Nombase Podcast

Monica Watrous, Managing Editor of NOSH, and Amrit Richmond, CPG Strategist, join Community Call to discuss the key trends in food and beverage. We explore the ingredient consumers are avoiding, despite reassurances from the FDA, Harvard School of Public Health, and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. We also delve into trends in production, distribution, eating for healthspan vs. lifespan, and al...

Sun Noodle, a global leader in ramen noodles and the preferred choice of ramen shops like Momofuku, has been pivotal in establishing the ramen industry in America. Founded in 1981, Sun Noodle began during a time when ramen in America was, for the most part, microwaveable Cup Noodles. Join Sun Noodle's President, Kenshiro Uki, and his team as they trace their journey from crafting premium ramen noo...

National Co+op Grocers (NCG) represents 164 food co-ops operating over 230 stores with annual sales of over $2.6 billion.  Heidi Traore, Supplier Relationship Development Manager at National Co+op Grocers (NCG), will explain how brands can leverage NCG's expansive network to amplify their sales and distribution.  Tune in to uncover strategies for successful collaboration and learn how to maximize...

Mable helps food and beverage brands achieve growth in both food service and retail, even if they're early-stage businesses not currently set up with distributor partners. Arik Keller, Founder and CEO of Mable, Lauren Ricciardi, Mable's Marketing Director, and Adrianne Deluca, reporter for BevNET & NOSH, share essential tips for creating a "pro" profile, best practices for seamless drop-shipping,...

Scott Romano, VP of Innovation at Sprouts Farmers Market, and Elliot Begoun, founder of TIG Brands, share best practices on getting on shelf at this important natural channel retailer, and how to achieve ongoing growth. Join us as we follow the journey from initial contact to thriving on Sprouts' shelves. From crafting the perfect pitch to understanding the intricacies of a successful roll out to...

Kathy Yuh, VP at VMG Partners, discusses the venture fund's current investment strategies, partnerships, and evolving criteria amidst shifting market conditions. We'll explore valuation trends, best P&L practices, and notable categories and trends. 

RangeMe is an important digital platform that connects brands with retailers and retail opportunities. How strong is your RangeMe game? Join Vir Satyan, SVP of Supplier Success at RangeMe, on Community Call as he helps brands craft their best profiles and put their strongest foot forward. We'll explore the buyer's dashboard, discuss the elements of a strong profile, learn about special retailer pr...

We've seen exponential growth in the plant-based category, but this acceleration is stalling in some areas while thriving in others. SPINS' Client Insights Manager, Kelli Howard, dissects data on food and beverage trends within the plant-based sector. Discover thriving and declining categories, how successful brands are evolving to meet customer demand, understand the plant-based consumer profile,...

Kristi Palmer from Kiva Confections and Lukas Southard, Senior Reporter at BevNET, join Community Call to discuss the profound impact of hemp-derived D9 on the cannabis edibles and beverage industry. Learn how brands are seizing new opportunities, the looming regulatory challenges, and consumer safety concerns surrounding lab testing and regulatory standards.

When Outfox Hospitality, parent holding company for Foxtrot Market and Dom's Kitchen and Market, suddenly shuttered its doors, CPG brands were left in the lurch.  Affected businesses face not only lost inventory but also the missed opportunity to showcase products with retailers that were known for taking chances on new items.  We'll talk to Couplet Coffee, Lexington Bakes, Better Sour, Parch, and...

Join Michael Movitz of Brandjectory and Monica Watrous, managing editor of Nosh, for a discussion on tactical insights for founders navigating challenging market conditions. They'll share examples of brands that have chosen to stay the course, pivot, or close up shop, providing valuable insights into the decision-making process. Plus, the key questions founders should be asking themselves and thei...

In an environment where venture firms are leaning toward conservatism, businesses are even more dependent on securing growth capital at earlier stages from angel investors. We talk to two seasoned angel investors, Nicole Bruno and Gefen Skolnick, alongside Ruth Berhane-Williams, founder of Equitea, who is actively exploring the angel investment landscape. Hear tips for identifying angel investors,...

Join Melissa Li, investor at Offline Ventures, Brad Avery, senior reporter at BevNET/NOSH, and Peter Barrick, CEO of snack brand Rivalz, as they unravel the intricate world of AI within the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. We'll take a look at AI beyond chatbots and image creation and explore how it's revolutionizing the way brands like Rivalz operate. From its capabilities to its limitatio...

Bob Burke, a "known to most" CPG consultant and expert in the natural products industry, shares insights on how CPG brands can save money and improve cash flow. He explains strategies for SKU rationalization, strategic trade spending, and recognizing high-return sales opportunities such as Costco, TJX, and private label programs that drive cost out of the system.

Industry veterans Gerry Khermouch and Beverage Whisperer Ken Sadowsky share their tips how to tighten business expenditures and improve cash flow.  Learn the tactics they recommend for dialing in DSDs, honing in on product-market fit, when to say "no", and how to identify worthwhile growth opportunities.  

Ghia is taking the non-alcoholic market by storm and generating exposure with a thoughtful strategy that includes strategic out of home marketing. Melanie Masarin, CEO & Founder of Ghia, and Tom Shea of Adgile media explain how they decide when and where to put resources, how to track results (yes, it's possible!), tactical tips that help squeeze value from each campaign, and  specific techniques...

Belgian Boys' Anouck Gotlib and Tracy Motz offer insider tips and tricks to help exhibitors have the best Expo West. Hear their strategies on how much and what to sample, creating memorable swag, aligning show goals across departments, nailing booth basics, and navigating the balance between sharing innovation and protecting trade secrets.

The Fresh Market's Wade Yenny, Goodles, and Pocket's Chocolates join NOSH's managing editor, Monica Watrous on Community Call to share insider tips + tricks on how to attract quality traffic at an expansive show like Expo West.  Find out the secret to swag that attendees will be talking about all year long, sampling strategies that will make you unforgettable, and what buyers and the press want to...

Fresh Thyme, the midwest chain of natural and organic-focused stores, claims its stake in meeting customers where they are by offering both conventional and natural products, and making better-for-you groceries accessible to all. Jonathan Lawrence, VP Center Store at Fresh Thyme, explains which brands and products have the best opportunity to succeed at FT, delves into what his customers are looki...

Sherry Frey of NielsenIQ offers exclusive insights into current consumer trends and purchasing habits. Find out why low sodium might be the next big trend, how inflation is impacting consumer behavior, the good news for protein, what exactly clean label means right now, and delve into the influence of GLP-1 weight loss drugs on current consumer product preferences.      

Join Kaitlin Morgan of SPINS shares RTD beverage data during our Community Call, where we'll uncover trends in functionality, sweeteners, and flavor. Discover the key industry indicators shaping the landscape, and delve into the essential themes to understand how brands and entrepreneurs can leverage this data for intelligent innovation.  Go to slack.bevnet.com/General Discussion channel for a com...

AnaMaria Friede, Director of Merchandising, and Brooke Gil, Principal Category Merchant, at Whole Foods Market, shares the latest strategies on how brands can successfully navigate this retailer.  We'll local program updates and how brands can take advantage of them, the latest planogram information, what makes a winning pitch, and the CPG trends they're most interested in right now.

Arnulfo Ventura shares his winning blueprint for achieving exponential growth in CPG, drawing from his own experience as an entrepreneur and in leadership roles at PepsiCo, Califia Farms, Beanfields, and Alter Eco. With a track record of guiding brands to success and facilitating exits for acquired brands, Arnulfo shares insights on preserving founder mentality, leveraging company culture, and imp...

Dan-O's viral TikTok videos transformed the brand from a struggling business to a social media sensation. Learn the straightforward content tactics, algorithm insights, and influencer strategies that exponentially grew the brand's digital presence and sales, proving that sometimes, a little creativity goes a long way.

Oliver Buccicone, CEO of Michele's Granola, and Lauren Shafer, Marketing Director of Michele's Granola, take us behind the scenes on LTOs. Find out how LTOs can be a pipeline for core offerings, open doors and build partnerships, and increase your consumer base. They'll also discuss the tough side of innovation including lifecycle management and smart sku rationalization for operational excellence...