Small food brands are quietly beating the giants — and Chomps is the clearest proof. Even though emerging brands make up just 2% of the U.S. food market, they drove 40% of category growth last year. One standout example is Chomps, which grew from $70M in 2021 to ~$660M today, far outpacing legacy players like Slim Jim.

Marketing measurement often feels like a buzzword overload—attribution, incrementality, marketing mix modeling (MMM). But a clear, structured framework called The Trifecta of Marketing Measurement, introduced by agency Charlie Oscar and highlighted by Google, helps marketers confidently understand what’s working.

The food and beverage industry is rapidly evolving due to digital innovation, shifting consumer behavior, and growing competition. By 2025, success will depend on using modern marketing strategies that blend online engagement with in-store sales, leading to higher conversions, better retail partnerships, and stronger brand loyalty.

With a 120% CAGR between 2021 and 2023, Bloom reported $170 million in revenue in 2023, showcasing rapid scalability and strong community engagement. Leveraging UGC, influencer collaborations, and social media platforms like TikTok, Bloom has transcended financial success to become a cultural phenomenon. The brand embodies a lifestyle embraced by health-conscious consumers seeking accessible and impactful wellness solutions.

Managing a $5 billion global enterprise brand may seem preferable due to larger budgets, global recognition, and extensive infrastructure. However, in today's fast-paced, customer-centric, and TikTok-driven world, the choice between a big brand and a small one isn’t as straightforward. Large brands often face challenges akin to maneuvering a cruise liner, while small brands operate like agile speedboats, excelling in creativity and connection. For both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned marketers, the decision lies not in resources but in understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and modern marketing realities of agility and innovation.

Perfect for small businesses breaking into local markets or global brands targeting specific demographics, nano and micro-influencers provide a flexible and precise approach to marketing. In today's world, where trust and authenticity are paramount, smaller influencers are proving that sometimes, less really is more.

Commerce media is rapidly overtaking traditional TV spend as marketers follow where consumer intent and data are strongest. Powered by first-party shopper data and proximity to the point of purchase, Retail Media Networks offer what brands want most: measurable impact. While AI is transforming how people discover products—through marketplaces, social platforms, and conversational search—media budgets are shifting more cautiously. Still, the global ad market continues to grow, with content-led advertising now dominating spend and AI acting as a catalyst for structural change across the industry. Despite unresolved challenges like offsite measurement and incrementality, commerce media’s logic is compelling. Brands are prioritizing channels that connect data, intent, and outcomes—signaling a fundamental shift in how advertising works and where dollars will continue to flow.

Marketing commoditized products, such as dish detergent or toilet paper, requires a creative approach to influencer marketing. The challenge lies in making mundane products stand out, which demands engaging creators who can inject humor, storytelling, or unique perspectives into campaigns.