The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Mike Del Pozzo, President of 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 *pepviz®* (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.
