Maggie Connors

Alcohol consumption is softening, but you know what isn't? RTDs. Attest laid out their data that reveals exactly what consumers prioritize when choosing RTD products. The research shows three clear packaging priorities that successful brands need to understand: 1/ Convenience is key. 35% of consumers cite portability as a purchase factor. These drinks are ending up on hiking trails, at beach picnics, and in cup holders during road trips, which means your packaging needs to work seamlessly in real-world situations where people actually consume them. 2/ Visual appeal matters more than most brands realize. 24% want attractive packaging, and when you're competing against dozens of other RTD options in a crowded cooler or shelf, your package design is doing the heavy lifting before consumers even read the flavor profile. Premium RTD consumers are willing to pay more for quality, and they're often making that quality judgment based on how your package looks and feels in their hands. 3/ Premium positioning beats eco-messaging There is always talk about sustainability, but it still lags in moving the needle. Only 14% prioritize eco-friendly design, but 44% look for premium quality over low price. The brands winning in the RTD space are positioning themselves as premium experiences rather than sustainable alternatives, because consumers are willing to pay more for perceived quality and convenience than for environmental benefits. It mirrors what's going on in the broader beverage industry right now: consumers are prioritizing their immediate experience over longer-term values, and they're making those decisions faster than ever before. #RTD #Packaging #ShrinkSleeves #Awareness #Trial 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gc3APCQv

28

2 Comments

Another month, another set of (somewhat) major headlines in CPG 👇🏼 In June's RecorNews update, we cover the surprising (but strategic) C&S Wholesale Grocers + SpartanNash merger, updates from both Kroger and Albertsons Companies, and a few signals for where the industry is headed next: 🛒 C&S to acquire SpartanNash — reshaping scale and efficiency in wholesale, making the combined a much more competitive entity. 📉 Grocery share leakage continues as trade wars loom and value-driven channels win price-conscious consumers. 🧀 Kraft Heinz ditches artificial dyes by 2027 (RIP neon Mac & Cheese 🙏 ). 📈 Albertsons announces leadership changes, expands media network, and accelerates centralization via ‘Category Excellence’ strategy 🔍 Kroger sharpens focus on digital profitability, private label, and strategic store closures — all signs of a more disciplined and ROI-driven approach. For my fellow CPG folks, staying plugged in is critical, especially as the industry continues to shift — and RecorNews is built to do exactly that: keep you up to speed on what’s moving and why it matters. 📬 If you want this straight-to-the-point update in your inbox monthly, shoot me a message or comment below and I’ll get you added to the list. #CPG #RetailNews #Kroger #Albertsons #RecorNews #Leadership #Ecommerce #PrivateLabel #FoodIndustry

25

2 Comments

CPG founders: BE THE BRAND. Authenticity wins! This was a great (and funny) question from an audience member during my panel at the ECRM/retailmediaIQ Founders' Innovation Day that brought up a good point. The audience member was told by an agency that he was "too old, too white and too male" to represent the brand. So he asked panelists Obi Linton of Nicobi Foods, LLC and Hector Saldívar of Tia Lupita®Foods what their thoughts were about it, as they are each the faces of their successful brands. They actually recommended that he lean into it, and be the "old white male" with an amazing product, and embrace his authenticity despite what the agency says. This was an amazing discussion that also included Fire Department Coffee's Luke Schneider, and you can watch it in full on YouTube or listen to it on our podcast at the links in the comments! #branding #socialmedia #brand #cpg #ecrmrangeme Sarah Davidson Jeffrey Friedman Teresa N. Wayne Bennett Kurt R. Ted Peterson Scot Meyer Jeffrey Woldt Thorvardur Palsson de Shong Chloe Hoban Dan Mack TRACEY PRIEST Bruce Montgomery

50

17 Comments

I recently sat down with Seth Matlins for ‘The CEO’s Guide to Marketing’ podcast from @Forbes.   It was a wide-ranging conversation, here are some of my highlights:   * How a “big idea” must be rooted in some form of enduring human truth. But for ideas to endure, they also need to evolve.   * Why managing a huge portfolio of brands and deciding how, where and when to invest is both a science and an art, as well as the lessons and inspiration that having a portfolio can bring.   * The importance of setting brands which operate in the same category apart from each other – it’s imperative you’re clear on the different purposes they serve for consumers and innovation plays a critical role in achieving this.   * How shifting perceptions and breaking out of a singular occasion to drive more growth for a brand often requires a total change of mindset internally – the role of marketing is to help people see the opportunity.   * The journey we have been on at Diageo to reorganise our Marketing teams to enable greater efficiency and effectiveness – adapting to new ways of working can be challenging but we’re maximising creative and reducing costs as a result of our new Conscious Create Teams.   https://lnkd.in/emD7vaRT   I’d love for you to listen wherever you get your podcasts: Apple: https://lnkd.in/e-UZaens Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ecE_w367   #Diageo #Forbes

134

9 Comments

Why Non-Alcoholic Beverages Are a Retail Growth Engine Exciting trend alert: The non-alcoholic beverage category is booming! While alcohol sales remain steady, it’s the non-alcoholic beer, wine, and mocktail options that are seeing explosive growth—and for good reason. Why are retailers so excited about non-alcoholic drinks? Higher Profit Margins: Many non-alcoholic products, especially premium mocktails and craft sodas, offer higher profit margins for retailers compared to traditional alcoholic drinks. Lower Costs: Non-alcoholic beverages often have lower ingredient and preparation costs, and require less specialized labor. Fewer Regulations: No licensing or excise taxes mean less hassle and more margin for retailers. Expanding Market: Health-conscious consumers and changing social norms are driving demand, making non-alcoholic options a smart investment for the future. Bottom line: Non-alcoholic beverages aren’t just a trend—they’re a powerful growth opportunity for retailers. As consumer preferences evolve, smart businesses are stocking up on premium, alcohol-free options to boost profits and reach a wider audience. #Retail #BeverageIndustry #Trends #NonAlcoholic #GrowthOpportunity

9

2 Comments

Chicago-based Kraft Heinz made an excellent choice in appointing one of the most experienced and successful global CPG leaders, Steve Cahillane, as its new CEO. Cahillane previously served as CEO of Chicago-based Kellanova and brings deep industry expertise and proven leadership to the role. In 2026, Kraft Heinz plans to split into two companies, temporarily named "Global Taste Elevation" and "North American Grocery". Global Taste Elevation, led then by Cahillane, will include the faster-growing sauces, spreads, and seasonings portfolio, featuring iconic brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia, and Kraft Mac & Cheese. North American Grocery will house legacy brands including Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles, and Lunchables. The objective of this strategic separation is to increase speed to market, reduce complexity, and strengthen proximity to customers. Cahillane is a longtime Chicago resident and advocate for the city, having graduated from Northwestern University. In his first remarks following the announcement, he reaffirmed Kraft Heinz’s commitment to Chicago. Congratulations, Steve! Please read here the Chicago Tribune coverage by Robert Channick here: https://lnkd.in/gUvbH7hc

233

4 Comments

Sad day in CPG. Del Monte Foods Files for Bankruptcy After more than a century as a household name, Del Monte Foods has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing comes amid mounting financial pressure, including rising operational costs, shifting consumer preferences, and an inability to modernize fast enough to compete in today’s dynamic CPG market. So What happened? Del Monte’s core product categories (canned fruits, vegetables, and processed staples) have lost traction in an era where fresh, organic, and ready-to-eat alternatives dominate grocery shelves. Combine that with inflationary pressures on logistics and commodities, and the brand was already on the back foot. What is the real issue? A lack of agility. While newer brands flooded the market with innovation, bold flavor profiles, and direct-to-consumer strategies, it feels Del Monte struggled to evolve. I assume legacy systems, aging brand perception, and slow go-to-market cycles left them unable to capitalize on the shifts that are now defining modern food consumption. Now What’s next? Del Monte will likely seek to restructure debt and sell off non-core assets. But more importantly, this signals yet another major inflection point in the CPG space: modernize or be left behind. Brands that want to survive in today’s food landscape need to embrace innovation at every level. From product development to brand identity to supply chain to customer experience. Nostalgia won't earn loyalty unless you stay relevant. Would love to hear thoughts from others: What does this say about the future of legacy brands? Is reinvention, innovation or pivoting possible for companies with this much historical weight? ⚡

942

217 Comments

📢 Just released: Keurig Dr Pepper’s 2025 Beverage Trend Report ☕ Proud to see The Harris Poll featured as a key research partner behind this insightful look at what’s next in beverage innovation. From Gen Z’s bold flavor exploration to the rising value of wellness and better-for-you benefits, this report is packed with actionable trends shaping the future of CPG. Grateful to collaborate on work that helps leading brands stay ahead of fast-changing consumer expectations. 📖 Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/gVS6s5UA #TheHarrisPoll #CPG #ConsumerTrends #Innovation #BeverageIndustry #BrandStrategy #GenZInsights #Wellness

11

I read the entire MAHA report this weekend so you didn’t have to. Here’s what it says and how it will impact CPG: America is raising the sickest generation in modern history. According to the newly released MAHA assessment, over 40% of U.S. kids have a chronic condition. Rates of obesity, diabetes, ADHD, depression, allergies, autism, and autoimmune disease are all spiking. The data points one finger: environment, not genetics. The report isolates four culprits: 1️⃣ Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) now make up 70% of kids' calories. That’s not food. It’s shelf-stable biotech wrapped in marketing. 2️⃣ Toxic chemical exposure is everywhere. Pesticides, microplastics, seed oils, additives. Our regs aren’t built to assess the cumulative load. 3️⃣ Screen addiction and sedentary lifestyles have replaced play, sleep, and community. This is wrecking mental health. 4️⃣ Over-medicalization is masking symptoms, not solving root causes. Pharma’s running the show. For CPG brands, here’s the wake-up call: consumers will connect the dots. Parents are pissed. They want real food, transparent sourcing, and brands that solve, not spin. This is more than a health crisis. It's a brand trust reckoning. The next decade will belong to the companies that actually clean up the mess. Whole foods. Simple labels. Less chemical baggage. More function, less fiction. If you're building in this space. lean into it. Because the conversation is about to get very real.

196

97 Comments

KEURIG DR PEPPER STOCK JUMPS 6% AFTER STRONG Q3 AND $7B FUNDING DEAL WITH KRR & APOLLO Keurig Dr Pepper shares rose 6% after the company posted Q3 revenue of $4.31B, well above consensus of $4.15B and raised full-year sales guidance to high-single-digit growth. The upside came mainly from the U.S. Refreshment Beverages, up 14%, as the company gained share across carbonated soft drinks, energy, and hydration - with the Ghost acquisition adding about 4 points to volume growth. Coffee also turned positive, rising 1.5%, signaling early stabilization after shrinking for the previous ten quarters. KDP also announced a $7B funding package from Apollo and KKR to help finance the $18B JDE Peet’s acquisition. The mix of preferred equity and a coffee-pod joint venture helps address leverage concerns while giving flexibility ahead of the planned separation into two businesses. Targeted net leverage ratios at close: - Beverage Co: 3.5-4.0x - Coffee Co: 3.75-4.25x KDP is looking for a CEO for the coffee company

32