Fresh Thyme, the midwest chain of natural and organic-focused stores, claims its stake in meeting customers where they are by offering both conventional and natural products, and making better-for-you groceries accessible to all. Jonathan Lawrence, VP Center Store at Fresh Thyme, explains which brands and products have the best opportunity to succeed at FT, delves into what his customers are looking for, and offers insights into how brands can effectively pitch to this retailer and achieve success once their products are on the shelf.

Sherry Frey of NielsenIQ offers exclusive insights into current consumer trends and purchasing habits. Find out why low sodium might be the next big trend, how inflation is impacting consumer behavior, the good news for protein, what exactly clean label means right now, and delve into the influence of GLP-1 weight loss drugs on current consumer product preferences.

Join Kaitlin Morgan of SPINS shares RTD beverage data during our Community Call, where we'll uncover trends in functionality, sweeteners, and flavor. Discover the key industry indicators shaping the landscape, and delve into the essential themes to understand how brands and entrepreneurs can leverage this data for intelligent innovation. Go to slack.bevnet.com/General Discussion channel for a companion presentation to this podcast or email [email protected]

AnaMaria Friede, Director of Merchandising, and Brooke Gil, Principal Category Merchant, at Whole Foods Market, shares the latest strategies on how brands can successfully navigate this retailer. We'll local program updates and how brands can take advantage of them, the latest planogram information, what makes a winning pitch, and the CPG trends they're most interested in right now.

Arnulfo Ventura shares his winning blueprint for achieving exponential growth in CPG, drawing from his own experience as an entrepreneur and in leadership roles at PepsiCo, Califia Farms, Beanfields, and Alter Eco. With a track record of guiding brands to success and facilitating exits for acquired brands, Arnulfo shares insights on preserving founder mentality, leveraging company culture, and implementing strategic brand enhancements. Discover the tactis to propelling growth and strategically positioning a brand for acquisition.

Dan-O's viral TikTok videos transformed the brand from a struggling business to a social media sensation. Learn the straightforward content tactics, algorithm insights, and influencer strategies that exponentially grew the brand's digital presence and sales, proving that sometimes, a little creativity goes a long way.

Oliver Buccicone, CEO of Michele's Granola, and Lauren Shafer, Marketing Director of Michele's Granola, take us behind the scenes on LTOs. Find out how LTOs can be a pipeline for core offerings, open doors and build partnerships, and increase your consumer base. They'll also discuss the tough side of innovation including lifecycle management and smart sku rationalization for operational excellence.

Kim Greenfeld, former private label buyer for Whole Foods Market and Trader Joes, joins us to give a behind the scenes look into how to win at the private label game. Find out what kind of innovation gets a buyer's attention, how to protect brand equity, and how to know whether and when the private label game is right for your brand.

Costco is one of the ultimate club channels for natural CPG. High volumes, targeted consumers, and clean business dealings make this a coveted channel for so many brands, but it's crucial to fully understand expectations and best practices before launching into this retailer. Jeremy Smith from LaunchPad Group breaks down how Costco does business, what they're looking for from brand partners, and how to thrive after you get on shelf.

Beverage sales are hugely dependent on DSD networks, but if you don't know how to implement and manage the relationship, your product may be an afterthought to the team. Join Trent Moffat of Gotham Brands and JW Fischer of Nirvana Water for a discussion on what DSDs need to be successful, what you should expect, and how to manage the relationship for maximum placements and velocity.