#269 Retailer Spotlight: Mariano's, with Amanda Puck

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with Amanda Puck, Vice President of Communications and Brand Development for Roundy's, for the "Mariano's 101" episode listeners have been asking for.

Amanda has been with Mariano's since 2014, working in the grocery retail business after years in restaurants and a lifelong love of grocery shopping that started as a kid clipping coupons with her grandmother. Today she leads communications, brand strategy, and community engagement for Mariano's and Metro Market, both banners of Kroger with deep Midwest roots dating back 150 years to Roundy's founding.

Daniel and Amanda dig into what makes Mariano's feel like a European-style food discovery market, how the team runs its twice-yearly "What's Next at Mariano's" local vendor search, the exact requirements brands need (a GS1 barcode, a distributor, a sampling plan) to get considered, and real examples of local brands, from Ava's Pet Palace to Caruso Provisions, that found success on Mariano's shelves.

Listen in as they discuss:

• What makes Mariano's and Metro Market feel like a European-style food discovery market
• Midwest-specific food trends, from cheese and cheese curds to frozen pizza and Chicago classics
• How Mariano's meets customers wherever they are, from quick app pickup orders to in-store discovery
• How Mariano's shows up for the community, including partnerships with local nonprofits and chefs
• The twice-yearly "What's Next at Mariano's" and "What's Next at Metro Market" vendor search program
• The core requirements every local brand needs before pitching, including a GS1 barcode and a distributor
• Why grassroots in-store sampling remains one of the most effective ways to drive real sales conversion
• Real success stories from local vendors, including Ava's Pet Palace, Laos to Your House, and Caruso Provisions
• The distributors Mariano's works with most often, including KeHE, Norman, and JFI
• What categories and trends Mariano's is most excited about right now, from protein snacks to pet food

Episode Links:

• Amanda Puck LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-puck-2734745
• Amanda Puck Instagram: @amandapuck
• Mariano's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mariano's/home
• Mariano's Website: www.marianos.comMariano's Instagram: @marianosmarket
• Local vendor inquiries: welovelocal@roundys.com   

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Show Links:

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• Episode music by Super Fantastics