The Blog

The Modern Wholesale Playbook

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

Dec 1, 2025·10 min read

Japan's Unique Distribution Landscape for CPG Brands Explained

Understand Japan's CPG distribution system, from national and regional distributors to trading companies and specialty importers, and pick the right partner.

Nov 30, 2025·9 min read

How Social Nature and Influencer Marketing Drive In-Store Trial

Learn how CPG brands use Social Nature and micro-influencer marketing to drive in-store product trial, generate authentic content, and boost retail velocities.

Nov 29, 2025·11 min read

Sourcing Custom Packaging for Bottles, Pouches, and Display Boxes

How to source custom bottles, stand-up pouches, and retail display boxes for your CPG brand. Covers suppliers, specs, MOQs, and artwork requirements.

Nov 28, 2025·9 min read

How to Find The Fresh Market Email Format for Buyer Outreach

Learn The Fresh Market email format, how to verify buyer contacts, and what to write in your first outreach email. A practical guide for CPG founders.

Nov 27, 2025·10 min read

How CPG Brands Migrate From Wix to Shopify Successfully

A step-by-step guide for CPG brands migrating from Wix to Shopify. Covers product data, customer migration, SEO preservation, and post-migration optimization.

Nov 26, 2025·10 min read

End Cap Displays That Actually Drive Sales in Retail

Learn how to win end cap placements, design displays that convert, and measure the sales lift. A tactical guide for CPG brands entering retail.

How to Get Your CPG Brand Into The Fresh Market Successfully

Learn how to pitch The Fresh Market buyers, tailor your outreach to their premium positioning, and navigate supplier requirements for CPG brands.

Nov 25, 2025·10 min read

Finding Your First Japanese Distribution Partner Through Your Network

Learn how CPG founders use professional networks, referrals, and industry events to find and connect with Japanese distribution partners for market entry.

Nov 24, 2025·10 min read

How to Measure In-Store Demo ROI Beyond Same-Day Sales Lift

Learn how to measure in-store demo ROI with metrics beyond sales lift. Covers trial rate, repeat purchase, velocity impact, and tools for tracking demo performance.

Nov 23, 2025·10 min read

AP/AR Automation for CPG Brands That Have Outgrown QuickBooks

Evaluate the best AP/AR automation tools for CPG brands. Learn how to reduce manual financial workload and integrate with your existing accounting software.

Nov 22, 2025·9 min read

How to Use Proof of Intent to Secure Inventory Funding

Learn how to document proof of retailer intent and use it to secure inventory funding. A practical guide for CPG founders navigating PO financing and lending.

Nov 21, 2025·9 min read

Best Shopify Apps for CPG Brands That Actually Drive ROI

Discover the best Shopify apps for CPG brands across email, reviews, loyalty, and upsells. Build a lean app stack that drives revenue without killing performance.

Nov 20, 2025·9 min read

How to Drive Sales Velocity at Fresh Thyme Market Stores

Learn how CPG brands increase sales velocity at Fresh Thyme Market with demo strategies, shelf placement tactics, and promotional programs that drive results.

Nov 19, 2025·9 min read

Nielsen vs SPINS for CPG Brands and Which One to Choose

Compare Nielsen and SPINS data providers for CPG brands. Learn coverage differences, costs, use cases, and how to apply retail data to drive wholesale growth.

Nov 18, 2025·9 min read

How to Vet Japanese CPG Distributors Before Signing a Deal

Learn how to vet Japanese CPG distributors with this practical guide covering financial checks, portfolio analysis, contract terms, and red flags to watch for.

Nov 17, 2025·10 min read

Albertsons Merchandising and Demo Strategies That Win Shelf Space

Proven merchandising and demo strategies for Albertsons Companies banners including Safeway, Vons, and Jewel-Osco. Drive velocity and win shelf space across the network.

Nov 16, 2025·9 min read

Finding the Right Co-Packer for Niche Food Products

Find a co-packer for niche food products like vegan pesto, smoked meats, and specialty items. Covers certifications, scheduling, capacity, and vetting steps.

Nov 15, 2025·11 min read

Negotiating Promotional Allowances in Retail Deals

Learn how to negotiate promotional allowances with retail buyers. Covers off-invoice discounts, billbacks, scan promos, and margin protection strategies.

Nov 14, 2025·11 min read

The CPG Founder's Guide to Targeting Costco Successfully

A practical guide for CPG founders targeting Costco. Learn the buying process, supplier requirements, pitch strategies, and packaging specs to land this giant.

Nov 13, 2025·9 min read

How to Navigate Trader Joe's Unique In-Store Execution

Learn how Trader Joe's in-store execution works, from product selection to demos and sampling. A practical guide for CPG founders targeting this unique retailer.

Nov 12, 2025·8 min read

How AI Tools Are Transforming CPG Sales Prospecting

Learn how AI tools help CPG brands find best-fit retail targets, prioritize outreach, and integrate sales intelligence into their CRM for smarter prospecting.

Nov 11, 2025·10 min read

Common Pitfalls When Entering the Japanese CPG Market

Avoid the biggest mistakes CPG brands make when entering the Japanese CPG market. Covers cost traps, packaging adaptation, regulatory and distribution.

Nov 10, 2025·10 min read

How to Build a Local Merchandising Team With Freelancers

Learn how to build a local merchandising team using freelancers. Covers when to hire, where to find reps, scope of work, management tips, and cost comparisons.

Nov 9, 2025·10 min read

Costco Bulk Packaging and Palletization for CPG Brands

A guide to Costco's bulk packaging and palletization requirements for CPG brands. Covers master cartons, pallet specs, vendor compliance, and high-volume fulfillment.

Nov 8, 2025·10 min read

Buyer Follow-Up Strategies That Turn Interest Into Orders

Proven follow-up strategies for CPG brands after buyer samples and meetings. Timing, personalization, persistence, and when to walk away gracefully.

Nov 7, 2025·10 min read

7 Costly Mistakes When Hiring a CPG Marketing Agency

Avoid the 7 most expensive mistakes CPG brands make when hiring a marketing agency. Red flags, scope traps, and how to properly vet agencies before signing.

Nov 6, 2025·10 min read

How to Run In-Store Audits That Protect Your Brand

Learn how to run in-store audits for CPG brand compliance. Covers pricing, placement, promotions, out-of-stocks, and the tools to turn findings into action.

Nov 5, 2025·11 min read

Your CPG Trade Show Calendar for Seasonal Planning

Plan your CPG trade show calendar around Q1 resets, summer shows, and holiday cycles. A seasonal guide to getting into the right stores at the right time.

Nov 4, 2025·10 min read

Cultural Nuances for CPG Success in the Japanese Market

Learn the cultural nuances that determine CPG success in the Japanese market. Covers nemawashi, meeting etiquette, trust-building, and distribution partnerships.

Nov 3, 2025·10 min read

Couponing Strategies That Actually Work for New CPG Brands

Learn which couponing strategies actually drive trial and velocity for new CPG brands. Covers digital vs. physical coupons, Venmo payback, and ROI measurement.

Nov 2, 2025·9 min read