Pod Foods

We need to do something about tipflation. For a variety of reasons. One is because it is stifling innovation in retail grocery. Before everyone piles on and compares me to Mr Pink in Reservoir Dogs… I’m a good tipper. When I bought my bowl of Spicy Tuna Poke last night, the screen suggested that I pay a $3 tip for “good” service so I pushed the button. But when I went to Whole Foods next door my cashier was way better than the cashier at the Poke QSR. He was engaging, speedy, and genuine…he enhanced my shopping experience. I COULDNT tip him, even if I wanted to. I worked in Whole Foods stores for 5 years in customer-facing roles before I ever moved into a corporate role. I collected $0 tips during this time. If I could have worked next door and collected DOUBLE my Whole Foods wage cashiering poke bowls, I probably would have. We are getting to the point where service jobs that DONT allow tips are effectively below minimum wage in terms of real purchasing power. If you own an emerging CPG brand, you should be concerned. These are the people handling and evangelizing your products unless you are actively demoing 24/7. Retailers are still the ultimate influencers. If they are making far less than they would at a QSR, they aren’t going to stick around. Big CPG wins in this scenario, since they have the recognizable brands and marketing machines. Consumers can’t support this amount of tipping growth indefinitely, retailers can’t afford to pay cashiers $30/hr so we need to set some boundaries on how much we tip, and where. Pod Foods #innovation #nobadfood

🍛 Indulge in an authentic taste of Asia, anytime, anywhere with Shanyi Foods! Now available at Fresh Thyme Market ’s Innovation endcap, Shanyi offers shoppers restaurant-quality dishes without the hassle of cooking. Being a small business owner, Shanyi’s co-founder Elisa found she wouldn’t always have the time or energy to cook for herself and her family. But eating out is expensive, and all of the healthy ready-to-eat meals need freezer or fridge space. So ShanYi was born out of a passion to create tasty, nutritious, and shelf-stable instant meals that Elisa would never hesitate to feed her family with. With deep and layered flavors, Shanyi dishes are redefining convenience boxed meals once and for all. Simply pour the sauce over rice and warm it up for a satisfying meal that will impress everyone. Whether you are working in the office or studying in school, Shanyi offers quick and cost-effective alternatives to takeout that also supply essential nutrients to fuel your day. 💪 With a shelf life of 15 months and no refrigeration required, Shanyi boxed meals are the perfect companion for outdoor activities or busy days. Explore their wide variety of delicious dishes at all 70 Fresh Thyme locations and enjoy a beautiful meal ready for you in minutes! #PodFoods #FoodAndBeverage #FoodInnovation Fiona Lee Larissa Russell Peter Gialantzis Dan Rabens Mark Rider Ammar Hanafi Clint Chao Nitin Pachisia Christian Gammill Al Sambar Diana Melencio Elizabeth Yin Rebecca Stephens, MBA Jonathan Lawrence

I’ll be at Newtopia today and tomorrow. If anyone wants to chat, send me a DM. We’re sendjng out our September Boxes of Innovation next week, and this month we have over 50 emerging brands for review at close to a dozen key accounts. We’ll also start working on the October boxes next week, and if anyone at the show is wondering how to get in front of lots of major retailers quickly, without spending ANY money at all, this one easy answer. Then, if you are like the 31% of our brands last month who actually got approved by one or more of the retailers, you can head straight to the shelf quickly through our warehouse network, without any labyrinthine deductions, or having to pay expensive retainers. All you need to do if you want to be in the boxes, is onboard to our Pod Direct platform (which takes 30 minutes and doesn’t cost anything) and then have a Growth Plan meeting with Mark Rider or Matthew Bowen and their team to figure out which accounts are right for you. Most importantly, we recently upgraded the tape that we use, and it now includes 40% more Fuschia sparkles and glitter, which obviously all retail buyers have been clamoring for. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should, unless you don’t like money, or if you are already 100% completely satisfied with your distributor. BTW, We also have a top-secret plan by which we will be able to announce several more major retailer launches in September… Pod Foods #innovation #newtopia #nobadfood

Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of the Netherlands without leaving your local grocery store. Stroop Club, an innovative twist to a beloved Dutch treat, is now available on the Innovation Endcaps of 70 Fresh Thyme Market ! 🧇 Stroop Club’s story begins with a team of two stroopwafels enthusiasts, Chantal Piët 🌱 and Tako Vermeulen, who shared a passion for bringing this delicious, sweet and typically Dutch treat to the world. Learning that stroopwafels can be a fun way of getting to know people and making new friends, the duo started making them with a better planet also in mind. Stroop Club’s plant-based stroopwafels let you indulge in an irresistible combination of texture: the crunchy waffle and the gooey caramel center. These delectable cookies are crafted with love using organic ingredients, bringing a high quality taste of authentic European flavors right to your home pantry. 💜 So why not experience the joy of a truly unique snack and happiness that you can buy - visit a Fresh Thyme Market near you and treat yourself to this delectable Dutch delight, available in ALL flavors! #PodFoods #FoodAndBeverage #FoodInnovation Fiona Lee Larissa Russell Peter Gialantzis Dan Rabens Mark Rider Ammar Hanafi Clint Chao Nitin Pachisia Christian Gammill Al Sambar Diana Melencio Elizabeth Yin Rebecca Stephens, MBA Jonathan Lawrence

⚓️ Dive into deliciousness and fuel your adventure with a jerky like no other! Bringing their award-winning fish jerkies to 31 Sprouts Farmers Market in Socal, Neptune Snacks is making it easier for everyone to enjoy healthy, delicious seafood snacks while solving fundamental issues in the fishing industry. 🐟 Crafted from high quality, wild-caught rockfish, Neptune’s fish jerky offers a burst of flavor and a boost of nutrition in every bite. Founded by marine scientist Nick Mendoza, the brand’s vision draws on rich global tradition, offering hope and inspiration for the future of seafood while delivering a delicious product that gets consumers hooked. Here are some more reasons why you’ll love these better-for-you jerkies: - Wide range of shockingly delicious flavors, perfect for any occasion and for any jerky lover. - Neptune sources fish from responsible, US-based fisheries, ensuring a positive impact on the ocean. 🌊 - High in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, gluten-free, and high in essential nutrients. “Pick up a bag or twelve from an endcap on your next shopping trip. Thanks to Pod Foods and the Team at Sprouts for your stellar partnership in this.” - Nick Mendoza, CEO and founder of Neptune Snacks. Enjoy these versatile jerky as a standalone snack or add it to your favorite salads, wraps, or sandwiches - find Neptune Snacks on the New for you section at a Sprouts near you! 🌱 #PodFoods #FoodAndBeverage #FoodInnovation Fiona Lee Larissa Russell Peter Gialantzis Dan Rabens Mark Rider Ammar Hanafi Clint Chao Nitin Pachisia Christian Gammill Al Sambar Diana Melencio Elizabeth Yin Amy Wiegand James Coop

UNFI isn’t the problem. And Pod Foods isn’t the solution. Sure, for a lot of emerging CPG brands, the tactics and opacity of the incumbent “Inside Income” model is a problem. It just isn’t the BIGGEST one. Likewise, our streamlined pricing model without any cost-plus markups or Inside Income is a good solution for a lot of brands. We’re shipping our Box Of Innovation to 6 MAJOR accounts over the next week, with 50 great brands in them. But that is only 2% of our brands. The other 98% aren’t in the box. And of the ones in the box, only 25-30% of them are going to be approved. What’s the BIG problem? Follow the money. 2023 PepsiCo Ebitda $14. 4BN 2023 PepsiCo revenue: $91.4BN Ebitda % 15.8% 2023 Kroger Ebitda :$7.8 BN 2023 Kroger revenue $150.1BN Ebitda %: 5.2% 2023 UNFI Ebitda: $424 million 2023 UNFI revenue: $30.4BN Ebitda %: 1.4% If UNFI’s inside income drops to 4%, they have no path to profitability, because their markups are too low. If retailers start paying higher markups to UNFI, their net income will be negative. That’s right, BIG CPG is the problem, not because they exist, but because they control too much market share. We don’t need a revolution. We just need the pendulum to swing the other way, moderately. In the past month I have personally sold a few dozen emerging brands to buyers of major retailers for major off shelf placements across well over a thousand doors. It wasn’t hard, becuse there are TONS of great brands that are just waiting to be bought. Those buyers (in a very microcosmic way) are SOLVING the problem. Instead of an endcap of another PepsiCo product, there are more endcaps of emerging brands now. Retailers are beginning to show more courage, and leaning into calculated risk by committing more floor space to innovation brands. We and our brands have been living proof of that this summer. If EVERY major retailer in America greenlit a speed to shelf innovation program tomorrow, (similar to Sprouts’ or Fresh Thyme’s) we would be able to get the product to all of their stores by October 1. It’s not just us…Other secondary distributors could easily do it also. And we would all be happy to. And It’s going to happen. It’s inevitable, because the retailers NEED the differentiation If that moves big CPG market share down by 1% and repositions it into emerging brands, the game is changed. Retailers have more margin, more differentiation, and more brands have more topline, faster at positive margins, with national secondary distribution options. You might say that I’m a dreamer, but I know I’m not the only one. Pod Foods Flowspace Total Quality Logistics Errol Schweizer #innovation #nobadfood #imagine

Distributor relationships have been a game changer this year for EATABLE INC. to land grocery retail placements this year in USA! So grateful for Pod Foods' innovative approach to truly champion emerging brands, and for getting our products in front of retail buyers who appreciate our unique approach to innovation in a VERY crowded and competitive space! 🍿🥂

Discover a world of wellness at your nearest Fresh Thyme Market - Melting Forest, the innovative mushroom-infused beverage brand, is now available on the Innovation Endcaps of all 70 Fresh Thyme locations! 🍄 💪 Melting Forest is a portal to a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle, helping you reach your full potential while minimizing environmental impact. Founded by a team of holistic health enthusiasts, the brand is committed to providing the highest quality products to assist you throughout the day. Their flavorful lineup of mushroom-infused energy and D-stress drinks is definitely not to be missed out on, as these beverages are made with natural ingredients and sustainable practices, ensuring you get the most out of every sip. "Such a great display at Fresh Thyme [delivered by our amazing partner Pod Foods], excited to grow with this retailer and expand the assortment." Sean McDonald, CEO of Melting Forest 💜 Visit any Fresh Thyme Market across the Midwest today and explore the range of delicious and functional beverages that Melting Forest offers - your body and mind will certainly thank you! #PodFoods #FoodAndBeverage #FunctionalBeverage Fiona Lee Larissa Russell Peter Gialantzis Dan Rabens Mark Rider Ammar Hanafi Clint Chao Nitin Pachisia Christian Gammill Al Sambar Diana Melencio Elizabeth Yin Matthew Bowen Rebecca Stephens, MBA Jonathan Lawrence David Martin Jeff Church

One of the things that makes me so passionate about the food industry and food in general is the multitude of ways it connects us. Like when traveling and getting to try regional cuisine that has been passed down for generations. Or cooking recipes or eating snacks that remind us of our loved ones alive and gone. Recently, my family experienced quite a hardship as my wife gave birth to my son, Atlas, who had a rare brain tumor and survived 32 minutes outside of the womb. One of the first things that people did to take care of us during this time was see that we were fed. A meal chain was created, money for meals was sent, family cooked for us. Pod Foods has been gracious in allowing me some time away from work during this time and I wanted to put it to good use and do something for the Labor & Delivery team that took incredible care of us at the hospital. Naturally, the best way I could think of to do this was to cook for them. In true Texas form, I went with fajitas!

🍿 Something exciting has POPPED at your local Sprouts Farmers Market! Indulge in a unique snack inspired by Happy Hour and fancy moments, as EATABLE INC.'s gourmet popcorn has now arrived at 31 Sprouts locations across NorCal for you to share memorable experiences with those you love. Founded by the amazing husband-and-wife team Charlene Li, CPA CA and Vincent Li, the couple was constantly frustrated by the lack of clean and flavourful snacks out on shelves. They believe that great food and drink are at the heart of everyday celebrations, thus EATABLE was born with a mission: to make snacking exciting again. 🥂 EATABLE blends the best of both worlds: the classic crunch of popcorn with the sophisticated flavors of wine, spirits, and cocktails. Made with premium ingredients and a touch of culinary magic, EATABLE is a guilt-free indulgence that allows you to enjoy the drinks you love without the buzz. "Being part of the Box of Innovation with Pod Foods has been amazing! Thanks for championing emerging brands and getting us seen at Sprouts Farmers Market along with some next-level brands!" - Charlene Li, co-founder of EATABLE. Why wait - head to Sprouts Farmers Market today to grab a pack (or all flavors) of this innovative popcorn and try the popcorn revolution for yourself! 🌱 #PodFoods #FoodAndBeverage #FoodInnovation Fiona Lee Larissa Russell Peter Gialantzis Dan Rabens Mark Rider Ammar Hanafi Clint Chao Nitin Pachisia Christian Gammill Al Sambar Diana Melencio Elizabeth Yin