The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Greg Brown, SVP of Innovation for the DAS Group of Agencies at Omnicom. Greg joins to share key themes coming from the 2026 SXSW which dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW® is best known for its conferences and festivals that celebrate the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture.

Follow Greg on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsgregbrown/

Follow Omnicom online at: http://omnicom.com

Download Omnicom's SXSW 2026 Wrap Report here: https://www.omc.com/newsroom/omnicom-at-sxsw-2026-wrap-report/

Greg answers these questions:

1. Omnicom’s SXSW recap is titled “Where Growth Is Moving Next” — what was the single most unexpected signal you picked up in Austin that confirmed that framing for you personally?
2. For CPG brands that have built entire commercial models around scale and mass awareness, how disruptive is that shift really — and how urgently should they be acting?
3. For CPG brands whose products live on retailer shelves and retail media platforms, what does it mean practically when an AI agent intercepts a shopper before they ever reach a PDP?
4. Walmart is reportedly opening its doors to autonomous shopping agents while Amazon is moving to block them — two of the most important retail media platforms taking opposite positions. How should CPG brands be hedging right now?
5. Where do you see genuine participation-led growth opportunities for everyday CPG brands?
6. Gen Z and Gen Alpha were called out specifically — they don’t reject branded content, they reject inauthentic content. What’s the line between a CPG brand showing up credibly in culture versus coming across as cringe?
7. As CPG brands accelerate AI adoption across content, commerce, and consumer insights — where’s the line?
8. The report coins the phrase “the E-IQ economy.” What does leading with emotional intelligence actually look like in practice for a CPG marketer building campaigns in 2026?
9. What’s the realistic on-ramp for CPG brands to participate in immersive, experience-led growth without a Las Vegas budget?
10. As you look across all six themes from SXSW 2026, what’s the one move you’d tell a CPG Chief Marketing Officer to prioritize in the next 90 days — and what’s the one thing they should stop doing immediately?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. 

This week’s topics:

• Amazon FBA Surcharge
• Container Store gets a new owner
• Kristin Wolf promoted at Ulta
• Home Depot's new CTO

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kim Lefko, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer at Ace Hardware, which has over 5,000 stores around the world with the majority of those stores independently owned and operated by local entrepreneurs. 

Follow Kim Lefko on linkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimlefko/

Follow RedVest media on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redvest-media/

Follow RedVest Media online at: https://www.redvestmedia.com/

Kim answers these questions: 

1. You’ve had a career that spans iconic brands like Weber and Graco before moving to the retail side at Ace. How did that journey shape the kind of marketing leader you are today—and what pulled you into hardware?
2. What surprised you most when you moved from vendor to retailer?
3. For people who don’t live in the hardware world, what makes Ace fundamentally different from other national retailers?
4. How does that hone your focus for marketing on behalf of Ace?
5. Ace may not be the first retailer people think of when they hear ‘digital scale,’ but you do have significant site traffic and an innovative app. How would you describe Ace’s journey to digital maturity?
6. With 75% of U.S. households within 15 minutes of an Ace store, how are you redefining convenience for your customers?
7. The Elevate Ace format represents a $1B investment in reimagining stores. What does this teach brands about the future of physical retail?
8. One of Ace’s super powers, in my opinion, is the fact that you have loyalty data. Not all retailers have it, and it allows for a longitudinal view of customer behavior. What’s your philosophy on loyalty?
9. Molly Hjelm was on our Podcast in August, and she indicated that Retail Media at Ace was your executive vision and pitch. What was your vision behind launching RedVest Media, and why now?
10. Ace has called itself a ‘late mover’ to retail media. Why is that an advantage?
11. What’s the biggest thing CPG marketers misunderstand about hardware retail?
12. Ace’s purpose is ‘We exist to help others.’ How do you ensure purpose drives decisions?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Doug Baker, VP of Industry Relations at the Food Marketing Institute. As the food industry association, FMI works with and on behalf of the entire industry to advance a safer, healthier and more efficient consumer food supply. FMI is a champion for the food industry and the issues that make a difference to our members’ fundamental mission of feeding and enriching society. The reach and impact of our work is extensive, ultimately touching the lives of over 100 million households in the United States and representing an $800 billion industry with nearly 6 million employees.

Follow Doug Baker on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debaker/                  

We ask Doug these questions:

1. How has your deep, hands-on operational background informed your view on where the grocery industry is today regarding its historical struggle with technology adoption?
2. What is the origin story of GroceryLab, and why was Detroit chosen as the backdrop for this launchpad?
3. How will the hands-on, think-tank format of GroceryLab actively help merchants and technologists co-design a 'zero-friction grocery ecosystem'?
4. Yet, you still talk about the friction between bold ideas and execution. With all that money flowing, where is the execution friction happening the most right now in the grocery sector
5. How will GroceryLab help bridge this AI divide so retailers and brands can speak the same technological language?
6. How does GroceryLab plan to tackle the practical integration of technology directly into the aisles?
   How do we move the grocery industry away from legacy paper coupons and pure trade-spend into truly predictive, relevant engagement?
   GroceryLab is bringing Chief Merchants, COOs, CIOs, CMOs, and Retail Media leaders all into the same room. How do you force these disparate functions to actually co-develop solutions together?
7. How did the early, unfiltered insights from these industry leaders help shape the specific, hard-hitting themes you will be tackling at the Gem Theatre?
8. What actionable insights or blueprints will they have in their hands to prove this was a game-changing investment?

Follow FMI on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmithefoodindustryassociation/
Follow FMI online at: https://www.fmi.org/

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. 

This week’s topics:

• Dollar General getting new CEO
• Pernod Ricard / Brown-Forman merger talks
• Henkel buys OlaplexThe perils of AI-generated content

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Vassili Samolis, Head of Ad Product at DoorDash, one of the world's leading local commerce platforms that helps businesses of all kinds grow and innovate, connects consumers to the best of their neighborhoods, and gives people fast, flexible ways to earn. 

Follow Vassili on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassilisamolis/ 

Follow DoorDash LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doordash/

Follow DoorDash Ads online at: https://advertising.doordash.com/en-us/cpg

This episode is sponsored by DoorDash.

Vassili answered these questions:

1. Talk to us about this evolution. How has DoorDash transformed into a platform built for everyday moments—from a weekly grocery shop to flowers for a holiday?
2. How does DoorDash capture that high-intent demand differently than a traditional retailer's dot-com site?
3. How do DoorDash Sponsored placements actually unlock discovery for consumers, helping them find local grocers, fresh food, and everyday products seamlessly?
4. What does the playbook look like for an emerging CPG brand trying to unlock incremental audiences on your platform versus a legacy CPG enterprise?
5. Why do you believe the industry needs to redefine how retail media effectiveness is measured today?
6. Everyone uses the word incrementality, but few actually prove it. How is DoorDash advancing transparent, outcome-based standards to prove that your ads are driving truly incremental revenue for CPG brands?
7. How should brand marketers rethink their ad creative and targeting to align with these specific, occasion-driven everyday moments on DoorDash
8. Fast forward three years: how does DoorDash continue to differentiate itself as the winning commerce media platform for CPGs in an increasingly fragmented landscape?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. 

This week’s topics:

• GLP-1
• McCormick to acquire Unilever Food Brands
• Last Mile Delivery
• General Mills woes

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by David Gottlieb, Chief Revenue officer and Jeff Wrona, VP Product, Image Recognition for FORM, the makers of the award-winning market execution software GoSpotCheck and FORM OpX, and Trax, the industry-recognized global pioneer of Image Recognition, delivering AI-powered shelf-level insights that help brands and retailers improve execution, availability, and growth in the physical store, have merged. 

Follow David on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmgottlieb/ 

Follow Jeff on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gospotcheckjw/

Follow FORM online at: https://www.form.com/ 

This episode is sponsored by FORM.

They answer these questions:

1. When you combine Trax’s global reach with FORM’s innovative model training and deployment capabilities, what fundamentally changes for CPG brands on the ground?
2. How does proactively onboarding the most popular SKUs in each region shift Image Recognition from just reactive reporting to a proactive competitive advantage?
3. What does 'agentic AI' realistically look like inside a CPG organization over the next three to five years? Is it hype, or are we looking at an operational revolution?
4.  If you were building the modern CPG tech stack from scratch today, what happens when IR data is integrated directly into sales, supply chain, and marketing systems?
5. Could shelf-level data become the fastest leading indicator of these generational behavior changes—even faster than syndicated data?
6. In this margin-compressed world, does flawless in-store execution become the single biggest lever brands still control?
7. How does integrating FORM’s AI-powered image recognition directly with FORM’s mobile task management fundamentally close that gap between identifying a shelf issue and executing a fix right there in the aisle?
8. What unique execution challenges do traditional CPGs face when competing with the speed and emotional connection of these newer brands?
9. How does leveraging AI and granular, SKU-level shelf intelligence help brands manage their physical presence with the same precision and responsiveness as their digital storefronts?
10. If two brands have equal product quality and trade support, does the one with superior IR-driven visibility win every time?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

The CPGGUYS hosts Sri Rajagopalan & Peter VS Bond discuss the emerging themes that dominated the first quarter of 2026 in the CPG and retail industry. From their iconic visit to CAGNY summarizing the presentations of 21 CEO's of some of the largest brands in the world to the reality of AI, there's something for everyone in this episode.

Follow Sri on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/sri-rajagopalan-09a0062/

Follow Peter on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/pvsbond/

Here's what we discuss :

1. Sri - The CAGNY 2026 Reality Check: Moving from "Pricing Power" back to "Volume Growth."
2. PVSB - Agentic Commerce & PXM: How AI bots are changing the way product data is managed (via Syndigo/NielsenIQ).
3. PVSB - The Walmart "Flywheel" 2.0: Analyzing their 41% ad growth and the Vizio integration.
4. Sri - The "Death of Validation" in Insights: Bob Nolan (Conagra) and the shift to behavioral science.
5. Sri - Retail Execution at Scale: The Trax + FORM merger and the "Command Center" for the shelf.
6. Sri & PVSB - Joint Value Creation (JVC): Moving beyond JBP with insights from Bimbo Bakeries.
7. PVSB - Social Commerce as a Mainstream Channel: The Ampd/TikTok Shop explosion.
8. Sri - The "K-Shaped" Consumer: Dealing with sticky inflation vs. the luxury/wellness surge.
9. Sri * PVSB - Super Bowl 60 Ad Analysis: Which CPG brands won the "Emotional Connection" war?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast. 

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. 

This week’s topics:

• McKinsey AI Breach
• Ulta Beauty Results
• Target price reductions
• Kroger Growth Priorities

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.