The CPG Guys

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Parag Shah, CEO & Co-Founder of ThinkBlue Consulting.

We decompose what happened at the 2026 FMI Midwinter Executive Conference.

Learn more about FMI Midwinter here: https://www.fmi.org/midwinter-conference

Follow Parag on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omnigrowthparag/CPG

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:

• Target announced new board members
• Southwestern rebrands as The Winn-Dixie Company
• Amazon to open Illinois supercenter
• FMI Midwinter Recap

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 Simon Angove, CEO of Syndigo which works behind every product to deliver consistent content and digital shelf performance, efficient product syndication and vendor-retailer collaboration, and accurate data and insights – all in one composable platform, on the largest commerce network.

This episode is sponsored by Syndigo.

Follow Simon Angove on LinkedIn here.
Follow Syndigo on LinkedIn here.
Follow Syndigo online here.
Access the full consumer report mentioned by Simon here.

Simon answers these questions:

1. Syndigo operates in the world of Product Experience Management—PXM. For folks who might not be familiar, what are we talking about when we use that term?
2. Why should brands be thinking about product experience right now? What’s the big deal?
3. Managing product experiences sounds straightforward, but clearly it’s not. What makes managing product experiences so complicated; why isn’t everyone doing it well?
4. What does agentic commerce mean for brands and retailers in terms of the opportunity it presents and also the difficulties you see in taking advantage of the Trend?
5. The market’s shifting fast—consumer behavior, tech innovation, even economic pressures. What is Syndigo doing to stay ahead?
6. With tighter budgets and resource constraints, where do you see the biggest opportunities for efficiency in PXM workflows? And where do companies tend to get bogged down?
7. One way we’ve seen technology vendors like Syndigo stay flexible and capable of delivering results for clients is a strong partner network with providers (like Flywheel, for instance) to support them along the way – tell us a little bit about your partner strategy and why that’s a priority for you right now.
8. You touched on how AI is transforming how consumers browse and buy. Let’s turn to the tactical side, where is it coming up in PXM in a tactical, practical way?
9. For companies that are hesitant about AI-driven solutions for product content management, what’s your advice? How do they start without feeling overwhelmed?
10. What do you see as the next phase for PXM—and what should we be watching for in 2026?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/

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 John frost, Chief Customer Officer at Chobani, 

Find John Frost on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-frost-20963155/
Find Chobani on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chobani/
Find Chobani online at: https://www.chobani.com/

Here's what we asked John:

1. John, let’s start with your journey. What path led you to Chobani, and how has your experience at Frito-Lay and PepsiCo shaped your perspective as Chief Customer Officer?
2. The Chief Customer Officer role is all about building deep partnerships. How do you define retail customer centricity at Chobani, and how does it show up in your day-to-day?
3. Chobani has grown from disrupting yogurt to becoming a modern  food and beverage company. How do you balance staying true to the brand’s roots while  expanding into new categories?
4. Innovation is at the heart of Chobani’s DNA. How do you align with retail partners to ensure that innovation lands successfully with shoppers?
5. Chobani has always led with purpose, from food made better to community impact. How does that purpose translate into customer partnership and retail collaboration?
6. Consumer today demand more authenticity & transparency from brands. How is Chobani meeting those expectations in ways that build both brand equity and customer trust?
7. Looking out to 2026, what excites you most about the future of food, beverage, and retail partnerships?
8. For emerging leaders in CPG, what advice would you give on building trust, driving results, and being an effective customer-first leader?

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:

• Coca-Cola names first Chief Digital Officer
• Stratably State of retail Media Report
• Walmart org changes
• Consumer spending report

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 Liz Roche, VP for Media and Measurement at Albertson's Media Collective, the retail media division of the Albertsons Companies.

This episode was recorded in Las Vegas Nevada at CES 2026.

Find Liz Roche on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/eroche1/
Find AMC on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/albertsons-media-collective/
Find AMC online at : https://albertsonsmediacollective.com/

Here's what we asked her:

1. Liz, you’ve just crossed the one-year mark leading measurement and media at Albertsons Media Collective. Looking back, what surprised you most about the role—and what are you most proud of accomplishing in year one?
2. In-store retail media has become one of the most talked-about topics in the industry. Why was it so important for Albertsons Media Collective to lean in here—and what problem were you trying to solve first?
3. You first announced your in-store efforts at Cannes, and now at CES you’re sharing pilot results. What did those pilots validate—and what did they challenge in your original assumptions?
4. You’ve highlighted a Mondelez and Sargento case study—what made those partners a strong fit for in-store activation, and what outcomes should brands be paying attention to?
5. From a retailer perspective, what does it actually take to scale in-store retail media without compromising the shopper experience or store operations?
6. You’ve been very vocal about transparent measurement. Why is that such a critical foundation for retail media relationships, especially as in-store and offsite continue to grow?
7. Albertsons Media Collective has done some creative things—like the BOGO Blitz with enterprise media match and the Alby Awards with guaranteed ROAS. What was the thinking behind rewarding performance in these ways?
8. As we look toward 2026, how do you see measurement evolving—especially across in-store, onsite, and offsite—and what should brands and retailers be preparing for now?
9. You’re showcasing future-state demos here at CES. Without giving too much away, what should the industry be excited about when it comes to where in-store and retail media are headed?
10. For brands and retailers listening who want to be ready for what’s next in retail media, what’s the one mindset shift—or capability—they need to start building today?

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 Khurrum Malik, VP of Business and Customer Marketing at Walmart Connect, the retail media arm of Walmart Inc.

The episode was recorded in the Walmart Connect Studio in the Aria Resort.

Follow Khurrum on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malik/
Follow Walmart Connect on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmart-connect/
Follow Walmart Connect online at: http://walmartconnect.com

Khurrum answers these questions:

1. You’ve recently taken on an expanded role overseeing business and product communications at Walmart Connect. How has that broader remit shaped the way you think about telling the Walmart Connect story today?
2. WMC has evolved quickly over the last few years. For listeners who still associate retail media mainly with lower-funnel ads, what’s the biggest misconception you’re trying to correct?
3. AI is reshaping nearly every part of the marketing stack. From your perspective, what does AI-powered retail media actually mean—and what does it enable that wasn’t possible even a year or two ago?
4. As WMC makes announcements in this space, what problems are you most focused on solving for advertisers with AI—efficiency, effectiveness, measurement, or something else?
5. Looking ahead, how do you see AI changing the role of the marketer as retail media becomes more central to the media mix?
6. From a marketing leader’s vantage point, what are the biggest challenges CMOs are staring down as we approach 2026?
7. Many CMOs are under pressure to do more with less—fewer partners, tighter budgets, higher accountability. Where does retail media uniquely help address those pressures?
8. How do you think retail media’s role in the media plan will shift over the next 18–24 months—especially relative to traditional digital and linear channels?
9. Since joining, you’ve led a brand refresh and new narrative for Walmart Connect, simplifying the story into two buckets: brand and performance. Why was that distinction so important, and how does it help advertisers better navigate the platform?
10. You’ve compared this moment to a bit of a “Who Knew?” campaign—what are the most surprising capabilities of Walmart Connect that brands still don’t fully appreciate?
11. If you were advising a CMO or media leader today, what’s one thing they should start doing now to be ready for where retail media is headed by 2026?
12. When you think about the next chapter for WMC, what excites you most about what’s coming—and what should our listeners be watching closely?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/

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:

• Omnicom post-IPG Close
• Albertsons Media Collective introduces in-store digital will store-match control measurement
• Walmart and Google infuse Gemini with shopping
• Oura doubles down on Roundel at Target

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 Sarah Marzano, Principal Analyst for Retail and Commerce Media at EMarketer, the go-to forecasts, data, and insights provider for marketing, advertising, andcommerce professionals.

Follow Sarah on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahzmarzano/
Follow EMarketer on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emarketer-inc/
Follow EMarketer online at: http://emarketer.com

Learn more about Sarah’s research report “Retail Media Networks: Trends, Benchmarks, and Leadership in 2025” here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/retail-media-networks-trends-benchmarks-leadership-2025

Sarah answers these questions:

1. What led you to develop this new report on retail media networks. What were you hearing in the industry that made you believe this might resonate in terms of thought leadership?
2. Your report highlights *strong strategic conviction but uneven operational maturity* across RMNs. Where do you see the biggest disconnect between ambition and enablement today—and what’s driving that gap?
3. Any thoughts on how organizations can choose a model that will drive success?
4. Fewer than half of surveyed RMNs have cross-functional KPIs, and fewer than one-third tie incentives to merchandising teams. What’s preventing incentive alignment, and what does “good” look like?
5. Measurement and reporting ranked as *the most pressing challenge* for RMNs—especially proving incrementality. What innovations or methodological shifts do you expect will actually move the industry forward?
6. Survey respondents anticipate future growth from a mix of in-store, onsite, and offsite channels. What formats or surfaces do you see emerging as the *next big accelerators* of RMN revenue?
7. Respondents believe zero-click search and agentic AI will be *the most disruptive forces* shaping retail media over the next three years. How should brands and RMNs prepare for this shift?
8. RMNs say that next year, their top priorities will shift toward *tech modernization, data infrastructure, and off-site media acceleration.* What will separate the networks that actually deliver from those that simply aspire?
9. How do interested professionals learn more about this research report?

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. 

Thje CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Sarah Cunningham, Chief Retail Experience Officer of Flywheel, the commerce acceleration division of Omnicom.

Follow Sarah on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-cunningham-99559b1/
Follow Flywheel on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flywheel-digital/

Sarah answers these questions:

1. Can you tell us about the inspiration and the WHY behind bringing this new connected commerce offering to Flywheel?
2. What are some current trends in the commerce space that are influencing how brands approach connected commerce and how consumers are shopping?
3. What challenges are brands facing in creating truly seamless omnichannel experiences for shoppers? What are the blind spots and how can this new connected commerce offering help alleviate the pain points?
4. What are the core components of your connected commerce solution? How does it differentiate from existing offerings in the market?
5. How does your platform leverage data and insights to drive better outcomes for brands and retailers?
6. In what ways does your solution integrate with retailers, marketplaces, and media partners? 
7. How do you support brands in aligning their sales, marketing, and data teams to ensure success with connected commerce?
8. What KPIs or success metrics do you recommend for brands adopting connected commerce strategies? 
9. Are there any early results or case studies you can share that highlight the impact of your offering?
10. How do you see connected commerce evolving in the next few years, especially as technology and consumer expectations advance?
11. What are lessons / mindsets you’ve learned and leveraged as you have grown in your career to help you?

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.