The CPG Guys CAGNY 2026 Post-Mortem with RBC Capital Markets’ Nik Modi
Feb 28, 2026
Nik Modi, Co-Head of Global Consumer & Retail Research at RBC Capital Markets, offers investor-focused perspective on retail and consumer trends. He dissects CAGNY takeaways in short, punchy conversations. Topics include pricing dynamics, AI adoption, build versus buy for capabilities, GLP-1 impacts, and strategic moves by big CPG players like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Kraft Heinz.
AI Snips
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Episode notes
Create A Deputy CMO For Cultural Relevance
- Embed younger perspectives near the top via a deputy CMO or chief cultural officer to capture social and trend signals.
- Modi cites his 19-year-old son spotting online trends CEOs miss as proof.
Agentic Commerce Is An Imminent Threat
- Most CPG companies are unprepared for agentic commerce where shopping via prompts bypasses traditional paths to purchase.
- Modi warns a new agentic-only platform could appear and leapfrog incumbents if they don't move now.
Retailers Should Stop Prioritizing Slotting Fees
- Retailers must stop prioritizing slotting fees and become consumer-centric to survive agentic commerce.
- Modi urges urgent investment because a new agentic-only platform could displace slow retailers.