CPG Vibes

We are excited to have our 2nd installment of our Master Series. We bring on inspiring and accomplished individuals from the CPG community to share their wealth of knowledge on our show LIVE and answer any questions from the audience. For this special episode we are featuring: Jake Karls - Co-Founder of Mid-Day Squares Mike Fata - Founder of Manitoba Harvest and Investor/Advisor Seth Goldman - Co-...

On this week's episode, we discuss whether a CPG owner should call it quits or keep going in this environment. We are hearing the stories of struggle. What are the signs and how can you either keep going through adversity or pivot to do something new? (consulting, join another company). We also will discuss news items (OWYN acquisition) and much more! Co-Hosts Alex Bayer and Wade Yenny with a...

This week we discuss the after-math of Foxtrot abruptly closing their doors and the ripple effect it has caused in the CPG industry with suppliers, emerging brands, distributors, and others affected by this unfortunate event. We will also discuss the reality of building a CPG brand in this environment and how the survival rate is low and brands are going out of business left and right. This week&#...

We are beyond excited this week to announce the very first edition of our 'Outside The Tank' Special Edition Series. We bring on CPG entrepreneurs who have appeared on Shark Tank and presented their brand to the sharks. This Volume 1 episode features: Jake Deleon (Fila Manila) Kirsten Maitland (Rebel Cheese) Michael Pan (Pan's Mushroom Jerky) Sean Riley (DUDE Wipes) Kendra Bennett (Bon...

This week we talk common pit-falls when running a CPG brand including chargebacks, expanding too quickly, weak margins, unconvincing and me-too product and packaging, entering a category too late and missing the wave, plus other items to look out for to make sure you increase your chance of success. We also talk all things CPG news wire including the closing of Non-Alc Spirits retailer Boisson and...

After coming off a monster 'Master Series' episode last week and 3 straight weeks of events and guests, we are going back to our roots with a show featuring just our esteemed co-hosts Alex & Wade bantering back and forth and talking all things CPG. We will cover the latest news wire hot topic items in CPG, and really focus on interacting with the audience and shouting out comments. Thi...

This is the first 'Master Series' episode and we are totally pumped for this one! We are bringing CPG's foremost experts on brand building, marketing, sales, brokerage, and investing. This episode we are bringing on John Foraker, CEO and Co-Founder of Once Upon a Farm, Chris Hunter, Co-Founder and CEO of plant-based nutrition drink KOIA, Rachel Robb, Executive VP of Critical Mass Group...

Shane is the Founder/CEO of MUD/WTR, which is re-shaping how the consumer enjoys their morning ritual and is a replacement for coffee. Shane deeply feels caffeine is essentially not good for us, and his product MUD/WTR includes a blend of herbs, mushrooms, and cacao (Masala chai, chaga, lions mane, and cordyceps + cacao, turmeric, cinnamon and sea salt). His brand which started as a DTC (direct-to...

We are broadcasting LIVE from the ilevelbrands North Hall booth hashtag#N2223 (2nd floor) and will be featuring guests from the expo floor just popping in. This is our 2nd year doing a show live from the show floor and we could not be more excited! Co-Hosts Alex Bayer and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space of 35 years, chat about all things food and beverage in the market and s...

At the top of our show, we discuss events and brand booths we recommend to check out at Expo West in Anaheim. We also are pumped about a few special CPG Vibes Episodes coming up including 'The Master Series' with top experts in the industry and 'Outside The Tank' with brand owners that appeared on Shark Tank who share their experiences. Plus all the usual CPG chatter and banter bet...

This episode we hear updates from Wade on how his search is going for what's next in his career. We also discuss news on funds that have raised more capital, and the continuing difficult climate in CPG and best practices to navigate through this tough period. This week's episode is sponsored by Origo Brands and our on-going sponsor Vdriven. Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny...

This week we chat all things CPG including but not limited to the growth of prebiotic sodas (Olipop, Poppi, etc.) and how they clocked the largest year-over-year growth. We also discuss a new prebiotic soda from founder of Koia, Maya French called 'Happy Pop.' Lastly, we talk about show touring strategies at Expo West and how to get the most out of this momentous event! This week's epi...

This episode we reminisce and pay tribute to CPG legend Bob Moore, founder of Bob's Red Mill, who recently passed away at the age of 94. We also discuss our plans for a live show at Expo West and how you can get involved, and other CPG related items. Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space of 35 years, chat about all things food and beverag...

Jeff founded JPG Resources as an avenue to help build businesses across the food industry. By combining the technical background from a decade of hands-on Product Development experience with the leadership and management perspective gained from integral involvement as a business leader as they grew Kashi by 30x over 8 years, he is able to offer a unique set of skills and experiences to partners. C...

This week we are all about offering insights to help the CPG Founder and sales team. Alex Bayer offers complimentary advice on crowdfunding for anyone interested in raising online whether it's a security based raise or kickstarter. Wade offers advice from a buyer's perspective and how to win at retail both in the category manager meeting and also once you're on shelf. We also discuss a...

After coming off a high from our 100th Episode extravaganza last week, we are back for Episode 101. We plan to discuss the recent lawsuit against UNFI for chargebacks, we will recap Fancy Food Show Winter 2024, and more! This week's episode is sponsored by HALVA and our on-going sponsor VDriven. Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space of 35...

Join us to celebrate the 100th episode of CPG Vibes! As part of the celebration, we will be bringing on 3 lucky winners to be special honorary guests. Don't worry, we are still going to discuss all things CPG just like we always do! This week's episode is sponsored by our on-going sponsor Vdriven. Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space...

In this episode we will discuss more about presenting your new item in retail and strategies with the category manager, will talk more about the happenings at Expo West and events to look out for, and anything else CPG related. Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space of 35 years, chat about all things food and beverage in the market and share w...

After a 2 week break for Christmas and New Year's, we are BACK to discuss all things CPG. Some topics we plan to discuss: Upcoming trade shows, review cycles in full swing, some new Series A funding events, and more! Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space of 35 years, chat about all things food and beverage in the market and share what’s g...

We discuss the continual struggle of CPG Brands through 2023 and how money has dried up and there is a strong focus on profitability. Is there an end in sight or will this continue through 2024? Our predictions are in this episode. Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space of 35 years, chat about all things food and beverage in the market and sha...

Brokers help run the CPG world and provide access to retailers with presentations and approvals of items. We discuss how to best manage this delicate relationship. Also, what is the best strategy on emailing buyers. Wade shares his tips from the buying side of the table. Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space of 35 years, chat about all things...

Alex visits his favorite yogurt company, Coconut Cult and discusses how his visit went and what he saw. We also discuss how high revenue companies with no profit can be problematic in this environment. Co-Hosts Alex Bayer (Genius Juice) and Wade Yenny with a combined experience in the CPG space of 35 years, chat about all things food and beverage in the market and share what’s going on in their li...

This week is a special edition episode with returning guest, Co-Founder and Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, Jake Karls. Our audience can 'Ask Jake Anything!' whether it's about his chocolate empire, to how he checks into therapy to take care of his mental health, to CPG strategy. Mid-Day Squares is an idea of what a healthy afternoon craving killer should taste like. It was designed for...

We are proud to announce the very first episode of our special edition segment: 'Buyer's Series.' We are bringing on experienced and well known category managers in the retail space that live and breath CPG items that are on shelves across the country. This episode we are bringing on (in no particular order): Kenny Hausmann - Senior Category Manager of Healthy Living - Fresh Thyme Jim...

Jennifer is a multi-talented executive leader in the future of food and tech innovation space. Building her career in the tech industry under Silicon Valley's most prolific investor, Ron Conway, she has worked with the world's largest tech brands, such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. Pivoting to the burgeoning industry of alternative protein and food technology, Jennifer is an industry...