Episode 72

072 | Chris Maffeo | Consistency in Implementing a Clear Bottom-up Strategy | MAFFEO DRINKS

In episode 072 I was hosted by Filiberto Amati on his Growth, Brands and More Podcast.

I shared my journey from being a Sales guy in Rome to working at major beverage companies in Europe until founding MAFFEO DRINKS.

We discuss the fundamental principles of building brands from the bottom up, the importance of having a clear and consistent strategy, and how to execute it successfully across different markets and channels.

I also talk about the value of small empirical experiments, the balance between strategy and execution, and how to handle unexpected opportunities.

Tune in to gain deep insights into the art and science of beverage brand building.


Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to the Maffeo Drinks Podcast

01:09 Interview with Filippo Bertomatti

01:56 Chris Maffeo's Career Path

05:15 Challenges and Insights in Brand Building

06:33 Defining a Good Strategy

10:50 Consistency and Simplicity in Strategy

24:39 The Role of Frugality in Brand Building

28:38 Empirical Experiments and Market Testing

39:52 Handling Unexpected Opportunities

46:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


About The Host: Filiberto Amati

About The Guest: Chris Maffeo

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Brands Are Built Bottom-up.

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Chris Maffeo

With 20 years of experience working for some of the biggest drinks brands across 30+ markets, I've developed a unique understanding of how brands grow in today's market.
Now, I help drinks brands build sustainable growth through bottom-up demand creation.
My methodology focuses on how brand demand spreads - from initial venue adoption to international expansion.
I teach brands how to create, convert, and sustain demand across the three critical stages of growth: from one bottle to one case to one pallet.
My expertise lies in understanding how brands grow through genuine advocacy, from bar to bar, city to city, and building foundations that enable natural scaling.
Through consulting, training, and speaking engagements, I help brands:
• Build sustainable demand from the ground up
• Systematize their approach to building brands city by city
• Navigate the path from local success to international growth
• Develop strategies based on occasions rather than demographics