The 2025 Sourcing Risk Map: Winners, Watchouts, and What’s Changing

The global sourcing landscape is shifting faster than ever — and what worked last year might not hold up in 2025.
Our latest analysis breaks down the emerging regions to watch, rising risks, and strategic pivots top brands are making to stay ahead.

From Mexico’s manufacturing boom to China’s quiet stabilization, we map out where opportunity and volatility are moving — and how to adapt before pressure hits your supply chain.

Whether you’re evaluating new regions or tightening your supplier mix, this guide helps you source smarter — by region, margin, and risk.

How Ghost Became a Billion-Dollar Lifestyle Brand – ECommerce On Tap Recap

This Week’s Highlights:

1. What We’re Watching: Nathan and Aaron kicked things off with industry news—Unilever offloading Kate Somerville and the ongoing struggles of legacy brands handling celebrity-run companies. Plus, they touched on how the rise of ChatGPT is starting to shift the way we search and shop online. (Yes, ecom brands will soon be selling directly in AI feeds—watch this space!)

2. Supplements & Influencers: A Love Story The core discussion revolved around why supplements are such a magnet for influencers. Spoiler alert: minimal regulations, easy white-labeling, and repeat purchase rates make it the perfect space for creators to launch brands. From early mail-order nutrition legends to today’s TikTok stars, supplement marketing has always thrived on influence and authenticity.

3. The Ghost Playbook Ghost didn’t just become another supplement brand. Founders Dan Lourenko (marketing insider) and Ryan Hughes (bodybuilder-influencer) saw an opportunity to build a lifestyle brand—not just sell protein powder. How? By focusing on vibrant branding, tapping into nostalgic candy flavors (Warheads, Chips Ahoy, Oreo—the works), and turning every product launch into a viral moment.

Pro Tip: Their breakthrough? That first Warheads flavor collab. It was more than a cool taste—it gave Ghost instant legitimacy and a ticket into new retail and digital audiences.

4. Data-Driven Expansion Instead of sticking with just pre-workout and protein, Ghost smartly used GNC sales data to spot trends, like energy drinks getting bought alongside their core products. So, they jumped into beverages (hello, Ghost Energy), hydration products, and even high-protein cereal—all in partnership with giants like AB InBev and General Mills.

5. From Supplement Upstart to Billion-Dollar Exit Ghost’s bold moves paid off. In 2024, Keurig Dr. Pepper bought 60% of the brand for just under $1 Billion. Why KDP? Because the energy/functional beverage market is exploding, and Ghost came with built-in virality and a fiercely loyal community across gym goers, gamers, and influencers.

Key Takeaways for Your Brand:

• Don’t just build a product, build a brand with a cult following and clear identity.

• Use data to spot lateral category opportunities—think beyond your original SKU.

• Limited-edition collabs and nostalgic licensing (if done right) stand out in saturated markets.

• Master the art of turning everyday purchases into cultural moments.

Looking to improve your sourcing or move production with confidence?

Our team helps brands find trusted factories, streamline production, and reduce risks when scaling or relocating manufacturing.

Schedule a Call to explore how we can support your sourcing goals.