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Contract Work: Integral, Not Interim

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 …

Alternative Food Ingredients 2025 Trends Guide

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 …

How an Interim CMO Drives Successful Brand Repositioning

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 …

CPG Innovation News Roundup: March 28 – April 3

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 …

CPG Industry News Roundup: March 21 – March 27

This week in CPG and consumer brands, Skims acquires SKKN by Kim, Savor unveils animal-free butter made without plants or microbes, and Waldencast’s Q4 earnings show strength from Obagi Medical’s explosive growth. From innovative product development to luxury brand restructuring and major private equity fundraising, the trends shaping the future of consumer goods are anything but predictable. News Stories Skims …

Fractional ESG Executives: A Guide to Sustainable Change

The ESG Imperative in CPG  Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) executives are now essential as compliance shifts from a nice-to-have initiative to a critical business imperative, especially in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. With mounting regulatory pressures and increasing consumer demand for sustainability, organizations are turning to fractional C-level executives to provide the expertise needed to navigate this complex …

CPG Industry News Roundup: March 14 – March 20

This week in CPG, Shaquille O’Neal invests in BeatBox Beverages, Campari offloads Howler Head Whiskey, and InvestBev announces a $100 million investment in Kentucky bourbon barrels. Meanwhile, sustainable sourcing, strategic acquisitions, and innovative funding models continue shaping the industry. Here’s what’s making an impact this week. InvestBev Announces $100 Million Investment in Kentucky Bourbon Barrels Investment firm InvestBev has partnered with a leading global asset manager to …

Fractional Executive Leadership: A Strategic Playbook

The Digital Commerce Revolution  In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, digital commerce isn’t just another sales channel—it’s becoming the primary driver of business growth. As organizations grapple with this digital transformation, many are turning to fractional executive leadership to guide their strategic initiatives. This specialized approach brings experienced digital commerce leaders to organizations that need expertise without the commitment of …

CPG Industry News Roundup: March 7 – March 13

This week in CPG, we’re tracking major acquisitions, product innovation, and high-profile partnerships that are reshaping the industry. From Grove Collaborative acquiring 8Greens to Next Century Spirits teaming up with Kenny Chesney, the momentum behind brand expansion and collaboration continues to accelerate. Meanwhile, 80g protein pasta sauce is making waves, and non-dairy RTD milk tea is pioneering a new category in NYC. Here’s what’s making an impact …

Skills vs. Experience in Fractional Hiring

The Evolution of Executive Leadership Models  The traditional C-suite has undergone a dramatic transformation. As companies seek more flexible leadership solutions, fractional executives have emerged as a powerful alternative to full-time hires. However, the skills vs experience in hiring debate plays a critical role in evaluating these specialized leaders. Companies must go beyond traditional credentials and assess both the strategic …

CPG Industry News Roundup: February 28 – March 6

This week in the CPG industry, we’re tracking major investments, strategic acquisitions, and key shifts in leadership and product development. From GoodSAM Foods securing a $9 million Series A to scale regenerative agriculture to Ben & Jerry’s founders considering buying back the brand from Unilever, the industry is seeing bold moves across the board. Let’s break down the biggest stories …

A Brand’s Guide to Health & Wellness Innovation

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Consumers are demanding healthier, more functional products with clean ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and tangible wellness benefits. As health and wellness innovation accelerates, companies must move beyond incremental improvements to stay relevant. Rapid innovation isn’t just about great product ideas—it requires leadership that can navigate change, drive strategy, and execute …

CPG Industry News Roundup: February 14 – February 20

The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is undergoing significant transformations, with major brands making strategic leadership changes, launching new product categories, and securing critical funding to fuel expansion. This week, we examine the latest developments—from beverage giants doubling down on prebiotic sodas to high-profile partnerships reshaping the retail space. We also break down what these moves signal for the future …

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Fractional Executives: Building a High-Performing Organization

The functional beverage market is transforming. With projections showing growth to $793.60 billion by 2032, brands need experienced leadership to capture market share. But hiring a full-time executive team often doesn’t make financial sense for emerging brands. This is where fractional executives are changing the game.  Why Fractional Leadership Matters Now  Building a high-performing beverage sales organization requires strategic leadership, scalable …

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Maximizing Retail Media Investments with Fractional CMOs

Retail media has emerged as a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies, offering brands unprecedented access to shoppers at critical decision-making moments. However, navigating this ecosystem requires expertise, precision, and adaptability. For many businesses, fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) have become indispensable partners in driving efficiency and maximizing returns on retail media investments.  At Ace Talent Curators, we connect organizations with …

CPG Industry News Roundup: January 24 – January 30

The CPG industry is evolving rapidly. Brands are making bold moves to meet shifting consumer preferences. This week’s headlines highlight key trends shaping the sector. For talent curators, these developments offer valuable insights into the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic space. Let’s dive into the stories and explore their implications for the broader CPG industry. Diageo Responds to …