Cross Over Episode!

First part of my chat with Chris Maffeo on the Maffeo Drinks Podcast. The focus is on trends and strategies in the spirits and beverages industry, particularly the 'Shrink for Growth' strategy, where companies divest non-core brands to focus on core strengths. Key examples include Campari, Diageo, and Brown-Forman. The conversation covers shifts from economies of scale to economies of scope, the impact of mergers and acquisitions, and the differences in strategy between listed companies and privately owned companies. The episode highlights the changing landscape of the industry and predicts significant transformations over the next 10-15 years.

00:00 Introduction

00:57 Overview of the Spirits Industry

01:40 Shrink for Growth Strategy

02:12 Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions

02:25 Distribution and Market Dynamics

02:52 Challenges in the Spirits Industry

09:31 Listed vs. Privately Owned Companies

10:05 Industry Consolidation

12:08 Distribution Challenges

17:44 Long-term Viability of the Spirits Industry

28:17 Final Thoughts and Recap

In this episode, the host speaks with Vedran Jelaca, co-founder of Shopnosis, a company that specialises in AI-powered shopper research. Shopnosis uses smart glasses to track shopper behaviour in physical stores, offering a detailed and scalable solution to understand what products shoppers see, interact with, and ultimately purchase. The discussion covers the nuances of shopper behaviour that are often overlooked, such as the visibility of products on bottom shelves and the real-world performance of retail media. Shopnosis provides actionable insights to brands, retailers, and agencies to optimise in-store marketing and product placement. The interview concludes with a discussion on the future of the tool, focusing on extending their technology and spreading awareness of their innovative solutions in the market research field.

00:00 Introduction

00:48 Guest Background and Experience

01:21 Challenges in Market Research

03:18 Focus on Shopnosis

04:13 Understanding Shopper Behaviour

07:40 Data Collection and Analysis

14:07 Impact of Retail Media

21:00 Visibility and Shelf Placement Myths

28:18 Optimising In-Store Creatives with AI

32:19 Benchmarking and Future Guidelines

37:33 Challenges in Retail Optimisation

40:05 Conclusion

In this episode, host Filiberto interviews Maciej Grajewski, founder of SG Papertornics, a liquid diagnostic company for craft beverages. Grajewski discusses her journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the development of the core product, Beer-o-meter, and how it helps brewers ensure consistency and stability in their beer. He explains the technology behind Barometer, its ease of use, and the importance of process control in brewing. The conversation touches on the challenges and insights gained from working with brewers, the importance of building trust, and the potential for expanding diagnostics to other beverage types. The episode concludes with reflections on the entrepreneurial journey and future goals.

00:00 Introduction

01:04 The Liquid Side of the Beverage Business

01:21 Meet the Guest: Maciej Grajewski

02:44 Revolutionising Brewery Process Control

09:21 Challenges and Learnings in the Brewing Industry

29:04 Expanding Horizons: From Beer to Other Beverages

31:05 Entrepreneurial Journey and Future Plans

47:23 Closing Thoughts

Reflecting on the Evolution of Fast Moving Consumer Goods: Focus, Clarity, and Strategy

In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of the fast-moving consumer goods sector. Reflecting on the significant changes over the past 25 years, from notable mergers and acquisitions to the recent trend of structural simplification and specialisation, we explore how companies are shifting strategies to thrive. The discussion covers the historical context of M&A activities, the move towards economies of scope, and the emerging focus on clarity and deliberate portfolio management. Key examples such as Kellogg's, Johnson & Johnson, and Pernod Ricard illustrate the 'shrink to grow' approach. Additionally, the impact of market dynamics, technological adoption, and the importance of mastering fundamentals are analysed. This episode offers valuable insights for FMCG professionals, emphasising the need for focus, clarity, and consumer-centric strategies in an ever-changing market.

00:00 Introduction and Reflection

00:16 Historical Mergers and Acquisitions

01:58 Shift to Economies of Scope

03:04 Era of Structural Simplification

04:11 Recent Examples of Business Splits

07:47 Focus on Specific Assets

10:05 Operational and Strategic Clarity

14:51 Adapting to New Technologies

19:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, host Filiberto interviews Alberto Duran Sampedro, a long-time friend and colleague from their MBA days. Alberto shares his extensive journey from banking to working in an advertising agency, the pharmaceutical industry, and finally joining his family's luxury jewellery business in Spain. Alberto provides insights on the evolution of the global jewellery market, highlighting a shift from high-end watches to branded jewellery and explaining how digital platforms and the consolidation of brands are reshaping the industry. They also discuss the importance of storytelling, traceability, and sustainability in luxury. The episode concludes with Alberto's thoughts on future trends and potential investment areas within the luxury market, emphasising brands with authentic narratives and emerging markets like Japan, Korea, and India.

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Meet Today's Guest: Alberto Duran

01:42 Alberto's Career Journey

02:17 Overview of the Family Business

04:24 Shifts in the Global Jewellery Market

06:55 The Rise of Branded Jewellery

13:03 Digital Influence on the Jewellery Industry

20:43 Trends and Future of the Luxury Sector

28:04 Balancing Tradition and Modernity

31:26 Conclusion

In this episode, host Filiberto interviews Alberto Duran Sampedro, a long-time friend and colleague from their MBA days. Alberto shares his extensive journey from banking to working in an advertising agency, the pharmaceutical industry, and finally joining his family's luxury jewellery business in Spain. Alberto provides insights on the evolution of the global jewellery market, highlighting a shift from high-end watches to branded jewellery and explaining how digital platforms and the consolidation of brands are reshaping the industry. They also discuss the importance of storytelling, traceability, and sustainability in luxury. The episode concludes with Alberto's thoughts on future trends and potential investment areas within the luxury market, emphasising brands with authentic narratives and emerging markets like Japan, Korea, and India.

00:00 Introduction

01:01 Meet Today's Guest: Alberto Duran

01:42 Alberto's Career Journey

02:17 Overview of the Family Business

04:24 Shifts in the Global Jewellery Market

06:55 The Rise of Branded Jewellery

13:03 Digital Influence on the Jewellery Industry

20:43 Trends and Future of the Luxury Sector

28:04 Balancing Tradition and Modernity

31:26 Conclusion

In this episode, host Filiberto, alongside co-host Elisabetta Borghi, chats with entrepreneur Mariam Abdillahi, founder of Black Flamingo Beauty. Maria shares her entrepreneurial journey, which began in Dubai and now expands into the UK and other regions. She discusses the inspiration behind her brand, which stemmed from her own skin issues and her connection to Somali culture. The episode covers various aspects of marketing strategies, product development, and the importance of balancing traditional and scientific approaches in the cosmetic industry. Mariam also addresses the challenges of targeting diverse consumer demographics and highlights the significance of sustainability and ethical sourcing. The conversation concludes with advice on leveraging available resources, maintaining clear brand values, and the potential for collaborations and partnerships.

00:00 Introduction

01:56 Mariam's Entrepreneurial Journey

05:17 Challenges and Strategies in the Beauty Industry

09:05 Balancing Tradition and Innovation

19:58 Marketing and Expansion Plans

35:35 Future Vision and Closing Thoughts

47:01 Conclusion

In this episode, co-hosts Elisabetta Borghi and Filiberto Amati explore the intersections of international marketing, consumer trends, and brand strategy with guest Franco Piero, CEO and co-founder of the BIOVA Project. Franco shares insights on his pivot from video production focused on sustainability to creating circular economy solutions for food waste, emphasising the challenges and logistics of transforming surplus bread into beer and exploring new categories like kombucha. The discussion covers the importance of stakeholder alignment, consumer appeal, and collaboration, focusing on expanding the impact of sustainable practices in food production. Franco also highlights the crucial role of scaling businesses with sustainability-focused investors and partners, aiming to maximise market presence and ecological impact.

00:00 Introduction

01:02 Meet the Co-Hosts and Guest

01:25 Franco's Journey and the BIOVA Project

03:00 The Concept of Circularity and Food Waste

05:10 Challenges and Differentiation in the Market

09:33 Logistics and Compliance

18:16 Product Development and Market Strategy

22:15 Future Plans and Collaborations

43:56 Closing Thoughts

Filiberto and Elisabetta Borghi co-host this episode. The interview with Maahan Mirnezami explores the trends and innovations in the neutraceutical market, particularly focusing on developing products like flat-packaged pills, gummies, and absorbable strips. Maahan highlights the benefits of gummies, including better bioavailability and consumer compliance. The conversation also delves into the company's strategic decisions, marketing approach, and plans for entering the mass market. Maahan discusses the challenges of scaling the business, obtaining financing, and developing compliant products quickly. The interview concludes with a discussion on their vision for future growth and their unique position in the market.

00:00 Introduction

01:01 More Trends in Nutraceuticals

05:12 Challenges and Innovations in Product Development

14:30 Strategic Partnerships and Scaling the Business

20:14 Future Vision and Investment Opportunities

24:04 Conclusion

Filiberto and Elisabetta Borghi co-host this episode. Special guest Maahan Mirnezami discusses the competitive nutraceutical market. He shares his background in biomedicine and explains the development of his project, Biova Health, which focuses on creating pharmaceutical-grade supplements to improve user trust and efficacy. Elizabeth highlights the market's growth, and Maahan elaborates on the challenges with current supplements, the benefits of gummies over pills, and the importance of educational marketing. The discussion covers the intersection of nutraceuticals and functional foods, emphasising product quality, user experience, and market education.

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Guest Introduction

02:56 Challenges in the Nutraceutical Market

06:08 Innovations in Supplement Delivery

07:52 Market Dynamics and Future Trends

12:48 Consumer Education and Product Acceptance

21:32 Product Development

31:41 Conclusions