#218 - Forecasting 101 with Graza & Drivepoint

The Startup CPG Podcast · 14 Oct 2025 · 1h 02m · Episode 205

What this episode covers

Austin Gardner-Smith, CEO of Drivepoint, and David Sooch, Senior Director of Finance at Graza, discuss the critical role of forecasting in scaling CPG brands. They detail how forecasting responsibilities evolve from founders to dedicated finance teams as revenue grows, and explain the multi-layered process of translating shelf velocity into production and cash flow plans. The conversation covers specific strategies for retail versus e-commerce forecasting, managing new product launches like Graza's refillable canisters, and maintaining healthy tension between sales, ops, and finance.

Mentioned

Companies
Drivepoint, Graza, Waterloo Sparkling Water, Mars Chocolate, Whole Foods, Publix, Kroger, Grocery Outlet, Feeding America, Servo Wellness, Oats Overnight, Just Egg, Amazon, TikTok Shop
Tools
SIN seven

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