The Blog

The Modern Wholesale Playbook

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

Sep 2, 2025·9 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 1, 2025·9 min read

Beyond Friends and Family, 7 Seed Funding Options for CPG

Discover 7 creative seed funding options for CPG startups beyond friends and family. From CPG-focused micro-VCs to grants, crowdfunding, and partnerships.

Aug 31, 2025·9 min read

Trade Show Budget Checklist for CPG Brand Founders

A complete trade show budgeting checklist for CPG brands. Covers booth design, travel, samples, promotions, and how to calculate ROI before you commit.

Aug 30, 2025·8 min read

First-Time Trade Show Mistakes Every CPG Brand Makes

Avoid the most common first-time trade show mistakes CPG brands make. From logistics disasters to missed follow-ups, here is what experienced exhibitors wish.

Aug 29, 2025·8 min read

INFRA and NCG Outreach Tactics for Independent Grocers

Learn how to reach INFRA and NCG independent grocers without a broker. Outreach strategies, key contacts, trade events, and regional meeting tactics for brands.

Aug 28, 2025·9 min read

Why You Don't Need a Broker Yet for Retail Distribution

Most early-stage CPG brands don't need a broker to get into retail stores. Direct outreach strategies, relationship tactics, and when to hire one.

The ROI of Packaging Design Investment for CPG Brands

Quantify the ROI of packaging design investment for CPG brands. Real case studies, cost-benefit analysis, and how great design drives retail velocity.

Aug 27, 2025·9 min read

Are KeHE Summer Show and Other CPG Trade Shows Worth It?

Evaluate whether KeHE Summer Show and other CPG trade shows deliver real ROI. Learn how to set objectives, measure results, and find better alternatives.

Aug 26, 2025·8 min read

SAFE vs Priced Seed Rounds for CPG Brands and Founders

Compare SAFEs and priced seed rounds for CPG brands. Learn when each instrument works, how to negotiate terms, and what impacts dilution and future fundraising.

Aug 25, 2025·10 min read

The Real Cost of Doing Business with Sprouts Farmers Market

Break down every fee, margin expectation, and promotional cost of selling through Sprouts Farmers Market. A tactical guide to protecting your margins at scale.

Aug 24, 2025·8 min read

Sourcing Branded Fixtures for Your Next CPG Activation

Source custom branded tables, bars, and carts for trade shows and activations. Find reliable vendors, balance design with budget, and build fixtures that last.

Aug 23, 2025·9 min read

KeHE Shelf-Life Requirements and the 75% Minimum Rule

KeHE requires 75% remaining shelf life on all inbound products. Learn how to comply, manage production timing, and avoid costly chargebacks and rejections.

Aug 22, 2025·9 min read

The CPG Founder's Guide to Building a Brand Website

Build a high-converting CPG brand website from scratch. Platform picks, essential pages, branding basics, and budget-friendly tips for food and bev founders.

Aug 21, 2025·10 min read

The True Cost of Free Shippers and When to Absorb Them

Free shippers can win you shelf space or destroy your margins. Learn how to calculate their true cost, when to absorb them, and how to negotiate with buyers.

Aug 20, 2025·9 min read

Wegmans Promotions When Standard Tactics Are Off the Table

Wegmans restricts standard promotional tactics like TPRs and endcaps. Learn creative strategies for sampling, events, and merchandising that drive velocity.

Aug 19, 2025·9 min read

The Pre-Launch CPG Viability Checklist for Founders

Validate your CPG product idea before you invest. This checklist covers demand validation, profitability math, key metrics, and when to pivot or proceed.

Aug 18, 2025·10 min read

Thrive Market Pricing and Vendor Requirements Guide

Understand Thrive Market's pricing structure, margin expectations, membership model, and vendor requirements. A practical guide for CPG brands ready to sell.

Aug 17, 2025·9 min read

Why You Don't Need a CPG Broker Yet as an Emerging Brand

Most emerging CPG brands hire brokers too early and waste money. Learn when brokers add real value, what alternatives work better, and how to time it right.

Aug 16, 2025·9 min read

AI for CPG Sales Lead Generation and Outreach in 2025

Learn how AI tools help CPG brands generate retail sales leads, personalize buyer outreach, and build wholesale pipeline faster. A practical 2025 guide.

Aug 15, 2025·9 min read

A Google Ads Strategy Guide for Early-Stage CPG Startups

A foundational guide to Google Ads for CPG startups. Learn keyword research, campaign types, Shopping ads, Performance Max, and how to optimize for real sales.

Aug 14, 2025·8 min read

Q1 Reset and Planning for CPG Pricing and Promotions

Plan your Q1 pricing adjustments, promotional calendar, and trade spend budget with this complete checklist. Built for CPG founders heading into the new year.

Aug 13, 2025·9 min read

Top CRMs for CPG Brands Beyond Salesforce in 2025

Salesforce is not the only CRM for CPG brands. Compare HubSpot, Pipedrive, Zoho, and CPG-specific tools to find the right fit for scalable wholesale sales.

Aug 12, 2025·9 min read

Yelp Verification Troubleshooting for CPG Founders

Stuck on Yelp verification? This step-by-step guide walks CPG founders through every common issue, from phone verification failures to duplicate listings.

Aug 11, 2025·9 min read

Why Deep Discounting Destroys CPG Brand Value Long-Term

Deep discounting destroys CPG brand equity faster than slow velocity ever will. Learn why, how to recognize the trap, and what to do instead to drive sales.

Aug 10, 2025·7 min read

Creative Ways to Drive Trade Show Foot Traffic and Leads

Move past passive booths with creative trade show engagement tactics. Interactive demos, pre-show campaigns, and smart giveaways that generate real CPG leads.

Aug 9, 2025·8 min read

Why Retailers Charge Slotting Fees and How to Negotiate

Understand why retailers charge slotting fees, how per-store and per-SKU structures work, when to push back, and proven negotiation tactics for CPG founders.

Aug 8, 2025·10 min read

Finding the Right CPG Marketing Agency for Your Brand

How to find and vet a CPG marketing agency. Key questions to ask, pricing models compared, agency vs freelancer, and red flags for DTC and Amazon specialists.

Aug 7, 2025·9 min read

Technology Tools for Smarter Trade Spend Optimization

Trade spend optimization tools and technology for CPG brands. TPx software, deduction management platforms, AI analytics, and how to build the right tech stack.

Aug 6, 2025·9 min read

UNFI vs KeHE Distributor Comparison for CPG Brands

UNFI vs KeHE compared for emerging CPG brands. Coverage, fees, onboarding, strengths, weaknesses, and how to decide which distributor fits your growth stage.

Aug 5, 2025·8 min read

How to Find the Best CPG Growth Gurus and Advisors

How to find experienced CPG scaling advisors, fractional CMOs, and growth experts. Books, communities, and hiring tactics for emerging food and beverage brands.

Aug 4, 2025·9 min read