NextStep CPG

NextStep CPG is a specialized sales leadership and business development consultancy founded by Alex, focusing exclusively on consumer packaged goods brands in the food and beverage space. The company provides embedded sales support for CPG founders and small teams who need the firepower of a full commercial team without the overhead of hiring full-time staff. NextStep CPG offers strategic guidance from pitch to execution, helping brands navigate retail expansion, secure listings in major grocery chains, natural and specialty retail across Canada, and scale from regional to national distribution. The company has demonstrated success with notable clients including Sapsucker (commercial growth and national retail expansion), WhoaNellys (regional to national growth strategy), and has experience with portfolio brands such as Stumptown Coffee Roaster, Guayaki Yerba Mate, Zola Coconut Water & Acai, Boylan Bottling Co, MASH Sparkling Fruit Drink, Proud Source Water, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Cabana Lemonade, and GoodDrink Beverages Co. NextStep CPG specializes in identifying high-impact moves, securing distribution deals, improving velocity through trade strategy, channel prioritization, promotional planning, strengthening distributor relationships, aligning brokers, and supporting investor conversations. The company operates on a founder-aligned model that provides strategic guidance without full-time overhead, offering less cost than a junior hire, more affordability than a broker, and the value of a VP-level executive. Services include retail wins across Canada, hands-on sales leadership, embedded support throughout the sales process, and comprehensive business development strategies tailored to help CPG brands overcome growth plateaus and achieve scalable expansion in competitive retail markets.