CPG Insights
Finance insights for CPG leaders
Expert analysis, practical guides, and strategic insights to help you make smarter financial decisions for your consumer brand.
Gross Margin vs. Contribution Margin for CPG Brands
Learn the difference between gross margin and contribution margin, why both matter, and how to calculate them correctly to make better pricing and channel decisions.
Accrual vs. Cash Basis Accounting for CPG Brands
Understand why cash basis breaks down as you scale, when to make the switch to accrual, and what the transition actually involves for a CPG brand carrying inventory.
Cash Conversion Cycle for CPG: Why You're Always Short on Cash
Your business is profitable on paper but you're always scrambling for cash. The cash conversion cycle explains why — and how to fix it.
Break-Even Analysis for CPG Products: How Many Units Do You Need?
Most founders underestimate their break-even point by 50% or more. Here's how to calculate it correctly by SKU and by channel using contribution margin.
5 Financial Metrics Every CPG Founder Should Track Weekly
Most CPG founders look at revenue and bank balance. Here are the five metrics that actually predict whether your brand will survive and thrive.
Trade Spend Accounting: What Your Bookkeeper Gets Wrong
Trade promotions can eat 20-30% of your gross revenue. If your accounting firm isn't handling trade spend correctly, you're flying blind.
When to Hire a Fractional CFO for Your CPG Brand
Not every brand needs a full-time CFO, but every scaling brand needs strategic finance. Here's how to know when fractional CFO support makes sense.
Inventory Valuation Methods for CPG: FIFO vs. Weighted Average
The inventory valuation method you choose directly impacts your reported margins. Here's how to pick the right one for your consumer brand.
Preparing Your CPG Brand's Financials for Series A
Investors scrutinize CPG financials differently than SaaS. Here's exactly what you need to have buttoned up before going out for funding.
Understanding Retailer Chargebacks and How to Prevent Them
Chargebacks from retailers like Walmart and Target can silently drain your margins. Here's how to track, dispute, and prevent them.
Cash Flow Forecasting for Seasonal CPG Brands
Seasonal demand swings can make or break a CPG brand. Build a cash flow forecast that accounts for production timing, inventory builds, and seasonal sales peaks.
The True Cost of Co-Manufacturing: Hidden Fees to Watch For
Your co-man invoice tells one story. The real cost of outsourced production tells another. Here's how to calculate the full picture.
DTC vs. Wholesale: How to Track Profitability by Channel
Selling on Shopify, Amazon, and through distributors? Each channel has different margin profiles. Here's how to measure which ones actually make money.
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