Marcia Bell

“Growing a CPG company, especially in the food and beverage space, ‘is astronomically harder today,’. ” Paul Voge you said it, man. So many truth bombs dropped in this article about the challenges and difficulties growing and scaling a CPG brand in today’s world. The cruel reality is that it takes a whole lot of money or a whole lot of time (and most times both) along with a fair amount of luck to have a chance at making it. If you dont have a ton of money then you better have a ton of time, some good fortune, and a product that can withstand many changes of the seasons (and "trends"). For most emerging brands today its all about survival and just finding a way.  There are lots of traps out there– lots of shiny objects– lots of vanity metrics hoping to be noticed and cared about–but at the end of the day sometimes its just about living to see another one. Here’s to all you day-to-dayers and week-to-weekers out there that are all just finding a way. Keep finding it.

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While screening resumes today for #trade and #industrial roles, I came across one that started with “No time wasters,” but ironically, it was a total waste of my time. The resume included a comment like, “Don’t you know how fickle the seafood industry is?” which only made it worse. It had absolutely no substantial information about the candidate. Here’s how you can avoid these embarrassing mistakes and ensure your resume stands out: ✅ Unprofessional Tone: Avoid dismissive phrases and defensive comments. Your resume should convey professionalism and a positive attitude. ✅ Vague or Irrelevant Information: Highlight specific skills, certifications, and accomplishments relevant to the job. ✅ Inconsistent Formatting: Use clear headings, bullet points, and a logical layout. ✅ Lack of Focus: Tailor your resume to the specific role you’re applying for. ✅ Overly Long or Short: Keep your resume concise and relevant. What’s the most memorable mistake you’ve seen on a resume, I would love to know! #ResumeTips #TradeIndustry #IndustrialJobs #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #ProfessionalGrowth

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Chipotle’s smoked brisket promotion is a masterclass in strategic supply chain management. Planning over two years ahead, the company secured millions of pounds of beef at stable prices, mitigating the cost challenges of offering the higher quality cut. The effort required precise, long-term contracts with global suppliers and strict adherence to responsible sourcing standards. Chipotle’s foresight and strategic partnerships demonstrate how thoughtful supply chain planning can drive innovation while minimizing risk to margin, enabling the company to offer new and exciting products to customers without compromising on quality or profitability. #StrategicPlanning #RiskManagement #SupplyChainManagement

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Aspen Global Enterprises Inc. Announces Joint Venture with Martens Fresh Bedminster, NJ – Aspen Global Enterprises Inc., a leading Metro New York-based IQF and frozen food processor and distributor of potatoes, fruits, and vegetables, today announced a strategic joint venture with Martens Fresh, based in Port Byron, NY. This partnership will launch a new line of all-day IQF Breakfast Potatoes side dishes for the Retail, Foodservice, and Club Store business segments. Aspen Global Enterprise’s collaboration with Martens Fresh, a 100-year veteran in the potato industry enhances the capabilities to bring new product innovation and increased capacity in the IQF potato category. The focus remains on Non-GMO, organic and pesticide free products for private brand retail as well as foodservice chains seeking convenient value-added side dishes. "This joint venture marks a significant milestone in our mission to deliver innovative, high-quality products to our customers. Our partnership with Martens Fresh combines expertise, technology, and strategic location to revolutionize the breakfast potato category." - Tim Martens and Michael Zieger, Collaborating Partners. Aspen Global Enterprises owner Michael Zieger and Martens Fresh owner, Tim Martens   The joint venture assures quality products with competitive pricing produced in the 108,000 square foot plant. Aspen Global Enterprises brings over 40 years of expertise in the IQF potato category with success in sales growth in the double digits, knowledge within the industry to anticipate trends and provides solutions in logistics, product development and supply chain management. With extensive experience in private brand one of their core strengths is to grow your product portfolio to increase sales in your brand with superior quality IQF products to call your own. The product line ranges from shredded and diced white potato hashbrowns to new innovative potato O’Briens available in diced sweet potato or diced white potato with red and green peppers and onions. A shredded white potato O’Brien and a red skin-on potato O'Brien are also available. Looking for a unique proprietary product? The R&D team will collaborate with you to customize products to elevate your brand. While all products are Non-GMO, organic is also available. Two of their SKUs are offered as certified pesticide free: shredded white hashbrowns and diced white hashbrowns. Breakfast potato side dishes have evolved into all day sides as well as an ingredient in bowls also popular throughout the day. Aspen Global Enterprises team of sales specialists build lasting relationships with their customers with a mutual goal of helping you achieve success through their dedication, innovation and a unique understanding of your business. They are IQF potato solution specialists. Visit Aspenglobalenterprise.com For more information email us at: [email protected] #Announcement, #Joint Venture, #Press Release, #Potato

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This one daily habit helps me stay focused as a CPG entrepreneur: (Spoiler alert: it’s not “cold plunging”) Can you guess what habit this is? If you guessed “journaling,” you’d be right! Everyone’s favorite productivity hack didn’t work for me. In fact: I was against it for a long time. (I have dozens of unfinished notebooks in my office right now, gathering cobwebs in my drawers) My problem is that I would be consistent, write every day, and then fall of it for a bit… for seemingly no reason. I just thought maybe journaling didn’t work for me. I was wrong. I found a system that actually works: An electric notebook. This helped me build a daily writing habit: To-do lists, goals, my self-development journey, etc. I started writing whatever I wanted. Almost immediately, I was: • Checking in with myself, morning and night • Reflecting on my day with intention and gratitude • Being more present, conscious, and aware of my goals Most of all: Journaling has helped me stay aligned with my core values, mission, and vision—as a CPG entrepreneur, and not-too-serious human. If you’re building a business, you need to stay focused on your long-term vision. Whether you use journaling, meditation, to-do lists, or another form of reflection to stay on track… Just try sticking with it. See what happens in a few months, or even a year. You never know what could happen. P.S. Do you journal? If so, are you Team Electric or Team Ordinary Notebook? 

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Hope you can join us for a webinar next week to learn how Connecticut Foodshare is feeding their community hyper local produce from two Freight Farms!

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So 3 of the critical lessons I’ve learned as a new, CPG founder, seem to mirror 3 of the critical lessons I once learned as an aspiring organic farmer. (Featured here: Our ram, Gordon, who despite being in charge, can’t always predict what he will have to deal with lol ) #1: It is absolutely brutal You will work harder than you’ve ever imagined. You will lose money for awhile. And, it’s sad but somewhere along the way, many of your friends and competitors will inevitably quit. They will walk away from their effort and savings and say …”nope. Can’t do it anymore.” And I understand that. I say: keep going. # 2: Culling Just as an unwell animal or plant can lead to major problems for your livestock or crop, so can a toxic team member. Once you know in your gut a member of your team isnt right/honest/hardworking… you know. Go with your gut, and cut them off 💯. # 3: Your product will change at scale This was hard for me. The healthiest ginger beer you can make is fermented, raw, and made on your own countertop. Truthfully I tried to do that at scale, and it was impossible. So we pivoted and I am thrilled with our new, commercial product. It’s still super healthy! But it’s no longer our farmhouse brew, and that’s ok. Final note: If you have a farmers market in your area… please go 🤩 This is where the beauty/innovation in food happens. It’s a grind for the farmer and a win for many of us… but an unbelievably important feat. Let’s do this 👊

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Announcements like these seem to be happening more frequently lately. An organization formally sharing that a division is up for sale. Others might say it's under "strategic review". Often, when this happens, we understandably start to get phone calls from employees who worry about the future of their roles. Roles at the plant and warehouse are often safe - at least for the short term. If changes are to be made at that level (i.e. a plant or warehouse being consolidated with another), there is often plenty of advance notice given. However, the future of corporate roles will be dependent on who buys the business. One thing is certain - for the business to maximize it's sale price, they will need to show some level of stability in the business. That means that if everyone starts jumping ship, the company will have an issue. Therefore, the more valuable your role, the more likely the company may offer a retention bonus to ensure you stay at least through the end of the sale. The white collar job market is slow right now. Despite the job creation that has been seen this year (less so in April), only around 10% of that has been white collar job growth. We fully expect this to bounce back to 2019 levels in Q3. Therefore, if your company states that your business is being put up for sale, don't stress. First, you likely have 4-6 months (at least) until everything is finalized. Secondly, you might be able to double dip a bit by earning a retention bonus and later a severance (if the role is eliminated) while timing the lining up of a new position. For those that have been through this in the past, what's been your experience? https://lnkd.in/e3jmGbjJ #LifeWorkSearch #Hiring #Firing #SupplyChain

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🔥 Hey Fresh Produce and Supply Chain Professionals! Let's talk about the latest insights from Ron Pelger article in The Produce News. It's a reality check for all of us in the industry! Link in comments below.🌱🚀 Ron highlights some critical issues we're facing: - Back to Basics: Produce managers are reverting to old methods to manage the increasing challenges. It’s about finding what works and sticking to it. 💡 - Training & Education: There’s a growing emphasis on training and re-educating staff to ensure top-notch quality and service. Knowledge is power! 📚 - Cleanliness is Key: Maintaining clean and organized produce departments is non-negotiable. A clean department can significantly impact sales and customer satisfaction. 🧽✨ - Stock Management: Efficient stock management is crucial to prevent out-of-stocks and ensure customers get what they need when they need it. 📦 I’ve personally seen a lot of dirty departments recently, and out-of-stocks at a retailer this weekend hampered me from buying $10 to $20 in additional Fresh Produce. Shopping on a Friday evening and anytime other than morning is risky for stock conditions at retailers. Unfortunately, customers are not able to fill their baskets accordingly. 🛒❌ Let's take these insights to heart and strive for excellence in our produce departments. Our customers deserve the best, and it’s up to us to deliver! 💪🍎 Dan Avakian 💧 Patrick Kelly 🍊 "Lil Citrus" John Paap Mattie Fisher Jihoon Kim Bryan Barsness - What have conditions been like in supermarkets you shop? #FreshProduce #SupplyChain #CustomerExperience #RetailExcellence #RossTheProduceBoss #ProduceIndustry

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Interesting trend signal that I stumbled on about beer, based on interviews with brewers in the U.S. Got me thinking about two things. First, what makes a trend "overrated" (i.e. is it really a trend if noone likes it?) and then...there's this: “Posting negative beer reviews on your social media page is the most overrated trend in craft beer. Beer used to be about bringing people together and forgetting about your troubles. Now, the perception of [the craft beer scene] from the outside is a demographic of ‘craft fans’ who go out to breweries, sample beers, then go on social media and sh*t on everyone’s beer because they think it makes them look cool and knowledgeable to the other ‘connoisseurs.’" What?!! Having worked a lifetime in drinks, dabbling in homebrewing and keeping a fresh take on things via my Instagram #beerbootsandbikes account, this level of adversity in the beer world simple doesn't resonate with me at all...what say you? Link to article: https://lnkd.in/eHQ27ZvV Link to my Instagram page: https://lnkd.in/efmSSSv9 #beer #trends #insightinhindsight

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This morning, I have the pleasure of announcing a new food waste diversion partnership between Tillamook County Creamery Association and Nutrition 101, LLC! As of last week, TCCA will no longer send finished goods waste from our national network of third-party warehouses to the landfill. Working with 101, we can now divert our finished goods waste to de-packaging facilities where the food contents are then sent to either animal feed, compost, or anaerobic digestion. As stated by the EPA, food waste contributes to 24% of landfill inputs but causes roughly 58% of methane emissions from landfills. The ethical and environmental challenges of food waste are becoming increasingly apparent as companies and governments strengthen their commitments to decreasing their impact. 10 years ago, I remember industry-wide availability of de-packaging systems in the food manufacturing sector being a worthy dream, and now it is quickly becoming the norm! Beyond that, I've seen increasing interest from farms in utilizing food manufacturing byproducts to supplement feed rations and new tech to help bring it all together. The tide is turning quickly and from my vantage there is a lot of potential to greatly reduce the amount of food waste going the landfill. At TCCA, we still have more work to do but we are quite proud of this giant leap forward. Special thanks to Brian Grenier and Patrick McHugh, CTP at TCCA for their leadership in making this partnership a reality. https://lnkd.in/gHHe8GPR

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What I learned after 19 years as an Operations and Supply Chain Manager: Orchestrating the Symphony: As an Operations Manager and Supply Chain professional, I’ve learned that our role is akin to conducting a symphony. We blend procurement, sourcing, logistics, production, quality control, quality assurance, and delivery into a harmonious flow, each note matters – from negotiating contracts to ensuring timely deliveries, the magic lies in orchestrating these moving parts seamlessly. Global Dance: Operations managers waltz with global trends, we tango with customer demand, cha-cha with logistics, and salsa with resources. It’s a dance where missteps can lead to waste, but efficiency blooms when the rhythm’s right. #operations_management #supply_chain_management https://lnkd.in/dQi5UFuP

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In this episode of The Natural List, co-hosts Jessica Rubino and Adrienne Smith are joined by nutrition experts Jessie Shafer, RD and Debra Eschmeyer. According to Eschmeyer, two out of three children on average drink a sugary beverage every day. Moreover, children consume approximately fifty-three pounds of added #sugar per year. To combat this acclimation to extremely sweet products, many #CPG brands are starting to reduce added sugar and natural sweeteners in children’s products and increasing nutrients like fiber and protein. Bottom line: when it comes to sweetness, less is more. Listen here: https://utm.io/ugPXr #naturalproducts #brands #lowsugar #childrensnutrition

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Why the New Direct-to-Consumer shipment Legislation is Crucial for New York's Craft Spirits Industry: Here are five key reasons why this new law is so important: 📈ECONOMIC SURVIVAL & GROWTH: Direct shipping provides a steady revenue stream, helping small distilleries and cideries survive and grow. This is crucial to prevent more closures and boost local economies. 🧑🏽‍🌾SUPPORT FOR LOCAL AGRICULTURE: NYS craft distilleries and cideries use locally sourced ingredients. Expanding their market reach through direct shipping supports state farmers and sustainable agriculture. 🚗ENHANCE TOURISM & LOCAL ECONOMY: Craft distilleries and cideries are key tourist attractions. Allowing direct shipping lets visitors purchase their favorite products from home, driving ongoing long-term economic benefits from tourism. ⭐️MARKET EXPANSION & CONSUMER ACCESS: Direct shipping opens markets for small producers, who often can't penetrate traditional retail channels. This increases sales and brand recognition for our unique, high-quality products. 🤝JOB CREATION: Enabling manufacturer DTC shipping supports job creation within the beverage industry and related sectors like logistics. This holistic economic impact is vital for New York's post-pandemic recovery. In conclusion, this development is more than just a convenience—it's a lifeline for small businesses across the state. This legislation is a game-changer, It will bolster small businesses, support local agriculture, enhance tourism, expand markets, and create jobs—contributing to a vibrant and sustainable economic future for New York State. Cheers for this victory! 🍸🍹🥃

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Can we have an honest discussion about Foxtrot? First, big kudos to Snaxshot for breaking the news before anyone else and handling it, IMHO, in a balanced and professional manner. Second, to be clear, I am very upset to see Foxtrot close down, especially in this rapid manner. I know how hard this must be for everyone involved and I am so sad to see these stores close, especially the one in Old Town Alexandria, which was anchoring such an important corner of the neighborhood. But, maybe this is a time for greater reflection for the industry. I assume, as everyone should Foxtrot did not fail because of mismanagement or poor leadership. No blame there. Macro effects - high rents, high labor costs and reduced foot traffic in downtown areas- were likely the biggest problems Foxtrot faced and made profitability impossible. Scaling too fast was also likely another key problem. I can only guess here. But the scaling too fast question should make us all take a step back and look at the assumptions behind why Foxtrot was such a darling of the industry and investor portfolios...until this week. To my knowledge bodegas and CVS locations (that Foxtrot was, I assume, competing against) are not failing and shutting down at the same rate. So maybe, this is another case where investors, who come from the 0.1%, were just WAY WAY too out of touch with the vast majority of consumers. Investors in the food industry continue to assume that the market for eclectic and esoteric food and bev is/was much, much bigger than it actually is....so many examples. Maybe bodegas and old school delis aren't so bad. They get the job done. They do not have to be "cool." They have been great businesses for immigrant families for generations. Why do we need to make them "cool?" Food is not fashion. Food and beverage (non-alcohol) are not lifestyle brands. Food brands are not aspirational brands. Consumers don't anchor their identity to food brands or get tattoos of food company logos. Food is amazing, personal and cultural...food brands are not. We are commodities. We are easily replaceable and often consumers don't distinguish between brands. It takes a hundred years and continuous work to build brand loyalty in a commodity...I am competing against one of those. Let's stop trying to make food "cool" and just make it better for the average consumer. Our consumers should be families and people just trying to pay their rent and get to work and not the millionaire heiress with the huge TikTok following. https://lnkd.in/ebMgUn6y

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HUGE deal: PepsiCo is acquiring Siete Foods for $1.2 billion. Before you doubt that valuation, I’ll say it:  Siete earned their price tag. CPG is hard.  Fundraising in this economic environment is hard. Disrupting stale categories (beans, tortillas, salsa, sauces) is hard. Challenging multi-brand, billion-dollar companies is very hard. Winning market share in salty snacks (chips) is very very hard. Building a multi-category food brand is very very very hard. Getting acquired by your biggest competitor – near impossible. All of those accomplishments are a legacy to be proud of. But the hardest work is just beginning. Because now it’s the family of founders’ job – all 7 of them –  To protect the legacy that they’ve built. To preserve the values that made this brand what it is today. To fight for what they believe when literal billions are at stake. Siete Family Foods x PepsiCo, Keep fighting the good fight. #food #innovation #mergers #acquisitions #marketing #finance

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Everyone seems scared of the rise of Private Label. I think customers truly want to support BFY Mission driven brands - but not at a premium price. We have figured out how to be cost conscious by being vertically integrated and now we are using some of those saved $$ for sampling + story telling to gain “good brand karma” PL is here to stay and grow- as a CPG brand you have to figure out how to have a strong brand that is priced in line with PL. #cpg #brandbuilding

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I'm not sure how we suddenly found ourselves at the end of July, but here's my #fridayfive: 1. As the industry continues to explore alternative food production methods, here's a new one: CO2 butter. Backed by Bill Gates, Savor is focused on creating "real fats from carbon." All of these efforts are interesting, but what happens when the most fundamental thing that connects humans to the earth - eating real foods - ends? Is there such a thing as human terroir? https://lnkd.in/eDjTMd89 2. But while there is something to be said about the disconnection of humans from whole foods, there's also a strong case for how cultivated meats and other tech-based products can help address food insecurity and - as is the case with Singapore - national security. https://lnkd.in/e9R3mWCB 3. While some companies are looking to science and the future, others are pulling from our past. This article (https://lnkd.in/eZcwU8rW) details how Arthur Watkins' extraordinary seed bank, which was collected a hundred years ago, are helping scientists rediscover "lost" crop genetics which are, in turn, being used to create hardier and more nutritious varietals. 4. Speaking of historic, how about this Ellia Kassof began resurrecting discontinued products. I've got to say, and not to age myself, but I recognize - and enjoyed - a lot of these brands. In fact, we had a cat named Hydrox! https://lnkd.in/erFyexCR 5. Finally, move over cocaine bear because cocaine sharks are the new drug addled predator to avoid. And while this may seem like a throw away topic consider what this may mean if we need to be concerned not just about overfishing and heavy metal contamination but also the possibility that seafood and fish may be strung out on coke. How much more complicated can eating possibly get? https://lnkd.in/e9W8X2xg #innovation #trends2024 #consumerbehavior #foodservice #foodandbeverageindustry #restaurants #brands #technology #agriculture #cpg #consumerinsights #menumattersllc

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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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