The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Mike Del Pozzo, CEO of PepsiCo North America Commercial & Customer at PepsiCo, food & beverage manufacturer of iconic brands like Pepsi, Frito Lay, Mtn Dew, Gatorade, Quaker Oats & Doritos.

Find Mike on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-del-pozzo/
Find PepsiCo on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pepsico/
Find PepsiCo online at: https://www.pepsico.com/

Here's what we asked Mike:

PepsiCo recently announced *Pepsi Prebiotic Cola* — a major evolution of traditional cola. How do you see functional ingredients like prebiotics shaping the future of the carbonated soft drink category?

2. Gatorade is introducing *Gatorade Lower Sugar*. What role does reduced sugar innovation play in meeting evolving consumer expectations without compromising performance?

3. Starbucks Coffee & Protein is launching nationally through the PepsiCo partnership. How important are joint ventures like this in accelerating PepsiCo’s innovation agenda?

4. Pepsi is moving into premium *12oz glass bottles*. What does this say about the importance of packaging as an innovation driver, especially with younger consumers and how will this help in foodservice?

5. Lay’s is undergoing its biggest brand refresh in 100 years. How do visual identity and packaging innovation play into consumer trust and loyalty?

6. By the end of 2025, Lay’s and Tostitos will have no artificial colors or flavors. How big of a lift is this operationally, and how does PepsiCo define “clean label” innovation?

7. How is PepsiCo using *pdpviz®* (data and insights) to connect innovation with retailer success and shopper behavior?

8. With e-commerce and omnichannel shopping accelerating, how does PepsiCo think about innovating “where” products show up, not just *what* they are?

9. Innovation often comes with risk. How do you personally create a culture within PepsiCo North America where teams feel empowered to test, fail, and scale new ideas?

10. If you fast-forward to 2030, what will PepsiCo North America’s innovation legacy look like under your leadership?

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Austin Leonard, VP/GM of the Dollar General Media network. His background in advertising and audience building is tailor made for the scale of the retailer and the reach it has nationally.

Find Austin on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinleonard/
Find Dolla General Media Network on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dg-media-network/
Find DGMN online at: https://www.dgmedianetwork.com/

Here's what we asked Austin :

1. Why don’t we start with a good overview of DG + DGMN - tell us about the DG customer, the DGMN audience proposition
2. Let’s talk the digital side of the business, how is the footprint growing, and who are DG partners - how does DGMN fit into this?
3. You’re here at groceryshop with us, what are you hoping to accomplish at this conference? What would be great takeaways?
4. So where does DGMN sit at DG - how do you work with Integrated marketing and how does it connect to your CMO?
5. What does a best in class partnership with DGMN look like? What advice do you have for brands looking to improve their relationship with DG customers?
6. Measurement = we’ve discussed this enough times over the years, can you please share what metrics and ROI reporting brands and advertisers can expect when working with DGMN?
7. I’m sure you’ve been thinking about instore media : give us the full scoop of what advertisers can expect from DGMN and how does it tie back to the merchant?
8. What’s next for DGMN heading into 2026? Tech, audience growth, you partnerships, etc.

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
SheCCOMMERCE Website: https://shecommercepodcast.com/
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Each week, the CPG Guys will riff on the hottest topics in the world of omnichannel commerce. This week, Sri recaps his visit to Amazon Accelerate.

CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.com
FMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.com
Rhea Raj’s Website: http://rhearaj.com
Lara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.

CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual’s use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.