Ashley Finster talks data, category management, category captains and more

We're delighted to welcome to the podcast today Ashley Finster, a longtime food marketing executive whose remarkable career has included strategy, brand building and category management work across produce (including the launch of the behemoth mandarin brand Cuties), meat and CPG. Ashley could share insight on dozens of topics, but today we’re focusing mainly on category management, and this is why: In an earlier episode, we spoke with Jesse Himango, most recently the assistant director of produce at Fresh Thyme Market, about category management on the part of the retailer. We at the podcast find category management a compelling topic – it’s an area with significant influence, after all – and so we wanted to offer some additional perspective about category management from the supplier side of the table. Ashley Finster is the perfect person to deliver that insight. If you're a retailer, you'll find ways that you can help your suppliers support you better with data. If you're a supplier, you'll get no shortage of ideas on how to build your category management capabilities and prioritize to get the most for the budget you have. Thanks as always for listening and we hope you enjoy the conversation!  For more episodes featuring executive perspective, check out this curated playlist dedicated to conversations with current and former vice presidents of produce, directors of produce, and other executive roles.  More Playlists Merchandising & Marketing  Leadership & Training Produce Manager Perspective Podcast Background This podcast is designed to cover all things produce retail: strategy, partnerships, planning, training, leadership, communication, merchandising and beyond. Scroll through our episodes list to find conversations with vice presidents and directors of produce, merchandisers, produce managers, retail dietitians and more. Get Involved The Produce Retail Podcast is hosted by Ashley Nickle, a former trade journalist turned consultant. Have an idea for a topic or a guest? Give her a shout on LinkedIn. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.