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PocketCasts Listening and Innovating a Pepsi Promise – “Everything’s Better with Pepsi”
In this episode of Hospitality Hangout, Michael Schatzberg, “The Restaurant Guy,” and Jimmy Frischling, “Finance Guy”, are joined by Scott Finlow, the Global CMO for PepsiCo Food Service.
Scott’s journey into marketing began at PepsiCo, where he led many successful initiatives, and now brings twenty-one plus years of a strong, innovative, and consumer-focused approach to marketing and he plays a leading role in establishing key partnerships and developing effective marketing strategies, connecting the company's brands with the food service industry. With a degree in English from Tufts University, Scott’s early career included experiences as a dishwasher, an experience that gave him valuable insights into the foodservice industry. Scott’s time in Thailand, as part of his extensive international career, involved marketing and brand management, significantly broadened his perspective on global markets and consumer preferences.
Key Takeaways:
• Scott discusses PepsiCo’s dedication to innovation and creativity, despite the increasing role of automation in their business. The company's success lies in its ability to understand and respond to consumer needs, creating culturally relevant products that resonate with customers and drive brand loyalty.
• Scott talks about projects like Pepsi Pineapple, a collaboration with Little Caesars, and Mountain Dew Baja Blast, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this August.
• PepsiCo’s strategic marketing initiatives ensure that they remain on the forefront of trends like zero sugar, flavor exploration, and value-oriented promotions. Scott touches on PepsiCo’s partnership with Jersey Mike's and Fanatics.
• Scott praises the company’s strong R&D capabilities that enable the creation of unique, flavorful, and innovative products that meet evolving consumer taste.
• Consumer Reach: In the US about 2 billion people annually consume a Pepsi product with food. This number underscores the vast market penetration and the influence of Pepsi in the dining experience.
• PepsiCo is launching a program called "Local Eats" aimed at celebrating local restaurants and the unique reasons people visit them. This initiative focuses on the significance of these restaurants in people's lives and communities.
• Through crafted beverages and unique food collaborations, PepsiCo continues to provide joyful and indulgent experiences that resonate with their audience.
• Hot Takes: Scott shakes up the conversation with insights into trends like Gen Z consumers and sustainable packaging. He introduces the concept of the three V's (Visibility, Variety, Value) as essential for optimizing the user experience in digital menus, and discusses PepsiCo's initiatives, such as the Menu Pro tool.
Enjoy the lively interaction between guest and hosts through segments like “Talking Back,” where the hosts and Scott blend personal reflections and shared experiences, discussing childhood dreams and the paths they've taken and other featured games like “The Spice is Right,” “Branded Quick Fire,” and “Trivia Tuesday.”
Episode Credits:
- Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
- Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, JImmy Frischling
- Producer: Julie Zucker
- Creative Director: Adam Levine
- Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
- Post Production: Three Cheers Creative
www.thehospitalityhangout.com
