The Blog

The Modern Wholesale Playbook

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

Oct 1, 2025·8 min read

Low-Cost Merchandising Ideas for Small CPG Brands on a Budget

Budget-tight CPG brands can still win at retail merchandising. DIY displays, smart shelf placement, POS materials, and retailer partnerships that work.

Sep 30, 2025·10 min read

Retail Promotional Allowances Explained for CPG Brands

Learn how off-invoice discounts, billbacks, and scan-based promotions work in CPG wholesale. Budget, negotiate, and track promotional allowances effectively.

Sep 29, 2025·9 min read

Smart Financial Moves to Scale Your CPG Brand Faster

Discover the financial strategies that help CPG founders reduce workload and accelerate growth. From inventory financing to automation ROI, here is your playbook.

Sep 28, 2025·10 min read

Mastering In-Store Demos and Promotions at Sprouts

How to run effective demos and promotions at Sprouts Farmers Market. Covers demo programs, merchandising standards, and promotional calendar strategies.

Sep 27, 2025·10 min read

Custom Packaging for CPG Brands With Low Minimum Runs

How early-stage CPG brands find packaging designers, source low-MOQ materials, ensure print quality, and manage cash flow through packaging production.

Sep 26, 2025·10 min read

The Ultimate CPG Buyer Follow-Up Checklist That Converts

A complete checklist for CPG founders on following up with retail buyers after sample requests, including email templates, timing, and when to move on.

The CPG Founder's Guide to Trade Show Season Success

A step-by-step guide for CPG founders on choosing the right trade shows, preparing samples and materials, capturing leads, and measuring trade show ROI.

Sep 25, 2025·9 min read

Whole Foods Demos, Merchandising, and Vendor Programs

A complete guide to Whole Foods demos, merchandising strategies, vendor programs, and the real costs of in-store execution for emerging CPG brands.

Sep 24, 2025·9 min read

Launching Your CPG in Specialty Retail Beyond Grocery

A practical guide for CPG brands expanding beyond grocery into specialty retail channels like gift stores, hospitality, and QSR foodservice accounts.

Sep 23, 2025·9 min read

Securing Your Series A With the Right CPG VC Investors

A founder's guide to finding the right CPG VC investors for your Series A. Learn how to research firms, build relationships, and ask the right questions.

Sep 22, 2025·11 min read

Demos vs. Other Tactics for Driving Trial on a Budget

Compare in-store demos against budget-friendly trial-driving tactics for CPG brands. Learn which alternatives move product and how to measure results.

Sep 21, 2025·10 min read

Finding a Beverage Co-Packer With Low MOQs on the East Coast

Find the right beverage co-packer on the East Coast with low MOQs. Learn how to evaluate hot-fill, cold-fill, and carbonated production partners for startups.

Sep 20, 2025·11 min read

Whole Foods LEAP Application, a Strategic Deep Dive

Master the Whole Foods LEAP application process. Learn the program requirements, how to write a compelling submission, and what happens after you apply.

Sep 19, 2025·11 min read

UGC vs. Professional Photography for Your CPG Brand

Compare UGC and professional photography for CPG brands. Learn the real costs, conversion rates, and exactly when to use each across ads, social, and retail.

Sep 18, 2025·8 min read

The Real Cost of In-Store Demos and How to Budget

In-store demos cost $150 to $500+ per session. What drives the price, how to compare demo providers, and how to budget demos that actually pay for themselves.

Sep 17, 2025·9 min read

How New CPG Brands Hit the Erewhon Shelves Fast

Erewhon is the most influential specialty retailer in CPG. How new brands navigate the vetting process, meet buyer expectations, and launch successfully.

Sep 16, 2025·9 min read

Anatomy of a Winning CPG Series A Pitch Deck

Most CPG pitch decks fail because they lead with passion instead of proof. The essential slides, financial frameworks, and storytelling that win Series A.

Sep 15, 2025·10 min read

Hiring Brand Ambassadors for In-Store Demos Done Right

Brand ambassadors make or break your in-store demos. When to hire in-house vs outsource, how to recruit and compensate, and building a reliable program.

Sep 14, 2025·9 min read

Maximizing ROI at Music Festivals and College Campuses

Music festivals and college campuses give CPG brands direct access to younger demographics. How to plan activations, measure ROI, and convert to buyers.

Sep 13, 2025·9 min read

Raley's Innovation Set and How to Earn Permanent Shelf

Your complete guide to Raley's innovation sets. Learn the application process, how to drive velocity during your trial, and convert to permanent placement.

Sep 12, 2025·9 min read

Optimizing Product Listings for Walmart.com in 2025

The complete guide to optimizing CPG product listings on Walmart.com. Master search ranking, product content, imagery, and Sponsored Products ads.

Sep 11, 2025·9 min read

Merchandising Tactics From Shelf Placement to Displays

Master shelf placement, low-MOQ custom displays, shelf talkers, and in-store signage strategies. A practical merchandising guide for emerging CPG brands.

Sep 10, 2025·9 min read

Securing Funding for Your First Retail Inventory Order

Learn how to secure inventory financing for your first retail order using letters of intent, purchase orders, and proof of real retailer demand for your CPG brand.

Sep 9, 2025·9 min read

The CPG VC Landscape and How to Get Their Attention

A tactical guide to the top VC firms investing in CPG brands right now. Learn their investment theses, how to get warm intros, and what makes brands fundable.

Sep 8, 2025·9 min read

10 Budget-Friendly In-Store Velocity Boosters for CPG

Demos aren't your only option for driving retail velocity. These 10 creative, budget-friendly tactics help small CPG brands boost sell-through on any budget.

Sep 7, 2025·10 min read

The Unspoken Rules of Trade Show Etiquette for CPG

Trade show etiquette can make or break your brand reputation. Learn the unspoken rules of booth conduct, competitor interactions, and professional behavior.

Sep 6, 2025·10 min read

How to Pitch KeHE Without an Anchor Account or Broker

You don't need a major retailer or broker to get into KeHE. This guide covers the buyer process, New at KeHE program, TrendFinder, and building your case.

Sep 5, 2025·9 min read

The Complete Q1 E-Commerce Reset Playbook for CPG Brands

Your Q4 rush is over. Here's the Q1 e-commerce reset checklist for CPG brands, covering performance analysis, content updates, campaign planning, and inventory.

Sep 4, 2025·9 min read

How to Find and Vet In-Store Demo Agencies for CPG

Finding the right in-store demo agency can make or break your retail launch. This guide covers key questions, red flags, cost benchmarks, and what to look for.

Sep 3, 2025·10 min read

The UNFI UpNext Program Guide for Emerging CPG Brands

Everything CPG founders need to know about UNFI's UpNext program. Eligibility, costs, application process, brand experiences, and how it compares to standard.

Sep 2, 2025·9 min read