The CPG Guys

In this episode, CPG Guys hosts Bryan & PVSB recap their impressions from attending Shoptalk Europe 2023 in Barcelona Spain.Topics the CPG Guys cover:1) Generative AI & Chat GPT2) Metaverse3) Retail Media beyond Amazon4) What happened to China as a focus market?5) Shoptalk Meetups6) Brands appeared in force7) In-store Retail Media8) Amazon's pan-European data lake9) Sustainability10) Supply Chain & 3PCPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comNextUp Website: http://nextupisnow.org/cpgguysRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comDISCLAIMER: 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 Anibal Dams, Global CPG Lead at Gain Theory, experts in data, advanced analytics, technology and consulting who fuse hindsight, insight, and foresight to deliver business growth. Gain Theory is a division of WPP.This episode is sponsored by Gain Theory.Follow Anibal Dams on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anibaldams/Follow Gain Theory on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaintheory/Follow Gain Theory online at: https://www.gaintheory.com/Anibal answers these questions:1) You lead the CPG vertical at Gain Theory. What do you think are the main challenges faced by CPG brands in this current landscape? 2) Let’s delve into the issue around Multi-Touch Attribution further, what would be your recommendation for CPG brands to overcome this and how does Gain Theory's “Sensor” solution address this?3) In addition to Sensor, what are the other ways you are helping CPG businesses to accelerate growth?4) Predicting the future is never easy. What puts Gain Theory in a position to be confident in delivering foresight for your clients?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comNextUp Website: http://nextupisnow.org/cpgguysRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comDISCLAIMER: 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. 

Cie Nicholson & Lori Tauber Marcus, members of The Band of Sisters, join The CPG Guys in part II of our conversation to discuss their new book “You Should Smile More: How to Dismantle Gender Bias in the Workplace.” The authors are part of a collective of former PepsiCo female executives that also includes Dawn Hudson, Mitzi Short, Angelique Bellmer Krembs & Katie Lacey.To learn more about The Band of Sisters, visit: http://thebandofsisters.comTo purchase “You Should Smile More” visit: https://a.co/d/39P9CjpTo Follow Cie Nicholson on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cienicholsonTo follow Lori Tauber Marcus on LinkedIn visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loritaubermarcusCie & Lori answer these questions:1) You’ve structured the book into a series of 31 examples of where collectively you experienced gender bias in the workplace. You try to help 3 different archetypes in dealing with these situations. What are each of the three archetypes and their importance to addressing these issues?2) Let’s start with another one of your examples you called “father of the year.” Why are working moms criticized and working dads lauded?3) How do administrative chores often fall victim to gender bias?4) Should women avoid the word “sorry” at work?5) Why is the “meeting before the meeting” so important to staying in the loop?6) How do you handle a situation when you sense you are not welcome like the golf foursome?7) How would you encourage these archetypes, particularly managers, to make use of your book?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comNextUp Website: http://NextUpIsNow.orgDISCLAIMER: 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 Bob Arnold, CEO of Q Mixers, which makes the world’s best carbonated mixers that are proudly served by discerning bars and restaurants across America, as well as sold in grocery and liquor stores nationwide.Follow  Bob Arnold on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-arnold-972a253/ Follow Q Mixers on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/q-mixers/Follow Q Mixers online at: https://qmixers.com/ Bob answers the following questions:1) Bob, your career has some elite brands in your background but you are clearly the ‘beverages guy’.Take us through the years at InBev, Coca-Cola and now as CEO of Q Mixers. What advice would you give to someone early in their career in this space seeking to follow in your footsteps in beverages?2) With eCommerce prevalent everywhere and volume moving to omnichannel, how have you led the last 3 years to digitize your portfolio and make it available online for consumers to discover & purchase?3) Peter and I strongly believe that the path to true scale is being available on the store shelf. How do you focus on category management and therefore ensuing distribution?4) Take us through the portfolio and I noticed you have cocktail recipes? How do these come together and how does that play out at retail?5) I have been waiting to ask you about the ‘highball’ - what is this? What other tricks and trips would you share with our audience? How does this help sell the product?6) Innovation - last 3 years, we haven’t really seen much in the CPG world given supply chain issues. What’s your take on the importance of it? How are you innovation and is there a pipeline?7) Let’s go to talent. No brand can be successful without the right brand stewards? What makes a good marketer - what is their DNA? How do they connect with retail?8) The last question on the CPG Guys is always ‘fast forward’ - what's next for you and Q Mixers? Where is the growth: innovation, distribution, both?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comNextUp Website: http://NextUpisnow.org/cpgguys RetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comDISCLAIMER: 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 Jaré Buckley-Cox, Vice President of Fulfillment Services at Walmart Marketplace, a curated community of respected, professional sellers who offer only top-quality, authentic products and best-in-class customer service. Sellers have control over their business, including inventory, retail pricing, fulfillment, and customer care. Follow Jaré on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jare-buckley-cox-bb30657/ Follow Walmart Marketplace on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmart-marketplace/ Follow Walmart Marketplace online at: https://marketplace.walmart.com/walmart-fulfillment-services/ Jaré answers these questions:1) your career has some elite brands in your background but cemented in delivering for the consumer via fulfillment. Take us through the years at Yahoo, Amazon and now Walmart. What advice would you give to someone early in their career in this space seeking to follow in your footsteps?2) Fulfillment is a space that has grown significantly over the last 5 years and the 3P marketplace, very few know, is a very large ecosystem. In your mind, what were a few of the major highlights that drove such tremendous growth for fulfillment services?3) What are your thoughts on the technology trends that are emerging in our industry that are aiding you at Walmart fulfillment services?4) How did Walmart identify that this was a missing white space area to muscle up and how have sellers responded to your services?5) Can you give our audience an overview of how a seller can connect with Walmart fulfillment services and what does it take to begin service and deliver for the consumer?6) What are the various services you offer to help the seller and how does it interact with retail media to help their business grow? How do you live into the spirit of continuous improvement and keep yourself abreast of the dynamic nature of omnichannel evolution?7) Take us behind the scenes of how you make decisions on working with sellers and how do you approach a successful partnership ?8) The last question on the CPG Guys is always ‘fast forward’ - what's next for you and Walmart fulfillment services?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comNextUp Website: http://nexupisnow.org/cpgguysRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comDISCLAIMER: 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, PVSB and Sri are joined in this episode by Harvey Ma. Vice President at Albertsons Media Collective, the retail media arm for Albertsons Companies.Follow Harvey Ma on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harveyma8/ Follow Albertsons Media Collective on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/albertsons-media-collective/Follow Albertsons Media Collective online at: http://albertsonsmediacollective.comPart I with Evan Hovorka - http://cpgguys.com/amc-pacvue/Part II with Claire Wyatt - http://cpgguys.com/claire-wyatt/Part III with Kristi Argyilan - http://cpgguys.com/kristi/Part IV with Kristi & Evan - http://cpgguys.com/amcnrf/Harvey answers these questions:1) Please walk us through how your family reunion came about and what appealed to you about the opportunity you have pursued?2) Retail Media had an impressive year in 2022. In your mind, what were a few of the major highlights that drove such tremendous growth?3) What are your thoughts on the technology trends that are emerging in our industry? This time last year, we were talking Metaverse and NFTs. Now we’re all about AI and Chat GPT. How do you think about all of this playing into the work of brands and retailers connecting to shoppers in meaningful and measurable ways?4) Clean rooms are another area of interest for brands & retailers seeking to safely connect powerful data sets while respecting privacy on both sides. How is this playing into the work that you are doing at Albertsons Media Collective?5) Retail media is a broad description for quite a number of tools to connect brands with shoppers. What are some of the latest solutions that Albertsons Media Collective are making available to brands, on site, offsite and in-store?6) How do you think about consulting brands on leveraging Albertsons Media Collective for activation across the marketing funnel?7) If you can summarize for our audience what makes Albertsons Media Collective a premier partner in their media investment strategy, what would be the key points?8) What has you most excited about Albertsons Media Collective in 2023? What’s on the horizon that you can share with our audience?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comNextUp Website: http://nexupisnow.org/cpgguysRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comDISCLAIMER: 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 Vince Jones, SVP/GM and Global head of eCommerce at PepsiCo, whose are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands – such as Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker and SodaStream – that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.Follow Vince Jones on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesvince/Follow PepsiCo on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepsico/ Follow PepsiCo online at: http://pepsico.com Vince answers the following questions:1) Your career journey after Stanford has been in operations first, then even CEO of ebags before leading the digital journey at PepsiCo especially as covid shaped. You have created long lasting legacies for the industry. Take us through the years and what’s your advice for someone early in their career in the digital world?2) Why is retail media one of the most important spaces in the cpg and retail industry these days?3) How has ecommerce matured over the last 5 years in the grocery world? What is sticky these days and what should people focus on?4) How do you connect to the other arms of PepsiCo for surround sound amplification? How do you link back with marketing and selling commercial teams?5) What is the role of technology innovation these days? Is AI and MLL real or pretenders? How are you using these?6) The industry is largely still from a knowledge standpoint mostly brick & mortar. In this scenario, how do you coach other senior leaders on all aspects digital especially given winning in this space has as many tactical execution parameters as brick & mortar?7)  What are the latest instore digital technologies these days connecting back to the shopper omnichannel journey that drive outcomes for the consumer and the brand? Which ones do you personally feel the industry should be championing?8) Our last question always goes to fast forward …. what is your prediction around how RMN will evolve?  CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comNextUp Website: http://nexupisnow.org/cpgguysRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comDISCLAIMER: 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 Suzanne Long, Chief Sustainability and Transformation Officer at Albertsons Companies,  one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, with over 2,200 stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia, 22 distribution centers and 19 manufacturing plants.Follow Suzanne Long on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-long-b948a83/ Follow Albertsons Companies on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/albertsons/Learn about Albertsons commitment to ESG here: https://www.albertsonscompanies.com/our-impact/esg-reports-news/default.aspx Suzanne answers the following questions:1) What does the acronym ESG stand for and why is it important for companies to get invested in building ESG plans?2) What is the history of sustainability at Albertsons Companies? How did the need to build a plan come to being and how did you end up leading the charge?  3) Sustainability is a very big and encompassing concept as you detailed in your first response. How did you go about determining which specific areas to focus on for “Recipe of Change?” When developing the framework, how did the needs of shoppers, associates and suppliers also play a role?4) Please provide us with details on the four pillars you settled on in your “recipe for change” and how is science determining your performance metrics?5) To achieve scale, it’s not just about the work being done by Albertsons Companies. How are you involving your suppliers and the entire industry to drive meaningful and sustainable change to improve our communities?6) Tell us about some of the Recipe for Change projects you’ve implemented and what have the results been?7) What do you want our audience to hear about how they can contribute to Albertsons “Recipe for Change?”CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comNextUp Website: http://nexupisnow.org/cpgguysRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comDISCLAIMER: 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 Andrew Lipsman, Principal Analyst for Retail & eCommerce at Inside Intelligence, the leading research, data and insights provider that helps companies maximize revenue, optimize spend, and anticipate digital disruption today and in the years ahead.Follow Andrew Lipsman on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lipsman-10b2162/Follow Insider Intelligence on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insider-intelligence/Follow Insider Intelligence online at: https://www.insiderintelligence.com/Learn more about the “In-Store Retail Media 2023” report here: https://www.insiderintelligence.com/content/in-store-retail-media-2023Andrew answers the following questions:1) Retail Media is an rapidly expanding channel. In-store media is the least developed segment within this channel. What prompted you to publish this report? Is in-store media starting to emerge as a viable option for brands and retailers?2) What are the primary sources of the research comprising this report? How do you go about determining the research you will need to produce meaningful insights?3) What is the opportunity that your report has identified for retail media in physical stores to deliver mass reach?4) What are the key findings of your report related to the digitization of the store to deliver high-quality, meaningful branding?5) Please dimensionalize the audience size of in-store audiences at major retailers compared to their digital audiences?6) What did your research tell you about what catches the attention of in-store shoppers, making them want to learn more about the products?7) What does in-store media offer to brands seeking reach beyond Amazon?8) What’s coming in the “third wave” of retail media that you think our audience should pay attention to?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comNextUp Website: http://nexupisnow.org/cpgguysRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comDISCLAIMER: 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 Lex Josephs, VP/GM of Sam's Club Member Access Platform, the retail media division of Sam's Club, a unit of Walmart. MAP’s mission is to provide the most valuable and additive ads experience to our member. It's our member-first approach that differentiates us, along with the combination of our platform, our products, our people, our processes, and our first-party data.Follow Lex Jospehs on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-lex-josephs-b448634/ Follow Sam's Club MAP on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sams-club-map/Follow Sam's CLub MAP online at: https://map.samsclub.com/Lex answers the following questions:1) Lex, your career has some elite brands in your background but cemented in media development and audience. Take us through the years at Vevo, Pinterest, NBCUniversal, Walmart and now Sam’s club. What advice would you give to someone early in their career in this space seeking to follow in your footsteps? 2) Describe the various services of the MAP platform and what your brand partners can expect? 3) What are your thoughts on the technology trends that are emerging in our industry that are aiding you at MAP? How are you leveraging AI in this space? 4) Please tell us about your upcoming speaking position at a NextUp conference.5) Can you give our audience an overview of how a seller can connect with MAP and what does it take to begin service and deliver for the consumer? How long does it take the execute the first campaign.6) What are the various measurement / metrics you offer to enable brands to succeed? How do you live into the spirit of continuous improvement and keep yourself abreast of the dynamic nature of omnichannel evolution?7) What is the difference in shopping behavior between men & women?8) The last question on the CPG Guys is always ‘fast forward’ - whats next for you and the MAP platform? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comNextUp Website: http://nexupisnow.org/cpgguysRetailWit Website: http://retailwit.comDISCLAIMER: 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.