Private equity doesn’t invest for the long term. It invests for transformation. When capital comes in, the clock starts ticking, boards expect rapid growth, disciplined execution, and an eventual exit. For consumer goods companies, that pressure can feel overwhelming. The challenge is not just building products or gaining distribution. It’s about having the right executives in place to lead through this sprint. Yet finding, attracting, and hiring the …
For decades, the executive career path was straightforward: climb the ladder, secure the C-suite, and hold the title until retirement. But in 2025, that model no longer defines success for every leader. Increasingly, seasoned executives are turning away from the next full-time role and instead building careers as portfolio executives, working across multiple companies through fractional or interim engagements. This shift isn’t a …
In the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, speed and adaptability define success. Growth can spike overnight with a retailer win, a funding round, or a viral moment. But the leadership infrastructure needed to sustain that growth often lags behind. Hiring a full-time executive can take months, cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and lock a company into commitments that may not align with …
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 But here’s the problem: most of those benches are either outdated, overpromised, or painfully generic.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 …
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 …
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 …
