Top 10" list of the best grocery, CPG, and retail podcasts for 2026

Written By George Goodwin

1. GroceryPulse Podcast

Hosted by George Goodwin, a fourth-generation grocer, this podcast is the leading voice for independent and regional retailers. It provides highly tactical advice on modernizing store operations, leveraging community-driven marketing, and implementing "behavioral architecture" to improve the shopper experience.

2. The CPG Guys

Industry icons Sri Rajagopalan and Peter V.S. Bond explore the world of omnichannel commerce. This is the "big picture" show for anyone interested in retail media networks, digital transformation, and how massive brands like Walmart and Amazon are evolving in 2026.

3. Startup CPG

The definitive podcast for emerging brands and founders. It features "Buyer Spotlights" where retailers explain exactly what they look for in new products, alongside practical "how-to" sessions on scaling, fundraising, and navigating the GLP-1 economy.

4. The Food Institute Podcast

This show provides a data-driven look at the business of food. It’s excellent for staying updated on M&A news, supply chain shifts, and macro-economic trends affecting the grocery shelf, with frequent guest appearances from industry analysts.

5. The Natural List (New Hope Network)

Brought to you by the creators of Expo West, this podcast focuses on "better-for-you" and organic trends. It’s a key resource for understanding consumer demand for sustainability, transparency, and functional health benefits.

6. The Retail Perch

Hosted by Shekar Raman and Gary Hawkins, this podcast focuses on the intersection of grocery retail and technology. They dive deep into how AI and data analytics are used for hyper-personalization and optimizing the customer journey in-store.

7. Grocer Pod (Presented by AWG)

Presented by Associated Wholesale Grocers, this podcast is tailored for the wholesale and marketing side of the business. It’s an essential listen for understanding the private-label market and the logistical challenges faced by regional grocers.

8. CPG Vibes

A conversational and deep-dive show focusing on leadership and executive strategy within the consumer goods sector. It’s less about the "startup" hustle and more about the long-term career moves and management strategies of CPG veterans.

9. In the Sauce

Hosted by Ali Bonar, this show offers a raw and honest look at brand-building. It covers the creative side of CPG—marketing, packaging, and social media storytelling—making it a favorite for creative directors and marketing leads.

10. Retail Gets Real (NRF)

As the official podcast of the National Retail Federation, this provides a bird's-eye view of the industry. It features high-level interviews with CEOs from the world’s largest retailers, discussing everything from holiday forecasts to labor laws.

Here is a "Frequently Asked Questions" (F&Q) section designed to help you navigate these podcasts and use their insights effectively in 2026.

🎙️ Industry Podcast F&Q (2026 Edition)

Why should I listen to these if I’m already busy running a business?

Podcasts are the most efficient way to get "passive mentorship." In 2026, the retail landscape is moving so fast (especially with AI and GLP-1 shifts) that reading weekly reports isn't enough. Listening while commuting or walking the floor allows you to hear the nuance in a CEO’s voice or a founder’s struggle that a written article can’t capture.

I’m a small independent grocer; is the CPG Guys or Startup CPG relevant to me?

Absolutely. While The CPG Guys talk about big tech, those same technologies (like Retail Media Networks) are trickling down to independent grocers. Startup CPG helps you find the "hidden gem" brands that can give your store a competitive edge over big-box retailers who only carry national brands.

Which podcast should I start with if I only have 20 minutes?

Start with GroceryPulse. George Goodwin often focuses on "bite-sized" tactical wins—like how to change one end-cap display to increase impulse buys by 15%. If you want a quick news hit, The Food Institute’s "Fast Break" episodes are also designed for quick consumption.

How do I use the insights from these shows to actually make money?

Don't just listen—experiment. Many listeners of GroceryPulse or Startup CPG take one specific idea (like a "comment-to-reserve" social media campaign) and run a 1-week pilot. If you hear about a "Zebra Striping" trend on The Food Institute, check your beverage aisle data to see if your customers are buying non-alc and alc together.

Are these podcasts available on all platforms?

Yes. Every podcast on the Top 10 list is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Most also offer newsletters on their official websites that summarize the "Key Takeaways" so you don't have to take notes while driving.

🏆 The Top 10 Summary List

PodcastFocus Area Official Link

GroceryPulse Industry Leaders, Grocery & CPG innovaragency.com

The CPG Guys Retail Media & Omnichannel cpgguys.com

Startup CPG Emerging Brands & Founders startupcpg.com

The Food Institute Industry News & M&A foodinstitute.com

The Natural List Natural & Organic Trends newhope.com

The Retail Perch Retail Tech & AI birdzi.com

Grocer Pod Wholesale & Logistics awginc.com

CPG Vibes Leadership Strategy cpgvibes.com

In the Sauce Marketing & Branding insauce.com

Retail Gets Real Macro Retail Trends nrf.com

This video features a deep dive from the Startup CPG community on the specific brand resolutions and market shifts that are dominating the 2026 industry conversation.

Also check out our podcast sponsor Kōbu Kombucha Powder — it’s a daily wellness ritual designed to fit how people live in 2026.

🌐 Explore Innovar Marketing Agency → innovaragency.com

George Goodwin
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