tosh berman

Updates into the life of a CMO helping build a Dallas-based start-up Toucan Cocktails 😎 Before watching know that—- If you avoid change and challenges I recommend you don’t launch a start-up. In all seriousness, this video is quite possibly the closest example of what pivoting, having the right team, and strategizing means when someone says starting a business is no joke. John Dallager Jody Turnbow John Terry Special recognition to our biochemist Steven McCarthy 👏😎 Side note for marketers following, this realignment meant identifying how the brand would now present itself and a decision-making on our visuals & photography/video assets. Also, if you like REALLY good cocktails— sign up on our website for our launch in July. We are focused on great taste because cocktails to go, well, they aren’t great. ‼️‼️ Sign up here: Www.toucancocktails.com #dallas #startup #cocktailstogo #rtd #toucancocktails

46

10 Comments

meati™ Raises $100 Million! 🌿 Embracing Opportunity in Plant-Based Innovation 🌿 Despite the current slowdown in VC investment in plant-based foods, Meati Foods recently secured a $100M Series C round, led by Revolution Growth and Grosvenor Food & AgTech (see article below). Key Takeaways for Startups & Brands: - Innovative Technology Matters: Meati’s MushroomRoot™ tech sets them apart in a crowded market. - Strategic Expansion is Key: Scaling their production and retail presence is driving momentum. - Investor Confidence: Large investments signal that there’s still trust in unique, scalable concepts. At PlantBased Solutions, we understand these trends and can help international plant-based companies launch and thrive in the USA. With experience in launching Better Foods, You Are What You Eat by Shinsegae, we're ready to support your expansion strategy. Let's connect to discuss how we can help find solutions for your business. #PlantBasedSolutions #MeatiFoods #PlantBasedMeat #FoodInnovation #VentureCapital #CPG, #VeganBusiness

21

CPG Friends, I have discovered a platform that is on a mission to offer a more fair distribution method to help build your brand while also having merchandising and re-order built in and handled by their team. They are focusing as of now on convenience stores, liquor stores, gas stations, and other independents. And so far from my vetting process and speaking for hours with the CEO, they are the real deal and offer really great solutions for small, emerging brands and even large brands that are doing massive sales. We’ve all heard the pain points on here from countless brands when dealing with distribution in general in this business from chargebacks, freight billbacks(sometimes putting brands out of business) If I could help link your brand with a better solution to grow your company and retain all the sales dollars in your pocket, this could be potentially groundbreaking and flip the traditional model as we know it ON ITS HEAD. Please DM me and happy to share more information about it.

94

29 Comments

Business Combination Intended to Revolutionize the Beverage Industry, Introducing a Vertically Integrated Beverage and Snack Brand Incubator - Targeting $35 Million in Revenues in First Year. Exciting news in the world of beverages and snacks! A potential combination is set to revolutionize the industry with the introduction of a vertically integrated brand incubator. The new company, called Illumination Brands, plans to continue innovating functional beverages while also expanding into the snack sector. With projected revenues of $35 million in the first year following the combination, Illumination Brands is poised to make a significant impact. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development! #hempacco #hpco #stock #stockmarket #stocks #beverage #bev #beverageindustry #beverageworld #beverages #fmcg #CPG #incubator #D9 #hempbeverages #Cannabis #cannabisbeverage #distribution #wholesale #wholesalers

3

🌿 Community Call to Action 🌿 We’re on the cusp of an incredible opportunity, and we need your voice! Flower Expo has just unveiled their Social Equity Exhibitor Program, and it’s a game-changer for MA cannabis brands like us at Erva. But here’s the catch - we need your support to secure this chance! 🚀 Comment below, casting your vote for Erva. Together, we can land a spot at this year’s Flower Expo with your help. This isn’t just a win for us; it’s a triumph for innovation, equality, and the plant we all revere. Let’s make noise, let’s make change, and let’s make history. Are you with us? #VoteErva #FlowerExpoEquity #CommunityStrength #ErvaInnovation

2

The National Restaurant Association Show this year had a clear and major theme – easy, impactful changes to minimize labor costs and maximize consumer spending. The shift in focus from high-end aspirational changes and million-dollar equipment to practical, cost-effective solutions seems indicative of a shift in operator needs. Innovation at its Simplest: This year's show featured more startup equipment suppliers showcasing ingenious, homemade solutions. From mop cleaners made from five-gallon buckets to devices for slicing bar garnishes, these inventions were not only affordable but also offered significant labor savings. The absence of sleek, expensive robots highlighted a critical reality: operators need to reduce labor costs but can't afford high upfront investments. If last year was the year of the robot, this year was the year of the five-gallon bucket. Doing More with Less: Cooking demonstrations pivoted from creating complicated new dishes to upskilling labor. They showcased how fewer kitchen staff could still produce high-end meals through cross-training, simple equipment solutions, and simplified recipes. The focus was on practical inspiration, like rotating garnishes and sides to keep menus fresh without needing new techniques. Enhancing Customer Experience: Bartending mixology demos shifted from crafting complex cocktails to boosting sales through simple techniques. One standout tip was for bartenders to shake a cocktail shaker full of ice water early in the evening. The sound of ice being shaken creates a vibrant ambiance, encouraging customers to order more cocktails. It's a small hack with a big impact on sales. The foodservice industry's ability to quickly pivot and address operators' needs continues to impress me. This year's NRA trade show demonstrated the industry's resilience and adaptability, showcasing relevant product offerings and sales strategies that meet current demands. The speed at which this industry evolves is truly remarkable. #foodservice #nationalrestaurantassociationshow #peergroup

43

2 Comments

I really enjoyed my conversation with Kyle & AC a few weeks ago. I invite other brands who are interested in developing their own regen programs to connect so we can build this future together! We broke down how hemp grows, and some of the differences across conventional, organic, and regenerative organic growing practices. We also talked about what doubling down on our regenerative strategy means for both the B2C and B2B sides of the business. Take a listen! 

35

2 Comments

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

59

7 Comments

Do well by doing good. As leaders in business, we're constantly seeking the ROI on virtually everything. But here's the real question: Are we measuring the right things on our initiatives? .......... Too often, businesses fall into the trap of assuming a zero-sum game with spending and returns. .......... But the truth is, compounded impact is on our side when we do the right thing: ☑ Investing time, effort, and resources in people leads to fulfillment, motivation, and impact on the team. ☑ Investing in creating community with your brand results in loyalty, retention, and virality for your solution. ☑ Investing focus, prioritization, and resources in your mission creates a future state of the world that you, your stakeholders, and consumers want. ......... I've seen this firsthand. From Nuun Hydration, to Caldrea, to Kashi Company, and to SC Johnson. In every case, we did really well by doing good for the world. ......... How are you compounding your goodness as a team? #cultureFIRSTleadership PS: The facts support this hypothesis, see below 👇

6

2 Comments

What do you think Hamdi Ulukaya, the founder of Chobani will do with Anchor Brewing Company? He announced the purchase last month and the path forward isn’t clear. Based on trends in the craft beer industry over the last decade, here are a few potential scenarios for the brand: 1. Expansion and wider distribution: Many acquired craft breweries use the newly found resources to expand production and distribution. After Lagunitas Brewing Company was acquired by Heinekin, it was able to significantly expand its presence in international markets. 2. Maintaining independence: Some breweries maintain a high degree of autonomy. New Belgium Brewing, after being acquired by Lion Little World Beverages (a subsidiary of Kirin), has maintained much of its independent operations and decision-making. 3. Product innovation: With access to more resources, some acquired brands increase their focus on developing new and experimental beers.Ballast Point Brewing Company after its acquisition by Constellation Brands (and later sale to Kings & Convicts), continued to release new varieties and styles. Chobani milk stout perhaps? 4. Facility expansion: Many acquired breweries invest in expanding their production facilities. For example, Founders Brewing Co., after partial acquisition by Mahou San Miguel, expanded its brewing capacity significantly. Any bold predictions on what might be next?

Constellation Brands Inc. saw its stock climb during premarket trading on Thursday following an upward revision of its adjusted fiscal 2025 profit forecast, surpassing analyst predictions. The company also reported a robust fourth-quarter profit, driven by the stronger-than-anticipated performance of its beer division. CEO Bill Newlands highlighted the beer business's consistent volume growth over 56 quarters, coupled with impressive margins, although wine and spirits sales experienced a decline. https://lnkd.in/ggNU_G9r Constellation Brands Bill Newlands Branded Hospitality Ventures #Technology #Business #Innovation #AI #investing #venturecapital MarketWatch

12

The success of a “creator-led brand” has less to do with the creator’s following and much more to do with their effort level. I’ve seen this scenario play out dozens of times: 1. A Brand partners with creator/celebrity/athlete/artist. The Brand is focused on the “assets” total reach and following. The “asset’s” team is overly focused on their compensation and demand on their time. 2. Both sides negotiate for months over specific demands and tasks that fulfill some lengthy agreement. 50 pages that are read over and over again but never read again after it’s signed. 3. The Partnership is announced and not much happens. How is this cycle broken and turned into something positive for both sides? When the creative leans in and does what they do best: create. Not because the contract says they have to, but because they are having fun and they WANT TO. There are few creators that we’ve worked with that hustle harder than Ninja. He’s a consummate professional and truly cares about the things he works on. You can see the results just by the output of what he creates. Nutcase Milk scored a huge win here. And, so did Ninja.

10

3 Comments

Marketers report a staggering 760% increase in email revenue when adopting personalized and segmented campaigns. If nothing else will convince you, that number sure should! Want to dive deeper on the most powerful personalization tactics for wine brands? Check out our most recent video and blog: https://lnkd.in/gXepWbEt :: #emailmarketingisourjam #emailmavens #emailmarketingforwineries #sellmorewineonline #emailpersonalization

3

Year after year I’m impressed with the number of innovative, new beverage brands that enter the market. As always, #BevNet provides an amazing opportunity for these brands to be seen, to learn, and to network. There were so many takeaways, but here are three to share from this year’s conference: 1. If you’ve been waiting for the #Hemp-#THC infused beverage category to take off, it’s here. We saw lots of great new brands and very impressive data on sales volume and consumer demand. 2. Interesting advice from Whole Foods Market: It’s no longer enough to just present a great brand. You need a great brand with a strategic plan for success. 3. With #NIL there’s a growing opportunity to use student athletes as influencers and brand endorsers. If you’re looking to reach GenZ this is a great way to go. Thanks again to the team at #Bevnet for making every show invaluable. #beverageindustry #entrepreneur #innovation #kickstartflorida SAS Sales and Marketing

21

1 Comment

I think consumer feedback is often under used by emerging CPG brands… Coming from a Kraft Foods general management upbringing and then experiencing start-ups for many years, I’m often thinking about which “big company” practices could bring value to young emerging companies while not screwing up their great entrepreneurial culture and founder brilliance. The one area I continue to see a gap in is “entrepreneurial” consumer feedback/market research—the lack of fast/low cost consumer research options (or even confirmation research) discussed to prevent a low velocity SKU to get delisted, to maximize brand communication, and avoid wasted spend or lost opportunity on the back end. There are some great research companies out there, but their costs (while valid and worth it) are just not in the ballpark for what many founders want to spend for or go through the time on. Sometimes it’s a lot more natural for founders to go with their gut and not get bogged down by research. And I totally get this, and it does work in many instances.   I just wish there were more options out there to efficiently confirm purchase interest between two packages or between new innovation ideas to complement founder gut. In the end, it could save the emerging brand money…. Thought I’d reach out to the linkedin community, PLEASE not from research companies selling their research, but from founders/emerging brand marketers who have been through this dilemma and have found some consumer feedback very helpful and fitting for emerging brand bootstrap budget and speed (even if their own tools or alternative ways they’ve brought in consumers more)?  This sharing might help more companies maximize their moves in the future…so hope it helps… thanks! #ConsumerFeedback #jcbgrowth

70

17 Comments

Star Power in Spirits: How Celebrity Brands Are Holding Up" With George Clooney's Casamigos turning into a billion-dollar success, celebrities are flooding the spirits market. But in today's saturated scene, how are these star-backed brands evolving, and do they hold any real advantage? #CelebritySpirits #StarBrands #SpiritsMarket #AlcoholIndustry #BeverageTrends

2

Building a brand in retail is hard. Very hard. Even after becoming a top 10 canned RTD brand at Total Wine FL, we still do the samplings ourselves. In this case Dani Pinzon (some of us still refuse to be on camera). We crave that 1:1 connection with our customer. It's the only way to know what they actually think. Why do the love Casalú? What do they not like? What should we change? What flavor should be next? In-store demos are an amazing way to get the truth straight from the source. Salú

72

4 Comments

Why hire a Chief Financial Officer when you can utilize a Chief Fruit Officer?! It’s refreshing to come across a creative campaign like this one for Welch’s from Gut Miami. Adding a chef like Gordon Ramsay, whose known for his high standards, really helps to differentiate Welch’s whole fruit snacks from mere fruit flavored ones. The battleground for better-for-you-snacks is real. Using a celebrity to endorse healthier eating contributes to the breakthrough potential. Welch’s is making it fun to choose healthier foods. #CommercialAd #Advertising #Marketing

12

Los Angeles Toy Previews – Numbers showing and attending grow significantly in April. September is looking to be the main Fall Toy Preview event This month marked the first time that dozens of visitors and exhibitors are attending the April event in El Segundo (starting on the 15th and running through until the end of the month). The level of participation represents a quantum leap forward as compared to previous years There are 63 companies with permanent or temporary showrooms located at 1960 East Grand Avenue or at OPEN - 300/360 N Pacific Coast Highway for the April previews. To give that number some context, for the April 2022 Previews, this same list would have been comprised of only 10 companies in total between the 2 projects. In addition, the list below does not account for the other companies that have found space in hotel rooms or that have their showrooms in other buildings, such a Zuru, Moose and Playmates, just to name a few. Speaking for Spider, we had more than 30 appointments with mainly European Distributors and some Retail buyers during this last week, an increase of nearly 40% over the same period last year. Taking a look forward to the September Preview, we expect that all the temporary tenants will return in September to the same locations (or ones close by) PLUS the Toy Association Fall Preview has been clearly publicized as running from the 9th to the 13th of September. I am told that they are delighted with the response thus far and already have a significant percentage of the space rented out at their location at 2250 East Imperial Highway in El Segundo, which is in the heart of the Toy District In addition, separate from the Toy Association event, I have confirmed that the building management for 1960 on Grand and OPEN have received requests from more than 100 additional companies looking for showroom space to rent (it's getting pretty crazy to be honest). Either temporarily or with permanent space, we expect there to be more than 250 companies present during the September Preview period, which will run from the 9th to the 20th (and perhaps a little longer) I encourage everyone who wishes to be in LA in September to consider being in El Segundo for the same period as the Toy Association Preview and to add on another week to ensure you meet everyone you need to Finally, I just wanted to report that on the 16th, more than 200 people attended a Tacos and drinks party laid on by the SPACES / 360 Building management and even if it was a bit chilly by LA standards(!), it was a very enjoyable, well-supported and social event! We look forward to a repeat of this event at 1960 in September - all welcome!

165

18 Comments