Sven Alwerud, founder of Celerity CPG, and Sarah Gordon, VP of Marketing at Evergreen, share their tried-and-true tactics for leveraging retail media to boost product velocity. Find out how advertising directly on retailer websites and apps can empower you to compete with big CPG on an emerging brand's budget. We'll discuss how to set up high-ROI campaigns, target the right keywords and audiences, allocate your budget wisely, and use retailer-specific tricks to help you succeed on the shelf.    

Maya French, founder of HappyPop and Koia, and Kendra Bennett, CMO of Bon Bee Honey, each turned unexpected hits of PR exposure into sustained brand growth. They’ll share the key decisions they made—and wish they had made—on prioritizing accounts when you're tight on product, ramping up production for unexpected demand, and using pre-orders and customer service tactics to retain new customers, even if you can't service them immediately. They also share how to leverage viral exposure beyond e-commerce by strengthening retail partnerships.

Inclusive hiring strengthens communities and benefits your brand. Adrianne DeLuca of BevNET, Joshua Velasquez of Shire's Naturals, and Kevin McGahren of Greyston Bakery discuss how they use non-traditional hiring, share effective hiring and training tactics, and explain the positive impact on both business and communities. Find out how equitable hiring boosts loyalty, taps into overlooked talent, and creates a strategic advantage for your business

Supplement trends, such as the popularity of collagen, protein, and nootropics, often forecast shifts in food and beverage CPG trends by tracking consumer behavior. We welcome Darren Viscount, Senior Natural Living Category Manager/OTC Category Manager at Bristol Farms, to discuss these natural living trends and their impact on food and beverage products. We’ll also learn what brands need to get on the shelf, succeed at Bristol Farms, and build lasting partnerships.

Holly and John Arbuckle, founders of Singing Pastures Farms, are building a unique, clean-label, pasture-raised, woman-owned meat snack brand. They’re navigating the complexities of earned PR to gain meaningful exposure and drive brand awareness that translates into sales. Sara Brooks, from Goldilocks and Fridays digital marketing firm, joins to share the latest PR strategies, including affiliate marketing, social media tactics, and influencer partnerships, to help your brand shine.

Target may be a major retail powerhouse, but there's a unique pathway for emerging brands to get their product on shelf and be successful. Target's Director of Activation & Growth, Le'Spencer Walker, outlines the three retail-ready factors he considers for emerging brands: packaging and branding, business performance data (even for small brands), and marketing and promotion capabilities. Mazaah CEO, Yasmin Sajadi, shares her brand's 2-year journey to secure placement at Target, along with insights on marketing strategies, pricing, and the challenges of scaling production.

Casey Gaston, Executive Leader of Local and Emerging Brands at Whole Foods Market, offers key updates and strategies for emerging brands who want to partner with this key retailer. In this session, she discusses how to navigate the current category review process and provides details on the LEAP accelerator program. Casey also shares her top tips for crafting a compelling pitch, along with smart strategies for brand success—from effectively communicating your story to understanding the nuances of pricing and promotion. Whether you're looking to get your product into Whole Foods Market or you're already there, you'll find valuable insights to support you at any stage of your Whole Foods journey.

Walmart's Open Call program is a unique opportunity for emerging brands to enter one of the world’s largest retailers. Our guests—Scott Gutche, Sr. Development Executive at Walmart, Molly Blakeley of Molly Bz Cookies, and Yasmin Curtis of Two Fish Foods—share their experiences with the program, from the application process to preparing to pitch. They discuss the importance of flexibility, demonstrating brand fit, and why the exposure gained is valuable, even without an immediate deal. Scott Gutche also explains Walmart’s key evaluation criteria, emphasizing the importance of market data and brand momentum in determining a brand’s potential for success.

Slotting fees, free fills, retail markups, distribution costs, trade spend & marketing—making money in retail is expensive and complex. But just how long does it take? Jia Liao, founder of Hotpot Queen, wants to find out. Join us as experts Dwight Richmond, Director of Center Store at Town & Country, and Sarah Dorey, partner at Synergy Sales, share their insights on the timeline and offer tips to accelerate the process.

Derek Majewski, Sr. Partner Development Manager at Amazon's Buy with Prime, and Robert Principe, President at eTail Advisors, explain Amazon's Buy with Prime feature, which allows brands to integrate the Prime button on their own websites. In this episode we discuss the benefits, logistics, and strategic considerations for CPG brands, covering the differences between FBA and Buy with Prime, fulfillment economics, inventory management, brand readiness, subscription services, shipping speeds, fees, ROI, and customer service. 

The Conagras and Nestlés of the world have business fundamentals and levers that drive smart innovation and product development, which aren't always available to smaller brands. Monica Watrous, managing editor of Nosh, and Glenn Pappalardo, co-founder of Integral CPG, clarify the attributes and themes big brands center their innovation strategy around to help smaller brands put together smart innovation strategy. This Community Call is a companion piece to an article on NOSH.com.

POD Foods offers a distribution solution that stands out from broadline options, particularly benefiting early-stage brands. Dan Rabens, Director of Growth at POD Foods, explains how their model emphasizes transparency, eliminates deductions, and improves speed-to-shelf. We’ll break down POD Foods' fee structure and discuss how they provide support with capital financing, warehousing, and brokering, making them a comprehensive partner for emerging brands.

  Kimberle Lau, founder of Bake Me Healthy’s upcycled, allergen-friendly baking mixes, is preparing to launch a new product line but wants to set herself up for success by ensuring it answers a consumer need. Robyn Carter from Jump Rope Innovation brings her experience from big CPG to help Kimberly figure out what her core consumers like about Bake Me Healthy and how to use that information to launch a new set of products that will hit the ground running.

To succeed in retail, building direct relationships at the store level can grow your food or beverage business, creating valuable "eyes inside." Cedar's Hummus has its roots in DSD and store relationship building. Aimee Tsakirellis, EVP of Marketing at Cedar's, will share tips on forging strong relationships with store teams, expanding into new regions, and collaborating with retailers to boost sales.  

We’ve all heard that owning your backyard and going a mile deep is key for gaining traction in CPG. The GNGR Labs team self sold their product into to every indie store and bodega in NYC, building a grassroots base. Their scrappy approach allowed them to test and refine their ginger shots before partnering with a distributor, leading to investment and wide-scale distribution. Join Daniel Chechelnitsky and Namik Sultan to understand how to use NYC's distribution system to your advantage, how to build a relationship with a new DSD, and how to make the most out of a modest marketing budget. 

The Nosh editorial team joins the Community Call to announce and honor our 2024 NOSH Notables—individuals who make the CPG industry enjoyable, successful, and fulfilling. Visit NOSH.com to see the full list!

Join Jamie Borteck, board member and advisor, and Matt Weiss from RIND Snacks as they guide you through assembling the ideal team to support your CPG brand's growth. We'll cover selecting advisors who complement your skills, building a board for exponential growth, compensation strategies, approaching potential partners, and maximizing your partnerships.

Lorena Arathoon and her team at Tasu Chips have launched their brand on Amazon and are looking to refine their strategy. Betsy McGinn, an Amazon guru and e-commerce strategist, joins Community Call to provide Lorena with ideas that will steadily grow sales.  Find out how to create the perfect listing, the advertising that's worth investing in, and what you should avoid at all costs on the platform.  Find Betsy's companion deck shared on this episode in our Slack Community, join us: https://slack.bevnet.com/sign-up 

Monica Watrous, Managing Editor of NOSH, and Amrit Richmond, CPG Strategist, join Community Call to discuss the key trends in food and beverage. We explore the ingredient consumers are avoiding, despite reassurances from the FDA, Harvard School of Public Health, and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. We also delve into trends in production, distribution, eating for healthspan vs. lifespan, and alternative meats + proteins. This podcast complements NOSH.com's Trendlines series, so be sure to visit there for the complete series.

Sun Noodle, a global leader in ramen noodles and the preferred choice of ramen shops like Momofuku, has been pivotal in establishing the ramen industry in America. Founded in 1981, Sun Noodle began during a time when ramen in America was, for the most part, microwaveable Cup Noodles. Join Sun Noodle's President, Kenshiro Uki, and his team as they trace their journey from crafting premium ramen noodles to becoming a foremost producer nationwide. Find out their secrets to using customer feedback in both foodservice and retail to create the perfect product for every customer.

National Co+op Grocers (NCG) represents 164 food co-ops operating over 230 stores with annual sales of over $2.6 billion.  Heidi Traore, Supplier Relationship Development Manager at National Co+op Grocers (NCG), will explain how brands can leverage NCG's expansive network to amplify their sales and distribution.  Tune in to uncover strategies for successful collaboration and learn how to maximize your brand's impact in the co-op market.

Mable helps food and beverage brands achieve growth in both food service and retail, even if they’re early-stage businesses not currently set up with distributor partners. Arik Keller, Founder and CEO of Mable, Lauren Ricciardi, Mable's Marketing Director, and Adrianne Deluca, reporter for BevNET & NOSH, share essential tips for creating a "pro" profile, best practices for seamless drop-shipping, and strategies to grow consumer demand on the platform. This Community Call complements an article Adrianne wrote for NOSH, where she shares additional valuable insights. Be sure to check out her article on NOSH.com.

Scott Romano, VP of Innovation at Sprouts Farmers Market, and Elliot Begoun, founder of TIG Brands, share best practices on getting on shelf at this important natural channel retailer, and how to achieve ongoing growth. Join us as we follow the journey from initial contact to thriving on Sprouts' shelves. From crafting the perfect pitch to understanding the intricacies of a successful roll out to driving velocities, we'll provide a detailed roadmap of everything you need to know.

Kathy Yuh, VP at VMG Partners, discusses the venture fund's current investment strategies, partnerships, and evolving criteria amidst shifting market conditions. We'll explore valuation trends, best P&L practices, and notable categories and trends. 

RangeMe is an important digital platform that connects brands with retailers and retail opportunities. How strong is your RangeMe game? Join Vir Satyan, SVP of Supplier Success at RangeMe, on Community Call as he helps brands craft their best profiles and put their strongest foot forward. We'll explore the buyer's dashboard, discuss the elements of a strong profile, learn about special retailer programs, and talk about maintaining an optimal presence on a limited budget.

We've seen exponential growth in the plant-based category, but this acceleration is stalling in some areas while thriving in others. SPINS' Client Insights Manager, Kelli Howard, dissects data on food and beverage trends within the plant-based sector. Discover thriving and declining categories, how successful brands are evolving to meet customer demand, understand the plant-based consumer profile, and learn about notable ingredients and the most sought-after plant-based proteins.

Kristi Palmer from Kiva Confections and Lukas Southard, Senior Reporter at BevNET, join Community Call to discuss the profound impact of hemp-derived D9 on the cannabis edibles and beverage industry. Learn how brands are seizing new opportunities, the looming regulatory challenges, and consumer safety concerns surrounding lab testing and regulatory standards.

When Outfox Hospitality, parent holding company for Foxtrot Market and Dom's Kitchen and Market, suddenly shuttered its doors, CPG brands were left in the lurch.  Affected businesses face not only lost inventory but also the missed opportunity to showcase products with retailers that were known for taking chances on new items.  We'll talk to Couplet Coffee, Lexington Bakes, Better Sour, Parch, and Glonuts, all brands carried by Foxtrot, and Trent Moffat of Gotham Brands, and Sarah Dorey  of Synergy Sales

Join Michael Movitz of Brandjectory and Monica Watrous, managing editor of Nosh, for a discussion on tactical insights for founders navigating challenging market conditions. They'll share examples of brands that have chosen to stay the course, pivot, or close up shop, providing valuable insights into the decision-making process. Plus, the key questions founders should be asking themselves and their teams, and how to use the answers to chart a path forward.

In an environment where venture firms are leaning toward conservatism, businesses are even more dependent on securing growth capital at earlier stages from angel investors. We talk to two seasoned angel investors, Nicole Bruno and Gefen Skolnick, alongside Ruth Berhane-Williams, founder of Equitea, who is actively exploring the angel investment landscape. Hear tips for identifying angel investors, understanding their preferences, and nurturing successful partnerships.

Join Melissa Li, investor at Offline Ventures, Brad Avery, senior reporter at BevNET/NOSH, and Peter Barrick, CEO of snack brand Rivalz, as they unravel the intricate world of AI within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. We'll take a look at AI beyond chatbots and image creation and explore how it's revolutionizing the way brands like Rivalz operate. From its capabilities to its limitations, discover how emerging brands are leveraging technology to propel themselves forward, and the implications this tech has on the CPG industry.

Bob Burke, a "known to most" CPG consultant and expert in the natural products industry, shares insights on how CPG brands can save money and improve cash flow. He explains strategies for SKU rationalization, strategic trade spending, and recognizing high-return sales opportunities such as Costco, TJX, and private label programs that drive cost out of the system.

Industry veterans Gerry Khermouch and Beverage Whisperer Ken Sadowsky share their tips how to tighten business expenditures and improve cash flow.  Learn the tactics they recommend for dialing in DSDs, honing in on product-market fit, when to say "no", and how to identify worthwhile growth opportunities.  

Ghia is taking the non-alcoholic market by storm and generating exposure with a thoughtful strategy that includes strategic out of home marketing. Melanie Masarin, CEO & Founder of Ghia, and Tom Shea of Adgile media explain how they decide when and where to put resources, how to track results (yes, it's possible!), tactical tips that help squeeze value from each campaign, and  specific techniques that drive brand awareness.

Belgian Boys' Anouck Gotlib and Tracy Motz offer insider tips and tricks to help exhibitors have the best Expo West. Hear their strategies on how much and what to sample, creating memorable swag, aligning show goals across departments, nailing booth basics, and navigating the balance between sharing innovation and protecting trade secrets.

The Fresh Market's Wade Yenny, Goodles, and Pocket's Chocolates join NOSH's managing editor, Monica Watrous on Community Call to share insider tips + tricks on how to attract quality traffic at an expansive show like Expo West.  Find out the secret to swag that attendees will be talking about all year long, sampling strategies that will make you unforgettable, and what buyers and the press want to take away from their interactions at booth exhibits.  PLUS, the simple "must haves" that will make your booth pop and run efficiently.

Fresh Thyme, the midwest chain of natural and organic-focused stores, claims its stake in meeting customers where they are by offering both conventional and natural products, and making better-for-you groceries accessible to all. Jonathan Lawrence, VP Center Store at Fresh Thyme, explains which brands and products have the best opportunity to succeed at FT, delves into what his customers are looking for, and offers insights into how brands can effectively pitch to this retailer and achieve success once their products are on the shelf.

Sherry Frey of NielsenIQ offers exclusive insights into current consumer trends and purchasing habits. Find out why low sodium might be the next big trend, how inflation is impacting consumer behavior, the good news for protein, what exactly clean label means right now, and delve into the influence of GLP-1 weight loss drugs on current consumer product preferences.      

Join Kaitlin Morgan of SPINS shares RTD beverage data during our Community Call, where we'll uncover trends in functionality, sweeteners, and flavor. Discover the key industry indicators shaping the landscape, and delve into the essential themes to understand how brands and entrepreneurs can leverage this data for intelligent innovation.  Go to slack.bevnet.com/General Discussion channel for a companion presentation to this podcast or email [email protected]

AnaMaria Friede, Director of Merchandising, and Brooke Gil, Principal Category Merchant, at Whole Foods Market, shares the latest strategies on how brands can successfully navigate this retailer.  We'll local program updates and how brands can take advantage of them, the latest planogram information, what makes a winning pitch, and the CPG trends they're most interested in right now.

Arnulfo Ventura shares his winning blueprint for achieving exponential growth in CPG, drawing from his own experience as an entrepreneur and in leadership roles at PepsiCo, Califia Farms, Beanfields, and Alter Eco. With a track record of guiding brands to success and facilitating exits for acquired brands, Arnulfo shares insights on preserving founder mentality, leveraging company culture, and implementing strategic brand enhancements. Discover the tactis to propelling growth and strategically positioning a brand for acquisition.

Dan-O's viral TikTok videos transformed the brand from a struggling business to a social media sensation. Learn the straightforward content tactics, algorithm insights, and influencer strategies that exponentially grew the brand's digital presence and sales, proving that sometimes, a little creativity goes a long way.

Oliver Buccicone, CEO of Michele's Granola, and Lauren Shafer, Marketing Director of Michele’s Granola, take us behind the scenes on LTOs. Find out how LTOs can be a pipeline for core offerings, open doors and build partnerships, and increase your consumer base. They'll also discuss the tough side of innovation including lifecycle management and smart sku rationalization for operational excellence. 

Kim Greenfeld, former private label buyer for Whole Foods Market and Trader Joes, joins us to give a behind the scenes look into how to win at the private label game. Find out what kind of innovation gets a buyer's attention, how to protect brand equity, and how to know whether and when the private label game is right for your brand. 

Costco is one of the ultimate club channels for natural CPG.  High volumes, targeted consumers, and clean business dealings make this a coveted channel for so many brands, but it's crucial to fully understand expectations and best practices before launching into this retailer. Jeremy Smith from LaunchPad Group breaks down how Costco does business, what they're looking for from brand partners, and how to thrive after you get on shelf.

Beverage sales are hugely dependent on DSD networks, but if you don't know how to implement and manage the relationship, your product may be an afterthought to the team. Join Trent Moffat of Gotham Brands and JW Fischer of Nirvana Water for a discussion on what DSDs need to be successful, what you should expect, and how to manage the relationship for maximum placements and velocity.

Soom Foods is well known for their tahini sourced from Ethiopian sesame seeds that produce a smooth and delicious tahini. Soom has a chocolate sku that's not turning as quickly as they think it should, and we're bringing in the experts to troubleshoot. Join Fred Hart of Interact Brands, Adam Levit of Velocity Sales, and Amy Zitelman, founder of Soom Foods, and listen as the team assesses the situation and brainstorms solutions.

Gross margin and velocity are two of the top indicators for success as a CPG business, and nailing the right price is key in getting both of those dialed in. Ariana Farahani of Plant Press is working on just that and we've called in pricing expert Scott Sanders to dive into a pricing model that accounts for distributor costs and trade spend to protect gross margin in the long term.