The CPG Guys

Daniël van Gool, VP of Fulfillment Strategies & Solutions at Ahold Delhaize USA, shares his vast experience in eCommerce and supply chain. He discusses the evolution of grocery e-commerce over the past two decades and how consumer habits have shifted post-COVID. Daniël tackles common myths about eCommerce profitability and dives into the importance of data, including POS sales, in shaping fulfillment strategies. He provides insights into operational challenges, the gig economy's role in last-mile delivery, and the balance between in-store and online shopping.

The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Delta 181 plane crash survivor from 1985 and now founder/CEO of the nutritional wellness brand Lucky Energy. This is the story of resilience, tenacity, courage and curiosity. Laver's daughter, Kate, had cerebral palsy and couldn't eat solid foods. He created a plant-based protein shake, which led to the founding of Kate Farms and then inspired by being a survivor - Lucky Energy.Find Richard Laver on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-laver-38268616/Find Lucky Energy on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucky-beverage-co/Find Lucky Energy online at : https://luckybevco.com/Here's what we asked him :Let’s get to know you. Take us through your life story summary and why Lucky energy was founded. What leadership principles have you anchored your career on?Take us through the portfolio of the company and your innovation approach. What’s new for 2025?. How are you looking at Omnichannel holistically and coaching your teams on building for an always-on 360 consumer?You are up against stiff larger competitors with deep media pockets - how do you match up here and become the challenger that is fast-growing?Startups - fun and not so much. What challenges have you encountered, and how have you mitigated them?Who is your target consumer, and how do you follow them and provide for them? Why is your brand attractive for them vs others in the crowded category?What is advice you would share for others looking to start the next CPG brand? What trends are you following these days?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/Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here:https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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 Nicole Collida Davis, Managing Director & SVP US National Accounts and Jennie Bell Managing Director & SVP US Global Clients at NielsenIQ, the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Today NIQ has operations in 95+ countries representing 97% of the world’s GDP. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™.Find Nicole on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/in/nicolecollidaFind Jennie on LinkedIn at: http://linkedin.com/in/jennie-bell-a27568bFind NielsenIQ Media online at: http://nielseniq.com Nicole & Jennie answers these questions:Let me ask the obvious - what does a day in the life of each of you look like? What does the word work life balance mean to you?How do you both bring a sense of balance in your lives and get some ‘me time’What are day to day challenges you’ll deal with in just getting it all done?How do you deal with away from home business travel? What does vacation travel mean to you? Do you get away? What’s your next getaway? Let’s talk the world of business leaders you two are. How do you practice wellness and balance and what you learn in your own lives - in your day job? What advice would you give other CPG parents listening to this episode ? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comSubscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/#/portal/signupSubscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/#/portal/signupDISCLAIMER: 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. 

Allison O'Keefe, Partnership Director at WHSmith North America Media Network, discusses innovative strategies to connect brands in bustling travel hubs. She highlights the unique challenges of engaging consumers in airports and the importance of omni-channel approaches. O'Keefe shares insights into measuring advertising effectiveness and the significance of collaborative marketing efforts for brands. With success stories and the evolution of retail media, she emphasizes how WHSmith differentiates itself in the competitive travel retail space.

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!

The 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.