The Blog

The Modern Wholesale Playbook

How today's CPG brands find best-fit retailers, reach buyers, and scale without brokers.

Feb 10, 2026·9 min read

How to Find and Hire Your First CPG Broker as a Founder

When should you hire your first CPG broker, where do you find one, and how do you get ready? A founder's beginner guide to the broker landscape and prep work.

Feb 9, 2026·10 min read

Selling to Restaurants Direct vs Through a Distributor

Should you sell to restaurants direct or through a distributor? Compare margins, sales cycles, requirements, and a stage-by-stage decision framework for CPG brands.

Feb 8, 2026·10 min read

How to Understand TikTok Ads Analytics for CPG Brands

Learn how to understand TikTok Ads analytics for CPG brands, including ROAS, CPA, hook rate, attribution windows, and the metrics that matter most.

Feb 7, 2026·12 min read

How to Meet FDA Labeling Compliance for CPG Products

Learn how to meet FDA labeling compliance for CPG products, including nutrition facts panels, serving size rules, allowed claims, and professional label audits.

Feb 6, 2026·10 min read

FOB vs Freight Services and What It Costs CPG Brands

Understand FOB vs freight services for CPG distribution, who owns cost and risk at each leg, and how to negotiate the terms that protect your margin.

Feb 5, 2026·9 min read

How to Build a CPG Brand Foundation From Naming to Rebrand

Build a CPG brand foundation the right way, from naming and positioning to knowing when a refresh or full rebrand is worth the budget.

How to Run a CPG Competitor Analysis Using Free Tools

Learn how to run a CPG competitor analysis using free tools like Google Keyword Planner, Similarweb, and Google Trends, then turn the insights into real moves.

Feb 4, 2026·10 min read

How to Track and Manage Your CPG Broker's Performance

Learn how to track your CPG broker's performance with the right KPIs, reporting cadence, and red flags, plus how to course-correct an underperforming broker.

Feb 3, 2026·11 min read

How to Find DSD Partners for Non-Alc Beverages Outside CA

Learn how to find DSD partners for non-alc beverages outside California, including regional distributors, beer-network options, and what to ask before signing.

Feb 2, 2026·11 min read

How to Centralize E-Commerce Data Across Multiple Brands

Fix data fragmentation across Shopify, Amazon, and Faire. Learn how multi-brand CPG operators build a centralized commerce platform for their portfolio.

Feb 1, 2026·10 min read

How CPG Brands Can Get Into Food Vending Machines

Learn how to place CPG products in food vending machines, including regulations, operators like Compass and Canteen, and the economics of self-operating.

Jan 31, 2026·12 min read

How to Negotiate Better Payment Terms with UNFI and KeHE

Learn typical UNFI and KeHE payment terms, how they impact working capital, and proven strategies to negotiate faster pay and better cash conversion.

Jan 30, 2026·12 min read

How to Brief Photographers and Use AI to Stretch a CPG Shoot

A founder's guide to briefing CPG photographers, building shot lists, and using AI scene generation to extend every shoot into months of usable content.

Jan 29, 2026·11 min read

How AI Visual Brand Monitoring Catches Mentions Without Hashtags

Discover how AI logo recognition finds untagged brand mentions on Instagram and TikTok. Tools, workflows, and DIY tactics for CPG founders.

Jan 28, 2026·9 min read

How to Find a Walmart Broker That Actually Performs

Learn how to find, vet, and pay a Walmart broker that actually performs. Tactical guide to Bentonville broker offices, Retail Link, OTIF, and commission expectations.

Jan 27, 2026·12 min read

Niche Distributors for Snacks and Protein Bars Beyond UNFI

Discover niche distributors for snacks and protein bars beyond UNFI and KeHE. Tactical guide to c-store, gym, and foodservice routes that protect margin and grow velocity.

Jan 26, 2026·10 min read

Affordable Social Listening Tools for Early Stage CPG Brands

The best free and low-cost social listening tools for early stage CPG brands. Track mentions, sentiment, and retail signals without enterprise pricing.

Jan 25, 2026·11 min read

Where to Source Commercial Kitchen Equipment for CPG Production

Where to source reliable commercial kitchen equipment for CPG production. Used and new options, inspection tips, financing, and when to graduate to a co-packer.

Jan 24, 2026·11 min read

KeHE AAP vs National Free Fill Clause for Emerging Brands

Understand KeHE's AAP program, national free fill clauses, how they interact, and what emerging CPG founders should negotiate to protect cash and margin.

Jan 23, 2026·11 min read

How to Grow a CPG Brand on Instagram Beyond Follower Count

Learn how the Instagram algorithm actually ranks CPG content in 2026, what to post, what to stop doing, and how to use IG growth as proof of demand for buyers.

Jan 22, 2026·10 min read

How CPG Attribution Should Go Beyond Basic ROAS

Basic ROAS fails for CPG brands selling DTC, Amazon, and retail. Learn attribution models, incrementality testing, and how to build a CPG attribution philosophy.

Jan 21, 2026·13 min read

How to Read a CPG Broker Contract Before You Sign

Learn the broker contract clauses that matter most for CPG brands. Tail commissions, exclusivity, clawbacks, and what to negotiate before you sign.

Jan 20, 2026·12 min read

When to Hire a Deduction Recovery Service for Your CPG Brand

Learn how CPG deduction recovery services work, when the math justifies hiring one, pricing models, and how to vet providers like Glimpse, Confido, and Floret.

Jan 19, 2026·11 min read

How to Read Sprouts Store Level Data to Grow Sales

Learn how to access Sprouts store-level data, read distribution gaps versus velocity issues, plan demos, and run a monthly Sprouts business review.

Jan 18, 2026·11 min read

An Operations Checklist for Trade Show Season Prep

The operations side of trade show prep. Production capacity, sample logistics, EDI readiness, and post-show order surge fulfillment for CPG brands.

Jan 17, 2026·10 min read

Why a Broker Probably Won't Get You Into Whole Foods Faster

Whole Foods rewards founder-led pitching more than most retailers. Here's when you don't need a broker, and the specific cases when you do.

Jan 16, 2026·9 min read

How to Design CPG Packaging That Sells at Target Stores

How CPG founders design packaging that wins at Target. Shopper expectations, shelf realities, sustainability cues, and common mistakes that kill placements.

Jan 15, 2026·9 min read

How to Use AI on Whole Foods Vendor Portal Data

How CPG founders use ChatGPT, Claude, and dedicated tools to analyze Whole Foods vendor portal data, spot voids early, and improve sell-through.

Jan 14, 2026·9 min read

Commission vs Retainer for Your CPG Broker Agreement

Learn typical CPG broker commission rates, when retainers make sense, hybrid structures, and how broker pay affects your P&L after distributor margin and trade.

Jan 13, 2026·11 min read

How GDSN Synchronization Works for CPG Brands

Learn what GDSN is, how to set it up with GS1 and a data pool, and how clean product data prevents deductions, slotting holds, and shelf issues.

Jan 12, 2026·11 min read