[Expo West Series] What Actually Wins In CPG

Elizabeth Corbett is the President of Enterprise Sales at AE Global, a custom packaging design and supply chain solutions provider. With over two decades of experience, she has developed sustainable packaging solutions for prominent brands such as Starbucks, Tiffany & Co., and Estée Lauder. Specializing in the cannabis sector for the past eight years, Elizabeth is passionate about creating environmentally responsible and sustainable packaging solutions.

David Mesa is the President of We Grow CPG, a boutique sales management agency offering elevated sales partnerships to the CPG industry. The agency’s core expertise lies in helping emerging brands expand their distribution by building aggressive and strategic revenue plans from the seed stage to the late stage. Additionally, David is the Founder of 4T Mesa Consulting and serves as a Strategic Advisor at both TIG Brands and Pricklee. 

Patrick O’Sullivan is the CEO of Promise Gluten Free, a company dedicated to producing high-quality, great-tasting gluten-free baked goods for consumers worldwide. He brings over 30 years of global experience in the consumer goods industry, with expertise in food manufacturing, brand building, and sales across multiple continents. Under Patrick’s leadership, Promise Gluten Free has expanded internationally, earning rave reviews and positioning itself to become the leading gluten-free bread brand in the US by 2029.

Jason Woodward is the Owner of Clear Alaskan Glacial, a premium bottled water brand sourced from Alaska’s Eklutna Glacier. Under his leadership, the company emphasizes sustainability, offering naturally alkaline water with a high pH and minimal processing. His commitment to environmental stewardship and quality has positioned the Clear Alaskan Glacial as a respected name in the fine water industry.

In this episode…

It becomes clear that the future of CPG isn’t just about what’s on the shelf — it’s about the people behind the brands, the ideas shaping them, and the perspectives driving the industry forward. So what happens when community, creativity, and real-world insight come together in one place?

At Expo West, packaging expert Elizabeth Corbett emphasizes the importance of thoughtful design and premium presentation in differentiating products, while also questioning overused trends such as protein fortification and GLP-1 positioning. Growth strategist David Mesa emphasizes a people-first approach, focusing on building strong relationships, supporting brands, and fostering community as a core driver of success. Patrick O’Sullivan, a leader in gluten-free innovation, stresses the importance of product quality, superior nutrition, and meeting real consumer needs to create loyal advocates. Meanwhile, marketing leader Jason Woodward points out the gap between hype and true product value, reinforcing that authentic sourcing and quality should lead brand storytelling.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney is live from Expo West, talking with founders, marketers, and industry leaders who are shaping the next wave of CPG. From conversations about community building and brand growth to insights on emerging trends, product innovation, and what actually resonates with consumers, this episode captures the energy, ideas, and perspectives that are pushing the industry ahead.