Andrew K. Smith

-- Podcast Teaser Alert -- "If you want to lead the consumer, you need to be the consumer." - Eric Ryan At one point, Eric Ryan and I were "frienemies". Friends personally, competitors professionally. He was the co-founder and CEO of Method Products PBC, while I led Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day. ................ But in the real world, we were always on the same team. Our collective efforts, along with the team at 7th Generation, were revolutionizing the cleaning category. At Mrs. Meyer's, our mission was clear: 'Together, we dream of a world where the better way becomes THE way.' ................ Eric Ryan shares his insights on creating method products pbc, OLLY PBC, and Welly Bandages, along with his go-to-market approach. Stay tuned for the next drop of the CEO podcast. 🎙 You won't regret it. #cultureFIRSTleadership #ceoPodcast #ChiefEternalOptimist

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A simple quote from Mike Tyson and one of my favorites of all time: "Everybody has a plan 'till they get punched in the mouth." It rings true in the day to day battles of business, especially in CPG. Here are some examples many CPG founders go through or ones I've personally battled: 🥴 You launch a product, did all the research for R&D, focus group testing, and reviewed the packaging thousands of times before launching, but still something went wrong either with shelf life, negative consumer/retailer feedback, or weak sales on shelf 💰 You had cash flow projections in place and expected that with X amount raised, it would last you for Y Months, but ran short of runway and were scrambling to raise more cash to keep the company going in difficult times 🤝 Formed partnerships, only disappointed to find out the partner backed out, or it wasn't the partnership you envisioned and now you are doing damage control and it's causing emotional pain to be with this person 🚛 Brought on a distributor thinking they would push the brand and it would be an estimated cost, but they didn't do their job, and the costs ended up sky-rocketing from chargebacks, thus losing money on every unit 😲You release a great product, and then a competitor comes up with a version of yours that is a lower price point and they have all the marketing dollars in the world to out-compete you. I can go on and on, but in this business, like any business, you have intentions when you go into it, and many times, it doesn't turn out the way you envisioned. What's your story of getting punched in the mouth?

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Craft breweries bloomed, and boomed, by providing drinkers with unique tastes and senses of place. Upstart breweries filled warehouses and former factories with gleaming brew kettles, proof that beer was made right here, by friendly neighborhood folks, not like those commodity lagers made elsewhere anonymously. As demand for craft beer spiked throughout the 2010s, breweries expanded to slake drinkers’ seemingly endless thirst for IPAs. “We all just ramped up production and bought tanks,” says Kieran Farrell, an owner and director of operations of Gun Hill Brewing, which opened in New York City in 2014. “In hindsight it was a mistake.” As demand for craft beer ebbs while the costs of doing business increase, breweries are overhauling their business models by offloading production equipment, closing locations, and sharing production equipment, ingredient orders, and even sales and marketing duties with fellow breweries. For VinePair, I take a deep look at how breweries are banding together to better safeguard their futures. #craftbeer #beerindustry #beer

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SAFE NOTES ARE NOW UNSAFE... OK so what is going to happen to the money that was poured into CPG Brands via these supposed SAFE Notes? Issue is that no priced round took place and now it is likely if it did happen it would be at a fraction of the valuation that was contemplated leading to massive dilution for the founder. Many have a cap...few have a floor. and unless they are converted it will be impossible to raise new money at any valuation. #cpg #safenotes #fundraising

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In 2024, energy drink sales in convenience stores are expected to remain robust despite anticipated price hikes. Sales surged 10.8% in the past year, with smaller brands like CELSIUS Holdings, Inc. and GHOST leading growth. These brands are forecasted to continue expanding shelf space significantly. C-store operators are preparing for higher prices by focusing on variety, promotional deals, and flexible sizing to maintain customer interest. Brands emphasizing functional and low-sugar claims are particularly popular, catering to consumer demand for health-focused beverages. Overall, while inflation poses challenges, the energy drink market in c-stores is poised for continued growth through strategic marketing and product innovation. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/e84H9Bbn C-Store Dive Branded Hospitality Ventures Sally Lyons Wyatt #hospitality #beverage #foodandbeverage #technology #innovation Joe Sobolewski Paul Storey John Fieldly Giancarlo Morena Jarrod Langhans Toby David Mark Magnesen Ryan Hughes

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The Great #Strawberry Showdown: Summer 2024 Heats Up! #BIGOBASKET BEST 1 TOP 1 NEAR YOU #SALESACHIN The summer sun is blazing, and what better way to cool down than with a delightful scoop (or two) of refreshing strawberry ice cream? We've explored some popular brands, and now we have a complete picture of the strawberry showdown! Let's dive into the details: The Contenders and their Strawberry Content: | Brand Name | Strawberry Content (%) | MRP (ml) | Price per ml (₹) | |--------------------|------------------------|-----------|-----------------| | Mother Dairy - Ultimate Strawberry Crush | 6 | 115ml cup | ₹40 | 0.35 | | Mother Dairy - Ultimate Strawberry Crush | 6 | 1L tub (price not mentioned) | Not Available | | Amul - Refreshing Strawberry Ice Cream | 16 | 750ml Family Pack | ₹150 | 0.20 | | Milky Mist - Prime Strawberry Ice Cream | 7 | 750ml BOGO | Not Available (BOGO price ₹270) | | Chitale Bandhu - Premium Strawberry Ice Cream | 27 | 500ml tub | ₹385 | 0.77 | Here's a Recap of Each Brand 1)#MotherDairy Ultimate Strawberry Crush (115ml cup - ₹40, 1L tub - Price not mentioned) This classic favorite boasts of 6% strawberry content, offering a familiar taste at a pocket-friendly price. 2)#Amul Refreshing Strawberry Ice Cream (750ml Family Pack - ₹150) Amul brings the freshness with a whopping 16% strawberry content, perfect for sharing with the whole family! 3) #MilkyMist Prime Strawberry Ice Cream (750ml Buy 1 Get 1 Free - ₹270) Milky Mist goes big on value with their BOGO offer. However, their strawberry content sits at 7%, so the flavor might be slightly subtler. 4)#ChitaleBandhu Premium Strawberry Ice Cream (500ml tub - ₹385)** - This luxurious ice cream boasts a whopping 27% strawberry content and pulp, bursting with real fruit flavor. The Verdict: A Spoonie Paradise! With so many delicious options, the winner depends on your priorities: For value Milky Mist's BOGO deal is unbeatable for stocking up (price per ml would be the deciding factor) For intense strawberry flavor Chitale Bandhu takes the crown with their 27% strawberry content. For a classic and budget-friendly option Mother Dairy's Ultimate Strawberry Crush is a reliable choice. For a family-sized portion Amul's Refreshing Strawberry Ice Cream is perfect for sharing. For pure indulgence Chitale's premium offering is a luxurious treat for strawberry connoisseurs. #AajkuchToofaniFoodi: Share Your Favorite! We want to hear from you! Have you tried any of these strawberry ice creams? Tell us which one tantalized your taste buds the most! Share your experiences and recommendations with us on social media using #AajkuchToofaniFoodi. Remember, MRP prices can fluctuate, so keep an eye out for deals! Happy summer and happy scooping!

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https://lnkd.in/ebPk7cmx Our commitment to you goes beyond just improving your bottom line. We're here to revolutionize the way you operate. #CulinaryAnalytics #ConsultingGroup #DataDriven #Predictions #Restaurants #RestaurantManagement

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https://lnkd.in/ebPk7cmx Our commitment to you goes beyond just improving your bottom line. We're here to revolutionize the way you operate. #CulinaryAnalytics #ConsultingGroup #DataDriven #Predictions #Restaurants #RestaurantManagement

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As a restaurant owner, maximizing revenue is crucial for the success and sustainability of your business. From managing costs to optimizing menu offerings, every decision can impact your bottom line. in today's discussion, I am going to show you eight...

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2023 saw, non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits sales over $565M. That’s a 35% boost in dollar sales vs. the year before—but who’s buying these options? Gen Z is leading the trend in the sense that they are opting out of drinking alcohol. However, they are not the demographic purchasing off your NA menus. So, who is buying? Mostly women ages 34-55. They are looking for products that provide inclusivity. They want to participate in celebrations and feel included in social gatherings with their friends and loved ones. According to NIQ’s 2023 Consumer Outlook, 46% of consumers identified physical or mental wellness as one of their top priorities. And, with 47% of Americans having at least one of three risk factors that contribute to heart disease, it’s no surprise that consumers are increasingly seeking beverages that do more than just quench thirst. Healthy, low sugar options are being requested. Sober October is coming. My community and I want at least 15 solid locations to send our following/customers to for low sugar, crafted non-alcoholic beverage menus. Who's in? Email me to get your menu set, products in and offerings promoted. Andrew Schools Brian Neubauer Zaneta "Zee" Peragine William Harrison George Beattie Buddy Edwards George Beattie Tish Atkins Oatis Smith Priscilla Eich

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What they didn't tell me as a CPG entrepreneur is that dealing with supply chain issues, manufacturing mishaps, investor rejections, cash flow issues, distributor problems, and retailer rejections are all the easy parts of running a business. What they didn't tell me is that the hard part will come from within. The hard part is having to deal with that inner voice. We all know it. It’s the one that’s constantly trying to be sabotaged, constantly trying to be undermined, constantly trying to be silenced, and constantly trying to be turned against you. It’s the voice you have to convince to keep going when the chips are down, the cards are stacked against you, and when it looks like there’s no way out. It’s the voice that tells you you’re not good enough, haven’t done enough, and aren’t capable enough. It’s the voice that wants you to give up and give in. It will be the single hardest thing that you will ever face as an entrepreneur, and it will also be the only thing that is constant throughout your entire journey. You can work on margins, supply, investment, product development, and growth all day long, but without working on the mind none of it will really matter much. Conquer what you can control. 

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Constellation Brands Inc. saw its stock climb during premarket trading on Thursday following an upward revision of its adjusted fiscal 2025 profit forecast, surpassing analyst predictions. The company also reported a robust fourth-quarter profit, driven by the stronger-than-anticipated performance of its beer division. CEO Bill Newlands highlighted the beer business's consistent volume growth over 56 quarters, coupled with impressive margins, although wine and spirits sales experienced a decline. https://lnkd.in/ggNU_G9r Constellation Brands Bill Newlands Branded Hospitality Ventures #Technology #Business #Innovation #AI #investing #venturecapital MarketWatch

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Look Ma, we made it to Sprouts Farmers Market ! 🥂 3 flavors are landing in 30+ select locations in Southern California as part of Sprouts’ Innovation Table and we are thrilled! Big shoutout to the team at Pod Foods for including EATABLE INC. in their Box of Innovation which was instrumental in having us be part of this launch alongside other fab CPG brands. As much as we’re celebrating today, I also wanted to take a second to call out (esp to my non-CPG friends who may not realize this)… The road to mass grocery and retail is HARD AF. 😅 It has always been a dream of Vincent Li and I as founders to see EATABLE popcorn on the shelves of major grocery stores. But truth be told, this journey to bridge EATABLE’s brand identity from a premium gift/department store brand to mass grocery brand has been chock full of headwinds. We’ve pivoted countless times over the last 2 years to tweak: - Pricing (one of the BIGGEST hurdles for emerging brands) - Pack size - Pack design and branding - Distribution model - Logistics and supply chain - Channel strategy - Trade marketing support strategy - Balancing a lean marketing budget between online and offline to drive sellthrough and velocity Getting on shelf is an important first step, but there’s lots of heavy lifting to be done to ensure we sell OFF the shelf too! 🛒 Our journey has been full of small tests, lots of failures and rejection along the way, which have resulted in a TON of learnings (for future posts!) In the meantime, if you or someone you know is in SoCal - Please shop EATABLE INC. at your local Sprouts and grab a bag of popcorn that will POP a party in your mouth, and start conversations at your next gathering! How we perform in these next 90 days at their Innovation Table will determine whether we get to stay on the shelves for the long haul! 🥳 Any CPG friends who have experience selling into Sprouts I’d love to connect and learn from you! And if you happen to see us in store, help a girl out and send a quick photo or “shelfie” with EATABLE - it’ll make my day in more ways than you know! 🍿+🥂 #EATABLE #CPGbusiness #CPGfounder #foodstartup #RetailLaunch #Sprouts #SoCal

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Traditional fast food stocks had a promising performance in Q1, with several companies exceeding expectations and demonstrating resilience in the market. Despite challenges regarding perceptions of healthiness, these chains showcased their strengths in delivering convenience and quality offerings to consumers. Restaurant Brands International reported impressive revenue growth, outperforming analysts' expectations and showcasing its strong market position. El Pollo Loco, Inc. had an exceptional quarter, surpassing expectations across multiple metrics and experiencing a significant increase in its stock price. These positive results underscore the robustness of these fast food brands and their ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences. Read More Here: https://lnkd.in/eGxVFsEC Branded Hospitality Ventures #innovation #venturecapital #hospitality #marketing #startup Jourdan Daleo José Cil Chris Brigleb Duncan Fulton Nick Boyle Josh Kobza Maria Hollandsworth Liz Williams Brian Carmichall Samuel Nicholas Borgese Ira Fils

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Pre COVID, in-person meetings were the standard, and shipping out samples was less common. Since COVID, the Foodservice sales game has shifted. Of course, in person is always ideal and what we strive for at Rooted Food Sales, but now buyers often prefer samples to be shipped in so they can review on their own time. We all have been in a position where samples go missing, they sit around or there’s no urgency to review. For me, as a sales organization that is always trying to level up, you can put steps in place to button up the process and give yourself the best chance of a timely review and follow up call. Here’s some current steps we take at Rooted Food Sales: Step 1: Get a follow-up meeting on the books prior to samples going out. “Hi Jane, Samples will go out this week and arrive on the 5th. Can we get a call on the books for the 15th to chat through your feedback?” Optional: If other people were involved in the samples, make sure to add them on LinkedIn and introduce yourself. Step 2: If tracking is available, take advantage of the additional touch point. “Hey Jane, samples should arrive on Thursday. I look forward to connecting in a couple weeks.” Step 3: Confirm delivery “Hey Jane, it looks like product was delivered. Can you please confirm it was received?” Another thing to think about: Adding connection, color, and life to the samples. Without being able to express this during an in-person, be sure to tell your story and connect through different marketing materials. For larger accounts, I find that a hand written note can be a great personable touch. Curious what other folks do throughout this process?

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STAY IN THE GAME...CASH FLOW IS KING... CPG Emerging Food and Bev Brands are struggling right now. More shutdown announcements each week. It is going to get worse before it bets better. The free flowing investor capital from years past has created too many companies chasing too few slots. Retail itself is struggling and the GO To Market system is broken. It is a classic culling of the Herd and the winners will be the survivors. Those that make it through these stressful and challenging times will emerge more valuable (from today's depressed valuations). During my years running PeaTos (even through the toughest challenges) my motto was always just do what it takes to stay in the game. If you are in the game, you may not have won...but you can't have lost either as winning and losing is only a post mortem measurement. In sports there is a game clock that ends the game. The winner is the one with the higher score when the clock runs out. If the game had lasted 5 more minutes...the results may be quite different. In business there is no game clock per se. So what keeps you in the game...cash flow. Find every possible source of capital (both revenue dollars and investor dollars via equity and debt) and find every way to shave a penny and defer cash going out. Simplified...Cash flow is cash in vs cash out over a set measurement period (say a month). A business can have a P&L monthly loss of $100,000 and yet have positive cash flow in the same period. It is cash flow that is paramount even to profitability. I used to say Profits are like Food for a business...you need them to survive...but there is documented evidence of monks in India surviving for months without Food. Cash flow is like Oxygen for a business. Do you know any human that can last even 5 minutes without it? Remember the Mission IS the Company. Of course your team and your consumers and customers and investors and other stakeholders are important...of course Brand values and culture are critical...but without the Company there is nothing for anyone. Make the tough decisions fast...have the tough conversations tomorrow....keep the Company going...and STAY IN THE GAME! Surviving = Winning! #cpg #investing #cashflow #npcapitaladvisors

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Here's a quarterly update video interview featuring Sean Black, CIO of Happy Belly Food Group (CSE:HBFG). I love companies that have highly-motivated, domain experienced management teams that have worked well before. Putting the band back together again can be powerful in terms of team chemistry and seeing a company hit the ground running. Happy Belly is a good example of this, back in 2013 they sold some of their franchised restaurant brands to MTY Food Group and then again, monetized restaurant brands in 2021, selling assets to Recipe Unlimited Corporation (now Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited). They provided speculative microcap investors with a groundfloor opportunity when they stepped in to refocus a struggling plant-based CSE stock back in 2022. Since then, they have been executing QoQ...8 record quarters in a row and seen the share price rise by more than 600%. This isn't a quick promote-type stock that enters a quickly becoming crowded buzzy sector, this is a management team that are doing what's in their DNA and they've grown up doing for most of their lives. This isn't financial advice at all but if you are a microcap investor, this recent interview might be worth your time to assist with your due diligence and at the very least you'll hear from someone who created a restaurant brand that you've likely eaten at. ✌ 🎤 💧

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Patrick Yearout, who has worked at Ivar's Inc. Restaurants for 25 years, shares how TipHaus transformed their quick service locations by automating tipping without adding labor costs. Since implementing TipHaus in 2023, Ivar's has seen a 31% reduction in employee turnover and saved over 50 hours per month on tip calculations. 📉 Patrick says, “The beauty of TipHaus is that you can just plug it in and don’t have to worry about it at all, unlike other tools, it won’t add any extra work. It definitely had an impact on our staff satisfaction and retention. It also helped with our guest satisfaction, as the guests were now able to add the tips to their favorite servers.” With guest satisfaction scores up from 4.26 to 4.65 and a 30% boost in employee retention, TipHaus is a game-changer for any restaurant looking to streamline its tipping process. 📽 Watch now to learn more! ➡ https://lnkd.in/ede6zP4S #testimonial #tips #serviceindustry #restauranttech #hospitality #employeeretention #tipdistribution

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