CPG

A direct-to-consumer (D2C) strategy wasn’t top-of-mind when soda brand Olipop launched in 2017. In fact, during its first year of business, the brand didn’t even have a website—primarily relying on retail brick-and-mortar partnerships to drive sales. But last year, everything changed.

On today's episode, we discuss why marketers need to work on their mid-funnel (mid-range) game and the potential opportunities. We then talk about Peloton's apparel ambitions, Walmart's Q4 and 2020 performance, and packaged food giants' game plan for direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales. Tune in to the discussion with eMarketer principal analyst at Insider Intelligence Andrew Lipsman.

Earlier this week, Mars Wrigley’s M&M's brand gave fans a sneak peak of its Super Bowl ad via Zoom, its first-ever "virtual" debut. It’s just one of several efforts the company is working on leading up to Sunday’s big game.

Walmart is building its own demand-side ad platform: This lets advertisers buy off-site ads using Walmart’s wealth of consumer shopping data, which could help the retail giant gain share in the online ad war against Amazon.

In 2021, expect to see a convergence of content and commerce, led by the likes of Peloton, Lululemon, Nike and Apple. Amazon and Google are also getting into the act as well with Halo and Fitbit, and emerging services offerings.

Food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes—a Winnipeg-based homegrown competitor to the US-based services—had already established a foothold before the pandemic. The greater need for delivery last year elevated their influence in food service, even though the fees they charge have raised concerns in the restaurant industry and for regulators.

Access to food—healthy food, in particular—has been a challenge for many people across the globe. And the pandemic has only escalated the issue further.