330: Emily Sundberg

The conversation centers on current trends in the food and beverage industry, with Emily Sundberg, creator of the Feed Me newsletter, sharing her insights on consumer packaged goods (CPG), retail strategies, and media. Sundberg critiques the homogeneity of "shoppy shops" and the over-reliance on FAIR's top-selling products, while also spotlighting brands like Graza, AmiAmi, and Rose Los Angeles for their innovative marketing. The discussion covers the successes and stumbles of various CPG brands in 2023, the challenges facing Bon Appetit magazine, and the potential of customer loyalty programs like Blackbird. Sundberg and host Matt Rodbard also share their favorite new product discoveries of the year, including Diaspora Co. pumpkin spice mix, Confusion Snacks popcorn, and Taiwanese soy paste.

Outlines

Part 1: Newsletter Inspiration, Pop Culture, and Consumer Trends

Part 2: CPG Brand Analysis and Food Marketing Trends

Part 3: Media Landscape and Industry Challenges

Part 4: Personal Favorites and Creative Projects

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This Is TASTE

Part 1: Newsletter Inspiration, Pop Culture, and Consumer Trends

The Blending of Pop Culture, Business, and Consumer Spending Habits

The Rise and Homogeneity of "Shoppy Shops" and CPG Brands

Part 2: CPG Brand Analysis and Food Marketing Trends

Graza's Success, Founder Missteps, and the Marketing of Whole Milk

Emerging Food Trends: Persimmons, Sumo Mandarins, and Brands Solving Problems

Energy Drink Fatigue, Indie Food Retail, and Hyperlocal Shopping

Avoiding Condescending Copy and Maximizing Retail Space

Part 3: Media Landscape and Industry Challenges

The Opportunity in Food Product Media and the State of Bon Appetit

The Challenges of Media, Blackbird's Strategy, and Customer Loyalty

Part 4: Personal Favorites and Creative Projects

Restaurant Loyalty, New York City Dining, and Long Island Favorites

Documentary Filmmaking, Cookbooks, and Favorite Sandwiches

New Product Discoveries: Diaspora Co. Pumpkin Spice to Lexington Bakes Brownies

330: Emily Sundberg

This Is TASTE

Part 1: Newsletter Inspiration, Pop Culture, and Consumer Trends

00:07The Blending of Pop Culture, Business, and Consumer Spending Habits

The Blending of Pop Culture, Business, and Consumer Spending Habits

03:34The Rise and Homogeneity of "Shoppy Shops" and CPG Brands

The Rise and Homogeneity of "Shoppy Shops" and CPG Brands

Part 2: CPG Brand Analysis and Food Marketing Trends

09:09Graza's Success, Founder Missteps, and the Marketing of Whole Milk

Graza's Success, Founder Missteps, and the Marketing of Whole Milk

11:18Emerging Food Trends: Persimmons, Sumo Mandarins, and Brands Solving Problems

Emerging Food Trends: Persimmons, Sumo Mandarins, and Brands Solving Problems

14:31Energy Drink Fatigue, Indie Food Retail, and Hyperlocal Shopping

Energy Drink Fatigue, Indie Food Retail, and Hyperlocal Shopping

21:32Avoiding Condescending Copy and Maximizing Retail Space

Avoiding Condescending Copy and Maximizing Retail Space

Part 3: Media Landscape and Industry Challenges

25:38The Opportunity in Food Product Media and the State of Bon Appetit

The Opportunity in Food Product Media and the State of Bon Appetit

30:43The Challenges of Media, Blackbird's Strategy, and Customer Loyalty

The Challenges of Media, Blackbird's Strategy, and Customer Loyalty

Part 4: Personal Favorites and Creative Projects

34:40Restaurant Loyalty, New York City Dining, and Long Island Favorites

Restaurant Loyalty, New York City Dining, and Long Island Favorites

42:15Documentary Filmmaking, Cookbooks, and Favorite Sandwiches

Documentary Filmmaking, Cookbooks, and Favorite Sandwiches

45:15New Product Discoveries: Diaspora Co. Pumpkin Spice to Lexington Bakes Brownies

New Product Discoveries: Diaspora Co. Pumpkin Spice to Lexington Bakes Brownies