The Private Opportunity That Could Be Worth Millions

As inflation, margin pressure and shifting consumer behavior reshape the CPG landscape, private label is having a major moment — and brands need to decide how they'll respond. The hosts unpack why more retailers are embracing private label, how brands can leverage it to strengthen cash flow without undermining their own business, and why saying no to an opportunity could simply hand it to a competitor. Show notes: 0:20: Meetups & Mingling. Honey Mama's Mashups. Private Label, Big Moment. Networking Pays. CPG Wins & Woes. Weird Snacks. – The hosts kick off the episode with some playful banter about Ray's absence before reflecting on Taste Radio's recent Chicago Meetup and previewing upcoming events in San Diego, San Francisco and London. They sample a variety of new Honey Mama's products and discuss how the brand has evolved its product line without losing its core identity. The conversation then turns to the resurgence of private label amid inflation and a K-shaped economy, with Melissa highlighting a recent Nombase podcast focused on how brands can use private label to generate cash flow without diluting their core business. The hosts also make the case for attending industry events, emphasizing that networking can lead to unexpected opportunities and that founders should consistently invest in their networks rather than scrambling to build one when they need it. They spotlight several entrepreneurs and brands, including Goldie Lemonade founder Sean Rosenberg, Plainspeak Water from Sara Brooks, and Bake Me Healthy founder Kimberly Lau, whose decision to wind down her business underscores just how difficult building a successful CPG company can be. Finally, they sample a uniquely Canadian snack called Long Chips, debate whether the bacon flavor is actually bacon, and marvel at the product's unusual format. Brands in this episode: Honey Mama's, Stumptown Coffee, Prana, Goldie Lemonade, GNGR Labs, Plainspeak, Bake Me Healthy, Kodiak Cakes, Long Chips, Pringles