Zeroing in on Costco, Target, Walmart? What to Fix Before You Go Big
From Nombase Podcast by BevNET Inc.
April 28, 2026 · 47 min · Episode 130
About this episode
The episode discusses the operational foundations brands need to prepare before scaling into major retailers like Costco, Target, and Walmart.
Landing a major retail account can change a brand overnight, but only if the operational foundation is ready to support it. Join Paul Verdu and Mitch Wedemeier from Octopi, a co-manufacturing partner backed by Asahi Group, to break down what really happens when brands scale into large national and club retailers. You'll learn: • Why landing a retailer like Costco or Target often creates a 90 to 180 day production sprint and what must happen within that window • The critical documentation required including specs, certifications, and material data to enable a smooth transition between co manufacturers • How differences in co-manufacturer equipment and capabilities impact product quality, timelines, and scalability • Common surprises around packaging, lead times, and retailer requirements and how to plan for them early • How to balance forecasting, inventory risk, and production flexibility to avoid stockouts amid unpredictable reorder cycles
People in this episode
Guests: Paul Verdu, Mitch Wedemeier
Topics covered
- retail accounts
- co-manufacturing
- production planning
- product quality
- inventory management
- scalability
Keywords
- retail
- co-manufacturing
- production sprint
- documentation
- packaging
- lead times
- forecasting
- inventory risk
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Octopi, Asahi Group, Costco, Target, Walmart
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