Episodes

Bronya Shillo, the founder of pioneering RTD cocktail brand Fishers Island Lemonade, spoke about why quality of ingredients matters when meeting with retail buyers, how the adage “inch wide, mile deep” guided the brand’s distribution strategy for years and how she built and maintained a relationship with leadership executives at E. & J. Gallo, which acquired her company in May.

Can you pair tinned fish and beer… in the same can? Kids’ cereal flavors in protein drinks – does it work? Is chili crunch and ranch dressing the perfect duo? And, why are we losing it over a “Dragnum”? The hosts discussed how brands are attempting to grab our attention and generate sales via innovation, package design and unexpected collaborations.

Aura Bora co-founder and CEO Paul Voge spoke about how the botanical-centric sparkling water brand has cultivated a loyal community by focusing on flavor, why he believes that “the best marketing is sales and vice versa,” the reason Aura Bora discontinued its viral “Secret Menu,” how DTC success translates to brick-and-mortar sales and why his personal phone number is on every can.

The hosts discussed TikTok’s announcement that it will make its Shop feature available to all of its 150 million U.S. users and ways that it may benefit CPG brands, and also spoke about the challenge of marketing kids’ brands and why some excel while most fade away. They also riffed on several notable products, including beauty-centric beverages, snackable chocolate and Indian-inspired dips.

Brooks Addington, the CEO of sparkling alcohol-alternative brand TÖST, spoke about why the brand’s positioning has resonated with all types of consumers, why having few competitors is “a double-edged sword,” the importance of an affordable price point and a frugal marketing strategy, and the company’s strategic partnership with Constellation Brands.

It was fun while it lasted... The hosts shared highlights from the final edition of Natural Products Expo East, including new brands, standout collaborations and innovative line extensions.

Celsius CEO John Fieldly spoke about how financial discipline is embedded in company culture, why brand-building is about “figuring out where you fit in a consumer’s life,” navigating expectations and opportunities with strategic partner Pepsico and how junior-level employees influence the company’s innovation strategy.

Amid a spate of high-profile investments and acquisitions, the hosts assessed Brooklyn Brewery’s alignment with Hoplark and what it means for the emerging segment of hop-centric beverages and also discussed the timing of Smuckers’ $5.6 billion purchase of Hostess Brands. This episode also features an expansive interview with Adam Crocini, the SVP and global head for food and beverage brands at Hilton.