A quick note:

DTC Pod family! 🚀 

Another week, another deep dive into the universe of DTC. This edition spotlights Mina Elias and his multi-million Amazon mastery. You will also get the latest from the world of TikTok's e-commerce moves, Bazooka's candy kingdom, and Recess's big retail splash.

Plus, a trip down memory lane with our previous guest, Zawwar Khan, and what he's been up to. As always, we're all ears for your feedback. Slide into our DMs on Twitter or drop us an email at [email protected].

Stay inspired!

- Blaine, Ramon, & the DTC POD crew ✌️

P.S.- Our Passionfroot storefront is live. If you want to get in front of thousands of DTC operators and investors, check out our link.

This Week's DTC Pod Guest

#289 - How to Build A Multi-Million Amazon Business

Mina Elias is a multiple seven figure seller in the supplement industry, investor, Amazon PPC expert and founder of Trivium Group, an Amazon Advertising agency.

📰 DTC & eCommerce News

TikTok Shuts External e-Comm Doors - TikTok's in the limelight again, this time for planning to ban links to external e-commerce sites, like Amazon. While it seems like a play to bolster TikTok Shop, the shop's U.S. journey hasn't been smooth, losing a projected $500M this year. But don't count them out—daily U.S. spending on the platform has surged, and Southeast Asia shows TikTok Shop's potential, ringing in up to $60 million daily. As they sunset their Shopify storefronts, it's clear: TikTok's betting big on in-app shopping. Diver deeper here and here 🛍️.

Bazooka's Sweet Exit - Bubblegum brand Bazooka is set to change hands for a cool $700M, with private equity firm Apax Partners sealing the deal. But here's the twist—it's not all about the gum. In fact, Bazooka's iconic bubblegum makes up just 2% of annual sales. The candy crown goes to other treats like Ring Pop and Baby Bottle Pop. With a 30% YoY revenue increase in 2023, and the non-chocolate confectionary world ripe for consolidation, Apax might just have a sugar-rush of an opportunity. Read the acquistion report here 🍬🍭.

Recess Makes a Splash in Retail - Recess, the DTC beverage brand famous for its CBD-infused relaxation drinks, has popped the tab on an expansion into 5,000 more retail doors, raising its total to a fizzy 14,000 stores. Now, you can catch their "Mood" at over 175 Target locations, and "Zero Proof Craft Mocktails" in nearly 400 Sprouts. While they're bubbly about this retail leap, they haven't forgotten their roots—60% of sales are still via e-commerce. But with the global relaxation beverages market set to hit $1.27B by 2030, Recess is riding the wave of consumer thirst for relaxation. Read more here🥤.

🤔 Where Are They Now: Highlighting previous DTC POD Guests

Episode #256: Zawwar Khan

Zawwar Khan is the founder of Rel Brands, specializing in aiding creators and YouTubers with 2-20 million subscribers to ideate, manufacture, and scale CPG brands. When we last spoke to Zawwar in January, he had a history of launching products for giants like Doritos, Cheetos, and Olay, showcasing them on platforms as grand as the Grammys and the Super Bowl with stars like Lil Nas X and Mila Kunis. So, what's new with Zawwar since his appearance on DTC POD? He's unveiled CareNatal, a venture he's been cultivating on TikTok for the past two years, diving deep into natal supplements research.

Check out his X where he regularly posts insightful takes on CPG, creators and the combination of the two. Also, peek into CareNatal’s TikTok for a masterclass on audience building pre-product launch.

X of the Week

EBITDA gang gang 😂 😂!

DTC Event

• WORLD PRICING DAY SEPT 9 - Hosted by Prisync, World Pricing Day is shaping up to be a pivotal Ecommerce event. Dive deep into the nuances of pricing with industry experts as they share their insights. Scheduled on 09.09 as a nod to the psychological pricing strategy—where prices often end in nine to sway customers—this event promises a wealth of knowledge on the latest pricing advancements. Click this link to learn more.

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