Errol Schweizer: An Insider Look at the Grocery Industry, the Policies and Profits Moving it in the Wrong Direction, and the Financial Impacts on Good Food Brands

Errol Schweizer has over 25 years of experience in the food industry and was V.P. of Grocery for Whole Foods from 2009-2016. His team grew sales to over US$5 Billion by supporting the launch and commercialization of thousands of new products, many of which are now household names. He has developed plant-based, Organic, Non-GMO and regenerative supply chains and product standards for decades. He was awarded a NOSH Top 50 grocery industry award in 2023 and was recognized with a Retail Game-changer award from Supermarket News and a Lifetime Achievement Award from Hemp Industries Association.    Errol is now a Partner in the leading investor-grade sustainability benchmarking firm, Impakt IQ and has been a board member, advisor and partner for over 30 emerging brands and independent grocers. He is active in regional food policy, is Host of The Checkout Podcast and frequently writes for Forbes.   In this episode, Errol joins Sarah for a lively discussion covering everything from how grocery stores make money to the lack of policy enforcement that continues to hurt small food brands looking to find space on the shelf.   You’ll hear:   How grocery stores make money through promotions, trade spend, and product differentiation. The business models of grocery stores vary, with mass market chains focusing on everyday low cost and smaller supermarkets emphasizing higher gross margins. Why product differentiation and innovation are crucial for grocery stores to stand out in a competitive market. How consolidation, centralization, and the lack of enforcement of antitrust laws continue to create challenges for independent brands And so much more!    Learn more about Errol: The Checkout Grocery supply chains: Understanding why eggs cost what they costForbes Articles   Stay Connected! Instagram: @TheGoodFoodCFOYouTube: @thegoodfoodcfo Join us in The Good Food CFO Community This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thegoodfoodcfo.substack.com