The CPG Guys

The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Shaan Modi, from New Jersey. Shaan is still in high school but was spotted by us at CAGNY (the annual consumer analysts gathering with senior CPG brand leaders) down in Florida in February. We observed him attend several sessions, and we quite surprised to see someone from Gen Z in this conference. We asked him what he thought, and his answers both intrigued and challenged our own biases of how he saw the notion of a 'brand'. We decided to bring him on the pod, he agreed, here is the episode. Enjoy the listen to what Gen Z thinks of the many brands we have spent decades building.

Here's what we asked Shaan : 

Personal Experience & Perspective : What inspired you, as an 18-year-old, to attend CAGNY 2025, and how did you prepare to get the most out of it? Were there any moments during the conference that shifted your opinion about a brand or product?

Health & Wellness Trends :Do you think the current “better-for-you” trends reflect authentic health concerns among Gen Z—or are they still mostly marketing tactics?

Marketing Strategy : Which brand do you think best understands Gen Z in terms of digital-first marketing, and what made it stand out? How important is authenticity in influencer marketing to you and your peers? What makes something feel “forced” versus genuine?

Innovation & Missed Opportunities : You pointed out how companies missed TikTok trends—why do you think they’re slow to adapt, even when the data is right there? Do you think there’s a risk in brands trying too hard to be trendy or viral? What’s the right balance?If you could advise General Mills on a single product innovation to better appeal to Gen Z, what would it be?

Product Development & Personalization : How important is personalization in food products for Gen Z? Would you actually use something like a custom snack box?

Cultural & Social Relevance : What’s one cultural or social movement you feel CPG brands are completely missing out on when it comes to Gen Z? Which viral food trend do you think has the most untapped brand potential right now?

Vision for the Future : If you were to attend CAGNY 2030, what changes or evolutions would you hope to see in how brands engage with your generation?Personal Experience & Perspective? Were there any moments during the conference that shifted your opinion about a brand or product?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/
Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.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 Brandon Nutter, co Founder and CTO of Ampd, which connects Google Ads directly to the world’s largest marketplaces like Amazon and turn incremental revenue all the way up, and Steve Pet, Antitrust Associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.

Find Brandon Nutter on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonnutter/
Find Steve Pet on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-pet-22b12040/
Find Ampd online at: https://www.ampd.io/

Brandon & Steve answer these questions:

1. What is the RPA policy and why does it hold brands back in your observation? Is it a ‘where to buy’ challenge?
2. We’d love to learn how RPA came about and how often do you encounter it in the law practice? Is it a big deal or not? Have you seen it enforced?
3. We have a new administration and it’s clear they are moving aggressively on removing business barriers. What are you guys anticipating?
4. In your observation, what do CPG brands do today to stay compliant? Does this compliance then destroy ‘where to buy’ as an intent to help the consumer know promotional offers?
5. Let’s stay on the theme of where to buy. What is it then ideal for and what is it not ideal for? Can I have both of you respond to that – Steve you first?
6. Any case studies recently that you can share from personal experiences?
7. Since this is a misunderstood topic, how is Ampd’s platform help in this space? Why should a brand invest with you to overcome this challenge? What is then the advantage of sending closed loop traffic directly to retailers? Is first party data then lost as only retail will have it?
8. How can a brand be RPA compliant? What is your outlook and closing advice on this topic?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.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 returning guest Nik Modi, Co-Head of Global Consumer & Retail Research at RBC Capital Markets.

In this episode, Nik discusses his recent communication equity research newsletter called “Attention CPG Management/Boards: It’s Time to Cut EPS Significantly”

Nik argues that cutting numbers significantly would not only provide a floor on valuations, but also provide ample flex for investments that are critically needed, especially in marketing, innovation, supply chain and AI talent/capabilities.

Follow Nik Modi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-modi-675926/

Follow RBC Capital Markets on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rbc-capital-markets/

Follow RBC Capital online at: https://www.rbccm.com/en/

To read Nick’s letter go here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cpgpodcast_growth-activity-7320215173019942913-wRRY?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAAAAB-1kB_qphpg7T2qlI24Zz4i_8wB0zMTI

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.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. 

In this episode, Sri interviews Jordan Berke, founder & CEO of TOMORROW, a leading digital retail advisory firm, enabling global retailers to accelerate growth through digitization.

Sri and Jordan tour an Amazon Fresh store as they unpack Amazon's omnichannel grocery strategy live from the original Amazon Fresh store in Los Angeles.
 
While much of Amazon's physical store rollout has been hit or miss, the Amazon Ads presence in stores shows the potential to combine in store screens, programmatic, and physical promo space to create immersive brand experiences. 

Find Jordan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-berke-tomorrow/
Find TOMORROW on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tomorrow-retail-consulting/
Find TOMORROW online at: https://tomorrowretail.com/

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com

Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.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. 

In this episode, the CPG Guys are joined by Greg Pulsifer, SVP of eCommerce at Sam’s Club, the club format division of Walmart.

Find Greg on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregpulsifer/
Find Sam’s Club on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sam's-club/
Find Sam’s Club online at: https://corporate.walmart.com/about/samsclub/sams-club-suppliers?

Greg answers these questions:

1. Tell us about you the person? Take us through your career growth journey in digital and ecommerce and how you got here?
2. Take us through Sam’s ecommerce strategy and what is the 2025 focus? 
3. NRF digital council - what does this mean and how are you and Sam’s club contributing through it in our industry? 
4. How has ecommerce fundamentally changed over COVID and in a post COVID environment? How are you and Sam’s dealing with this?
5. Tell us about your team and how you motivate them everyday? What is your approach to people leadership?
6. Retail media has fundamentally changed shopping. How are you partnering with MAP and leveraging this for your customers experiences?
7. What trends are you following these days? AI, tech, other or digital trends? Why are these important?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.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 straight from Sydney, Australia by Imteaz Ahamed, founder and CEO of an artificial intelligence platform called Applied Intelligence. This episode is contextual for the CPG industry and covers many topics related to what YOU as a listener - either from a brand or retailer are faced with today.

Find Imteaz Ahamed on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/imteaza/

Find Applied Intelligence on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/applied-intelligence-newsletter/

Find Applied Intelligence online at : https://appliedintelligence.beehiiv.com/

Here's what we discussed : 

1. Is the CPG industry ready for AI at scale?
2. Do we understand the difference between ML & AI?
3. What is applied AI?
4. Where is AI the most effective in commercial forums, teams and growth?
5. Are CMO's doing what's needed to leverage AI?
6. Why ChatGPT is merely a beginning...
7. How can you learn, adapt and adopt.
8. Applied AI in CPG.

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.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 by Michael La Kier, Vice President Brand Development at the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) the largest affiliation of independent grocers in the U.S. andaround the world, boasting 2,500 U.S. stores and 7,500+ globally. This episode was recorded at the 2025 Commerce Media Brand Summit produced by WB Research.

Find Michael on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellakier/
Find IGA on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iga-inc./
Find IGA online at: https://www.iga.com/

Michael answers these questions:

1. What is the history of retail media at IGA and how can brands activate on it?
2. How can independents help brands regain their volume through customer acquisition?
3. How does IGA help its members with assortment planning?
4. Why should all marketing efforts drive actions?
5. How has IGA partnered with Instacart?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/
WB Research: https://www.wbresearch.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. 

In this episode, the CPG Guys are joined by Cristian Arcangeli, Vice President of Omnichannel and Customer Experience at illycaffè, an Italian family business, founded in Trieste in 1933 and committed to offering the greatest coffee to the world.

Find Cristian on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carcangeli/
Find illycaffè on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/illycaffe/
Find Illycaffè online at: https://www.illy.com/en-us

Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/

Cristian answers these questions:

1. Can you share pivotal experiences in your journey from working with fashion brands like Gucci and Diesel to your current role at illycaffè?
2. How does illycaffè ensure a seamless omnichannel experience for its customers?
3. How has illycaffè’s digital business evolved under your leadership? What have been your key objectives in this area?
4. How does illycaffè differentiate its digital customer experience from competitors in the market? What have been successful components of this strategy?
5. Can you discuss any recent digital innovations at illycaffè that have significantly impacted customer experience?
6. How are you leveraging customer data to inform your digital strategies? You have a large presence on Amazon & you have a thriving DTC business. How are you utilizing the generated transaction data?
7. In what ways does illycaffè collect and implement customer feedback to improve its digital platforms?
8. What emerging digital trends do you believe will shape the future of customer experience in the CPG industry?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.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 welcome the senior editor of the Path to Purchase Institute, Cyndi Loza, to discuss the latest retail media networks benchmarking report produced by them and the results. Some outcomes will surprise you, some are a confirmation and some retail media networks have missed the opportunity completely.

Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/

Find Cyndi Loza on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndiloza/

Find Path to Purchase Institute on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-path-to-purchase-institute/

Find Path to Purchase Institute online : https://p2pi.com/

Find the P2PI Retail Media Networks Ratings & Insights Report here: https://p2pi.com/2025-p2p-trend-report-transunion

Here's what we discussed : 

1.) Which retail media networks outperform and are seen as best in class?

2.) Which RMN's have the best measurement frameworks?

3.) Who is the easiest to work with?

4.) Which RMN is integrated with merchants?

and so much more....

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.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 the founder of Doughlicious - the London dough company. Indulgent, yet healthy cookies - yes, that's whipping up treats in her kitchen to becoming London’s cookie queen, Kathryn Bricken turned her American baking magic into a sweet success story. Her legendary homemade cookies, crafted with clean, premium ingredients and free from artificial nasties, sparked such a frenzy among friends—who begged for her secret dough to bake at home—that she knew she had to share her creation with the world.

Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/

Find Kathryn Bricken on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-bricken-78620625/

Find Doughlicious on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/doughlicious-dough/

Find Doughlicious online at: https://doughlicious.co.uk/

Here's what we asked her : 

1. Tell us about you the person? How did the idea for doughalicious come by? How did you convert the idea to a product? 
2. How is doughalicious scaling? Why is it better than other brands? Where can it be found 
3. Take us through the portfolio of doughalicious. What’s next? 
4. In categories where there are brands with deep marketing pockets and distribution how do you captivate the consumer
5. Tell us about your team and how you motivate them everyday? What is your approach to people leadership?
6. Who has been your mentor and advisor and what is the importance of this? What advise would you give other startups in this place? 
7. Challenges as a startup
8. What trends are you following these days? AI, tech, other or food trends? Why are these important? 

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.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.