Consumer Connection, Inc.

Steve Bruce will be attending the Sweets & Snacks Expo 2026 in Las Vegas from May 19 to 21. The expo brings together candy, snack, and CPG leaders to connect, explore product innovation, and discuss what is shaping the future of retail. If you are attending, feel free to connect with Steve at steveb@ccinc.org. Learn more about Consumer Connection here: https://ccinc.org #SweetsAndSnacksExpo #CPG #ConsumerGoods #FoodAndBeverage #SnackIndustry #CandyIndustry #Retail #Hiring #Recruiting #ConsumerConnection

Omnichannel growth and direct to consumer expansion are no longer optional for CPG companies. Today’s brands are balancing retail, Amazon, and direct to consumer at the same time. That creates real complexity across supply chain, inventory, and forecasting. We are seeing this shift directly impact hiring. Companies need leaders who can manage end to end operations, understand data across channels, and bring structure to fast growing environments. At Consumer Connection, we help CPG companies hire the leaders needed to scale in today’s market. You can learn more about how we support hiring in this space here: https://ccinc.org #CPG #ConsumerGoods #SupplyChain #Operations #Omnichannel #DirectToConsumer #Hiring #Recruiting

In Q1, we supported placements across a range of functions and categories within the consumer space. From supply chain and operations to sales and marketing, we continue to partner with brands as they build out their teams and drive growth. Here’s a look at a selection of roles placed this quarter. #CPG #ConsumerProducts #Hiring #Talent #SupplyChain #Sales #Marketing #ConsumerConnection

Over the past few posts, we’ve been breaking down some of the key themes that stood out at Expo West across different areas of the CPG landscape. What stood out most is how consistent the direction of innovation has become across categories. Whether it’s snacks, meals, beverages, or refrigerated products, brands are finding new ways to adapt familiar formats to better match evolving consumer expectations. We’re seeing a clear emphasis on convenience, with products designed to simplify everyday routines. At the same time, there’s a strong push toward higher protein and more functional options, along with continued experimentation in flavor to help brands stand out in a crowded market. From protein pasta and better for you snacks to refrigerated dips and easy at home baking solutions, the common thread is clear. Companies are focusing on products that balance convenience, taste, and purpose while fitting more seamlessly into modern lifestyles. At Consumer Connection, these shifts continue to translate into strong demand for talent across product development, brand management, innovation, and R&D as companies work to bring these ideas to market. Looking forward to sharing more insights like this. #ExpoWest #CPG #FoodInnovation #ConsumerTrends #BrandStrategy #ConsumerConnection

Consumer interest in higher protein foods is driving new innovation across both snacks and convenient meal formats. At Expo West, Legendary featured protein pasta cups in flavors like Mac and Cheese and Garlic Parmesan, showing how brands are reworking familiar comfort foods to meet growing demand for higher protein and performance focused options. Products like these reflect how companies are combining convenience with nutrition focused formulations that appeal to consumers with active and health conscious lifestyles. As shoppers look for foods that support fitness, energy, and overall wellness, brands are introducing products that deliver stronger nutritional value while still keeping the flavors and formats people already enjoy. This shift is helping drive innovation across both the snack and meal categories. At Consumer Connection, we continue to see strong hiring demand across product development, R&D, and brand management as companies invest in functional ingredients, high protein formulations, and new product concepts to keep up with changing consumer priorities. #ExpoWest #CPG #ProteinTrends #FoodInnovation #ConsumerTrends #ConsumerConnection

Flavor experimentation continues to be a major driver of innovation across the snack category. At Expo West, Little Latke featured potato crisps in a Spicy Honey Dijon flavor, showing how brands are using unexpected seasoning combinations to create products that stand out on the shelf. Snacks like these highlight the growing focus on bold taste, unique flavor profiles, and premium positioning as companies look for ways to differentiate in a highly competitive space. As consumers look for new and interesting snack experiences, brands are moving beyond traditional flavors and introducing combinations that feel more creative and distinctive. This approach allows companies to keep familiar formats while still offering something new. At Consumer Connection, we are seeing continued demand for talent across product development, brand management, and innovation roles as companies invest in new flavors, new concepts, and new ways to compete in the evolving snack category. #ExpoWest #CPG #SnackTrends #FoodInnovation #ConsumerTrends #ConsumerConnection

Flavor driven innovation continues to play a major role across refrigerated and deli style categories. At Expo West, Tacodeli featured a lineup of queso and queso blanco dips inspired by the brand’s restaurant style flavors. Products like these reflect how companies are bringing bold, familiar tastes into retail through refrigerated formats that feel fresh, convenient, and ready to serve. The variety of flavor options, including queso blanco with jalapeños, highlights the continued demand for products that deliver both comfort and authenticity. As consumers look for foods that feel less processed and more experience driven, brands are investing in refrigerated offerings that combine strong flavor, simple ingredients, and easy preparation. This approach allows companies to create products that work for entertaining, everyday meals, and quick snacking occasions. At Consumer Connection, we continue to see strong hiring activity across product development, brand management, and innovation roles as companies expand into fresh, refrigerated, and flavor focused categories to meet evolving consumer expectations. #ExpoWest #CPG #FoodInnovation #Refrigerated #ConsumerTrends #ConsumerConnection

Convenience driven formats continue to influence how brands approach innovation in the baking category. At Expo West, BunnieCakes showcased ready to bake cupcake batter and frosting created to make at home baking easier while still delivering a homemade feel. Products like these reflect how companies are responding to consumers who want simple preparation, flexible formats, and ingredients that fit a variety of dietary needs. The focus on dairy free and school friendly options also highlights the growing importance of inclusive products designed for families and everyday occasions. As more consumers look for ways to enjoy baking without the time and complexity of traditional recipes, brands are developing solutions that balance convenience, creativity, and quality. This shift is especially noticeable in categories where at home experiences continue to replace store bought or bakery purchases. At Consumer Connection, we are seeing continued demand for professionals who can support product innovation, brand strategy, and new product launches as companies work to keep pace with evolving consumer expectations. #ExpoWest #CPG #BakingTrends #FoodInnovation #ConsumerTrends #ConsumerConnection

Convenience and functionality continue to shape innovation in the snack category. At Expo West, Smarter Snacks showcased vegan protein puffs made with added protein and fiber, reflecting the growing demand for snacks that offer both taste and nutritional benefits. Products like this highlight how brands are responding to consumer interest in plant based ingredients, higher protein content, and better for you alternatives to traditional snack foods. As snacking habits continue to evolve, companies are placing greater emphasis on product development and innovation that supports health focused and convenience driven lifestyles. At Consumer Connection, we continue to see strong demand for talent across product development, brand management, and innovation roles as companies work to bring functional and better for you products like these to market. #ExpoWest #CPG #SnackTrends #BetterForYou #FoodInnovation #ConsumerConnection

Convenience driven innovation continues to be a key focus across the beverage category. At Expo West, The Milk Pod showcased a Keurig compatible milk pod designed to simplify at home coffee preparation by allowing consumers to create creamy coffeehouse style drinks without the need for separate milk or extra steps. Products like this reflect the growing demand for solutions that make everyday routines faster while still delivering quality and consistency. As consumer preferences continue to shift toward at home consumption and single serve formats, brands are placing greater emphasis on product development, packaging, and innovation that align with these changing habits. At Consumer Connection, we continue to see strong demand for talent across product development, brand management, and innovation roles as companies work to bring convenience focused concepts like this to market. #ExpoWest #CPG #BeverageTrends #ConsumerTrends #FoodInnovation #ConsumerConnection