The Nombase Podcast

Getting onto retail shelves can feel like a big accomplishment—but what happens when strong velocity, national distribution, and real sales still don't add up to a profitable business?Lauren Chew of Love + Chew Superfood Cookies shares the story behind her decision to exit 2,500 retail doors through UNFI and KeHE—even with velocities buyers were happy with. Abby June Richards of The CPG CFO breaks down where the P&L falls apart for emerging brands and what founders need to understand about cash conversion cycles, trade spend, and channel-level profitability before signing a retailer contract. And Liana Krasnow of Noodo, a premium bone broth pasta sauce just 21 doors in, asks the questions every early-stage brand should be asking right now. You Will Learn:Why a brand can have great velocity and still be losing money on every caseThe hidden cash conversion cycle that can turn a modest monthly loss into a $3M cash problemHow to evaluate whether a specific retailer is actually a fit—before you sign anythingWhat trade spend really is, why it's not an operating expense, and how misreporting it can hurt you in due diligenceThe factors Lauren would weigh differently with her next brand, including shelf facings, direct shipping, and which retailers to avoid entirelyWhy regional, direct, and foodservice channels may deliver more profit than national distribution—and how to know when you're ready to scale

Expo West 2026 is here and the BevNET and NOSH team is sharing what's at the top of their hit list. Managing editors Martín Caballero and Monica Watrous break down the biggest trends they expect to see on the show floor, from protein and fiber trends, to seed oil free formulations, regenerative ingredients, functional fatigue, GLP-1 friendly products, nostalgic flavors, and more. Can't wait to see you all at the show!!

If you spend tens of thousands of dollars to exhibit to be at Expo West but get swallowed up by the noise, was it even worth being there at all? In this episode, Marty Caballero and Mike Schneider from BevNET CPG Media talk about why some brands leave Expo West with real momentum while others quietly fade into the background. They break down how media coverage is planned, why timing matters, what is actually worth announcing, and how early decisions shape booth traffic and buyer awareness. We'll focus on the simple planning most brands skip and how taking care of it ahead of time can help you walk into Expo already a step ahead.

Amazon is one of the most powerful growth channels for CPG brands, but the rules are change fast. New fulfillment approaches, evolving advertising tools, and deeper access to customer data are reshaping how food and beverage brands compete on the platform.In this episode with Straight Up Growth, find out what's changing on Amazon heading into 2026 and how those shifts affect growth strategy. The conversation covers grocery and fresh delivery, advertising and measurement updates, and how brands can use data to make smarter decisions about spend, product focus, and long term profitability.

Is Wegmans on your radar? For many emerging CPG brands, cracking Wegmans is a dream, but timing, trends, and execution often decide who makes it. In this episode, Isabel Washington of Laurel’s Coffee and Alexander Harik of Zesty Z share the real stories behind getting on Wegmans’ shelves, from navigating distributors to building velocity without demos or promos. They’re joined by Josh Cannon of Cultivate CPG, who brings years of experience guiding brands through the Wegmans process. Find out what buyers really want, how to pitch with confidence, and the strategies that turn “maybe” into yes.

Want to know how to turn a Costco roadshow into a lasting spot on shelf? In this episode, Gavin McCloskey of Love Corn, Leila Kairns of Healtea, and Carlene Carl of Rebel Solutions Group share insider tips to fast-track your Costco success and help you avoid costly mistakes. They explain how to manage setup, staffing, and inventory; work with store managers and Costco’s Club Demo Solutions team; and refine pitches to boost sales. Learn how to test flavors, packaging, and pricing while building relationships that influence buyers. 

Ever wonder how Chomps took over shelves across the country? Lauren Martin, Chomps’ National Retail Activation Manager, reveals the in-store strategies that fueled their explosive growth. Find out how to earn more facings, prevent promo failures, build store-level trust, and adapt tactics by region and retailer. From merchandising wins to demo optimization, you'll hear tips and tricks that can help scale any brand. 

Distributor contracts can make or break your brand. In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Koehler, Founder and CEO of Wildway Foods, and Kara Posner, Partner at Giannuzzi Lewendon, to unpack how brands can navigate these high-stakes agreements with confidence. Learn when and how to negotiate, what terms to watch for, and how to protect your margins while building strong distributor partnerships.