Peter Gialantzis

Community Call: Whole Foods Market - Updates for Local and Emerging Brands Kristin Sherman, Principal Local Forager at Whole Foods Market, and Casey Gaston, Executive Leader of Local and Emerging Brands, join Community Call to share essential updates and strategies for local and emerging brands who want to get their products on shelf including: *Changes to how the local and emerging team operates *Current differentiation and innovation the team is looking for *Inside tips for submissions and pitching *Distribution recommendations *Pricing strategies *Special diets and macro trends of note

12

Excited to share this insightful piece from FMI- The Food Industry Association Nonfoods initiative! The report explores how seasonal general merchandise can boost grocery sales and highlights recent consumer and market research. Proud that Pyxis contributed Amazon sales data, giving a unique view into the performance of seasonal GM products performance. Best part? FMI is offering this report for free—no membership required. Download it and discover ways to maximize seasonal sales! #FMI #Nonfoods #SeasonalMerchandising #ConsumerInsights

6

Coke vs. Pepsi? Not so fast.   For the first time, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. has now claimed the #2 soda spot in America, surpassing PepsiCo, who had held the position for over two decades. Their innovative marketing initiatives and unique blend of flavors have truly set them apart from the competition. I had the chance to discuss Dr. Pepper's remarkable rise with The Food Institute, emphasizing their strategy and how they have particularly resonated with the younger demographic, who crave diverse flavors beyond traditional cola.   In the article, I mentioned: "Dr. Pepper has distinguished itself through effective marketing campaigns that emphasize its unique flavor and individuality. This strategy resonates particularly well with younger demographics seeking alternatives to traditional cola drinks."   With Dr. Pepper's leap to the #2 position, do you think they have a shot at dethroning The Coca-Cola Company from the #1 spot? In which other categories do you think a shift like this is possible? Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/g572y5jv   #MarketingStrategy #BeverageIndustry #Innovation #DrPepper

20

2 Comments

Meanwhile in CPG news... Kroger and Albertsons announced the agreement to combine in October 2022 amounting to over 4,000 stores, which would have been one of the biggest US grocery deals in history. Today, both retailers issued statements that will end the over 2-year saga. Albertsons terminated the merger and filed a lawsuit against Kroger for several breaches of the agreement including: refusing to divest necessary assets, ignoring regulators’ feedback, and rejecting stronger divestiture buyers. Kroger issued a response suggesting Albertsons had also breached the contract. #cpg #merger #food #retail #retailers

9

3 Comments

I undertand everyone wants to increase profits in the CPG but at what cost? Working with large natural food distributors like KeHE and UNFI can feel like a double-edged sword for emerging and independent brands. On one hand, they offer the reach and shelf space that smaller players desperately need. On the other, their fees and markups—sometimes 30% or more—can create serious challenges. Does a distributor really need to make a 30% markup just to move a box to a retailer they’re already servicing? Consider this: If their load for a single drop-off is valued at $1,000 or more, slapping on a 30% markup means tacking on an extra $300 to the cost—well above what it might actually take to cover the delivery expenses (often closer to $150 or so). That difference doesn’t just vanish; it ultimately shows up on the consumer’s receipt and squeezes margins for small brands. When the media talks about inflation, they often gloss over how many layers of corporate markup are built into the grocery supply chain—layers that can include sheltered income streams, administrative fees, and other hidden costs. If we want a healthier and more transparent grocery landscape, we need to shine a light on these markups. Supporting local supply chains, demanding fair distribution policies, and insisting on clearer pricing structures can help remove these unnecessary barriers. Otherwise, small brands and consumers alike will continue to pay the price of an overly complex—and often inflated—system. Share your thoughts and lets start a conversation to make it better for everybody. Is the system broken? #NaturalFoods #FoodIndustry #SmallBusiness #Distribution #CorporateGreed #GroceryIndustry #Transparency #Inflation Alex BayerMatt Weiss, CFAKenny HausmannWayne WuSteven KaplanJohn ForakerPeter GialantzisAdam SiskinAdam LejaChris RobbStephen GaitherBrenda SteeleJim SimonPeter RahalMelanie KahnWill NitzeAlan MurrayWade Yenny

38

19 Comments

A big week for CPG: In case you somehow missed it, PepsiCo, Inc. announced this morning it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Siete Family Foods Foods for $1.2 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025. Palm Tree Crew Investments is taking a deeper stake in the beverage business with a new investment into functional Cove Soda. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Lucky Beverage Co. has closed an oversubscribed Series A round netting $11.75 million to bring the beverage brand’s total investment to $26.5 million. Stoked Oats announced it is moving beyond the breakfast aisle for the first time with the launch of a new innovation today: Stoked OatRice, an alternative rice product made from unprocessed oats grown in Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) fields in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Montana. Once Again Nut Butter Collective announced today it has acquired California-based, organic almond manufacturer Big Tree Organic Farms as it seeks to increase efficiencies and reduce its environmental impact for its West Coast industrial customers. Mezcla is unveiling new branding as it enters its next phase of growth following a recent funding round that brings its total backing to more than $8 million. Additionally, the plant-based bars, which feature a puff-crispy texture, are rolling out to more retail shelves by year-end. Big Picture Foods has been acquired by the Atalanta Corp. for an undisclosed sum. The Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) food brand sells a line of naturally fermented organic olives, peppers and capers sourced directly from small farmers across the Mediterranean region. Founded in 2021 by husband-and-wife duo Chris and Daniela Jensen, Big Picture sells its products in about 1,000 doors nationwide. Weak market conditions, particularly in the quick-service restaurant category, have led Lamb Weston to restructure. As part of its plan, the company will close a processing facility, curtail manufacturing in North America and reduce its global workforce.

27

3 Comments

When Craveworthy Brands acquired Untamed Brands a couple months ago, culinary and supply chain expert Becca McIntyre got thrown into a "melting pot." Last week, Bret Thorn was on Nation's Restaurant News' Extra Serving podcast with Becca talking how acquisitions impact her areas of the business (https://lnkd.in/erC95cea). And by the way, Craveworthy's #restaurants use Toast. If you have it stacked right, #technology is a major advantage in navigating the complexities of culinary and supply chain management. For #culinary teams, preparing the right amount saves #food costs, and streamlining prep schedules does the same for #labor & #operations. Accurate #forecasting optimizes these things, while maintaining quality. #Supply chain experts ensure that the right ingredients are available at the right time. In cases like this, ordering the right amount can be especially similar to prepping the right amount (again IF you have the right technology). ClearCOGS helps with all of this, by turning data into actionable insights. We bridge the gap between culinary creativity and supply chain efficiency. What strategic advantage is your cutting edge in this rapidly evolving industry?

29

Functional beverage is the fastest-growing category in grocery—but it’s also the least forgiving: https://okt.to/9BhacA “In a category as crowded and volatile as functional beverage, you’ll quickly see that the competitive forces are extraordinarily intense,” says LPK’s Chief Growth Officer, Jesse McMullin, a multi-hyphenate in functional beverage who has led the development and branding of over 140 on-shelf CPG products in his career. “The key to understanding these forces—and to maintaining a competitive advantage—lies in being self-aware about your brand and your business dependencies.” In our latest piece on lpk.com, McMullin gives guidance on navigating the complexities from seed to shelf: https://okt.to/sWZB1F #functionalbeverage #bevtrends #cpg #brandgrowth

7

💫 Confirmation on a launch into VONS 💫 Confirmation on five launches into DoorDash 💫 Confirmation on a launch with SEVEN SKUS into Meijer for one brand 💫 Confirmation on a launch with three SKUS into Meijer on another brand 💫 Confirmation on a launch as a CUT IN to all Harris Teeter locations 💫 Confirmation on a launch into Harmons Grocery 💫 Confirmation on a launch of another brand into Vitacost.com 💫 Confirmation on a launch into Draeger's Markets 💫 Confirmation on a launch into Good Eggs 💫 Confirmation on a launch into H-E-B 💫 Confirmation on a launch into Gelson's Markets 💫 Confirmation on a launch into Wegmans Food Markets 💫 Confirmation on a launch into UNFI and KeHE Distributors 💫 Confirmation on a launch into Hy-Vee, Inc. 🌟 Two new partnerships 🌟 ...and it's only Tuesday. 😱 It is doable if you put in the work. Our team is hungry and maybe a little drained 🤣 BUT we know how to have fun and how to get serious. I am BLESSED with the kick-ass team we have here at Jade Street Consulting Inc. 💗 #team #culture #launches #retail #partnerships #news #ceo #founder #reviews #cpg #cpgindustry #cpgbrands #food #beverage #candy #betterforyou #protein #nutritionalbars #drinks #energy #snacks #supplements #health #nutrition #hardwork #hustle #effecient #culture #bestteam

124

31 Comments

Fresh off of its successful block of the Kroger-Albertson's merger, the FTC is taking action against Southern Glazers's on its pricing to Costco and Kroger. We need to be careful what we wish for with this type of enforcement of Robinson-Patman by the FTC. I'm all for supporting small businesses of all kinds, but we have to allow the laws of physics to dictate pricing in a free market economy. When I was a wine buyer for Whole Foods, I got a lower price for buying a pallet of Clos Du Bois Chardonnay than if I bought a single case. When I bought a 40 ft. container of aged Gouda, I got a better price than if I bought a pallet. When we bought a truckload of Georgia blueberries during the flush and sold them at 99 cents at Lucky's, we got a better price than if we bought a few cases. Likewise, when Costco buys many truckloads of a small number of wines from Southern Glazer, they pay less than an independent wine shop who buys single cases. This isn't unfair, and it shouldn't be illegal. Independent businesses and smaller chains can compete on great service, in house production, speed to market, local sourcing, differentiation, and exclusivities to create important niches for themselves and consumers. If we require manufacturers and distributors to deviate from the actual cost basis of delivering products and ignoring scalar economy, this will ultimately dive prices up for consumers and stifle innovation. Pod Foods #innovation #FTC #grocery

67

18 Comments

The Ready-to-Drink (RTD) alcohol market is witnessing explosive growth, fueled by a shift in consumer preferences towards convenience and premiumization. Modern consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are embracing these easy-to-serve options that offer quality and variety without the need for bartending skills. The surge is also supported by innovative flavors and healthier choices, such as low-calorie and organic options.

24

Another large Food CPG company divesting a non-core asset: The Hain Celestial Group, known for better-for-you brands like Veggie Straws and Terra, has sold ParmCrisps to Our Home, an independent snack maker. This is part of a continuing trend in the F&B sector, where large corporations are divesting non-core assets, allowing niche buyers to acquire them at value and revitalize iconic brands with more focus. Hain originally acquired ParmCrisps and Thinsters in a $259 million deal in 2021, but by 2023, they had written down more than half of the acquisition, citing a loss of distribution and a slowdown in the keto diet trend. Hain is sharpening its focus on core brands while improving supply chain efficiency and reducing debt—illustrating the strategic moves happening across the industry. We expect this trend to continue for the next 18 to 24 months. #MergersandAcquisitions #InvestmentBanking #FoodAndBeverage #BetterForYou https://lnkd.in/g4mEeFS5

25

1 Comment

National Beer Sales & Production Data Summary Overall U.S. beer production and imports were down 5% in 2023, while craft brewer volume sales declined by 1%, raising small and independent brewers’ share of the U.S. beer market by volume to 13.3%. Retail dollar sales of craft increased 3%, to $28.9 billion, and now account for 24.7% of the $117 billion U.S. beer market (previously $115 billion). The primary reasons for the larger dollar sales increase were price increases and slightly stronger onsite sales growth versus distribution. These statistics use the craft brewer definition of a small and independent brewer, as well as six craft beer industry market segments as defined by the Brewers Association. More up to date statistics and analysis can be found in the Insights & Analysis section of the website. mary@vitglassbottle.com whatsapp+8618963053908 #BeerSales #brewery #glassbottles

3

Listen in to our latest podcast episode, featuring Vermont Smoke & Cure's Michael Schafer. 👇 In episode 180, we dive deep into the snacking category, analyzing poultry-based snacks and popular category flavors. https://brnw.ch/21wNaYC #MeatSnacks #poultry #FlavorTrends #ConsumerDemand #ConsumerTrends

1

WE ARE IN A GLOBAL ECONOMIC FUNK, BUCKLE UP! When Stalwart Brands Like PepsiCo Trim Revenue Expectations We Should Pay Attention. We are still ducking Covid, two wars, inflation (prices remain high) as do interest rates. Asian markets have slowed down as have their factories. Oil prices are on the rise again. And one report says consumers plan to spend the same amount of money on Halloween (for example) as they did last year. One of the reasons PepsiCo and others are trimming revenue. Consumers are getting less for their money. Which means everything else is expensive and they will not buy more than they can afford. The grip of higher prices and keeping a roof over one’s head and food on the table is a bigger priority than splurging. Retail therapy today is more akin to balancing the home Economics budget and taking care of necessities. #retailing #strategy #ceo #technology #innovation

5

4 Comments

 Exposing the Dark Side of CPG Brokers: Time for Accountability I’ve seen too many small and emerging brands in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) space fall prey to unscrupulous brokers. These self-proclaimed “connectors” promise vast retail distribution, big buyers, and exponential growth—yet, all too often, they deliver nothing but broken promises What Goes Wrong? Lack of Transparency: They withhold critical market insights, limiting your ability to make informed decisions. Limited Effort Post-Contract: After signing, their enthusiasm and support often evaporate, leaving small businesses stranded. No Long-Term Strategy: Instead of building sustainable relationships, these brokers opt for quick wins that rarely benefit the brand. Why It Matters For startups and small businesses, every dollar counts. Wasted resources on poor brokerage services can make or break a fledgling CPG brand. On top of that, unethical practices hurt the broader industry by eroding trust and creating barriers to entry. A Call for Accountability Ask for References: Don’t just rely on a broker’s flashy pitch. Reach out to brands they’ve represented for honest feedback. Require Transparency: Make sure every fee, deliverable, and timeline is spelled out in writing. Build a Support Network: Whether it’s through LinkedIn groups, industry forums, or fellow entrepreneurs, lean on your community to stay informed. Speak Up: If you’ve had a bad experience, share your story. Accountability starts with visibility. Join the Conversation Have you or someone you know dealt with a “bad broker” experience? What red flags do you look out for before signing a deal? Drop your insights below and let’s help each other navigate the CPG landscape more responsibly. Let’s raise our collective voice to ensure that integrity wins out and that deserving small businesses get the representation—and respect—they merit. Share this in your network: Adam Siskin Scott Glassman Russell KohnAlex Bayer Stephen Gaither Scott Lerner Eric Skae Wade Yenny Bert Cohen Chris RobbAlan Murray Maya French Shibani BalujaAdam ButlerKim Oster-HolsteinPete Maldonado

97

57 Comments

Click to discover the 'non-alcoholic spirits' market: https://hubs.ly/Q02V3jbl0 Growth and trends | Focus on zero ABV | When alcohol producers use botanicals to innovate.

13