As industries adapt to shifting market dynamics, the CPG sector has seen a notable increase in contract work, moving beyond the traditional job model. While initially perceived as stopgap solutions, contract work is now recognized as vital to strategic staffing within organizations. At Ace Talent Curators, we have observed this transition firsthand, witnessing how contract work offer both career flexibility …
Not every leadership gap calls for a full-time hire. In today’s market, companies are increasingly turning to fractional executive recruiting as a smarter way to access high-level talent. Fractional and interim leaders bring experience, strategy, and execution — but without the cost or commitment of a permanent role. For organizations balancing growth with flexibility, this model is reshaping how executive hiring gets …
For years, contract staffing firms sold the idea of a “bench”—a roster of pre-vetted professionals supposedly ready to jump into any assignment. But here’s the problem: most of those benches are either outdated, overpromised, or painfully generic. If you’ve ever waited weeks for a firm to send you someone “bench-ready,” only to get a resume that feels templated and a …
For early-stage and growth-stage CPG brands, hiring full-time executives can feel like an expensive leap of faith. Not just financially—but organizationally. It requires betting that the need, the workload, and the person all align perfectly. And the truth is, that’s rarely the case. That’s why more founders are moving away from the “one big hire” mentality and embracing a more …
More CPG founders are searching for fractional hires, field reps, and consultants to stay nimble while scaling. But there’s one area that’s often overlooked—compliance. Misclassifying a contractor can cost you. Between IRS audits, back taxes, and potential lawsuits, founders who get the structure wrong risk more than just paperwork headaches. This guide breaks down the three main options—W2, 1099, and …
Expanding into new markets shouldn’t require full-time CPG sales hires you’re not ready to commit to. That’s the logic more CPG brands are starting to embrace—especially those looking to scale quickly, test new geographies, or stay lean while demand grows. Hiring full-time sales reps in every state sounds ideal until you consider the time, cost, and risk. That’s why many …
For most emerging brands, route-to-market decisions come down to two well-worn paths: go full DSD distribution and build deep in-region coverage, or partner with warehouse distributors and accept lower-touch support in exchange for wider reach. But in 2025, those binary choices are starting to break down. The truth is, most $10M–$100M brands live in the middle—too complex for passive models …
This Week’s CPG News at a Glance From cannabis giants launching drinks to legacy brands buying up cocktail mixers, this week’s CPG news is a study in momentum. Bold branding, cross-category moves, and capital from both athletes and influencers are shaping what—and how—consumers drink, snack, and celebrate. It’s not just a week of press releases. It’s a signal that the …
For emerging brands, retail isn’t just a distribution channel—it’s the moment of truth. And far too often, it’s where great products get stuck with poor retail execution. You win the placement. You land the distributor. And then you walk into the store and see… nothing. No signage, no display, and half the shelf empty. It’s not just a visibility issue—it’s …
Emerging brands know the importance of in-store execution. But when it comes to field support, most are forced into a no-win choice: rely on syndicated reps who are stretched thin across dozens of SKUs, or hire full-time field team members who cost more than the business can sustain. Neither option works for the $5M–$25M revenue stage—where brands are scaling fast …
This Week’s CPG Highlights This week’s CPG stories point to a clear shift: brands are getting sharper about where they focus, how they grow, and what their core audience actually wants. Spindrift launches a bold new citrus blend just in time for summer. GoodPop steps away from beverages entirely. And GOODLES bets on microwavable convenience with a Gen Z spin. …
This week’s CPG news reflect a key shift: brands are no longer just chasing scale—they’re redefining how (and where) innovation shows up. From ice cream brands expanding formats to performance founders entering spirits, the boundaries between categories keep blurring. Whether it’s a $5.8M facility, a functional gummy with a famous last name, or an entirely new dosage format, the playbook …
The latest CPG news from across the industry reveal a clear pattern: investment is flowing into functional products, acquisitions are accelerating, and brands are looking to win on shelf by tightening their positioning—whether through design, formulation, or distribution strategy. From reimagined breakfast favorites to protein-enhanced indulgences and bold new entrants in pasta, the race to redefine “everyday” continues. Here’s the …
The food industry is undergoing a revolution, driven by the rapid rise of alternative food ingredients. Consumer demand for healthier, more sustainable options isn’t just nudging manufacturers toward change—it’s forcing a complete reimagination of how food is made. This shift goes far beyond simple ingredient swaps. It’s about innovation at every level, from sourcing and production to quality control and …
In today’s competitive market, companies need to stay ahead—and that often means refreshing their brand and realigning their market position. This type of transformation requires experienced leadership, and many organizations are discovering that an interim CMO is the ideal solution for successfully navigating brand repositioning. An interim CMO brings specialized expertise in brand transformation without requiring a long-term commitment, making …
This week in CPG innovation, we’re seeing capital flow into hydration, flavor expansion in both traditional and non-alcoholic beverages, cross-category collaborations in snacks and apparel, and M&A activity in overlooked staples like eggs and produce. From beverage startups with Celsius connections to legacy players embracing specialty crop partnerships, brands across the board are pushing past category conventions. This isn’t about …
