Maximizing FoodBev brand reach with influencer marketing & shoppable media

Discover how food and beverage brands can boost their shoppable media reach through influencer marketing. Learn how to expand audiences and streamline CPG purchases.

Gone are the days when a catchy jingle or a Superbowl TV spot was enough to dominate the food and beverage market. Today, brand reach isn’t just about being seen—it’s about meeting consumers where they are, inspiring them, and making it as easy as possible for them to buy. For CPG food and beverage brands, this means tapping into the combined power of influencer marketing and shoppable media—the ultimate duo for conquering the world of retail ecommerce and social commerce.

But how can food and bev brands strategically leverage these tools to maximize their impact? Keep reading, because we’re breaking it all down—along with actionable tips to get you started.

Why influencer marketing and shoppable media are taking over

Influencer marketing has surpassed its status as a buzzword; now it’s a critical piece of any successful digital marketing strategy. A recent Shopify report shows that 69% of consumers trust influencers more than traditional brand advertising. Why? Because influencers are individuals who share their lives on social media and have cultivated a following through authentic connections. By leading with human connection, brands can make a deeper impact on their target audience.

At the same time, shoppable media is rewriting how consumers buy. Shoppable ads allow users to purchase a product right when they see it—whether they’re admiring that juicy burger featured on Instagram or discovering a refreshing new drink on Facebook. With omnichannel ecommerce rising to power over traditional retail, enabling instant checkouts keeps food and beverage brands competitive.

When paired, these two tactics are like coffee and donuts—they just work. Here’s how influencer marketing combined with shoppable media boosts brand reach:

  • Streamline the path to purchase: Say goodbye to extra clicks! Shoppable media guides consumers from interest to action, simplifying the buyer’s journey.
  • Expand your reach: Influencers (especially nano or micro-influencers) tap into niche audiences, building credibility and getting your product in front of the right eyes.
  • Boost campaign results: With directly shoppable links, it’s easier to measure purchase intent and prove the effectiveness of your campaigns.

Not convinced? Let these stats sink in:

  • The global social commerce market is predicted to reach $8.5 trillion in value by 2030.
  • 90.2 million US online shoppers are social buyers—32% of the online consumer market!
  • Nearly three-quarters of users, 71%, are more inclined to buy products influenced by recommendations on social media.

Now that we’ve established the effectiveness of the power duo, here’s how to grow your food and beverage brand.

How to maximize food & beverage brand reach using shoppable influencer marketing

1. Choose the right influencers for your brand

Not every influencer is the right fit for your product. For example, an artisan kombucha brand should target fitness, wellness, or self-care influencers who resonate with their niche audience. Similarly, a comfort food brand might focus on family-oriented or foodie influencers who share relatable content.

  • Pro tip: Don’t obsess over follower count, because reach doesn’t always mean results. Micro-influencers (10,000-100,000 followers) and nano-influencers (500-10,000 followers) often have higher engagement rates and stronger connections with their audience.
  • Vibe check: Choose an influencer whose voice naturally aligns with your brand. Pick someone you’re comfortable giving some creative freedom. Scripts that feel forced or salesy don’t have the same effect as an authentic take from your chosen influencer.
  • Actionable tip: Search hashtags or use tools like AspireIQ to discover influencers in your category. Check their engagement rates and audience demographics before making a partnership.

2. Optimize shoppable media for social platforms

Social platforms like Meta, Snap, and Pinterest are goldmines for social commerce, and their built-in shoppable functionalities make them a no-brainer for food and beverage brands.

  • On Instagram: Use clickable tags in your posts or Stories for fast, seamless shopping.
  • On Facebook: Display where-to-buy ads so shoppers can buy instantly at a retailer near them.
  • On Pinterest: Pin visually appealing content that links directly to a shoppable product page.

Pro tip: Include “limited time” offers or exclusive discounts to create urgency and drive instant purchases.

Example: A kombucha brand could partner with a fitness influencer to post a Reels video demonstrating a post-workout recovery routine featuring the drink. Include a shoppable tag for an easy purchase!

3. Link influencers with retail commerce

Image of 4th & Heart Ghee in front of an Aldi


According to a survey by the marketing agency Matter, most food and beverage purchases still happen in brick-and-mortar stores. They report,”75% of respondents are either somewhat or very likely to try a viral food or beverage trend after seeing it on social media.” By geo-targeting consumers on social platforms, your brand can directly encourage visits to local retailers.

In the wild: 

  • Happy Dad is a brand who did it right. Here’s a quick recap of their growth in 2024, that exhibits how exactly they gained popularity on YouTube. The hard seltzer brand was founded by The Nelk Boys, a prank and party-hardy crew from YouTube that also co-hosts the Full Send podcast. Every video links their where-to-buy tool for seamless shopping. 
  • Spritz Society is another brand that rose to fame thanks to their founding influencer, Ben Soffer, who shared his love for Aperol Spritzes with his followers. He was an Instagram influencer first, and decided to quiz his followers about what they’d want from a canned spritz beverage. This social media community became Ben’s Spritz Society, inspiring the brand name. Their support was crucial, helping generate over $100,000 in sales within 24 hours of its launch in August 2021.
  • 4th & Heart regularly uses influencer marketing to promote their products on Meta’s platforms Instagram and Facebook. On Instagram, they use the hashtag #4th&Heart_Partner to hype up recipes featuring their ghee. Their influencers range from professional chefs, caterers and meal-preppers, to nutrition students. By directing shoppers to their Pear-powered Store Locator link, they can easily connect with foodie followers and lead shoppers to purchase their products on local shelves. 

Pro tip: Run a co-branded campaign with a retailer using shoppable media. For example, “Buy this exclusive flavor at Whole Foods this month only!”

4. Highlight tasting notes & expert content

Give influencers and customers the information they need to connect with your brand. For example:

  • Share tasting notes for your products.
  • Highlight sourcing stories (e.g., “100% sustainably grown coffee beans”).
  • Offer shoppable brand recipes or fun pairings involving your product.

Influencers love content-rich collaborations that tell a story, while engaging audiences feel more invested when they know what makes your product unique.

Example: Partner with a dessert influencer to showcase how your artisanal granola pairs perfectly with Greek yogurt, chocolate mousse, or even ice cream. Add shoppable links for bonus conversions.

5. Use data to refine your strategy

Both influencer campaigns and shoppable media generate valuable data. Measure consumer behavior on your shoppable tools to continuously fine-tune your efforts.

Key metrics to monitor:

  • Engagement rate on influencer posts
  • Click-through rate (CTR) or retailer visits on shoppable links
  • Sales and traffic coming from specific channels

Pear tip: You can easily track these metrics when you integrate your shoppable solutions from Pear Commerce with your ad platform (like Meta).

6. Build a sense of community

Engage influencers to boost social proof by encouraging user-generated content, recipe ideas, and tutorials featuring your product. Foster brand loyalty by building a community through interactive events like cooking classes or tastings, sparking creativity and allowing new customers to experience your product firsthand. When you can build from an existing community, you’re well on your way to boosting brand loyalty.

Example: Create a hashtag challenge on Instagram, like #SnackSzn with influencers sharing how they use your product in different snack recipes. Include a shoppable link in your bio or product placement in videos for easy purchasing options.

Get your CPG in the social commerce game

Influencer marketing and shoppable media are no longer optional for food and beverage brands looking to thrive in the digital age—they’re a necessity. By combining the authentic reach of influencers with the seamless conversion power of shoppable media, you can meet your customers where they are and make it easier than ever for them to choose your brand.

Need help kicking off your shoppable influencer campaigns? Take the first step in transforming your marketing strategy. With the right tools—and these tips—you’ll be brewing up success in no time. Sign up for your free demo today. →

Next-gen retail ecommerce
Get in touch to learn more!
Get a demo

Explore related articles

Ready to capture greater share of wallet at retail?

Level up your retail ecommerce experience and unlock shoppability, insights, and performance marketing with Pear.
Get Started