The CPG Guys

The CPG Guys interview RBC Capital Markets' Managing Director Nik Modi at the 2025 Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference in Orlando FL.

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/

Nik’s thoughts heading into CAGNY: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YiOhWzZWjMiBSkfd_JB3HXWcEeCjj7IV/view?usp=drivesdk

We Ask Nik about these topics:

1. Volume Growth projections universally flat…what’s up?
2. Price Points & Inflation…how can revenue grow?
3. Private Label no one is talking about it?
4. Omnichannel - is the trend over?
5. Retail Media not mentioned?
6. Assortment mix - is innovation pipeline driving inefficient y of profitability?
7. Everyone talks M&A…where is the organic growth?
8. Focus on EBITA growth without volume growth…are layoffs imminent?
9. GLP-1
10. What is geopolitical uncertainty causing brands to do?

To learn more about CAGNY, click here: https://consumeranalystgroupny.com/

To access all of the CAGNY presentations, click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10E493RGHHjB3nwV7-Ga-t-RPCdLm719R?usp=drive_link

LA fire relief : https://www.directrelief.org/ (always research before giving)

Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/?utm_source=cpg+guys&utm_medium=multi-channel_campaign&utm_campaign=mktgstrat_Retail+Media+Strategy+-+CPG+Guys

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. 

In this episode, the CPG Guys analyze the 2025 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) conference.

To learn more about CAGNY, click here: https://consumeranalystgroupny.com/

To access all of the CAGNY presentations, click here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10E493RGHHjB3nwV7-Ga-t-RPCdLm719R?usp=drive_link

LA fire relief : https://www.directrelief.org/ (always research before giving)

Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/?utm_source=cpg+guys&utm_medium=multi-channel_campaign&utm_campaign=mktgstrat_Retail+Media+Strategy+-+CPG+Guys

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. 

This special episode of The CPGGUYS features four guests - the WINNERS of our 2024 Omnichannel awards - 'The OMNIES'. The Omnies recognizes a select few every year that have dedicated a career to evolving from brick & mortar to being truly omnichannel and championing it in the industry. Our four winners this past year have done exactly that. Our sincere CONGRATS to Doug Jossem from Walmart Connect, Tonya Douglas from Giant Foods (part of the ADUSA family), Cely Moreno from PepsiCo and Cara Pratt from Kroger precision marketing/84.51. 

Find Doug Jossem on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-jossem-2595574/

Find Tonya Douglas on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-douglas-15889bb/

Find Cely Moreno on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/cely99/

Find Cara Pratt on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-pratt-2429614/

Here's what we asked each of them about leadership :

1.) You've demonstrated a lifetime of leadership - what principles are you anchored on that have served you well?

2.) How did you embrace omnichannel leadership and how do you keep up with learning given all the changes in our industry?

3.) What is your advice to others in this space, and how do you advocate working with digital leaders on this very leadership?

4.) Tell our audience about brand & retail leadership - what can the industry expect from you in 2025?

LA fire relief : https://www.directrelief.org/ (always research before giving)

Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/?utm_source=cpg+guys&utm_medium=multi-channel_campaign&utm_campaign=mktgstrat_Retail+Media+Strategy+-+CPG+Guys

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 CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by the CEO of Nature's Bakery - Steve Gardiner. He has previously held roles in commercial leadership at Henkel and PepsiCo. We personally love the portfolio and the Fig bars are our favorite. As such, this was both a fun and informative discussion. 

Find Steve on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-gardiner-6092b11/

Find Nature's bakery on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/nature-s-bakery/

Find Nature's bakery online at : https://naturesbakery.com/

Here's what we asked him : 

1. Let’s get to know you. Take us through your career developing at PepsiCo, then leading sales at Henkel and Nature’s bakery to leading it. What leadership principles have you anchored your career on?
2. Take us through the portfolio of the company and your innovation approach. What’s new for 2025? 
3. How are you looking at Omnichannel holistically and coaching your teams on building 360 plans?
4. You are up against stiff larger competitors with deep media pockets - how do you match up here and become the challenger that is fast growing?
5. Take us through talent development. What do you look for in your leaders and how have you structured for long term growth?
6. You’ve shared it before, what are the 5 things required to create a successful food brand? 
7. What challenges are you currently facing in the market? How are you adjusting your strategy in response?
8. What advice would you give to leaders or CEOs of emerging brands?

LA fire relief : https://www.directrelief.org/ (always research before giving)

Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/?utm_source=cpg+guys&utm_medium=multi-channel_campaign&utm_campaign=mktgstrat_Retail+Media+Strategy+-+CPG+Guys

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. 

This is a special episode from our partner podcast - The FMCG Guys. They recently had Christian Stammkoetter, who is Danone’s President AMEA (Asia Middle East Africa) and Member of the Executive Committee. He joins Efrain and Daniel to speak about how, in the course of his career, has worked on multi-billion mergers, moved geographies, led teams, grown as a leader and developed a reliable routine to manage frequent long-haul travel.

Find Christian Stamkoetter on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-stammkoetter/

Find Danone on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/danone/

Find Danone online at : https://www.danone.com/

Here's what they discussed:

• His career beginnings in FMCG and running a start-up
• Being Impact-driven and putting people at the heard of the business
• What’s important when integrating large businesses
• The new world of hybrid working and how to lead these organizations
• His current role leading a wide, diverse geography
• Creating Global Talent Pipelines

LA fire relief : https://www.directrelief.org/ (always research before giving)

Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/?utm_source=cpg+guys&utm_medium=multi-channel_campaign&utm_campaign=mktgstrat_Retail+Media+Strategy+-+CPG+Guys

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. 

In this episode, the CPG Guys review all of the television ads that played in Super Bowl 59, February 9, 2025.

This episode is sponsored by Recess - 'helps CPG brands connect with their key retail shoppers, delivering experiential sampling in high-impact locations like gyms, colleges and community events to drive trial and conversion. Now integrated into retail media leading to measurable in-store sales.'

LA fire relief : https://www.directrelief.org/ (always research before giving)

Apply to join the Cornell retail media program https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/?utm_source=cpg+guys&utm_medium=multi-channel_campaign&utm_campaign=mktgstrat_Retail+Media+Strategy+-+CPG+Guys

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. 

PVSB himself is the guest in this episode as the tables are turned and he is interviewed by Lucas Barros, Head of Walmart Connect Chile.

This episode was recorded in December 2024 at the Walmart Chile Accelerate Suppliers Summit.

Find Lucas Barros on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-barros-631955103/

Find Walmart Connect Chile on Linkedin here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/walmart-connect/

Find Walmart Connect Chile online here: https://walmartconnect.cl/

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 with Cornell University executive director for the food industry programming and faculty at the Johnson School of Management to discuss the first Executive Education programming on retail media offered May 5-8 at New York City. This program has been carefully designed in partnership with us at the CPGGUYS. Sri Rajagopalan has a decade plus experience of omnichannel retail and is an OG and pioneer of retail media. Partnering with the CPGGUYS for day 4 is modern merchandising programming by Thinkblue - Sri's other management consulting firm focused on the cutting edge of retail transformation anchored on the digital consumer. 

Find out more or Register here : https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/

Find Dan Hooker on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/hookerdaniel/

Find Cornell University on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/school/cornelljohnsonmba/

Find Cornell University education online at : https://ecornell.cornell.edu/

We discuss :

1. Who should attend?

2. Why now?

3. What's in the curriculum

4. How can you apply : https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/marketing/retail-media-strategy/

5. What will you learn - can you apply it in your everyday work?

6. Will an attendee get an executive certification from Cornell University - YES, you can share it on Linkedin !

More on the programming will be shared over the coming months.

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 CPGGUYS host Parbinder Dhariwal - VP of CVS Media Exchange and Andrew Lipsman from Media, Ads + Commerce for a LIVE fireside chat while at CES. This discussion is all about the latest retail media budget sentiment executed by Andrew and CPGGUYS surveying brands and retailers and where we stand in the industry.

Find Andrew Lipsman on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-lipsman-10b2162/
Find Media, Ads + commerce on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/media-ads-commerce/posts/?feedView=all
Find Media, Ads + commerce online at : https://mediaadsandcommerce.substack.com/
Find Parbinder Dhariwal on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/parbinderdhariwal/
Find CVS Media Exchange on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/cvsmediaexchange/
Find CVS Media Exchange online at : https://www.cvsmediaexchange.com/

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 CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by FMI CCO Mark Baum. FMI, the food industry association, provides leadership to retailers and wholesalers of food, beverage, and consumer products, along with their manufacturer/supplier trading partners, by facilitating growth and collaboration, and promoting their role in feeding families and enriching lives.

Find Mark Baum on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-baum-28b8822/
Find FMI on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/fmithefoodindustryassociation/
Find FMI online at : https://www.fmi.org/

Hear Mark's earlier episode with Liz Buchanan from NielsenIQ on retail media here : https://podcasts.apple.com/az/podcast/retail-media-insights-with-fmis-mark-baum-and/id1517335575?i=1000675428315

Here's what we discussed with Mark : 
1. A lifetime of leadership. Take us through the years and how you got to FMI.
2. There’s few closer to the industry’s challenges than you. What are today’s challenges for retail? 
3. Retail media : love it, hate it - it’s occupying mindshare. Demystify what matters here and why is it so important?
4. Let’s talk FMI - what are your pillars of strategic influence in the industry?
5. How does FMI accomplish outreach to brands and retailers? Why should brands be investing more with FMI? I believed it was the sensible thing to do.
6. With upcoming changes in government, how are you preparing to engage with all the constituents your serve?
7. How does FMI stay abreast of trends in the industry? How does your staff get trained? What trends are you following? 
8. Tell us finally about all year events, education and programming you offer to your stakeholders? Who should take advantage of what?

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.