How to Expand Your CPG Sales Team Without Hiring Full-Time 

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 …

DSD Distribution: Rethinking RTM for $10M–$100M Brands 

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 …

CPG News Roundup: July 11 – July 17

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 …

Retail Execution Is Broken: How Emerging Brands Can Fix It 

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 …

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How a Shared Retail Force Helps Emerging Brands Win In-Store 

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 …

CPG News Roundup: June 20 – June 26

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. …

CPG News Roundup: June 6 – June 12

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 …

CPG News Roundup: May 30 – June 5

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …