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Articles by Chris
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Unsung Heroes: Let's Hear it for the Food and Beverage Workers Across America
Unsung Heroes: Let's Hear it for the Food and Beverage Workers Across America
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the hardworking food and beverage workers of America. While many…
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How We’re Supporting Our Marketplace and Community
How We’re Supporting Our Marketplace and Community
Like many CPG companies, we are facing an unprecedented time in our industry. While our primary focus is protecting the…
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A Letter to Our Customers and Consumers
A Letter to Our Customers and Consumers
On behalf of Talking Rain, our deepest regards go out to everyone impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19). From those who…
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Chris Hall shared thisThank you Kevin Ryan and Inc. Magazine for the recognition. Grateful to be included alongside some incredible CPG leaders. Special shoutout to Joshua Gittler for his well-deserved recognition and for being an incredible partner during our time together at poppi. One thing the poppi journey reinforced for me: great companies are never built by one person. An idea may ignite it, but it takes a community of founders, teammates, investors, partners, customers and consumers coming together to make something special happen. Proud of what our community built, and grateful for everyone who was part of it. Excited for what’s next. Be Better. https://lnkd.in/gS_ec3a6CPG Power List: 7 Fast-Growth Superstars Looking to Build the Next Breakout BrandCPG Power List: 7 Fast-Growth Superstars Looking to Build the Next Breakout Brand
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Chris Hall shared thisMorning Activity Before Anything For years, people told me to start my day with something active for myself, whether it was a walk, a run, or the gym. They said it was one of the best things you could do for your mind, body, and soul. I ignored them. The sad part? I actually lived this way through my 20s. Somewhere along the line, work and other priorities took over. Looking back, I thought I was gaining an edge, but I was slowly giving up something that was far more valuable. I was the "professional" who believed success meant being up at 5:00 a.m. and in the office by 6:00 a.m. The grind came first. A month ago, I finally committed to putting morning activity before anything else. They're right! The activity itself matters less than the intention. Walk. Run. Lift. Stretch. Move. Starting the day by investing in yourself, instead of immediately reacting to your phone, changes how you think. You reflect instead of react. You connect ideas, solve problems, process yesterday, and prepare for today while waking up your body. Just in the last month, I’ve discovered more of Tampa, Moab, Roswell, Moonlight Basin, Ennis, and Lexington than I ever would have from the back seat of an Uber or through a hotel window. There’s something about exploring a place on foot that helps you connect with it and yourself, in a different way. A little self-care goes a long way for the mind, body, and soul.
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Chris Hall shared thisA quick update on my father’s journey with Warrior Expeditions. After starting in Washington, D.C., he recently passed the 1,000 mile mark and is now riding through Illinois as he continues his trek across the country along the Great American Rail Trail. What stands out most isn’t just the miles, it’s the incredible people and communities along the way. From small towns to local volunteers, so many have welcomed these veterans with kindness, generosity, and gratitude. It’s a powerful reminder that the best parts of America are often found in the people you meet along the journey. Thank you to the communities along the Great American Rail Trail for making this experience so meaningful. Here’s to seeing his finish on the shores of the PacNW.
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Chris Hall shared thisA follow-up on my father’s Warrior Expeditions ride. Yesterday, he officially started his journey out of Washington D.C., beginning what will be a 3+ month ride across the country along the Great American Rail-Trail to the Pacific Northwest coast. What made the start in D.C. especially meaningful to me was knowing he could have a moment of recognition and pride in the nation’s capital for his service. My father served during a difficult chapter in our country’s history, at a time when most didn’t have a choice, and unfortunately returned home to a level of disregard and disrespect that no veteran should experience. That generation carried a lot quietly. They served, came home, went to work, had families, and kept moving forward regardless. I’m a result of it. For anyone that would like to follow his journey and progress along the way: https://lnkd.in/gUdhVi86 #service
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Chris Hall shared thisAs I reflect on the end of my poppi journey and what it took to get here, my reflection is centered around one thing: gratitude. Brands may start with an idea, but they are built by the community that believes in it. An idea can create the spark. But it takes people to turn that spark into something real. It takes founders with vision, partners willing to take the leap, investors who believe before the outcome is obvious, retailers who open the door, DSD partners who build it market by market, vendors who help bring the brand to life, and teammates who show up every day with passion, creativity, and conviction. And most importantly, it takes consumers who believe in the brand, advocate for it, share it, challenge it, and make it part of their lives. poppi became what it is because consumers didn’t just buy the product... they leaned in, told their friends, created the conversation, and helped carry the brand forward. That community evolves over the life of a brand. New people come in. New partners join the journey. The business changes, grows, and enters new chapters. But at every stage, it takes a community. poppi happened because so many people chose to believe, support, challenge, build, and carry it forward. To the founders - Allison Ellsworth & Stephen Ellsworth, CAVU Consumer Partners, Rohan Oza, PepsiCo, our investors, DSD partners, retail partners, vendors, agencies, advisors, consumers, and everyone who supported poppi along the way — thank you. What we built was never the work of one person or one moment. It was the result of a lot of people coming together around a shared belief that soda could be different. I’m grateful for the journey, grateful for the lessons, and most of all, grateful for the people who made it possible.
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Chris Hall shared thisSuccess is a gift. What you do with it is a responsibility. Both Rohan Oza and I have been fortunate to experience a level of success in the beverage industry that neither of us take for granted. From the beginning, we united on one important belief: success should create the opportunity to give back. That belief led to the creation of the Modern Soda Journey Foundation. Our purpose is simple: To honor where we come from and invest in the people and places that shaped us. The Modern Soda Journey Foundation exists to strengthen hometown communities, support those who’ve served, and back personal initiatives that make life better for the next generation. Our pillars are: 1) Back to Our Roots 2) Service Matters 3) Community Impact & Personal Initiatives Over the last 12 months, we’re proud to have supported organizations including: 1) Band Together Texas 2) National Medal of Honor Museum 3) Warrior Expeditions 4) Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation - Rolling Remembrance 5) Impact Network - Specifically to make an impact on students, teachers, and communities in Zambia. 6) Children's Cancer Association | JoyRx 7) Selfless Love Foundation This is only the beginning. For us, this foundation is about staying connected to the people, values, and communities that helped shape who we are. No matter how far the journey goes, never forget where you came from — and never miss the opportunity to help others move forward. Steve Smith Sean Gobin Jack Pipkin Katie Kerr Brooklyn Davis
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Chris Hall shared thisAs a 3rd generation veteran, service was instilled in me at a very young age. The pride, sacrifice, discipline, and commitment to something bigger than yourself were simply part of how I was raised. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve also become more aware that while many veterans return home physically, some experiences leave lasting marks that are harder to see. That’s why I’m grateful organizations like Warrior Expeditions exist, helping veterans: reconnect, heal, reflect, and rediscover purpose through challenge and community. On May 20th, my father begins his own Warrior Expeditions journey, riding his bike across the United States from DC to the Pacific Northwest. A journey that will take nearly the entire summer. Proud of you, Dad. Excited to follow along on the adventure. For anyone interested in his story: https://lnkd.in/g8tB4mxk
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Chris Hall shared thisAfter an incredible four years with poppi, I’ll be stepping out of my day-to-day responsibilities and transitioning into an advisory role on 6/1. What we built together wasn’t just a brand; we created an entirely new category - Modern Soda. We challenged an industry to evolve and gave people the freedom to love soda again. That doesn’t happen without a team willing to think differently, move with urgency, and drive all out. From early days to where we are now, the passion, creativity, and belief in this purpose never wavered. That’s what made poppi special, and it’s what will continue to carry it forward. As we enter this next chapter, I have full confidence in PepsiCo and the leadership stepping in. Erica Grundish will take on the role of General Manager, bringing deep experience and a proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams. I’m also grateful to Ram Krishnan and Michael Del Pozzo for their leadership and partnership. To the entire poppi team — thank you. I’m proud that I got to do this with you, what we built, and even more proud of how we built it. You are the best of the best! As for me, I’ll stay close as an advisor, supporting where I can, while taking some time this summer to reset and enjoy a little Texas heat.
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Chris Hall shared thispoppi is now available at Starbucks — an exciting step as we continue expanding our away-from-home presence. Today’s consumers are looking for beverages that fit seamlessly into their daily routines. Starbucks has built a brand around those everyday rituals, and we’re excited to bring a little poppi magic into those moments. We can’t wait to see our community create new memories with these two brands together. Thank you to Starbucks for believing in us, and a huge congratulations to the cross-functional team that made this happen. Big moments like this only come together when great people across many teams lean in and drive.Chris Hall shared thispoppi is now available at Starbucks! You can now grab our Shirley Temple and Grape flavors at a location near you because sometimes your coffee run deserves a little soda moment too. Find us in the cold case or on the app! Your next Starbucks run just got a little more poppi. 👀🥤 #poppisoda #starbucks #soda #drinkpoppi #beverageindustry #newlaunch #cpgindustry
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Chris Hall reacted on thisChris Hall reacted on thisNew chapter, same me ✨ So excited to share that I’ve joined GRÜNS as Executive Assistant to the Founder and CEO, Chad Janis! Feeling incredibly grateful for everything my time at poppi has taught me, the people I met, the leaders I sat close to (Chris Hall and Erica Grundish THANK YOU!) and the memories I’ll carry with me. So excited for what’s next! 🐻
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Chris Hall reacted on thisChris Hall reacted on thisOur small but mighty team is hiring! Come join the Atlantic and help #makeitpoppi 🫧
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Chris Hall reacted on thisChris Hall reacted on thisCollege’s Favorite Soda™ is taking a road trip! Meet the poppi juicy tour ✨ 25 campuses. 11 weeks. A new stop every three days. And more than 100,000 ice-cold poppi cans in hands. This fall, our inaugural poppi juicy tour brings larger-than-life activations, coveted custom merch, social-first experiences, and poppi’s college ambassadors to campuses nationwide. This is what partnership across poppi and PepsiCo looks like: poppi’s brand strength, backed by the reach and execution of PepsiCo Away From Home teams and local and regional partners. We’re halfway through, and leading this initiative from concept to campus has been a highlight of the year for me! It takes a lot of people behind the scenes to make showing up on campus feel this effortless, and I’m so proud of the teams, campus partners, and ambassadors who make it poppi at every stop. A little taste of the tour in sizzle form… Huge thanks to Jillian Barcia Matt Giese Katy Jones Laura Scott Marissa Butler, Marina Rae Frost Caroline Taylor Kelsey Foltz Kate Chon Austin Jones Benjamin F. Kiara Burmeister Sammie Christoff Mina Barać Jessica Larkin Karolyn Sexton Iris Cho Missy R. Christine Oliveira Chelsea Bartling Farial Moss Brian Briceno Faye Stein Moltka J. Michael Zadnik Adam Nettles Shanna Miller Cameron Cripe M.A. Jordan Ollée Eve Wasserman Andrea Carella Amy Murphy (Goldstein) Jennifer Meitzner Jenny Danzi Kristina MacIntosh Rich Funaoka Kristen Miller, Kelly Campbell, Claire Duncan, Abigail Heffernan, Abigail Merrifield, and so many others
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Chris Hall reacted on thisChris Hall reacted on thisWhat an event, the 2026 poppi National Sales Meeting was! Excited to have had the opportunity to present on Away From Home to our sales organization and share the incredible momentum were building across the business. Shout out to Chelsea Bartling Anna Woodard Gina Prather + Bobby Santariello From strategic plans and channel opportunities to celebrating wins and strengthening relationships, the meeting was a great reminder that success is powered by people and there's no stopping "poppi people". A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the meeting a success with so many poppi details especially Anna Miller. Excited to bring this poppi energy into the months ahead as we continue accelerating growth for poppi. #poppi #MakeItpoppi
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Chris Hall reacted on thisChris Hall reacted on thisMy second poppi National Meeting is in the books !! 🩷 It's always a joy to celebrate this brand and a pleasure to be a part of something so ICONIC. This R&D team is the best in the biz, and can't wait until the world gets to see what we have been working on ! 💫👀 #makeitpoppi
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Chris Hall reacted on thisChris Hall reacted on thisSecond poppi NSM- EPIC! Honored to present our 2027 Restaurant Channel strategy in front of 200 teammates. Proud of what our AFH team has built and even more excited about where we are headed! The energy, talent, and passion across the entire poppi team is unmatched. Thankful to be on this 🚀 with the best of the best! 🫧MAKE IT poppi🫧
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Chris Hall reacted on this🚨 We’re growing! 🚨 We’re looking for Market Sales Managers (MSM) to join our team in Jacksonville! 🥤🔥 If you’re ready to grow, win in the market, and be part of an amazing team and culture, check out the opportunities below! Know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them or share! 🙌
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Carlos Vigil
The U.S. wine category is shrinking. Bonanza Cabernet keeps growing anyway. That's worth looking at if you're in any business where the category is moving against you. U.S. wine sales fell roughly 6% in 2024 (SipSource). Wine Intelligence (acquired by IWSR) forecasts volume dropping at -2% CAGR through 2027, faster than the -1% pace from 2017 to 2022. Regular wine drinkers aged 21-34 fell from 29% of the base to 23% between 2019 and 2023. The board decks all have the same sad category chart right now. And then a $20 Cabernet from the Caymus Vineyards family just keeps taking share. According to Impact Databank, Bonanza launched at 131,000 cases in the U.S. in 2020 and has added 60,000 to 80,000 cases every year since. Double-digit volume growth. The category was falling the whole time. We dug into how. Four things stood out. 1. They priced against the occasion, not the shelf position. Bonanza lives where a weeknight steak dinner lives. Around $20. The slot was crowded but no one held it with real winemaking credibility behind them. Silicon Valley Bank's 2025 State of the Wine Industry report found the top quartile of premium wineries grew revenue 22% in 2024. The value-with-credibility window is open. Has been for a while. 2. They borrowed trust rather than building it cold. Chuck Wagner's name is on it. Decades of Caymus equity, spent carefully on a value tier without pulling the flagship down with it. That's genuinely hard to do. Heritage brands tend to hoard the halo or blow it. Bonanza did neither. 3. They dropped the rules the buyer never cared about. No vintage on the label. No single appellation. They blend across California lots to hit a consistent taste profile every time. Wine people were unhappy about this. Buyers at Costco Wholesale and Total Wine & More were not. The person grabbing a bottle on a Tuesday just wanted it to taste the same as last time. Bonanza built for that person. The consistency thing is probably the most transferable idea here for anyone building a consumer brand outside wine. 4. Supply structure did the real work. Multi-region sourcing means they buy fruit where the value sits each year. Cost structure moves with the market. A Napa-only brand at that price can't follow. The wine world sells vintage variation as romance. The grocery shopper reads it as inconsistency. Bonanza picked a side and moved on. A declining category and a growing brand at the same time. It's not rare, actually. For any team staring at a flat or shrinking market: the category number is an average. Find the occasion that wasn't priced for. Use trust you already have. Ignore the rules your customer never knew existed. What brand in your category is pulling this off? Drop it below. If this is useful, follow me on LinkedIn. We do this regularly across growth, transformation, and value creation. #WineIndustry #BrandGrowth #MarketStrategy #ConsumerInsights
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Andrew Wardlaw
Searching for growth? General Mills has announced plans to boldly go after the over 55s in their quest to increase volumes. While much of CPG chases 18-45s or the latest wellness fad, General Mills is placing its bets on three under-the-radar, high-leverage consumer groups: - Adults aged 55 +, who account for nearly half of U.S. households and have enormous spending power. - Consumers using GLP-1 medications (up to 12%+ of U.S. adults), who’re eating less but seeking more protein, more functional nutrients, smaller portions. - Hispanic shoppers, where General Mills plans to ramp up innovation and engagement by ~40% in FY26. This move takes product renovation in new directions - redesigning products and formats to match how people now live, eat and feel. They’re innovating for smaller households (smaller pack sizes), higher-protein need states, functional nutrition and not just indulgence. And this isn’t an isolated move. It’s part of a broader CPG reboot as the absence of growth looms. Full article by Elizabeth Crawford here: https://lnkd.in/eC7uqJSk #CPG #Innovation #ConsumerTrends #GeneralMills #Wellness #GLP1 #MidlifeConsumers #BrandStrategy
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