{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"As Investors Get More Selective, Grocery Gets More Curated","description":"What actually gets investors to say yes in today\u2019s CPG market? In this episode, we revisit conversations with founders, operators and investors at Taste Radio\u2019s NYC Meetup who share candid advice on why disciplined growth, financial transparency and strong regional traction matter far more than hype \u2013 and why some of the biggest opportunities may be hiding in overlooked legacy categories. The hosts also dive into the rise of luxury and small-format grocery, including Whole Foods\u2019 Daily Shop concept and premium retailers like Laurel Supply and Nude Miami, and how brands like Ripi and Olipop are adapting their positioning, packaging and messaging to win with today\u2019s consumers. Show notes: 0:20: Nude & Bougie. Rip It. New For The Kids? Beefy Snacks, Pickle Beer & Soccer Chips. \u2013 The hosts discuss Whole Foods Market\u2019s expansion of its smaller \u201cDaily Shop\u201d concept into urban neighborhoods, alongside emerging upscale retailers like Laurel Supply in Los Angeles and Nude Miami. The conversation also touches on how emerging brands navigate this landscape, highlighting frozen pasta company Ripi as an example of a premium brand betting heavily on elevated packaging, product quality, and strong branding from day one to win placements at Whole Foods and Target. The hosts also dive into Olipop\u2019s newly announced refresh of its shelf-stable soda line, examining how the updated packaging and \u201cfeel-good soda\u201d positioning appear designed to broaden the brand\u2019s mainstream appeal and attract younger consumers. They also sample Beest\u2019s beef-based charcuterie trail mixes, Ginny\u2019s adaptogenic sparkling beverages, Mooksi\u2019s overnight oat bites, Chestnut Sports Club\u2019s low-alcohol citrus lager, Pabst Blue Ribbon\u2019s Grillo\u2019s Pickles collaboration beer, Garrett Popcorn\u2019s hot honey flavor, Pop Off\u2019s limited-edition prebiotic soda, and Lay\u2019s World Cup-inspired chip flavors.  31:40: Interviews from Taste Radio\u2019s NYC Meetup \u2013 Stephen Plattman of accounting and advisory firm Anchin emphasizes the importance of establishing strong financial foundations early. Lucinda Capital founder and early-stage investor Mayur Aras encourages founders to prioritize strong regional traction and operational discipline over rapid expansion and also shares insights on how to move investors from \u201cmaybe\u201d to \u201cyes.\u201d He also noted growing excitement around innovation in overlooked legacy categories rather than short-lived trend-driven products. NextFoods CMO Lella Rafferty explains how recovery brand Cheribundi has shifted from a commodity juice positioning toward science-backed recovery and sleep solutions, leveraging credibility with athletes while introducing more portable formats like shots and gummies for \u201ceveryday athletes.\u201d Wandering Bear Coffee founder Matt Bachmann reflected on the company\u2019s evolution from boxed cold brew into a broader premium coffee platform, explaining how innovation in format and occasion has fueled growth while requiring increasingly sophisticated operational planning. Brands in this episode: Bai, Crooked Pop, Olipop, Poppi, Bloom, Mountain Dew, Beest, Rind Snacks, Parm Crisps, Ginny, Mooski, Chestnut Sports Club, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Grillo\u2019s Pickles, Garrett\u2019s Popcorn, Mike\u2019s Hot Honey, Pop Off, Lay\u2019s, GoodBelly, Cheribundi, Chobani, Habiza, Laurel\u2019s Coffee, Wandering Bear Coffee ","author_name":"Taste Radio","author_url":"http:\/\/tasteradio.com","html":"