Chris Cuvelier

-- 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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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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As the cannabis industry matures, we are starting to get reliable data. This can help make decisions based on real sales figures and not predictions. 10 years ago, there was only one state with adult use sales (#colorado) and a handful of states with medical seals. Now there is 24 sates with adult use sales and an additional 15 states with medical seals. At the moment #california leads with total seals but #michigan leads with per capita seals. #florida leads in medical seals. #missouri with a relatively small population and only 17 months since they launched their adult-use market, is already in fifth place. Thank you Debra Borchardt from Green Market Report for the financial update. #cannabisindustry #cannabiscommunity #cannabisnews #cannabiseducation #cannabispolicy #cannbislaw https://lnkd.in/gc96gcCh

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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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We discussed this on our latest episode of CPG Vibes, BIG BIG news from KeHE Distributors on 11/22, a new program dubbed 'AAP' (administrative allowance program). A flat 2 % off-invoice allowance for specific fees including New item intros, extra performance fees, MCBs, new item set up fees, and lumping fees. My quick thoughts: This is a step in the right direction for sure. UNFI implemented SSI which is a similar program to help brands budget for costs and fees associated with doing business with large national distributors. With all that said, these categories are pretty large and encompassing, so for all the other fees associated with Kehe that can chop down a brand's margin, will this program truly cover it? Likely not, but at least it covers some. What are your thoughts?

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Offering a unique blend of convenience and premium appeal, these top-rated RTDs present a lucrative opportunity for businesses looking to capitalize on consumer preferences.

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Good morning California Cannabis Industry, Today, in the economic evolution of cannabinoids (both cannabis and help), there's one question remaining: WHO WON THE RACE TO THE BOTTOM?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.  

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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 rise of functional beverages is more than just a trend—it's a movement reshaping how we think about what we drink. 📖 Great piece by Keren Landman at Vox on why the better-for-you beverage category is surging, with the market set to surpass $200 billion by 2027. Millennials are leading the charge, consuming these beverages at twice the rate of other age groups.   🌱 This is just the beginning. The rapid innovation and demand we’re seeing are a testament to consumers seeking healthier, more mindful alternatives to traditional drinks.   🌵 We look forward to continuing to pave our own unique path forward for MAGIC CACTUS and provide consumers with a refreshing, healthier beverage that can be enjoyed by a broad base of drinkers nationwide. ✨   Link to full article below:

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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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The SP Meats Story 🌱 In 2020, amid global uncertainty, Segano Projects was born—a testament to finding opportunity in challenge. What started as a small venture soon found its true calling in the meat industry, transforming not just a business, but a dream. 2023 marked a milestone: rebranding to SP Meats. More than just a name change, it was a declaration of purpose. Every step has been about creating something meaningful, something that grows. Change isn't just inevitable—it's exciting. This journey is proof that when passion meets perseverance, magic happens.  The best is yet to come.  #EntrepreneurJourney #BusinessEvolution #SPMeats #EmbracingChange

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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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The non-alcoholic drinks market continues to grow and grow (and mature). Check out recent insights + stats from our friends at Grüvi: March Off Premise Retail Sales: → $48.6M > Identical to February, up 23% YoY → You can see subcategory performance in the chart below. Gruvi predicts: → 30-35% of YoY NA category growth. → 25%+ in off-prem and 50%+ in on-prem. → Premium, high quality craft or import NA beers will capture most of the growth of the NA beer market. → Big bet on NA RTDs to surpass NA wines by end of year. Gruvi has some more great stats in their blog post (link in comments). I’m hearing this same type of growth from members of the Adult Non-Alcoholic Beverage Association (ANBA). There's been some questioning about the growth of the category because of the recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy by non-alc beverage retailer Boisson and the closing of their retail locations. I was going to share some thoughts on this but the Gruvi team summed it up well: “Having served as a supply partner for Boisson, and being intimately familiar with their retail locations, it became apparent that they faced challenges across their retail and e-commerce channels. Boisson positioned itself as the upscale destination for NA beverages, boasting premium locations and a curated assortment. However, despite the overall growth in the NA market, it remains predominantly composed of NA beer (80%) and NA wines/RTDs under $12 (10%). As larger retailers expanded their NA offerings to target the mainstream consumer—the 90% of the market as seen above - Boisson was left with a small addressable market. Unfortunately, the demand proved insufficient for Boisson to sustain its operations.” Andrea Hernández also has a great take on it in her most recent Snaxshot (link in the comments). The adult NA category is maturing. Brands that do not have good business models, have bad product-market, or average quality products will need to adapt or close their doors. And this is not a bad thing. Because what rises out of this are business and products that better serve the consumer. I’m always impressed by the continued release of higher and higher quality NA products, with each raising the bar for the category. And this is great for people looking to moderate or not drink alcohol for whatever reason, and in whatever situation that best suits them. The adult NA category is getting bigger and better each day. And ANBA, our members, and I are here to continue to create a world where everyone has access to great tasting adult non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy in every social situation. And that is something we can all celebrate! 🍾 🥂 🍻 You can join us in growing the category and this movement by visiting ANBA's website and signing up for a soon to launch newsletter (link in comments). And you can follow me, Marcos Salazar 🍺🍷🥃, (& click the bell under my profile banner) to get regular insights and news about NA drinks. ♻️ #Repost if you like this post :-)

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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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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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Launching canned beverages allows you to tap into a rapidly expanding market, diversify your product offerings, and meet the evolving demands of today's consumers. Here's some wild statistics 😲 - Cannabis canned beverage market is expected to grow to $117B by 2032 - Ready-to-drink Coffee surging towards a projected $64.78 billion by 2032 - Hard Seltzer market, valued at $16.5B in 2023, is expected to more than quadruple by 2033 Beverage production can be daunting, but knowing where to start and how to optimize your procedures is the first step to tap into the explosive growth of canned beverages. If you're considering launching a craft beverage, check out the complete guide to production and packaging here. https://lnkd.in/eRRDG72Z

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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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How Sonoma County's Cannabis Equity Program missed the mark: How did Erich Pearson, CEO of SPARC and owner of 7 successful Bay Area dispensaries, along with 3 of his associates, manage to pull in 22% of the $635,000 awarded to grant recipients? Why is it that “a majority of the grant recipients are among the most successful and influential people in the county’s legal cannabis industry, some of (whom) are even promoters of local equity initiatives themselves”, according to Ezra W.’s investigative report for the Sebastopol Times? The Sonoma Valley Cannabis Group suggests that the manner in which these monies were awarded exemplifies the abject failure of a program that should be helping those most in need, but instead rewards some of the most eminently undeserving participants in the county’s cannabis community. Erich Pearson’s feigned support for social equity is the height of hypocrisy. Understanding that some of the recipients may be more deserving of the social equity money provided by the state, it is nevertheless concerning that others appear to have taken advantage of the opportunity and subverted the spirit of “social equity”. Where is the equity here? Mr. Wallach’s article only raises more questions and they deserve much better answers than, “The grant recipient met the eligibility criteria as specified”, and the county “will be reviewing and updating the eligibility criteria in the coming months”. The county has not only failed in this endeavor, it opens the door to questions of corruption of the process. Here is the Sebastopol Times article: https://bit.ly/3Suew44

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