Katie Pringle

Alimentation Couche-Tard is strategically expanding its footprint, making significant moves by bidding for 7-Eleven stores and acquiring GetGo Café + Market. This aggressive expansion underscores Couche-Tard's commitment to growing its presence in the convenience store and café market. 🌎🏪 Couche-Tard's acquisitions are not just about increasing the number of stores; they're about enhancing the retail experience and offering more services and products to a broader customer base. As they deploy their substantial war chest, it will be interesting to see how this reshapes the competitive landscape of the convenience retail sector. #RetailStrategy #BusinessExpansion #CoucheTard #ConvenienceStore #FoodTrends https://lnkd.in/gQ8zsw7P

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The CarbonOne team is doing innovating things in the #carbondata space for #FMCG and #CPG brands. This webinar will be worth your time!

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Build Something That Stands Tall Through Time When the CN Tower was built, it was more than just a radio tower. It was a statement. A beacon of innovation that transformed a practical necessity into a symbol of Toronto’s identity. What if we built our companies and brands with the same vision? Not just to solve today’s problems like ‘give me MORE PROTEIN’ … but to become timeless icons. To take what’s functional and turn it into something that is timeless. To inspire pride and identity. All of the world class brands do this. Just like the CN Tower wasn’t merely a structure but a revitalization for a city, our businesses can be more than products or services—they can redefine what it means to stand tall through time. So my question going into the weekend for all of us is … How will you build your legacy? #cultureFIRSTleadership 🎥 … running & exploring Toronto this morning. 👇🏼

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It's been disappointing to see the lack of conversations around the viral Simu Liu clip floating around. This has been one of the first times, that discourse around cultural appropriation in CPG has been brought to the spotlight. The truth is, it's not my job, or Simu Liu's job to tell people where the line is on cultural appropriation in CPG. I don't have to tell you why a non-native person starting a boba tea, or agua fresca, or tepache, can be offensive to cultural groups- your customers (and the internet) will do that for you. I can tell you, however, that over the past several years starting Bawi Agua Fresca I have had conversations with so many entrepreneurs of color, and customers, who feel exactly like Simu Liu does. It's incredibly annoying to see a cultural CPG product, then after 2 minutes of research coming to find that there is not a *single* person from the product's cultural origin on the team, or cap table. How would we feel if Sanzo's Asian inspired sparkling waters were made by a white guy? How would their customer base feel if that knowledge became public, in a mass-market setting? This is legitimately what just happened to the Bobba tea company on Dragon's Den. No one knew, until they found out and the people reacted. To add insult to injury, it's often significantly more difficult for entrepreneurs of color to get their products off the ground. They're entering a landscape where their cultural categories feel to be, quite literally, colonized. Conversations like this are only as helpful as the discourse you, as an individual, will allow. I am not the arbiter or cultural appropriation, and as a first-generation Mexican immigrant and beverage entrepreneur, I'll *still* let the market decide how they feel about future cultural innovations. I don't have to call you out. Snaxshot doesn't have to call you out (but she probably will!) Cultural sensitivity around cultural appropriation is at an all time high, regardless of how you feel about it. Whether you want to frame this in terms of morality, crisis management, or strategic planning, is a moot point. If you do something cultural insensitive, at scale, you will be held accountable. And spoiler alert, most every CPG entrepreneur wants to do things at scale. Executives, industry professionals, entrepreneurs- please keep your finger on the pulse. You become "out-of-touch" when you refuse to discuss ever-evolving cultural norms. I'm sure my children and grandchildren will educate me one day, and I hope I'm not stubborn enough to hear them out. https://lnkd.in/g5wHax2P

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Non-alc drinks are on the rise, and here’s what you need to know. 🤝 Industry research has revealed a growing demand for alcohol-free alternatives, driven by factors such as cost-consciousness, diet, and a heightened focus on mental wellness — especially amongst Gen Z and millennials. Read more about this trend shaping the beverage landscape in Canada: https://lnkd.in/eTSiey47 #NonAlcoholicDrinks #HealthyDrinking #MindfulDrinking #BeverageIndustry #NonAlcoholicBeverageIndustry

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Activating Canada’s On Premise: Key insights you don’t want to miss 🚀 The recent CGA by NIQ webinar revealed key trends for success in Canada’s bars and restaurants: 🍻 The On Premise remains vital for brand discovery, with 64% of Gen Z consumers saying they’re likely to buy a drink to have at home if they’ve enjoyed it whilst out. 🍽️ Food-led visits are up, but consumers are drinking less, prioritising quality over quantity. 🍸 Bartender engagement plays a major role in influencing purchase decisions. With the right strategies, brands can tap into evolving consumer behaviours. Watch the full webinar to learn more > https://lnkd.in/gc4J5WwS #CanadaBars #OnPremiseTrends #GenZConsumers #BartenderInfluence #ConsumerBehaviours #WebinarInsights

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I think it is fair to say that our industry still has a lot of work to do to help consumers realize that better quality almost always represents better value. Especially in cannabis. And, I would add that at least some insight into our customers' needs and wants is at least as important as product knowledge, as we strive to help them along the path to --dare I say it-- cannabis enlightenment. ;-)

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💡 Stay Ahead with Our Forthcoming 2024 🍁 Canadian Budtender Report🍁 🔍 Last year's study uncovered: 📌 Influence ➤ Budtenders drive 30% of all cannabis sales. 📌 Preferences ➤Terpene profiles and price guide budtenders' purchases. 📌 Recommendations ➤ Discover which brands are favored by budtenders and why. Download the 2023 Report for in-depth data that will refine your brand strategy: 📥 https://hubs.la/Q02BX1vz0 Contact us to discover the keys to success in the Canadian cannabis industry: 👉 https://hubs.la/Q02BXd_r0 #CannabisIndustry #CannabisCommunity #CannabisCanada #Budtender #Report #CannabisSales #CannabisBrands #MarketTrends #BrightfieldGroup

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Navigating compliance in the cannabis industry can feel overwhelming, but that’s where we come in. We specialize in designing packaging that not only aligns with regulations but also elevates your brand. Here’s how we make it easier for you: Health Canada Regulations: Ensuring your packaging meets strict federal guidelines for labeling, font sizes, and placement of required warnings. Brand Consistency: Designing packaging that stays compliant while preserving your brand's unique identity and appeal. Restricted Imagery: Avoiding prohibited graphics, colors, or language that could be deemed appealing to minors. Clear Information: Highlighting THC/CBD content, lot numbers, and bilingual labeling requirements in a clean, readable layout. Packaging Safety: Creating child-resistant designs that meet both functional and legal standards. #Compliance #CompliantDesign #GraphicDesign #PackagingSolutions

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Another large Food CPG company divesting a non-core asset: The Hain Celestial Group, known for better-for-you brands like Veggie Straws and Terra, has sold ParmCrisps to Our Home, an independent snack maker. This is part of a continuing trend in the F&B sector, where large corporations are divesting non-core assets, allowing niche buyers to acquire them at value and revitalize iconic brands with more focus. Hain originally acquired ParmCrisps and Thinsters in a $259 million deal in 2021, but by 2023, they had written down more than half of the acquisition, citing a loss of distribution and a slowdown in the keto diet trend. Hain is sharpening its focus on core brands while improving supply chain efficiency and reducing debt—illustrating the strategic moves happening across the industry. We expect this trend to continue for the next 18 to 24 months. #MergersandAcquisitions #InvestmentBanking #FoodAndBeverage #BetterForYou https://lnkd.in/g4mEeFS5

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You know when you discover a brand that gets it? For me, that brand is Mid-Day Squares, and they’re redefining what community and quality look like in the CPG space. Mid-Day Squares isn’t just a snack. It’s fuel for your body and your ambition. This brand is about community, culture, and natural, raw connection. They’ve turned a simple idea, chocolate bars, into a movement driven by passion and a bold vision. What’s even better? This brand was born right here in Montreal. Founders Jake Karls, Lezlie Karls and Nick Saltarelli aren’t just building a business. They’re building a community. A tribe of people who believe in real food, real stories, and living life with purpose. Their energy is infectious, and their openness about their journey, struggles, and wins makes you feel right there with them. And that’s the magic of Mid-Day Squares. It’s not just about the product, though their bars are incredible. It’s about the culture they’ve created. A place where authenticity, hustle, and passion thrive. Their story inspires me daily, seeing them push boundaries and set new standards for what’s possible in the CPG world. Canada needs more entrepreneurs like Jake, Lezlie, and Nick. People who aren’t afraid to dream big, take risks, and build something that truly matters. Entrepreneurs bring people together through their products, values, and relentless drive. Mid-Day Squares proves that people will rally behind you when you put your heart into something and build with integrity. This is more than a snack. It’s a brand that lives and breathes community, innovation, and energy. Watching it all unfold in my hometown makes me proud and fired up to chase my entrepreneurial dreams. What brand fires you up like this? #middaysquares #cpg #consumerpackagedgoods #entrepreneurship #communitybuilding #montrealbusiness #startuplife #brandloyalty #founders #snackinnovation #healthysnacks #foodentrepreneur #supportlocal #businessgrowth #innovation

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✨Are you looking to elevate your beverage brand to the next level? Partner with Liquid Opportunities Inc., the industry experts with over 30 years of experience in beverage consulting, product development, sales, and marketing. From RTDs and Spirits to Non-Alcoholic Drinks, we specialize in transforming ideas into successful brands. Join the ranks of industry leaders who trust us to drive their growth and innovation. Work with us today and create for tomorrow! 💡 Create Your Own Opportunities Today: Liquid Opportunities Inc. #BeverageIndustry #BrandDevelopment #Innovation #FoodandBeverage #LiquidOpportunitiesInc #BeverageConsulting #ProductDevelopment #SalesStrategy #MarketGrowth #BrandInnovation #BeverageExperts #RTDs #SpiritsIndustry #NonAlcoholicBeverages #BusinessGrowth #IndustryLeaders #BrandSuccess #LiquidOpportunitiesInc

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I wonder... ...just how many Canadian cannabis retailers are truly applying Category Management. Not CM as a means to extract money from suppliers. But CM as a means to optimize the shopping experience, to maximize store volume, revenue and profit. Understanding shopper psychographics and shopper journey. How to set regular retail pricing. When and how to use trial vs pantry load tactics. What to profile and how in terms of merchandising. What budtenders should be doing... ...all the types of things that make retailers successful. Success that only comes from research and planning and execution. Data deals and renting out budtender recommendations? Short-term thinking that has nothing to do with building a better retail business.

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Calling all small-medium sized brands in Canada: Did you know Health Canada created a new regulatory framework for Supplemented Foods? The new framework allows for brands to enter the supplemented foods category and bring innovative products to market easier than ever before. If you’ve been looking to for an opportunity to tap into the growing market for supplemented foods, this is the time. We created a guide for CHFA Members to help you understand the new regulations and how you can leverage them to grow your business in Canada. Check it out here: https://ow.ly/uY1450S4xeQ Note: A CHFA Member login is required. If you are a CHFA Member and require help logging in, reach out to us [email protected] and we’ll help you get access. #CHFA

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🚀 Exciting news! James Pippin, founder of Good Now Foods, will be speaking at CULTURE ADVISORY GROUP INC. Drive Wheel event on December 2nd, 2024. He'll be sharing invaluable insights on building Canadian brands in the US retail market. As a sneak peek, here are some of James' top tips for Canadian CPG founders on getting grocery buyers to say "Yes": 1️⃣ Understand Buyer Psychology: They want innovative products that drive revenue and profitability. Remember, they're people too! 2️⃣ What Buyers Look For: • Demonstrated sales velocity • Product quality and uniqueness • Strong brand story aligning with their values 3️⃣ Master Category Reviews: Prepare thoroughly and customize your pitch for each retailer. 4️⃣ Get That Meeting: Keep email pitches concise and highlight your unique selling points. 5️⃣ Build Relationships: Treat placement as the beginning of a long-term partnership. 6️⃣ Know When to Seek Help: Consider hiring experienced salespeople or agencies when your business can support it. Remember, securing a "yes" is a process. Stay professional, persistent, and polite in your approach! Join CULTURE ADVISORY GROUP INC. Drive Wheel program so you can access this important information https://lnkd.in/exvjVMCm. 🔍 What strategies have worked for you in your CPG journey? Share your experiences in the comments! #CPG #RetailStrategy #GroceryBuyers #EntrepreneurshipTips

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Due to technology, consumers have options on how to order their groceries; 1) in-store, 2) on-line, 3) mobile. Welcome to Canada's Omni Shopper. This report provides a micro overview of this consumer. Top 3 findings: 1) Only 27% of consumers are exclusive in-store shoppers. 2) Canada's online $ share of the CPG market: 8%. The US is 17%. 3) 81% of all on-line searches on Amazon are unbranded. Brands must assign characteristics to aid in search and filter options.

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Did you know that Field Agent Canada is partnered with UNFI Canada to support brands of all sizes. We help brands with ratings and reviews, retail audits, new innovation boosters, and much much more. I will be attending this event on June 11th and would LOVE to meet with you there. DM now to connect. Field Agent Canada UNFI Canada #retailaudits #ratingsandreviews #CPG #onshelfavailability

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