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BRAVE COMMERCE
Ari Labell of The Hain Celestial Group on Navigating the World of 'Better for You' Brands
Season 2, Ep. 98
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In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Ari Labell, the President of North America for The Hain Celestial Group, joins hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter to discuss the company's dedication to promoting healthier living across various categories.
As the conversation unfolds, Ari sheds light on his role as the President of North America, explaining that he oversees the day-to-day operations of the entire business. He provides an overview of Hain Celestial's mission, emphasizing its commitment to inspire healthier living through better-for-you brands across diverse categories. Additionally, he delves into the evolving definition of "Better For You," especially in the context of food.
Discussing his career journey, Ari highlights the importance of gaining expertise in various roles, including marketing, and understanding the financial aspects that drive the business. He emphasizes the significance of being "trilingual" in understanding the consumer, shopper, and customer perspectives. Moreover, Ari sheds light on the necessity for leaders to surround themselves with intelligent individuals, including those who challenge their thinking and provide honest feedback.
The discussion also centers on the transformation at Hain Celestial over the past seven years. Ari explains the company's shift from primarily acquiring brands to building purpose-driven brands. He introduces the Hain Reimagined strategy, focusing on brand building, channel expansion, and innovation to unlock growth potential.
Ari expresses optimism about the continued growth of the "Better For You" trend, especially in categories like snacks, baby and kids, and beverages. He also highlights Hain Celestial's commitment to an Environmental, Social, and Governance strategy by outlining the three components: healthier products, healthier people, and a healthier planet.
Key Takeaways:
● When innovating, ensure that new products align with the brand's core values
● Emphasize sustainability in both product development and overall business practices
● Explore opportunities for expansion beyond traditional channels
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Sources: 1Fortune, August 2023. 2Walmart internal data, January 2023. No endorsement of third-party data sources.
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