Topics
Every article on the blog, grouped by the part of the wholesale problem it covers.
Getting Into Retail
How CPG brands get on shelf: buyer targeting, pitch decks, category reviews, first orders, and what retailers actually expect from an emerging brand.
61 articles
Distributors & Distribution
UNFI, KeHE, regional distributors, and DSD: how CPG brands choose a distribution model, negotiate terms, and manage the relationship after onboarding.
39 articles
Pricing, Margins & Trade Spend
CPG pricing strategy, margin structures by channel, slotting fees, promotional planning, and trade spend that pays for itself.
36 articles
E-Commerce & DTC
Shopify, Amazon, subscriptions, attribution, and email: running a direct channel that funds wholesale instead of competing with it.
34 articles
In-Store Execution
Shelf placement, displays, demos, merchandising, and retail execution: turning distribution into velocity once the product is actually on shelf.
30 articles
Retail Data & Analytics
NielsenIQ, SPINS, syndicated data, retailer portals, and velocity benchmarks: the numbers buyers use and how to read them.
26 articles
Brokers & Sales Reps
When a CPG brand needs a broker, what to pay, how to structure the agreement, and how to manage the relationship so it produces sales.
21 articles
Trade Shows & Events
Expo West, Fancy Food, and regional shows: booth planning, budgets, buyer meetings, and the follow-up that decides whether the spend paid off.
20 articles
Operations & Supply Chain
Co-packers, MOQs, 3PLs, EDI, inventory planning, and the operational build-out that has to happen before a big purchase order arrives.
19 articles
Founder Playbook
Hiring, time allocation, tooling, and the judgment calls that come with running an emerging CPG brand rather than working in one.
18 articles
Marketing & Brand Building
Positioning, content, PR, influencers, and the demand generation that makes retail placement produce velocity instead of dust.
18 articles
Packaging & Compliance
Packaging design for retail, label compliance, claims, certifications, and the print and materials decisions that affect cost and shelf performance.
11 articles
Foodservice & Non-Retail Channels
Foodservice distribution, contract feeders, on-premise, and the non-retail channels that often carry better margin than grocery.
12 articles
Fundraising & Finance
CPG fundraising, investor expectations, working capital, and the financial mechanics of funding retail growth without running out of cash.
10 articles
International Expansion
Exporting CPG products: Canada, Japan, and other markets, distributor structures abroad, and the compliance work expansion requires.
9 articles