The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Shaan Modi, from New Jersey. Shaan is still in high school but was spotted by us at CAGNY (the annual consumer analysts gathering with senior CPG brand leaders) down in Florida in February. We observed him attend several sessions, and we quite surprised to see someone from Gen Z in this conference. We asked him what he thought, and his answers both intrigued and challenged our own biases of how he saw the notion of a 'brand'. We decided to bring him on the pod, he agreed, here is the episode. Enjoy the listen to what Gen Z thinks of the many brands we have spent decades building.

Here's what we asked Shaan :

Personal Experience & Perspective : What inspired you, as an 18-year-old, to attend CAGNY 2025, and how did you prepare to get the most out of it? Were there any moments during the conference that shifted your opinion about a brand or product?

Health & Wellness Trends :Do you think the current “better-for-you” trends reflect authentic health concerns among Gen Z—or are they still mostly marketing tactics?

Marketing Strategy : Which brand do you think best understands Gen Z in terms of digital-first marketing, and what made it stand out? How important is authenticity in influencer marketing to you and your peers? What makes something feel “forced” versus genuine?

Innovation & Missed Opportunities : You pointed out how companies missed TikTok trends—why do you think they’re slow to adapt, even when the data is right there? Do you think there’s a risk in brands trying too hard to be trendy or viral? What’s the right balance?If you could advise General Mills on a single product innovation to better appeal to Gen Z, what would it be?

Product Development & Personalization : How important is personalization in food products for Gen Z? Would you actually use something like a custom snack box?

Cultural & Social Relevance : What’s one cultural or social movement you feel CPG brands are completely missing out on when it comes to Gen Z? Which viral food trend do you think has the most untapped brand potential right now?

Vision for the Future : If you were to attend CAGNY 2030, what changes or evolutions would you hope to see in how brands engage with your generation?Personal Experience & Perspective? Were there any moments during the conference that shifted your opinion about a brand or product?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
CPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/
Subscribe to Chain Drug Review here: https://chaindrugreview.com/
Subscribe to Mass Market Retailers here: https://massmarketretailers.com/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Consumerism From The Lens of Gen Z with Shaan Modi (we met at CAGNY)

The CPG Guys

Consumerism From The Lens of Gen Z with Shaan Modi (we met at CAGNY)