The CPG Guys

The CPG Guys are joined in this episodee by Bharat Pulgam, Founder & CEO of Buncha, a last-mile technology company that uses W2 shoppers and refrigerated vehicles
to provide best in class service. With a unique batching system, Buncha is able to work with retailers to maximize deliveries in a reliable and efficient manner. What sets Buncha apart is commitment to quality, ensuring customer satisfaction in every interaction.

This episode is sponsored by Buncha.

Follow Bharat Pulgam on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpulgam/
Follow Buncha on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gobuncha/
Follow Buncha online at: https://www.gobuncha.com/

Bharat answered these questions:

1. Much like how the CPG Guys started, the onset of the pandemic is the catalyst for the Buncha origin story. Please share it with us and I would mention that this is not your first startup is it?
2. Many of the immediate delivery services are modeled using gig workers for the last mile delivery. Buncha took a different approach. What is that and why is it proving to be a major differentiator for Buncha? How does that value vs. urgency equation play a role here?
3. You advertise that Buncha's delivery costs are 20% cheaper than competitive offerings. At a high level, please walk us through the financial model that underpins this, especially given that you have W2 employees.
4. What is the customer experience in utilizing Buncha. Do they need to shop through your branded app, do you reside inside retailer apps as a delivery option? What's the deal?
5. What is the value proposition for retailers that might want to partner with Buncha as a delivery mechanism and how are you able to represent their real-time assortment in your app environment?
6. How are you targeting markets and through what marketing efforts are you cost-effectively acquiring new customers? 
7. Are there currently or future plans to make your platform available for brands to engage consumers.
8. What are the last mile delivery trends you see developing in tis industry over the next few years that you expect will fuel Buncha's success?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

We are partnering on today’s episode with Pricespider, who helps the world’s brands, big and small, to enrich the consumer journey and build long-lasting relationships with their shoppers, resulting in more revenue and higher profit margins. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by SVP of strategy & Director of strategy for PriceSpider - Brett Banner & Rae Guimond.

Follow Brett on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettbanner/
Follow Rae on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmguimond/
Follow Pricespider on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/pricespider/
Follow Pricespider on the web at : https://www.pricespider.com/

They answer these questions :

1. What is the origin story of pricespider? How and why did the company get started? What is the vision and mission behind pricespider? What problems are you trying to solve?
2. What’s happening right now in the shoppable ecosystem that brands need to be aware of? With so much change happening in the space right now, what are the “back to basics” activities that brands need to stay on top of?
3. AI is here with a bang - its loud, its everywhere and its actually been around over a decade. Seems every brand is chasing its implications and vendors are anchoring to it everywhere. Thoughts and implications for you guys?
4. Consumer shopping habits are changing rapidly, especially post-pandemic. How do you see services like PriceSpider evolving to meet changing habits around discounts/deals, buying online vs in-store, etc?
5. Measurement - how do you create a cohesive and equivalent view of the shopper ecosystem when measuring different channels side by side, whether it’s different retailer marketplaces, or even next to D2C sites or a click-to-buy experience on social media?
6. How does PriceSpider gather, validate and keep pricing data up-to-date across so many retailers? What are the challenges in keeping pricing accurate and timely
7. Why is it important to look at the digital shelf side by side with shoppable media and where to buy?
8. Can you share any insights into the future of this space? What are you guys planning for and what capabilities will you be doubling down on?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Jack Shannon - co founder and CEO of Recess.is

Follow Jack on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonjack/
Follow Recess online at http://recess.is

Jack answers these questions :
1. Would you walk our audience through your own experience in this space and how you got from graduating Indiana university with a finance degree into experiential marketing as CEO of Recess? Note this is about your career to date and YOU
2. How did the company get founded - what was your inspiration and what makes you feel that recess is qualified to lead in this space?
3. I’d like to double down on sampling. Over the pandemic this completely died. What are you seeing now, are brands excited on sampling, what role do you actually play in the physical sampling?
4. Take us through your software capabilities - believe you think of it as picking an affinity, then a target audience while keeping it omnichannel - explain?
5. Give us examples of categories where you have already succeeded, like case studies and what returns brands are seeing?
6. That’s a good transition to talking about retailers. Believe you recently released a research report to help marketers understand where gym goers, college students and other audiences are most likely to shop, therefore highlighting targeted sampling opportunities - give us the scoop? What did you learn?
7. Are CPG brands the only ones to benefit from recess’ capability? What other categories have you focused on and what role does the retailer play in this?
8. Here on the CPGGUYS, the last question is fast forward - Can you share any insights into the future of this experiential and out-of-store sampling space - what's your prediction and then role in shaping it?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by James H. Dickerson, PhD, former Chief Scientific Officer at Consumer Reports.

Follow James on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-h-dickerson-phd/

James answers these questions:

1. Would you walk our audience through some of the pivotal professional experiences in your career that have led you to AMTIL?
2. Can you share your most memorable experience during your tenure as Chief Scientific Officer at Consumer Reports?
3. How did you navigate the balance between scientific rigor and communicating findings to the general public?
4. What do you consider the most significant achievement in advancing consumer awareness and safety during your time at Consumer Reports?‘
5. How did you approach incorporating emerging technologies into Consumer Reports’ testing methodologies?
6. What role do you see consumer advocacy organizations playing in shaping industry standards and regulations?
7. How did you prioritize the testing and evaluation of products to address the most pressing consumer concerns?
8. Can you share any insights into the future of consumer advocacy and the role of scientific officers in shaping it?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys welcome Daniella Harkins from LiveRamp to discuss the clean room revolution in identity - for both company-company and internal data connectivity.  We specifically focus on LiveRamp's recent acquisition of clean room specialist Habu and what that means for the future of identity-driven marketing.  LiveRamp enables companies and their partners to better connect, control, and activate data to transform customer experiences and generate more valuable business outcomes.

This episode is sponsored by LiveRamp.   

Follow  Daniella Harkins on LinkedIn at :https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharkins/
Follow LiveRamp on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liveramp/
Follow LiveRamp online at: https://liveramp.com/

Our conversation covered the following topics:

1) Talk a little bit about your personal journey to data identity leader - what's your background before LiveRamp?
2) Clean room technology lets you more easily collaborate with another data partner wherever your data lives, right?
3) Why does a cookieless world make this capability even more important than it was before?
4) Moving data (even temporarily) sounds like hard work – how hard or easy is this to actually do, and how will it be easier after the Habu integration?
5) So, what are some of the big ideas this type of data connection enables…this has got to make big multi-braded programs way easier, right?
6) What are some of the intra-company examples of use cases?
7) How can clean rooms help with understanding an integrated purchase journey, that often involves either cross-screen measurement or stitching together insights from a variety of walled gardens?
8) What do you think the next 12-24 months really look like as cookies begin to crumble – what will winning brands and retailers be doing better than the rest?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined by Craig Dubitsky, a serial entrepreneur who created Eis Lip Blam, Hello oral care products and now happy Coffee (along with actor Robert Downey Jr.)

Follow Craig on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-dubitsky
Follow happy on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-happy-products/
Follow happy online at: https://www.happyproducts.com/

We ask Craig these questions:

1. Why don’t we start with when did the entrepreneurial spirit first take hold in your career and why has it become a habit for you?
2. You founded eos 16 years ago. Why did you think lip balm was the category to disrupt and how did you seek to engage consumers in terms of product and message? 
3. In 2012, you founded hello products. What about the oral care category told us you that it was ripe for delight?
4. How did you seek to create a thriving culture at hello and were you concerned about how it might transform when you decided to sell the company to CP?
5. After joining CP, you didn’t just fade into the sunset with a big bank account, you remained as Chief Innovation Strategist for nearly 3 years. What exactly were you doing and how did it help a 100+ year old company innovate for growth?
6. I remember in Orlando, you posting both your email and your direct phone number for anytone to reach out. You are an incredibly accessible and responsive person. How has this served you in your professional pursuit?
7. In the summer of 2023, you founded happy. What is happy, how are you seeking to delight people who consume coffee and why did you partner with a super hero to launch it?
8. How are you leveraging today’s media ecosystem to drive happy’s success?
9. What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs based upon your vast experience to ensure that they position their business for maximum success?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys welcome Cyndi Loza, Managing Editor - Member Content at Path to Purchase Institute, which offers consumer product marketing executives and brandmanagers a holistic, 360-degree view of the shopper journey.

Follow Cyndi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndiloza/
Follow Path to Purchase Institute on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-path-to-purchase-institute/
Follow Stride consumer partners online at:  https://p2pi.com/

Here's what we asked Cyndi: 

1. Let’s start with the research behind the Retail Media Network Trends Study. How long have you been doing it, when was the research conducted, how large was the audience of participants and what was the professional makeup of the survey participants?
2. What did the participants tell you about the change in their RMN investments vs last year and how did that differ from the responses last year? And what is the breakdown of budget sources for RMN investment?
3. What is the general sentiment from participants assessing RMNs and what challenges are they facing in working with these entities?
4. What do your respondents tell you is the promise that they want RMNs to deliver and what is the next frontier for advancement in this media channel?
5. In the survey, you produced assessment on 25 RMNs across 7 attributes. Would you walk us through this part of the survey and any particular call outs you would like to make in terms of which platform)s) really stood out to your respondents?
6. What was the overall assessment of RMNs and where did your participants rank it in terms of importance relative to other marketing channels they employ?
7. What components of RMN offerings are core to brand strategies and which ones are growing vs. declining in terms of budget investments for your respondents?
8. Examining incrementality specifically as an output, how are participants defining incrementality and what challenges are they facing extracting this from all of the RMNs they employ?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys were joined for this episode by Karan Girotra, the Charles H. Dyson Family Professor of Management at Cornell University's SC Johnson School of Business, Dan Hooker, Senior Lecturer & Executive Education Program Director at the Cornell Johnson School plus Clare Galvão, Vice President of Customer & Channel Strategy at Kellanova.

This episode is sponsored by The "Omnichannel Leadership Program" being hosted June 10-13, 2024 at the Cornell Tech campus in New York City. To learn more about the program visit: http://tinyurl.com/cornellomni

Follow Karan Girotra on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karang/
Follow Dan Hooker on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hookerdaniel/
Follow Clare Galvão on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claregalvao/

Our guests answer these questions about the Omnichannel Leadership Program:

1. Dan, what was the impetus behind creating the OLP and how did CPG brands and retailers play a role in developing the curriculum?
2. Karan, how do you go about developing the academic component of the program. You and your fellow academics present a great deal of research dispersed throughout the 3 day event.  What is new for the program this year?
3. Dan, how do your Partner manufacturers and retailers also participate as presenters and participants in the program?
4. Karan, what is the outcome that you are seeking to deliver to the participants and how does that inform the program design?
5. Clare, you actually attended this course. What are some of the most valuable elements of the programs that you took away from being a participant? 
6. Clare, you work for a CPG manufacturer that has been integral in designing the program and sending participants to it. Why is this important to your organization?
7. Karan, what are you hearing from the past participants of the program as to the value that they have derived from OLP?
8. Dan, when I attended the program, the CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, Kevin Holt,  was part of the program, who are you industry speakers this year?
9. Dan, What type of professional archetype should be interested in attending this program and what advice do you have to get them interested in learning more?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys review 11 major industry conferences & events to help our audience understand the attendee archetypes, subjects and format to help them make judicious decisions about investing in these open industry venues for collaboration.

For a more comprehensive list of industry events with descriptions, timing, location and marketing sites, visit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15Yr5wQlc5Luhp-3IRCjvmFYiyvCEG_wV6e_-82V1FsA/edit?usp=sharing

Events discussed:

• CES
• NRF Big Show
• FMI Midwinter
• Shoptalk
• NADCS Annual
• P2PI Retail Media Summit
• Cornell Omnichannel Leadership
• Shoptalk Europe
• Groceryshop
• Amazon unBoxed
• Advertising Week NY

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys welcome Kevin Dunn from LiveRamp to discuss the changing world f identity in personalized marketing, including LiveRamp's recent acquisition of clean room provider Habu. LiveRamp enables companies and their partners to better connect, control, and activate data to transform customer experiences and generate more valuable business outcomes.

This episode is sponsored by LiveRamp.   

Follow  Kevin Dunn on LinkedIn at :https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevdunn07/
Follow LiveRamp on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liveramp/
Follow LiveRamp online at: https://liveramp.com/

We asked Kevin the following questions:

1) Talk a little bit about your personal journey to data identity guru - what's your background before LiveRamp? 

2) OK, so let's get right to the data identity issue of the day - cookie degredation - what does it mean for retail media networks - it seems like it's a net positive for them right...how does this type of identity compare to cookies?

3) Within the context of that, how does RampID help?  Are you trying to be the only identity solution on the internet, or is this more a story about helping someone's existing identity solution bolt more easily into the broader data landscape?

4) When we were talking before this podcast you described the difference between identity and connectivity- what did you mean by that and what are the implications for marketers?

5) Given how important identity is to the connectivity and effectiveness RampId can provide, what advice do you have for retailers or brands trying to solve the identity issue that enables this?

6)  So, talk a little about your acquisition of Habu and what that means?

7) Talk a little about your most successful partners - as an enabler you're uniquely positioned to partner with retailers, brands and 3rd parties like Criteo and CitrusAd - what are the attributes of an entity that's really good at this?

8) OK - crystal ball time - 12 months from now what's the most different in the identity ecosystem vs. today? 

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Mary Pellettieri, co-founder and CEO of La Pavia Beverage Inc., maker of the Top Note Tonics brand of mid-calorie soft drinks and mixers.

This episode is sponsored by the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management "Omnichannel Leadership Program" which is taking place June 10-13, 2024 at Cornell Tech in New York City. To learn more about the program, visit: https://ecornell.cornell.edu/omnichannel-leadership-program/?utm_source=cpg+guys&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=business_Omnichannel+Leadership+Program+-+CPG+Guys

Follow Mary on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-pellettieri-3739807/
Follow Top Note on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/la-pavia-beverage-inc/
Follow Top Note Tonics online at: https://store.topnotetonic.com/

Mary answers these questions:

1. What inspired you and Noah to start Top Note, and what is the company's mission?
2. What sets your beverages apart from others in the market?
3. What major challenges did you face when starting the company, and how did you overcome them?
4. What trends in the beverage industry do you find most exciting or influential right now?
5. What role does consumer feedback play in the evolution of your beverages?
6. Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations that have been particularly impactful for Top Note?
7. What strategies do you employ to stay adaptable in a rapidly changing market?
8. Are there any plans for expanding your product line or entering new markets?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys welcome Sharon Fox, operating partner of Stride consumer partners.
Stride Consumer partners is a private equity firm that specializes in partnering with talented and dynamic founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders to build the next generation of great consumer brands.

Follow Sharon on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-fox-b979265/
Follow Stride consumer partners on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stride-consumer-partners/
Follow Stride consumer partners online at: https://www.strideconsumer.com/

Here's what we asked Sharon: 

1. Could you share insights into the current trends shaping the consumer goods industry? 
2. What strategies has your company employed to navigate challenges in the rapidly evolving consumer landscape? 
3. How do you identify promising consumer goods startups to invest in, and what criteria do you prioritize? 
4. Can you discuss the role of sustainability and ethical practices in the consumer goods sector, and how it influences investment decisions? 
5. What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to pitch their consumer goods startups to investors like Stride Consumer Partners?
 6. In your experience, how has technology impacted the consumer goods industry, and what opportunities or challenges does it present? 
7. How do you see the future of consumer goods evolving, especially with emerging technologies and changing consumer preferences? 
8. Can you share a success story of a brand that has yielded positive results with your partnership?
9. What role do branding and marketing play in the success of consumer goods startups, and how do you assess these aspects when considering investments?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

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. 

Sri & PVSB recap the highlights of their tip to Las Vegas for CES 2024.

This episode is sponsored by Cornell University's Johnson School of Business "Omnichannel Leadership Program" being held June 10-13 at Cornell Tech in New York City.

Learn more about the program here: http://tinyurl.com/cornellomni

Topics they cover include:

1. CES established as THE place where Retail Media rules the conversation
2. Walmart Keynote - AI-enhanced home - The world’s largest retailer shares plans for adaptive retail focused on customers, workforce and society
   adds GenAI to Search & Shop with Friends
3. Walmart Luminate/Connect Panel on insights driven advertising
4. Instacart partners with Google for offsite Shopping Ads
5. Instacart Caper Cart targeted ads in-store
6. AMC partners with Criteo (Melanie Zimmerman)
7. AMC uses CapGemini AI tools
8. Diana Haussling...baller!
9. Kroger/84.51 partners with PE firm MPearlRock to fuel emerging brands
10. Sam’s Club brings AI to receipt scan at club exit
11. Streaming TV takes the lead
12. AI Content friction, rev share, brand safety & inclusivity
13. Intersection of changing mobility patterns and shifts in consumer behavior

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys welcome Shiva Ramani, CEO at iOPEX Technologies, a new-generation business solutions provider offering optimized management and Automation services. Founded in 2009, the demand for their specialized optimization solutions has helped them grow to over 1,800 employees in ten years.

But wait, they are actively the white label managed services provider for retail media publishers!!!! 

This episode is sponsored by IOPEX Technologies.

Follow Shiva on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiva-ramani-216b52230/
Follow iOPEX on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iopex-technologies/
Follow iOPEX online at: https://www.iopex.com/

Here's what we asked Shiva: 

1. What inspired you to start iOPEX - what unmet need did you build services for, and what is your vision for the company's future?
2. How does iOPEX differentiate itself from competitors in the industry and what are the key values or principles that guide iOPEX's business operations and relationship?
3. In what ways does iOPEX adapt to the changing landscape of technology and business services?
4. Could you share a recent success story or significant milestone that iOPEX has achieved?
5. What are the biggest challenges you see facing the cpg industry, and how is iOPEX positioned to address them?
6. Therefore what’s your take on retail media and what do you have cooking in this space?
7. How does iOPEX prioritize and ensure quality and customer satisfaction in its services? 

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys’s PVSB and Fresh 4 co-host Andrea K. Leigh of Allume Group speak with 3 Amazon Sellers at the 2023 Amazon Accelerate Conference in Seattle Washington. They speak about how selling through Amazon’s 3P marketplace has helped them grow their businesses.

This episode is sponsored by Stratcache, the leader in in-store digital retail media solutions. Register to attend their NRF event "What's In-store for Retail Media" January 13, 2024 in NYC here: https://registration.experientevent.com/ShowNRF241/Flow/RMN?_gl=1*c7i4oi*_ga*MTM0ODc0NDY1NC4xNjk5OTg3Mjkx*_ga_39FVVE9CL0*MTY5OTk4NzI5MC4xLjEuMTY5OTk4OTYyNi42MC4wLjA.*_gcl_au*MTI4OTc4MDIxNS4xNjk5OTg3Mjkx#!/registrant//Member/

Toyin Kolawole is the Founder & CEO of Iya Foods, which creates everyday foods with a touch of innovation using African superfoods for nourishment and extra flavor.

Follow Toyin on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toyinkolawole/
Follow Iya Foods on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iyafoods/
Follow Iya Foods online at: https://www.iyafoods.com/

Justin Forster & Wale Forrester, who met in college as athletes, co-founded Hustle Clean, a performance hygiene company delivering personal active care products to people who want to do more and be more throughout their day, without compromise.

Follow Justin on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-forsett-29800670/
Follow Wale on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wale-forrester-mpa-32a680a/
Follow Hustle Clean on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hustleclean/
Follow Hustle Clean online at: https://hustleclean.com/

Nolan Koon is the Director of Omni Channel Sales at Every Man Jack, One of the original Men’s care clean brands focused on using Naturally Derived Ingredients and making sustainably minded choices, Every Man Jack inspires men to take care of themselves and the world around them.

Follow Nolan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-koon-9a3b0558/
Follow Every Man Jack on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/everymanjack/
Follow Every Man Jack online at: https://www.everymanjack.com/

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj on Instagram: http://instagram.com/lararajj

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. B

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

In this episode The CPG Guys are joined by Jonathan Rosen and Kevin Carbone from STRATACACHE  to discuss both the future of retail media networks in the physical store and the "What's In Store For Retail Media Networks" event coming up on January 13 in New York City. 

This episode is sponsored by Stratacache

Register for the STRATACACHE/NRF event: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/special-programs/retail-media-networks

Follow Jonathan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-rosen-024b161/
Follow Kevin on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevincarbone/
Follow STRATACACHE on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stratacache/
Follow Scala online at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/scala/
Follow PRN online at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/prn/
 
In this conversation we discuss:

1. Talk a little bit about Stratacache and what you each do there?
2. Explain the event and the basic outline of the day
3. Talk about the guests you have coming...
4. Why now for an event like this?  What about the changing nature of media, and retail media, made it feel like the right time to bring forward the in-store agenda?
5. Who should attend?
6. What do you expect the key takeaways to be for an attendee - how do you hope people are thinking differently at the end of the event?
7.  What do each of you think 2024 and 2025 have in store for retail media networks?
8. Recap:  event details and signup process

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj on Instagram: http://instagram.com/lararajj

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPGGUYS talk to Vinima Shekhar - Vice president of wellness at Walmart on new beginnings in wellness with a new year 2024 upon us. Most of us set health goals as our #1 priority - what does that mean for Walmart? Find that and more in this episode....

Follow Vinima on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinima/
Follow Walmart on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmart/
Follow Walmart online at: https://www.walmart.com/

Here's what we asked Vinima : 

1. Take us through your career journey from being a masters in Engineering to a career in merchandising at the one of the world's most iconic retailers Walmart?
2. What leadership attributes have served you well over the years and championed your career success?
3. A successful leader builds a good team around them. What do you look for in a team and how do you help build teams?
4. It's an omnichannel world - how did you adapt over the pandemic to stay on top of these trends in go-to-market strategy?
5. New year, new you indeed. What does this mean to you, how are you setup for success in this space?
6. Business has changed again over the last 9 months, how are you adapting to driving demand and consumption for wellness in a marketplace where consumption has slowed down??
7. Your role in merchandising leadership requires significant knowledge across broad spectrums of the category. How do you keep your knowledge refreshed, and how do you translate that knowledge you gain to the shelf - online or at the store?
8. What advice do you have for other women wishing to pursue a corporate career in the Retail industry?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

In this Recap Episode, Sri & PVSB review what they consider to be the top CPG/Retail stores of 2023:

1. The end of Boxed.com
2. Omnicom & Albertsons Media Collective partners with trade desk
3. PepsiCo redesigns logo
4. Giant Eagle circulars March no, April yes
5. Kroger/Alb announce decision to sell over 400 stores to C&S
6. Who owns Taco Tuesday? Taco John won over Taco Bell.
7. No way Jose, Trade Joe’s very clear ECOMMERCE not a priority
8. Instacart adds AI component to search to allow flexibility with ask Instacart,
9. Amazon launches AI based PDP content populator
10. Amazon introduces AI based review summary that summarized sentiment
11. Food retailers spend over $13BN on tech investments in 2022
12. Amazon touts biggest prime day $12.7 BN
13. McDonalds launches cosmcs drink
14. Overstock rebrands as Bed Bath & Beyond
15. Instacart IPO
16. Rite Aid bankruptcy
17. Getir delivery buys Fresh direct from ADUSA
18. Many retail media networks emerge : HyVee, gulp, DGMN, maturity is on the way
19. IAB retail media standards

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj on Instagram: http://instagram.com/lararajj

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. 

It’s our annual OMNIES Awards episode!

Emcees:
Andrea K. Leigh
Melissa Burdick
Bryan Gildenberg
Sri Rajagopalan
Peter V.S. Bond
Liz Buchanan - NielsenIQ President, North America
Marta Bowles - NielsenIQ Chief Marketing Officer

Awards & Winners:

• Best eCommerce Retailer or Marketplace: Kroger
• Best Omnichannel Retailer or Marketplace: Target
• Best Retail Site Functionality: Sephora
• Best Retail Mobile App: Amazon
• Best Retailer for Supplier Partnerships: Walmart
• Best Digitally-Forward CPG: PepsiCo
• Best DTC CPG Brand Experience: NYX by L’Oreal
• Best Digitally-Driven Campaign of the Year: Mars Wrigley Halloween
• Best Omnichannel Insights Provider: NielsenIQ
• Best Retail Media Platform: Amazon
• Best Retail Media Measurements & Analytics: Albertsons Media Collective 
• Omnichannel Hall of Fame Inductees: Diana Haussling & Kristi Argyilan

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj on Instagram: http://instagram.com/lararajj

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys welcome Caroline Goodner, co-founder & CEO of OrganiCare, whose mission it is to create all-natural and organic OTC healthcare products that are safe, effective, and simply better than the petrochemical-based industrial products used by most consumers today.

Follow Caroline on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-goodner-98b32/
Follow OrganiCare on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/organicare-llc/
Follow OrganiCare online at: https://www.organicare.com/

Here's what we asked Caroline : 

1. Take us through your career journey from Duke University to genotyping, to other leadership roles for brands, to babycare to now co founding and leading feminine care?
2. What leadership attributes have served you well over the years and championed your career success? Given that, a successful leader builds a good team around them. What do you look for in a team and how do you help build teams?
3. You started organicare right before Covid - and it seems private investor funding has dried up over the last 2 plus years - how have you sustained business? 
4. Take us through the portfolio of organicare and the various need states it addresses. What unique proposition does it have for consumers? Why should they buy your products?
5. It's an omnichannel world - how did you adapt over the pandemic and stay abreast of these trends? Especially in the categories you are in privacy triumphs - how do you handle that? 
6. What is curoxen? How is it different from Organicare? Why do you have two websites?
7. How have you approached retail partnerships to drive scale? How are you doing this for Organicare? 
8. What advice do you have for other women wishing to pursue an entrepreneurial career?
   
   

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
NextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys
RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. 

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.