The CPG Guys

Jeff Mondelli, the Vice President of Grocery Merchandising at Wakefern, shares his unique journey from pharmacy to grocery retail. He discusses the shift in consumer behaviors after the pandemic and the challenges that come with e-commerce disruption. Jeff offers insights on how brands can successfully adapt to a digital-first world, emphasizing the importance of data and collaboration. He also identifies the evolving relationship between traditional retail and CPG, hinting at future trends in grocery merchandising.

Shaan Modi, a forward-thinking Gen Z consumer and high school student, shares his fresh perspectives after attending CAGNY 2025. He discusses how youth perceptions shape brand engagement and challenges traditional marketing norms. Shaan highlights the importance of authenticity in influencer marketing and reveals how brands often miss crucial TikTok trends. He also questions whether health trends are driven by genuine consumer concerns or just clever marketing tactics. His insights are a wake-up call for brands seeking to connect with younger audiences.

Join Steve Pet, an Antitrust Associate from Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, and Brandon Nutter, Co-founder and CTO of Ampd, as they unpack the Robinson-Patman Act's impact on brands and online advertising. They discuss how outdated policies hinder direct consumer engagement and explore what compliance looks like in today’s digital marketplace. With insights on the intersection of law and innovative technology, they highlight how Ampd's platform revolutionizes promotional strategies while navigating complex advertising regulations. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation!

Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined in this episode by returning guest Nik Modi, Co-Head of Global Consumer & Retail Research at RBC Capital Markets.In this episode, Nik discusses his recent communication equity research newsletter called “Attention CPG Management/Boards: It’s Time to Cut EPS Significantly”Nik argues that cutting numbers significantly would not only provide a floor on valuations, but also provide ample flex for investments that are critically needed, especially in marketing, innovation, supply chain and AI talent/capabilities.Follow Nik Modi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-modi-675926/Follow RBC Capital Markets on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rbc-capital-markets/Follow RBC Capital online at: https://www.rbccm.com/en/To read Nick’s letter go here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cpgpodcast_growth-activity-7320215173019942913-wRRY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAAB-1kB_qphpg7T2qlI24Zz4i_8wB0zMTICPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comSubscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.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. 

Jordan Berke, founder and CEO of TOMORROW, takes listeners on a live tour of the original Amazon Fresh store in Los Angeles. He discusses Amazon's omnichannel grocery strategy and how this retailer is navigating fierce competition. The conversation explores innovations in grocery checkout technology, from self-checkout to personalized coupons, enhancing customer engagement. They also assess the integration of Alexa in shopping and the challenges Amazon faces with inventory and delivery. Join in for a lively discussion on the future of grocery retail!

In this discussion, Greg Pulsifer, SVP of eCommerce at Sam’s Club, shares his impressive background with brands like Apple and General Mills. He dives into Sam’s Club’s innovative e-commerce strategies, focusing on customer trust and data-driven personalization. Pulsifer also reflects on how COVID reshaped e-commerce, highlights the importance of effective team leadership, and explores the role of AI in enhancing customer experiences. With a commitment to transparency, he emphasizes the significance of continuous feedback in retail media for driving success.

Imteaz Ahamed, Founder and CEO of Applied Intelligence, dives into the world of artificial intelligence and its impact on the Consumer Packaged Goods industry. He discusses the readiness of the CPG sector for AI at scale and clarifies the difference between AI and machine learning. The conversation explores how AI can optimize marketing strategies, enhance workflows, and tackle authenticity in retail media. Imteaz also emphasizes the need for CMOs to leverage AI effectively, as well as the evolving implications of personalization in marketing amidst changing consumer behaviors.

Send us a textThe CPG Guys are joined by Michael La Kier, Vice President Brand Development at the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) the largest affiliation of independent grocers in the U.S. andaround the world, boasting 2,500 U.S. stores and 7,500+ globally. This episode was recorded at the 2025 Commerce Media Brand Summit produced by WB Research.Find Michael on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellakier/Find IGA on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iga-inc./Find IGA online at: https://www.iga.com/Michael answers these questions:What is the history of retail media at IGA and how can brands activate on it?How can independents help brands regain their volume through customer acquisition?How does IGA help its members with assortment planning?Why should all marketing efforts drive actions?How has IGA partnered with Instacart?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/WB Research: https://www.wbresearch.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. 

Send us a textIn this episode, the CPG Guys are joined by Cristian Arcangeli, Vice President of Omnichannel and Customer Experience at illycaffè, an Italian family business, founded in Trieste in 1933 and committed to offering the greatest coffee to the world.Find Cristian on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carcangeli/ Find illycaffè on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/illycaffe/Find Illycaffè online at: https://www.illy.com/en-usApply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/Cristian answers these questions:Can you share pivotal experiences in your journey from working with fashion brands like Gucci and Diesel to your current role at illycaffè?How does illycaffè ensure a seamless omnichannel experience for its customers?How has illycaffè’s digital business evolved under your leadership? What have been your key objectives in this area?How does illycaffè differentiate its digital customer experience from competitors in the market? What have been successful components of this strategy?Can you discuss any recent digital innovations at illycaffè that have significantly impacted customer experience?How are you leveraging customer data to inform your digital strategies? You have a large presence on Amazon & you have a thriving DTC business. How are you utilizing the generated transaction data?In what ways does illycaffè collect and implement customer feedback to improve its digital platforms?What emerging digital trends do you believe will shape the future of customer experience in the CPG industry?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Send us a textThe CPG Guys welcome the senior editor of the Path to Purchase Institute, Cyndi Loza, to discuss the latest retail media networks benchmarking report produced by them and the results. Some outcomes will surprise you, some are a confirmation and some retail media networks have missed the opportunity completely.Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/Find Cyndi Loza on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndiloza/Find Path to Purchase Institute on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-path-to-purchase-institute/Find Path to Purchase Institute online : https://p2pi.com/Find the P2PI Retail Media Networks Ratings & Insights Report here: https://p2pi.com/2025-p2p-trend-report-transunionHere's what we discussed : 1.) Which retail media networks outperform and are seen as best in class?2.) Which RMN's have the best measurement frameworks?3.) Who is the easiest to work with?4.) Which RMN is integrated with merchants?and so much more....CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.