Eugenia Erlij

“LET THEM EAT CAKE” ... FRENCH QUEEN MARIE ANTOINETTE ADDRESSING THE PEASANTS. How stupid can a company CEO like Kellogg’s CEO Gary Pilnick get? The answer is … pretty stupid. Instead of commenting on CNBC and CNN that poor or cash-strapped families should eat cereal for dinner because it’s cheaper than a regular dinner, he should stick to his primary financial duties as CEO and leave consumer marketing and advertising in the hands of his CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) and advertising agencies. No parent is going to serve their kids Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Frosted Flakes, or Fruit Loops for dinner when they presumably just ate the same thing for breakfast that morning. Moreover, the nutritional value of most RTE breakfast cereals per se is next to ZERO. As an adult, I personally and occasionally eat a VERY BIG bowl of Kellogg’s Corn Flakes or General Mills' Cheerios for dinner because I really like them with whole milk, but that’s only when I want to eat a light meal at the end of a long, hard, and late day. Finally, as a CPG brand marketing expert, I’ll say … I can’t imagine a top-shelf company such as Kellogg ever running any significant consumer advertising with such a stupid and insulting message like this, i.e., “Let them eat cake”. 😎           https://lnkd.in/efcuZ8dg.  

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Customer-centric (customer-centered, customer first) was a corporate buzzword that littered mission statements, marketing slicks, slogans, emails, etc., but lost its impact due to corporations' repeated failures to deliver on the promise. I fear the same fate for "Innovation," which is used everywhere but seldom delivered consistently. The "Innovation Gap" discussed in Adam Melonas article published by Forbes Business Council below must be solved before "Innovation" becomes another hollow buzzword. Innovation, not Renovation, is what will drive profitable, volume-led growth for CPG companies. Critically, the innovation, from idea to shelf, must be in months, not years.

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Snacking habits, global flavors, and spicy-sweet #trends are reshaping today's #specialtyfood industry, as in-demand specialty items boost margins for retailers in a moment of inflation-influenced uncertainty. Hear more details on The Food Institute's newest podcast episode featuring Leana Rogers Salamah SVP of Marketing & Communications at SFA. https://hubs.li/Q02z_dJf0

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The tortilla and flatbread market might seem deflated due to inflation, but #Circana data reveals a different story. I had the opportunity to speak with Food Business News about what’s driving notable growth in tortilla sales, including consumer preference for healthier options and new innovations.   Read “Taking Flatbreads And Tortillas To The Next Level” to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gyc25pKC

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This piece on Gallo's investment into Montucky Cold Snacks by Dave Infante is an absolute must read for anyone in the beverage industry. The level of bang on analysis and insight into not only this investment, but the way in which the industry continues to evolve as a whole is pretty incredible. One thing in particular that Dave said really stands out to me though. "Opportunity to learn what’s still working in the American beer business at a time when said business is more up for grabs than it has been since the ‘60s." I cannot say it enough! We are at an inflection point in the beer industry and there is so much opportunity to be had. With the right strategies and approach, you can take advantage of all of this opportunity and have so much success. https://lnkd.in/etei-aEy

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General Mills is the first food peer to report calendar Q2 (fiscal Q4 for GIS) and neither the results nor the guidance yesterday were encouraging.  But sometimes a bad quarter is about the company and sometimes it is about the industry.  I thought I’d wait until MKC reported this morning before deciding.  Now I know – the struggle in big food is real but some are struggling more than others. GIS delivered a $.02 EPS beat (thank you 4% reduction in share count), but the company’s topline was -6% for the quarter.  Volume (-2%) and price/mix (-4%) both contributed to the decline.  Operating profit was -10%.  The report was noisy with comp issues, impairments and other adjustments, but the North American Retail and Pet segments both appear challenged – and if you know this company, you know this is not a good omen. In contrast, MKC delivered an “on plan” quarter and message this morning, with revenue -1%, operating income flat, and EPS +15%, along with a reaffirmation of 2024 guidance.  Performance was balanced across segments and geographies with no obvious trouble spots in the portfolio.  It was a boring, generally unremarkable report – and one GIS would love to have at this point. GIS guidance for next fiscal year was tepid – flat to +1% for revenue and -2% to flat for operating profit.  The company’s “top priority is to accelerate our organic net sales growth, and specifically our volume growth.”  Despite the headline in the attached article, I read the transcript and thought management was cagey about how much support will be directed to brand building and innovation vs. trade and merchandising.  We know this though: inflation is forecast below expected HMM savings, so Gross Margin expansion will be available for investment regardless of where it is directed – and I suspect the headline is right. Additional peer reports will start rolling in shortly and we will see whether GIS or MKC is the outlier, but the revenue challenges are still clearly broad based across all big food companies.  Regardless of the macro environment though, execution always matters and it appears some have extra work to do.  I’ll put both earnings releases in the comments. https://lnkd.in/gMk7msFJ

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I'll be at 👉 (https://lnkd.in/geS8v3aq) the NielsenIQ C360 conference in Phoenix - May 13-16 as The CPG Guys. Will you be there as a senior leader to discuss today's important #cpgindustry topics? 1.) Total store optimization in a post pandemic world? 2.) What does today's truly #omnichannel shopper journey look like? Have #retailmedia networks changed full funnel #omnichannelmarketing? 3.) Of course, all about #artificalintelligence 4.) #innovation - most large brands temporarily slowed it down over the pandemic - now its back to the mayhem. Shelf space is not unlimited - who wins, who loses and who doesn't belong on the shelf in the first place. Watch Liz Buchanan (NA, president), Jamie Clarke (NA retail), Andrew Criezis (President, #ecommerce) and so much more.

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Check out this new Circana snack market research that highlights "the enduring importance of on-shelf availability as a critical factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions". https://ow.ly/LSKC50S8MBI

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Consumer tolerance is running out for #food and #beverage companies raising prices to offset #inflation, based on volume and sales declines reported by several large CPG manufacturers in the latest round of quarterly earnings calls -- prompting #retailers and #CPG #brands to re-evaluate their #marketing strategies to remain competitive. In the latest episode of FoodNavigator-USA's #SoupToNutsPodcast, Ben Reich, the CEO and co-founder of Datasembly, shares tips for brands to optimize their #promotionalstrategies and hit the right price points so they an better engage with consumers without unduly sacrificing margins or sales. Listen to the #podcast to learn more: https://lnkd.in/ebUU7j8e

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As consumer values shift, the CPG industry stands at a crossroads. Today, we're witnessing how sustainability, health consciousness, and technology are not merely trends but foundation stones for future growth. Read below as my colleague Charles Southwick explores this important topic. I'd love to hear your thoughts. #CPGTrends #Sustainability #Innovation

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Consumer experimentation with flavor is on the rise. More than a third of US consumers are trying more flavors than last year, due to an increase in "information, innovation and opportunities...making experimentation more accessible than ever." Trying new flavors is now considered part of everyday life, with consumers actively seeking out unique taste experiences. Brick-and-mortar grocery store inspiration, social media recommendations, and customizable restaurant menus are the most common places consumers discover new flavors. It is important for CPG brands to keep up with the consumer desire for flavor novelty, and to stay on top of sustainable growth trends when planning innovations. Especially considering the new focus consumers are placing on seeking out and trying new offerings. Have you tried a new flavor this year? If so, what was the flavor? #mrx #cpg #trends #innovation #consumerinsights https://lnkd.in/eqy3wq9s

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🍷 Recently, my dad recommended Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon as his latest obsession. To my delight, there happened to be a promotion available when I went to purchase it! 🎉 What's your go-to wine recommendation or recent find? Did you know that Wine Sales account for 62% of total BevAl sales in the United States? Despite varying state shipping laws complicating matters for retailers and manufacturers, DTC wine sales are legal in 40 states across the country. Online wine sales have seen a growth of +2.6%, contrasting with a -1.0% decline offline.

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Uncover the potential of shrink sleeve packaging for your CPG brand. From shelf appeal to product safety and environmental advantages, learn how Taylor can be your full-service shrink sleeve provider. #CPGPackaging #ShrinkSleeves #Packaging

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I recently had the opportunity to attend a fascinating webinar, during which the 2024 Food Marketing Trend Report from Nourish Food Marketing was unveiled. This session was not just an eye-opener—it was a playbook for anyone in the digital marketing and F&B sectors looking to stay ahead.  One of the game-changers discussed in the webinar was the omnipresence of AI in the F&B industry. From AI tongues that can taste to algorithms that can personalize dietary suggestions based on your metabolic data, the potential is staggering. At Cyber PR Army, we view this as a catalyst for reimagining our marketing strategies. AI isn't just a tool; it's a partner that can help us deliver more personalized, responsive, and engaging content. One of the most striking points from the webinar was the emphasis on water conservation. With agriculture consuming a vast majority of our freshwater resources, the future of food is directly tied to the future of water. This calls for a shift in how we market food products. We need to start treating water like the precious commodity it is, and that means promoting products that are not just delicious but also water-wise. As we move forward, the focus on health and wellness is becoming more pronounced. From brain health foods that enhance cognitive functions to the rise of low-alcohol beverages, consumers are increasingly looking for products that support a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste. This shift offers a unique niche for marketing—emphasizing the health benefits of products can resonate deeply with consumers, especially in a post-pandemic world where health is paramount. Generation Alpha is starting to make its mark, and this demographic is unlike any we've seen before. Digital natives by birth, their preferences and consumption habits will shape the future of food marketing. This generation values authenticity, sustainability, and personalization. For marketers, this means crafting campaigns that are not only engaging but also aligned with the values of a generation that has grown up amidst rapid technological advancements and climate change awareness. Interestingly, the report highlighted a return to heritage crops and regenerative agriculture practices. This resonates with a growing consumer demand for sustainability and could redefine our agricultural practices. For us at Cyber PR Army, it’s a chance to help our clients tell a richer story. Marketing these practices effectively requires a blend of storytelling that honours tradition while embracing innovation—exactly where our expertise can shine. Whether it's leveraging AI to create more engaging and personalized campaigns or promoting sustainable practices that resonate with eco-conscious consumers, we are excited to help our clients navigate this new terrain. As we continue to explore these trends, I invite you to join the conversation. Find out more https://lnkd.in/eC-hi__C

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The moderation trend is continuing to accelerate! The NA segment of on-premise beer sales in the U.S. jumped 33.7% over the last 52 weeks with broad-based gains in all 50 states! 💪 📈 🍻 At Partake Brewing we are seeing on-premise operators move from offering 1 NA beer option to now several with macros and craft represented in addition to house mocktails. 🍺 🍷 🍹 This is an exciting time for the non-drinker and moderator alike! Gone are the days of water, juice, milk, and soda as the non-alcoholic options. 🤩 https://lnkd.in/gibbdbPB

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Nearly nine out of 10 consumers #snack daily to fuel their busy schedules, carve out a mindful moment of 'me time,' and connect with family and friends -- but according to Mondelēz International's recently released 5th State of Snacking report, what they are reaching for is changing. I sat down with Richie Gray at #expowest to explore how #snacking is evolving, including three emerging trends that are shaping the occasion and marketplace. Watch the video interview and read more here: https://lnkd.in/eMnbuNTQ

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I want to thank the amazing team at Takasago International Corp. (USA) for bringing me into their offices yesterday so I can deliver my seminar “Problem-Solving like a Magician.” The reaction was incredible and everyone walked away with a new set of problem-solving techniques and tips for creativity. If your conference or team is looking for a unique seminar that gets reactions like the quotes below, let me know “Easily my favorite presentation at the conference. You brought everything to life." – Global Insights Director, Fortune 100 Company "I went to dinner last night with five other people and all we were talking about was your presentation. Your tips on problem-solving were excellent." – Marketing Director, Fortune 500 Company "Your presentation was more relevant and impactful to my research work than any other session here" – VP Client Development, Global Online Panel Provider

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