down with Maya Madsen, Founder & CEO of Maya's Cookies, a vegan bakery and nationwide cookie shipping company built from scratch in her San Diego kitchen.Maya shares the real, unfiltered story of launching a food business with no culinary school background, no investors, and no roadmap - just a great product, a farmers market booth, and an unshakeable work ethic.Whether you're launching a CPG brand, selling at farmers markets, starting a home bakery, or scaling a food startup, this episode is packed with hard-won lessons from someone who has lived it.In this episode, we cover:How to validate your food product at a farmers market before investing bigScaling a food business from a home kitchen to a commercial kitchen to a retail storefrontManaging a viral moment - overnight e-commerce growth, supply chain chaos, and staff shortagesBuilding a loyal customer base as the face of your brandVegan and plant-based food business trends and what's actually working in 2024Why subscriptions aren't the holy grail they used to be for food brandsThe truth about getting into retail stores as an independent food brandHow to protect yourself from predatory e-commerce platform contractsPricing your food product correctly and tracking real costs, not just top-line revenueMission-driven branding and why it matters for food entrepreneursThe personal sacrifices of being a food founder - the stuff no one posts about on InstagramIf you've ever dreamed of turning your recipe into a real business, this episode will inspire you — and give you the real talk you need to actually do it.⭐ This podcast is brought to you by Back of House.io, the foodservice industry's most trusted resource for restaurant tech.Learn more at: https://backofhouse.io/⭐ Season 5 of So You Want to Run A Restaurant is proudly sponsored by RestauRent, the no-fee booking platform helping restaurants book private and group events.Try it risk-free with 3 free months at: https://bit.ly/soyouwanttorestaurent⭐ Follow UsPodcast: https://linktr.ee/soyouwanttorunarestaurantClaudia: https://www.instagram.com/claudia.saric/Spencer: https://www.instagram.com/restaurantspenny/⭐ Learn More About Maya's Cookies https://www.mayascookies.com/food business, vegan business, bakery startup, CPG brand, farmers market tips, food entrepreneur, how to start a cookie business, plant-based food, e-commerce food brand, food startup growth, scaling a food business, home baker to business, vegan cookies, food founder, small food business, black owned business, product based business, how to go viral, food business mistakes, women in business

In this episode of Pathmonk Presents, Philip Aguib, VP of Sales and Marketing at Vantree Systems, breaks down how electronic data interchange (EDI) powers global supply chains—and why a human approach wins complex B2B deals. Vantree Systems delivers integrated EDI solutions that connect ERPs like SAP, Microsoft, and NetSuite across manufacturing, distribution, logistics, and CPG industries. Philip shares how referrals, trade shows, and partner ecosystems drive growth, and why outbound sales is becoming essential in an AI-shaped buying landscape. He also dives into accelerating long sales cycles, leveraging CRM data segmentation, and building trust through empathy. A practical conversation for growth leaders navigating technical markets.

#800 From backyard-grown herbs and screen doors used as drying racks to national retail shelves, Jodi Scott's journey with Green Goo is a masterclass in building a mission-driven CPG brand! In this episode, host Brien Gearin sits down with the co-founder and CEO of Green Goo to unpack how they set out to “reinvent first aid” with plant-based solutions that actually work — earning passionate customer stories, scaling into major retailers (including the Army & Air Force Exchange), and adapting fast when the market wasn't ready for “plant-based” a decade ago. Jodi also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of hypergrowth, navigating financing and forecasting, surviving the retail shutdown during COVID by ramping DTC, and the hard-earned mental fitness practices that helped her buy the company back and rebuild after a failed partnership nearly wiped everything out! What we discuss with Jodi: + Reinventing first aid + Plant-based + high efficacy + Backyard-to-kitchen production + Farmer's market validation + Customer stories (eczema, wounds) + Launching a website to reorder + Retail expansion learning curve + Army & Air Force Exchange pitch + COVID pivot to DTC + Amazon + Selling, losing, buying back the brand Thank you, Jodi! Check out Green Goo at GreenGoo.com. To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julian Tcherassi is the founder of Magiktea, the first USDA Organic & Wildlife Friendly certified palo azul tea brand in the world.  Under his leadership, Magiktea has grown from a small independent startup into a nationally recognized wellness brand, now available in over 1,000 health food stores nationwide.  Passionate about natural remedies and sustainability, Julian started Magiktea with the mission to share sustainably sourced palo azul so that everyone can enjoy Mother Nature's most magical tea.  In This Conversation We Discuss: [00:00] Intro [02:06] Spotting an opportunity from personal experience [02:56] Starting a business through personal readings [05:06] Prioritizing retail over DTC for early traction [06:53] Offering consignment as visibility strategy  [10:31] Callouts [10:41] Embracing rejection as early sales training [14:43] Sponsor: Klaviyo [16:49] Learning advertisement tactics from founders [18:41] Optimizing website to support conversions [26:46] Sponsor: Intelligems [25:46] Improving listings to outshine competitors [29:26] Leveraging Amazon for exposure and sales [33:25] Sponsor: Electric Eye [34:31] Analyzing your brand for the winning message Resources: Subscribe to Honest Ecommerce on Youtube Fluorescent alkaline palo azul tea magiktea.com/ Follow Julian Tcherassi linkedin.com/in/julian-serrano-tcherassi-97a891156/ Get your free demo klaviyo.com/honest Book a demo today at intelligems.io/ Schedule an intro call with one of our experts electriceye.io/connect If you're enjoying the show, we'd love it if you left Honest Ecommerce a review on Apple Podcasts. It makes a huge impact on the success of the podcast, and we love reading every one of your reviews!

Points of discussion:1. CODO Design's 2026 Beer Branding Trends Report-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 9,500+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

Send a textZack Oates sits down with John F. Maggio of JM Enterprises to explore what it really takes to build enduring consumer brands. From co-founding Boulder Canyon Chips to working with brands like Justin's, Duke's Smoked Meats, Bigs Seeds, Jackson's, Good Day Chocolate, and Cocktail Squad, John shares lessons from decades in CPG.They discuss how restaurant brands should evaluate entering retail, why timing and category momentum matter, and the four pillars John uses to determine whether a brand is truly investable. He also explains why flavor ultimately wins and how “return on luck” plays a role in long term success.Zack and John discuss: What makes a CPG brand scalable When restaurants should enter retail The role of timing and luck Why flavor always matters Brand, market, team, and capital alignmentThanks, John!Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-f-maggio-b98b593/https://www.instagram.com/cocktailsquad/?hl=en

Marketers obsess with platform metrics, because these are the numbers they can tactically control the most. However, buried in every CPG product's design are hidden sensory variables that work with or work against the efficiency of marketing. Let me explain in this episode.Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

After your favorite viral pasta sauce entered its “parenting era” by teaming up with Little Spoon on limited edition clean-label, ready-to-eat meals…it got thinking how SAUZ might've unlocked the ultimate growth strategy, which centers around modern parents wanting the CPG brands they already love to growth their families. Could it become a blueprint for the next generation of “cool kids' food"? Imagine a milder Fly By Jing szechuan-inspired flavor of Serenity Kids pouches. Or what about including a Graza “drizzle kit” within those Tiny Organics “finger food meals” to make them extra fun. So, which “adult” CPG brand do you want to see collab on a kids' version next?

Is Big Food finally catching up to emerging brands on speed to market? As legacy CPG giants roll out protein- and fiber-forward innovations faster than ever, the team debates whether startups still hold the advantage. Plus, we give a heartfelt sendoff to Jacqui Brugliera as she departs BevNET after 12 years. Show notes: 0:23: Honoring A Legend. More Meetups! Heading West. Speedy Delivery. Creamy Everything. – Ray Latif and co-hosts John Craven and Mike Schneider mark Jacqui Brugliera's final show at BevNET after 12 years, sharing heartfelt praise for her impact as a teammate, friend, and steadying presence. The conversation then shifts to a recap of Taste Radio's recently held Miami meetup as well as an upcoming event in New York City on April 16. The hosts also discuss whether big CPG brands are catching up to entrepreneurial ones as they chase "better-for-you" trends like protein and fiber and whether legacy companies can truly match the credibility and branding agility of smaller players. They also riff on the rise of "creamy condiments" and highlight a new RTD Vietnamese coffee, a decaf sparkling coffee, buttermilk pancake mix, hop-infused cocktails, and a wave of new products from Athletic Brewing. Brands in this episode: Doritos, Smartfood, SunChips, Angie's Boomchickapop, Rebel Roots, Poppi, Fruities, CronchClub, Lasso, Tia Lupita, Bachan's, AleSmith, Athletic Brewing, Guinness, Fuzzee Coffee, North Shore Roasters, Phoenicia Diner

This week we are LIVE with Mike Levinson, Founder of FS Octopus. Mike brings 25+ years in foodservice/alternative channels and retail, with deep expertise in CPG distribution — aka how products actually move, not just how they look on a pitch deck.He's worked with startups and big brands, so he understands both the hustle and the scale. His FS Octopus approach breaks foodservice/alt. channel sales down to what really drives results: distribution, marketing, buyer relationships, and sharp brand positioning.FS stands for Food Service and it's always an underlooked channel for CPG Brands - but not anymore! IF you want to learn about the Food Service side of CPG - TUNE IN!https://fsoctopus.com/

In this episode of Retention Chronicles, Mariah sits down with Meredith Mills-Merritt, founder and CEO of The Original Southside, a spirit-based, certified organic ready-to-drink cocktail built to challenge the status quo of the alcohol industry .Meredith shares how a family summer recipe evolved into a fast-growing CPG brand, why the RTD category is more confusing than consumers realize, and how ingredient transparency became her competitive edge. We unpack the difference between malt-based beverages and true spirit-based cocktails, the realities of launching in a saturated but growing category, and what it takes to build brand trust in a three-tier distribution system.We also dive into:Why education-first marketing is her primary acquisition strategyHow organic social and in-store tastings drive early tractionWhat retention looks like across DTC and retailWhy customer experience matters even more in a high-friction shipping categoryThe two unexpected consumer cohorts fueling growthIf you're building in CPG, navigating restricted goods, or thinking about how to balance brand awareness with retention, this episode is a masterclass in patience, precision, and raising the bar.

Lucy Dana is the co-founder and CEO of One Trick Pony, the peanut butter rapidly gaining fame for its bright packaging that sits upside down on the shelf. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Lucy talk peanut butter problem solving, the new rules of social media, and how to build certain, lean and ready for learning.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of Retention Chronicles, Mariah sit down with Jo, founder of Nutcase Milk, to unpack how a late-night craving for better-for-you chocolate milk turned into a fast-growing CPG brand with creator partnerships and a hard-earned product reset .Jo shares how testing the product at her restaurant sparked early demand, how a random Vegas brunch led to VC backing, and how poker connections evolved into partnerships with names like Ninja and Steve Aoki. But the real lesson comes after launch. When repeat purchase didn't meet expectations, the team made the tough call to pause, reformulate, and improve the product before scaling further.We talk luck versus determination, founder-led brand voice, handling public criticism, and why retention always starts with product quality. This is an honest look at what it really takes to build in public and get better in real time.

Scott Dancy is the founder and CEO of Azuna, a fast-growing brand in the natural air freshener space. With a background in staffing, technology, and several entrepreneurial ventures, Scott started Azuna in Buffalo in 2019, scaling the business from hand-packaging orders to becoming the world's largest purchaser of tea tree oil and achieving significant success in both DTC and Amazon channels. In this episode of DTC Pod, Scott shares his journey of launching Azuna, from navigating supply chain challenges and product R&D to unlocking consistent growth and managing cash flow as order volumes soared. He covers the pivotal product decisions, strategies for boosting AOV, lessons from high-profile partnerships, and Azuna's approach to retail expansion. Scott also offers practical advice for founders on knowing their numbers, avoiding expensive mistakes, and building a team that's invested in the brand's success. Episode brought to you by Stord - 3PL for Commerce Episode brought to you by EMF Radar - Health Starts with EMF Safety in mind Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack. On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover: 1. Scott Dancy's entrepreneurial background and Azuna's origin story 2. Early-stage bootstrapping: packaging, fulfillment, and ad writing 3. Scaling operations: manufacturing, 3PLs, and hiring expert talent 4. Product and packaging strategy: sustainable materials, bundling, and raising AOV 5. Building a brand moat with proprietary tea tree oil sourcing 6. Subscription economics and customer retention strategies 7. Navigating cash flow, funding growth, and working with MCAs 8. Knowing key metrics: revenue, gross profit, AOV, and cash allocation 9. D2C vs Amazon vs retail channel strategy 10. In-house vs agency operations and pitfalls 11. Brand marketing and influencer partnerships 12. Lessons learned from sports and celebrity partnerships 13. Timing retail entry and optimizing product mix for channels 14. Importance of customer service and product quality 15. Entrepreneurial learnings: failures, details, and staying data-driven Timestamps 00:00 Scott Dancy's background and founding Azuna 03:05 The “aha moment”—tea tree oil product discovery 04:10 Early days of hand-packaging, first sales, COVID impact 05:36 Scaling up: building the team, manufacturing, growth in Buffalo 07:14 Transition to 3PL and challenges of scaling past $10M 08:10 Product development, bundling, and packaging strategy 10:05 Target audience and tea tree oil sourcing 13:41 Growth channels: Meta, Google, and influencer seeding 15:53 Subscription model economics and retention 19:03 Funding growth: inventory buys, cash flow, using Clearco 22:24 Data-driven decisions and knowing your numbers 26:25 Channel mix: Amazon, DTC, retail launch, pricing strategy 32:00 Learning from agency mistakes and shiny object syndrome 35:06 Retail timing, product mix, and learnings from entering stores 42:02 Brand partnerships: AKC, NFL, influencer marketing 46:44 Final lessons and what Scott would have done differently 47:50 Where to find Azuna and connect with Scott Show notes powered by Castmagic Past guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.   Additional episodes you might like: • #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth • #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content • #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views • #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands • #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook • ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands ----- Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further? Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you. Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox? Check out our newsletter here. Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for Content Follow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTok Scott Dancy - CEO & Founder of AzunaBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

After decades in fine dining, renowned restaurateur Jamie Mammano turned his attention to a new challenge: reinventing the tortilla chip. In this episode, he shares how a small tortilla bakery experiment evolved into Mi Niña, one of the country's fastest-growing premium tortilla chip brands, now sold in thousands of retailers nationwide, including Whole Foods, Target and Wegmans. Inspired by his Mexican family and frustrated by the lack of authentic, high-quality tortillas in the market, Jamie discusses how Mi Niña's clean-label, organic positioning helps it stand out in a crowded snack aisle, why innovations like olive oil- and protein-enhanced varieties are driving its next phase of growth, and why he's choosing to forgo private equity as he builds the company on his own terms. Show notes: 0:20: Jamie Mammano, Founder, Mi Niña – Jamie reflects on the origins of Mi Niña, explaining how an early pivot from his initial CPG concept became the catalyst for the brand's growth. He recounts how a chance meeting with Whole Foods sparked early retail momentum and how the company has since expanded to roughly 7,000 stores nationwide. He details how Mi Niña differentiates itself with organic ingredients, clean labels, small-batch production and distinctive packaging, and why he credits product quality and consumer trial—not heavy marketing—for its success. Jamie also discusses staying true to the brand's roots while innovating with new offerings, including an upcoming protein-enhanced chip, addresses private equity interest in the company, explains why he sees CPG as more competitive than the restaurant industry, and shares his vision of "changing the snack game." Brands in this episode: Mi Niña, Tito's, Lay's, Doritos

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Toby Espinosa, VP of Ads at DoorDash. Toby shares how DoorDash built one of the fastest-growing retail media networks, and why the next phase of growth depends on making performance comparable across platforms, partners, and budgets.They unpack the tension between local trade dollars and national media budgets, how CPG organizations split ownership between sales and marketing, and what it takes to unlock both. Toby also explores how AI can accelerate integrations, lower the cost of connecting data, and raise the bar for targeting and outcomes across commerce media.Key takeawaysNational media budgets scale when incrementality is clear and performance is standardized.The biggest growth unlock comes from aligning trade and media dollars around shared outcomes.Consistent, comparable reporting builds trust and drives long-term investment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.