Episode 4: 2025 Reflections and 2026 Predictions with the CPG Guys

We’re closing out 2025 with a no-fluff, all-receipts conversation where power women and real talk collide. Cristina and Jackie are joined by industry heavyweights Peter and Sri from The CPG Guys to audit the year that was—and forecast what’s next.
From the AI hype that fizzled to the retail media reality check, we call BS on overused buzzwords and dig into what really moved the needle (and what didn’t). Expect hot takes on:

AI-powered everything—why it was the most overused phrase and what it actually delivered.
Innovation drought—65% of launches were renovations, not true innovation.
Retail media wins & fails—where it worked (in-store, search) and where it flopped (off-site display).
Metrics that need to die—ROAS, influencer engagement, and “new-to-brand” obsession.
Promo addiction & price-pack architecture—why frequency vs depth matters more than ever.
Women in leadership—progress made, but why representation still lags behind consumer reality.
Unspoken rules to retire—FaceTime ≠ commitment, and culture fit ≠ sameness.

Plus, we tackle the big question: What does “Beyond the Basket” really mean? Spoiler: It’s about relationships, not transactions.
This episode is bold, provocative, and packed with insights for anyone navigating the evolving world of CPG, retail media, and commerce.

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