The Startup CPG Podcast

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff, together with Peggy Shell, the founder of Creative Alignments delve into the challenges faced by startups in traditional recruiting models and the innovative time-based recruiting approach pioneered by Creative Alignments. Peggy shares insights on the drawbacks of percentage-based fee structures, emphasizing the importance of aligning company values, culture, and compensation for sustainable growth.Uncover the secrets of DIY recruiting for startups, including strategic decision-making points, behavioral-based interview questions, and negotiation strategies. Discover the significance of pay transparency and intentional sourcing to foster diversity in hiring. Peggy guides leaders in creating an inclusive workplace culture, offering tips on fostering belonging, recognition, and empathy.Whether you're a startup enthusiast or in the natural products industry, this podcast provides actionable strategies for building powerful teams. Tune in now!Listen in as Peggy shares about:DIY Recruiting Elements for StartupsChallenges with Traditional RecruitingCreative Alignments' ModelFactors in Attracting TalentCreating an Inclusive Workplace and Diversity in HiringNegotiation Strategies and Pay TransparencyBehavioral-Based Interview QuestionsTransparency in LeadershipEquity in CompensationExperience vs. Soft Skills in HiringReferences and Backdoor ReferencesEpisode Links:Creative Alignments WebsitePeggy’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Join Daniel Scharff and team—Patricia Menegoto, Kiki Huddleston, and Grace Kennedy—in this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast as they delve into the vibrant world of natural products at Expo West 2024. They share their experiences, observations, and opinions on the latest trends dominating the industry. From the gummification of products to the rise of natural sweeteners and the prevalence of protein-infused items, they dissect the key themes shaping the market.Get ready to discover standout brands that caught their attention, explore innovative booth setups, and hear about their engaging interactions with exhibitors. From mushrooms making their mark in various products to the art of swag selection, they leave no stone unturned in their exploration of Expo West highlights.But it's not just about the products—They also reflect on their personal preparations for the event, discuss the importance of networking and brand camaraderie, and share valuable insights for future trade show participation.Whether you're a seasoned industry professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, this podcast offers a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration. Tune in now!Listen in as Grace, Kiki, and Patricia share about:Trends at Expo West 2024Standout BrandsProduct Choices and TrendsAlley Rally Party and Brand DemosTrendy Topics and Product PreferencesFuture Plans and Opportunities for Future EventsFavorite Moments and Experiences from Expo WestPersonal Preparedness and Tips for handling the intensity of Expo WestEpisode Links:Grace’s LinkedInKiki’s LinkedInPatricia’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

We are just as excited as you are to share the second part of Jamie Valenti Jordan’s episode – How to Make and Scale Your Product.In this episode, Daniel Scharff and Jamie Valenti-Jordan take a deep dive into the intricate process of finding and collaborating with contract manufacturers (Comans) for startups in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) realm. From sourcing to negotiation, production runs to quality assurance, they unravel the complexities and challenges inherent in the CPG production landscape. Discover valuable insights on building relationships, fostering transparency, and navigating the dynamics between brands and manufacturers. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a budding CPG enthusiast, this podcast equips you with actionable strategies and expert advice to thrive in the competitive world of consumer goods. Tune in now!Listen in as Jamie shares about:Choosing/Finding Contract Manufacturers (Coman)First Production RunMaintaining a Good Relationship with the ComanQuality Control and Sensory EvaluationChallenges in ManufacturingLogistics and Supply Chain ManagementOperational Best PracticesStrategic Planning and ForecastingConsulting Services Offered by CatapultEpisode Links:Catapult Commercialization Services WebsiteJamie’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

In this absolute gem of an episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Jamie Valenti-Jordan, CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services, with a focus on scaling products and supporting startups in the CPG industry.Part 1 of this episode unveils Jamie's expertise in rapid product launch and expansion for emerging brands with revenue under $5 million. Drawing from his experience guiding operations at Hampton Creek, Jamie stresses the importance of collaboration within the startup community.Gain valuable insights into the intricacies of new product launches, with Jamie advising a strategic approach starting from a basic recipe aligned with consumer preferences. He touches upon formulation development, emphasizing weight percentages and packaging considerations for long-term product integrity.Jamie also explores the decision-making process between self-manufacturing and utilizing contract manufacturers, weighing the pros and cons based on preferences, skills, and resources. The profitability aspect is thoroughly addressed, highlighting the significance of cost coverage, profit-maximizing factors, and efficient production processes.Don't miss the first part of this episode - Tune in now!Listen in as Jamie shares about:Determining the Gold Standard and CertificationDocumentation for Quality and ScalingBuilding a DIY Fluidized Bed DryerRecall and SOP (Standard Operating Process)Sourcing Industrial IngredientsPackaging Selection and Shelf LifeNetworking and Professional HelpCommon Problems in Product ManufacturingConsiderations for Self-Manufacturing vs. Contract ManufacturingCash Management and Inventory PlanningEpisode Links:Catapult Commercialization Services WebsiteJamie’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Join Daniel Scharff and Patricia Menegoto in this bonus episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, where they chat with Maurizio Rasti and Saphira Rasti, the dynamic founders of Nowhere Bakery. Discover their captivating journey from the fashion and modeling industry to crafting healthy baked goods, focusing on gluten-free offerings and noteworthy partnerships with Gwyneth Paltrow.Get the inside scoop on Nowhere Bakery's Shark Tank experience, from filming multiple episodes daily to managing the surge in demand post-airing. The founders share insights into their meticulous Shark Tank application process, emphasizing the intensive selection rounds and strategic preparations for significant exposure.Tune in now!Listen in as Saphira and Maurizio share about:Nowhere Bakery’s Product Line and DistributionTeam and GrowthCollaboration with Gwyneth PaltrowCasting ProcessAppearance on Shark TankCommercial KitchensPreparation for Increased DemandEpisode Links:Nowhere Bakery’s WebsiteNowhere Bakery’s InstagramDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff dives into the world of protein with Chris Battaglia, a seasoned expert and category lead for proteins at leading e-commerce retailer Hungryroot that aims to simplify healthy eating through personalized grocery shopping, utilizing AI to gather customer taste data for tailored meal suggestions. The company's socially responsible initiatives and commitment to reducing waste resonate with a diverse consumer base, focusing on high-quality options for various age groups and regions.Discover the challenges faced by the meat industry, from navigating economic changes to maintaining impeccable quality standards. Chris reveals the crucial role of partnerships with suppliers who understand customer preferences and gives an overview of the role plant-based plays in his category.Tune in now!Listen in as Chris shares about:Transition to HungryrootInsights from Meat Cutting DaysExperience at Central Market and Whole FoodsPrivate Label and Branded ProductsImpact of COVID-19Meat Industry ChallengesHumane Standards and Supply ChainEngaging with Brands:Consumer FeedbackPlant-Based CategoryBrand PartnershipsEpisode Links:Hungryroot’s WebsiteChris’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Join Daniel Scharff in this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast featuring Eric Skae, the CEO of Carbone Fine Food with over 35 years of experience in business. Carbone's success is anchored in its association with the renowned Carbone restaurant, premium product quality, and effective branding strategies.Eric emphasizes the crucial role of strategic partnerships, the early focus on velocity, and the evolving importance of margin and pricing as a brand matures. He also reveals his approach to brand launch, securing retail partnerships, and harnessing social media for optimal promotion.From extensive networking and diligent work ethics to developing expertise across various domains, Eric's advice is a beacon for those aspiring to make a mark in the CPG industry.Ready to add some special sauce to your CPG journey? Tune in now!Listen in as Eric shares about:Entrepreneurial Journey of EricEric's Lessons from Previous VenturesChallenges and Learning from New Leaf Iced TeaConsulting and Startup CollaborationStarting Carbone Fine FoodStrategies for Early Growth and Scaling:Launching a Premium Pasta Sauce BrandChallenges in Retail and Building RelationshipsDirect-to-Consumer Launch and ScalingPartnerships and Brand RecognitionWhole Foods and Market PositioningSuccess and ScalingEpisode Links:Carbone Fine Food WebsiteEric's LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

In this special bonus episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Jake Deleon, the founder and CEO of Fila Manila. With a focus on crafting award-winning sauces and spreads inspired by Filipino flavors, Jake shares insights into his appearance on the upcoming episode of Shark Tank, along with his anticipation for increased online orders and brand buzz.Drawing from his background at major CPG companies like Procter Gamble and Starbucks, Jake delves into the importance of understanding target audiences and product differentiation when launching a new product line. His persistence in applying multiple times to Shark Tank paid off, and he discusses the overwhelming yet fair experience of filming the show. Throughout the conversation, Jake emphasizes the broader impact he hopes to achieve—creating awareness for Filipino cuisine on a national level and making his mother proud by fulfilling her dream of seeing him on her favorite show.Don't miss this inspiring conversation that goes beyond the entrepreneurial journey to celebrate culture and culinary excellence. Tune in now!Listen in as Jake shares about:Founding Fila ManilaShark Tank Casting and FilmingPrevious Venture - Origin AlmondTikTok StrategyCultural RepresentationInternational ExperienceEntertaining YouTube VideoImpact of Shark Tank on EntrepreneurshipApplication ProcessNegotiation and ValuationTherapist Session After PitchFounders HeritageProduct Transition and Future PlansShow Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

In this episode of Startup GPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Erin Fasano, the chief marketing officer at Core Foods with over two decades of experience in the CPG industry, and delves into the intricacies of marketing for food and beverage brands, while trying to explain the question “what is a CMO?” With a focus on emerging brands, Erin emphasizes the pivotal role of a CMO and advises aspiring marketers to start at classic CPG companies before venturing into smaller enterprises.Discover the keys to success, including building strong relationships with retailers like Whole Foods and Target, crafting comprehensive marketing plans aligned with sales activities, and prioritizing owned platforms for long-term brand identity. Plus, gain insights on effective consumer feedback utilization, brand partnerships, navigating the competitive landscape, and understand why retail distribution often trumps direct-to-consumer channels for heavy and perishable products and unravel the strategies for success in competitive categories.Ready to turn heads in the market? Hit play now!What Erin talks about:Joining Core Foods and Transition to CMO RoleStarting of Erin’s Own Brand - StarrysideChallenges and LessonsMarketing Strategy and PlanningRetail and Shopper MarketingAligning DTC with Trade ProgrammingSocial Media and AuthenticityConsumer Input and Product DevelopmentConsumer Input on PricingApproach to D2C vs. RetailConsulting and CollaborationEpisode Links:Core Food’s WebsiteErin's LinkedInGrab Erin's FREE Marketing Calendar Template here!Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Wondering how to get on shelf and pick the right marketing programs to do well?Join expert guests Erin, Courtney, and Holly as they share their wealth of knowledge on successfully navigating the Kroger landscape. From Erin's firsthand brand experience, Courtney's expertise around submissions and promotions, and Holly's insights into category strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips for CPG startups.Learn the art of differentiation, effective marketing strategies, and successful promotions. Whether you're a startup or scaling up, this episode is for you.Don’t miss out on elevating your CPG startup with insider insights!Listen in as Erin, Courtney, and Holly share about:Kroger's PrioritiesNew Item Selling ProcessGetting into KrogerUnderstanding Shopper and LandscapeSupply Chain and Budget ConsiderationsShopper MarketingDSD CollaborationE-commerce OpportunitiesRegional ConsiderationsSales Velocity ExpectationsEpisode Links:Kroger.comHolly’s LinkedInErin’s LinkedInCourtney’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff dives into the vibrant world of the natural food industry with Jonathan Lawrence, Vice President of Center Store at Fresh Thyme Market. Discover Fresh Thyme Market's mission-driven approach to offering fresh and healthy food at great value and Jonathan's passion for supporting startup brands.Explore the intricacies of building meaningful relationships with brands, tailoring assortments to community needs, and the significance of local brands in their stores through initiatives like the local scout program. Jonathan shares his excitement for international flavors and products, offering unique tastes and experiences for customers.Get an exclusive preview of the Startup CPG section at Expo West on level three of ACC, featuring 25 booths with amazing brands, including female founder giveaway winners. Ready to embark on a flavorful journey? Tune in now!Listen in as Jonathan shares about:Natural Food Industry ExpertiseRelationship BuildingBalancing Innovation and TraditionAdaptability to Store EnvironmentsSuccess Metrics for Category ManagersBrand Persistence and RelationshipsCategory Management and Retailer InfluenceChallenges in Introducing New BrandsInnovation in RetailBrand Life Cycle and Continuous InnovationSupport for Local Brands and Community EngagementExploration of International Flavors and Ethnic ProductsEpisode Links:Jonathan’s WebsiteJonathans LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Step into the vibrant world of Expo West in this episode of the Startup CPG podcast where Daniel Scharff is joined by startup CPG sales legends Matt Levine from Chlorophyll Water, Clara Paye from Unite Foods, and Pierre Jamet from Fishwife. Join them as they share insider tips for Expo West - what to do before, during, and after the show to make the most of your opportunity.From prep hacks to pitch perfection, discover how to wow potential buyers. Master booth setup, keep samples fresh, and ace networking using LinkedIn and CPG Slack. Know the advanced strategies like the "buyer pick 'n roll," stand out in the crowd, and get tips on chasing down a buyer in the aisle.Whether you're a pro or a rookie, this episode gives you expert advice, anecdotes, and actionable strategies that can elevate your trade show adventure.Tune in now!Listen in as Matt, Pierre and Clara share about:Preparation and Goal-SettingEngaging Attendees with Concise PitchesBooth Planning and Fresh SamplesActive Engagement and Decoy SystemNetworking and Grant OpportunitiesSample Distribution and EngagementEffective Post-Show Follow-upsNetworking with DistributorsBooth Design and ConfidenceBooth Management StrategiesProtecting Energy and Handling CriticismUtilizing BrokersBusiness Card StrategiesEpisode Links:Matt Levine’s WebsiteMatt Levine’s LinkedInClara’s WebsiteClara’s LinkedInPierre’s WebsiteDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Join Daniel Scharff in this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast featuring Dwight K. Richmond, Director of Center Store at Town & Country Markets and an expert in the grocery sector with over 30 years of experience. Dwight takes us through his career journey, emphasizing the keys to building successful sets for retailers. He also shares invaluable insights on understanding consumer trends, adapting to market changes, and establishing connections with brands.Highlighting the significance of product quality, including attributes like organic or fair trade certifications, and the importance of embracing regenerative agriculture practices. Dwight also provides advice for CPG brands seeking visibility at trade shows, suggesting strategic approaches such as email outreach and LinkedIn connections.A noteworthy aspect of this, Dwight's emphasis on not getting too attached to packaging, as it inevitably changes. He draws from his experience in developing private-label products, always thinking ahead to future versions. It also concludes with expressions of gratitude and anticipation for future interactions, particularly at Expo West.Wanna know more about the insider scoop on the grocery sector? What are you waiting for? Tune in now!Listen in as Dwight shares about:Advice for CPG BrandsFancy Foods Las Vegas ShowTrends at the ShowDwight’s Career JourneySet Building and TrendsChallenges and Opportunities in the IndustryData Analysis and Decision-MakingOverview of Town and Country MarketConsumer ProfileApproach to Products and DemosFish Wife Success StoryExpo West and Connecting with BuyersEpisode Links:Town & Country Markets Inc Website Dwight’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Welcome to another episode of the Startup CPG Podcast where Daniel Scharff introduces Leon Lewis, the accomplished founder of Daybreak Growth Partners. Leon's journey spans gaming, music, and entrepreneurship, starting his first online business at 12 and later delving into the music industry. In 2019, he founded Daybreak Growth Partners, specializing in Amazon and retail media strategy for new CPG brands.From experiences at Amazon and starting his own venture-backed brand, Leon emphasizes the challenges such as rising advertising costs and competing with established CPG brands while stressing the value of measuring repeat purchases and retention rates and the need for hard work over magical solutions.In addition - Leon explores the parallels between launching a CPG product and being a musician, emphasizing the fundamentals' importance and sharing key e-commerce success metrics: product conversion rate, repeat customer rate, lifetime value, and cost of advertising.Ready to elevate your Amazon strategy? Hit play now!Listen in as Leon shares about:Amazon as an Ever-Expanding WebRepeat and Retention RatesConversion RatesChallenges and Opportunities in Product LaunchChoosing Amazon as a StrategyAmazon Advertising SpendReview StrategyCost and Pricing on AmazonContinuous Advertising OptimizationLaunching a Brand on AmazonFulfillment by Amazon (FBA)Mobile OptimizationEpisode Links:Daybreak Growth Website Leon’s LinkedInEmail: [email protected] Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Join Daniel Scharff and Startup CPG Director of Marketing & Community, Patricia Menegoto, chatting about all the exciting initiatives and events shaping the future of our community.From the upcoming Shelfie Awards to a booth giveaway for female founders they delve into the first dedicated section for Startup CPG at Expo West, the first ever Swag Fashion shows, happy hours with the TikTok Shop team, partnerships with industry leaders like RangeMe, and plans for empowering BIPOC brands through microgrants. Additionally, there's a Q&A session with a Shark Tank casting supervisor, a partnership with Summit Series for networking and vacation opportunities, and plans for a cruise partnership and CPG happy hours at sea.As a bonus, Patricia shares a vibrant reflection of the enthusiasm and commitment to supporting emerging CPG brands within the Startup CPG community.Listen in as Patricia shares about:RangeMe Partnership and Startup CPG CollectionMicro Grants for BIPOC BrandsStartup CPG Swag Fashion ShowShelfie AwardsExpo West Booth Giveaway with SatoSocial Media and Healthy LifestyleEngaging with RetailersSlack Channel ModerationNewtopia Now EventEpisode Links:Patricia’s WebsitePaticia’s LinkedInPatricia’s Instagram Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Explore the success story of the innovative sparkling water infused with botanicals, offering a unique non-alcoholic alternative for beer Enthusiasts.With a background in venture capital and e-commerce, Jordan Bass CEO and co-founder of HOP WTR dives into the burgeoning non-alcoholic beer market, consumer trends favoring moderation, and the strategic decisions that propelled HOP WTR's growth in natural channels, crossover accounts, and mass retailers.Discover the intricacies of e-commerce strategies, innovative packaging, and HOP WTR's retail focus. Gain insights into team dynamics, challenges faced during the early days, and the importance of mentorship. From the successful foray into on-premise markets to international expansion considerations, this episode covers it all.Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the business landscape, this episode offers a unique perspective on building and growing a brand. Tune in, stay inspired, and raise a virtual glass to the future of innovative beverages!Listen in as share about:HOP WTR's Origin & InnovationConsumer Trends & OpportunitiesHOP WTR Flavor ProfileLaunch and Market StrategyDriving Product VelocitySales Strategies and Team CultureReflections on Early Days and LearningProduct Innovation and Long-Term VisionEpisode Links:HOP WTR’s WebsiteJordan’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com This episode was sponsored by Cultivate CPG. Go to cultivatecpg.comIn this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff together with the Cultivate CPG president Aaron Barnholt and Eli Bank co-founder and COO of Absurd Snacks unveils the highly anticipated Startup CPG retail sales tracker. This comprehensive database empowers emerging brands with vital information on channels, store locations, numbers, websites, and direct submission links. Eli, sharing his beta testing experience, underscores the tool's value in building relationships with retailers.Gain exclusive insider tips from Cultivate CPG to enhance your outreach strategies, and hear Eli's journey with Absurd Snacks, a mission-driven brand making snacks accessible for those with food allergies.Listen in as Eli and Aaron share about:Startup CPG Retail Sales Tracker OverviewCustomization of the toolInsider Tips and NotesPersistence and Learning from MentorsUnderstanding Retail ProcessesScaling SmartlyEffective Networking and Relationship TipsExpansion Goals and Community EngagementAbsurd Snack’s OriginMission of Absurd SnacksEpisode Links:Aaron’s WebsiteAarons LinkedInEli’s WebsiteEli’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Want to learn about the top claims against emerging CPG brands?Join Daniel Scharff in this episode of the Startup CPG podcast to discuss the legal landscape of the food industry with Lauren Handel from Handel Food Law. From the surge in lawsuits against emerging brands to the nuances of labeling and disability compliance, Lauren provides prevention tips and strategies for both small and established brands.Gain insights into specific areas of litigation, including false advertising, health claims, and ADA compliance. Learn about Prop 65 risks in California and the increasing challenges with ADA lawsuits targeting websites. Lauren also offers crucial advice for brands on influencer endorsements and avoiding misleading marketing claims.Tune in now!Listen in as Lauren shares about:Consumer Protection LitigationLitigation Risk OverviewOrigins of LawsuitsSettlement DiscussionsNegotiation StrategyClass Action ConsiderationsNatural and Artificial ClaimsSugar Content and Health ClaimsSustainability and Environmental ClaimsSlack Fill-In PackagingAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Website AccessibilityProp 65 and Chemical Exposure RisksEpisode Links:Lauren’s WebsiteLauren’s Email [email protected]’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Something fun is brewing in this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast as we join our host, Daniel Scharff, as he welcomes his cousin, Daniel Kopman, Co-founder and former CEO of The Saint Louis Brewery and Heavy Seas Beer, now turned academic and researcher.Kopman shares what it was like to be an early microbrewing innovator in St. Louis, home of Anheuser Busch, and many lessons learned in his journey expanding into retail. As a beer policy pro and advocate, Dan studies the global shifts in the alcohol industry, predicting a promising future for non-alcoholic beers.Whether you're a brewing maverick or a non-alc beverage explorer, this episode is tailor-made for you. Don't miss out – tune in to gain more insights of the beverage business!Listen in as Dan shares about:Launching a Beer RegionallyUnderstanding Retail DynamicsBuilding Relationships and Understanding the Value ChainPolicy Changes and Market DynamicsRise of Non-Alcoholic BeerConsumer Shift Towards Healthier ChoicesEpisode Links:Dan’s Websites:hsbeer.com schlafly.com Dan’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Can you handle the highs, survive the lows, and still rock the runway?In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by the CEO of Suja Juice and Rowdy Energy, Jeff Church. Jeff shares invaluable insights from his diverse ventures, spanning socially conscious brands like Nico Water to the rise and challenges of Suja, an impactful cold-pressed juice success.Learn about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, navigating acquisitions, and the tough decisions that led to the closure of Rowdy Energy. He also weighs in on the competitive energy drink market, offering wisdom on balanced decision-making for startups.Tune in to learn more about the journey from setbacks to new beginnings. Don't miss out!Listen in as Jeff shares about:- Suja's Origin and Growth- Foundational Wisdom- Risk-Taking Timing- Disruptive Success- Market Dynamics and Challenges- The “Rule of Twos”- Brand Differentiation- Learning from SetbacksEpisode Links:Church’s WebsiteChurch’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com We are as thrilled as you are to unveil the second part of Jenna Cameron’s episode – How to Launch in Foodservice.In this episode, Jenna dives into the nitty-gritty of building strong relationships with operators and transforming from a mere product supplier to a true strategic partner. But that’s not all – Jenna also unravels the intricate web of distributor partnerships, offering valuable guidance for emerging brands looking to navigate this complex landscape. She draws from her wealth of experience, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities within the food service industry.Whether you're a startup entrepreneur finding your way or a seasoned professional aiming to boost your food service sales know-how, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and insider tips. Tune in to gain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving world of food service salesListen in as Jenna Cameron shares about:- Packaging Design Strategies- Channel Analysis- Outreach Tactics- Distributor Relationships- Start Local- Leverage UNFI for Retail- Strategic Broker Selection- Incentivize OperatorsEpisode Links:Jenna’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com As we kick off the new year, we welcome you with 2024’s first podcast episode so chock-full of insights, we had to split it into two parts! Our guest, a seasoned sales pro with a decade in the food service industry, is here to spill the beans.In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharf sits down with Jenna Cameron to discuss her experience, which includes notable contributions at JUST Egg, Alpha Foods, and her current role as the Sales Lead at Simulate. Jenna shares insights into effective marketing, navigating the competitive market, surviving in the food service industry, and Simulate's journey from direct-to-consumer to achieving success in grocery. Jenna is an absolute pro at Foodservice, especially the sales side, and we know you'll all be taking notes as she talks through specific distributors and operators that are great fits for emerging brands.Whether you're a foodservice novice or deep in the industry, this podcast is your shortcut to success. Jenna covers the ins and outs of navigating food service channels, building industry relationships, tackling D2C challenges, dealing with Gen Z and branding, locking in product-market fit, cultivating regional relationships, handling pricing challenges, and creating solid price sheets. It's a practical guide to navigating the dynamic world of foodservice.Listen in as Jenna Cameron shares about:- Navigating Foodservice Channels- Building Relationships that lead to sales- Establishing Product Market Fit- Building a Regional Strategy- Tackling Foodservice Pricing- Creating Effective Price and Sales SheetsEpisode Links:Jenna’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Get ready for an extra special treat this holiday season! We've got an exclusive bonus episode fresh from a recent webinar, where Daniel Scharff sits down with movers and shakers in the industry. Meet Paul Voge, the brains behind Aura Bora, Clara Paye, the powerhouse founder of Unite, and Mitch Orland from Earth Fare. We couldn't keep this goldmine of insights to ourselves, so we're sharing it on our Startup CPG podcast. From effective networking to strategic sales pitches, pitching to retailers, and delving into the practical strategies of catching the attention of retailers, this episode is packed with actionable tips and insights. Discover the importance of differentiation, leveraging personal connections, and showcasing data stories to secure deals with major retailers. Whether you're a startup or a seasoned pro, this episode offers actionable tips for building connections, maximizing sales help, and thriving in a competitive market. Ready to elevate your product? Hit play now!Listen in as Paul, Clara and Mitch share about:Selling StrategiesPitching to RetailersSales Help and BrokersStarting a Business During the PandemicData Stories and DifferentiationWalmart Pitching and ExpansionTrade Show StrategiesBuyer's Perspective (Earth Fair)Episode Links:Clara’s WebsiteClara’s LinkedInPaul’s WebsitePaul’s LinkedInMitch’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software hereStrategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgEver wondered how successful CPG brands navigate the complex world of retail? Struggling to find your way from premium anchor accounts to negotiating with major retailers? Look no further! In this episode of Startup CPG Podcast, we're joined by Aaron Barnholt, President of Cultivate CPG, sharing his strategies from his extensive experience in launching brands like the CPG’s individual entrepreneurs.If you've ever felt the challenges of building momentum, choosing the right broker, or adapting to retailer requirements, consider this episode your solution.From targeting premium anchor accounts to navigating negotiations with major retailers, this episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs at every stage and concise guide to long-term success in the competitive CPG landscape.Listen in as Aaron shares about:-Grocery Industry Expertise-Cultivate CPG's Approach-Navigating Retail Strategies-Story and Product Differentiation-Building Momentum-Choosing the Right Broker-Adapting to Retailer RequirementsEpisode Links:Aaron’s WebsiteAaron on LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast with Daniel Scharff featuring Emily Griffith, founder of Lil Bucks, and Luke Peterson from A-Frame Farm, delve into their mission to make America fall in love with buckwheat and improve diets and soil health. Discover the wonders of regenerative organic certified buckwheat products and the principles of soil health in regenerative farming. They share their early education on organic farming, the versatile uses of buckwheat, and the importance of a direct relationship with ingredient suppliers for transparency. Don't miss out on the taste and health benefits that buckwheat brings to the table. Tune in now!Listen in as Emily & Luke share about:-Origins of the Partnership -Buckwheat's Superpowers -Regenerative Farming-Direct Relationships Matter-Targeting Consumer Trends-Beyond Tradition-Consumer InsightsEpisode Links:Emily’s WebsiteEmily’s InstagramLuke;s WebsiteLuke;s InstagramDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software hereStrategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgIn this episode of the Startup CPG podcast with Daniel Scharff featuring Matt Levine, the founder of Chlorophyll Water, he recounts the journey of transforming a unique product idea into a major success. Matt discusses the genesis of Chlorophyll Water, emphasizing the importance of proactivity and relationship-building in a competitive market. The entrepreneur's scrappy approach to brand growth, centered on profitability and effective marketing through platforms like LinkedIn and RangeMe, is highlighted as he navigates challenges and secures prime spots in major outlets.Join us together with Matt Levine in this insightful podcast episode as he shares the remarkable journey of turning a unique product idea into a major success, emphasizing proactive sales strategies, scrappy brand growth, and the pivotal role of relationships with retailers and distributors in securing prime spots in major outlets.Ready to take your business to the next level? Hit play now and absorb the Chlorophyll Water success story firsthand!Listen in as Matt shares about:- Origins and Inspiration of Chlorophyll Water- Strategic Market Entry- Collaborations and Partnerships- Sustainable Growth Philosophy- Effective Sales Strategies- Marketing Focus- Product Strategy- Consumer EngagementEpisode Links:Matt Levine’s WebsiteMatt Levine’s LinkedInDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgIn this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Myles Powell, the founder of Myles Comfort Food. Myles Comfort Foods is a clean, premium comfort food brand elevating the landscape of frozen foods through the marriage of quality and clean convenience that the modern day consumer is seeking in grocery. Join us as we dive into Myles' inspiring journey, exploring topics like rebranding, fundraising, and the strategies that led to the successful launch of Myles Comfort Foods on Target shelves.Listen in as Myles’ share about:-Rebranding-Leveraging Data in your Brand Story-Successful fundraising strategies-Target Placements-Leveraging Endorsements-Gathering Organic Surveys-Product Innovation and Feedback-Seeking Support and CollaborationEpisode Links:Myles WebsiteMyles on InstagramMentioned: NIQ’s Byzzer, Jenna CameronDon't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

Welcome to the Startup CPG Podcast! I’m Jessi Freitag and it’s been my pleasure to be your host for Season 3 of the show since August 2021. It’s now time for me to introduce you to your new host for Season 4 of the show, Daniel Scharff. Many of you already know Daniel as he’s the founder of Startup CPG and has been hosting webinars, in-person events, and back in the day, lots of Clubhouse sessions for the community. He's extremely active in the CPG community and has deep CPG experience, so I'm really excited for you to meet him today and get excited for the start of Season 4 next Tuesday!Episode Links:Daniel's LinkedInFind Daniel in the Slack at "Daniel Scharff / Startup CPG"Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteJessi's favorite moments from Season 3 rounded up in Episode 100Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (16K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgQuestions or ideas for Season 4? Email [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Floret. Go to tryfloret.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgYou know what that sound means - we had another member of the Startup CPG community on Shark Tank! And this time it was previous podcast guests Mafe Romer & Coco Cabezas from TOAST-IT! They join us today to tell us all the details about their Season 15, Episode 2 episode of Shark Tank that aired recently on October 6th. TOAST-IT makes delicious Latin staples, including arepas, that toast up to perfection in under 10 minutes. When Coco and Mafe were on the show back in June 2022, we talked more about their backgrounds, origin story, how they got into Publix, and more, so I’ve linked that episode in the show notes as well.Listen in today as Mafe & Coco share about:The application process to Shark Tank and behind the scenes of taping the showWhat it was like to negotiate live with deals on the table from Kevin O’Leary and Daniel Lubetzky and why they went with the $150,000 investment for 20% equity with DanielHow they prepped for the airing of the show and the story of Mafe being 5 months pregnant while taping the show and then welcoming her baby the same week the episode aired!The consumer and retailer response to the episode airingTheir tips for brands interested in being on Shark Tank or who are pitching to the Sharks soonAnd more!I also want to let you know that this is the last episode of Season 3! Feel free to skip ahead 30 seconds to get to the interview, but I wanted to say thank you for those of you that have joined me as listeners, guests, and supporters for Season 3 of the show over the past 2+ years. It means the world to me and it’s been an honor to be your host. Season 4 starts next week with your new host, Daniel Scharff, the founder of Startup CPG, so stay tuned!Now let’s hear from Coco & Mafe.Episode Links:TOAST-IT website & IG @toastitfoodsCoco’s LinkedIn & Mafe’s LinkedInWatch Season 15, Episode 2 to see the pitch!Mentions: Camino Partners, NopaleraOur other Startup CPG Podcast episode with Coco & Mafe from June 2022: Data-first, customer-focused, and expanding into PublixShow Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (16K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or ideas for Season 4? Email [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereFloret Links:Sign up here for a free 2023 deductions auditCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Floret. Go to tryfloret.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgWe have a really special episode today - Seth Goldman is back on the show! Over the past couple of years, Seth has come on the show a number of times for what we called the Pure Gold Series to talk field marketing, sustainability, trade shows, and even an “Ask Seth Anything.” I’ll link a playlist in the show notes with all our episodes with Seth because they are all so fun, full of wisdom, and were very popular. Seth is Co-Founder and Chief Change Agent of Eat the Change®. Seth is also the Co-Founder of PLNT Burger (which was just named in the top 10 restaurants for vegans by USA Today), Honest Tea, and Chair of the board of Beyond Meat. Last time Seth was on the show, Eat the Change had just launched Just Ice Tea and now the teas are available in over 5,000 stores, which I’m especially grateful for since I LOVE the berry hibiscus tea and want to be able to buy it everywhere. It was so fun to have Seth back on the show to catch us all up!Listen in as Seth shares about:Just Ice Tea’s fast growth and how the experience compares to growing Honest TeaEat the Change’s team setup and the importance of good partnersHow trade spend and field marketing support Just Ice Tea growing in storesUpdating the packaging on Cosmic Chews to better connect with consumersHow the team decided to discontinue Eat the Change’s first product, mushroom jerkyEat the Change’s recent $14M raise & the 10 year anniversary of Seth and Barry’s graphic novel Mission in a BottleAnd more!Make sure to stay until the very end because Seth drops great insights on leadership and mental health and how to prioritize as an entrepreneur pulled in so many different directions.Episode Links:Pure Gold series playlistEat the Change’s websiteSeth’s book - Mission in a BottleSeth’s LinkedInJust Ice Tea Instagram reel mentioned by JessiMentions: Big Geyser, Canada Dry LansingShow Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (16K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereFloret Links:Sign up here for a free 2023 deductions auditCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Floret. Go to tryfloret.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgI’m so excited to have our friends at Social Nature back on the show! Today we get to chat with Annalea Krebs, founder and CEO of Social Nature, an all-in-one shopper marketing platform powered by 1 million natural shoppers. Because Social Nature has access to so much great data about natural shoppers, we’ve learned a ton here on the show from them about key trends in natural shopping and who the modern wellness consumer is. I’ve linked in the show notes our other episodes with Social Nature because they are jam packed with knowledge and always very popular. I’m really excited today to explore Social Nature’s new rebate program and what that means for brands driving trial at specific retailers, and I asked Annalea to come with updates on key trends they are seeing in their community, which are really fascinating.Listen in as Annalea shares about:Current top health goals for shoppersTrends on where people are shopping from, including the breakdown on large scale retailers and natural retailersTop product attributes shoppers are looking forSocial Nature’s recent B-corp certification and what that meansSocial Nature’s new rebate model and how it helps brands drive trial at retail faster and with more dataTips for making the most out of an in-store marketing campaignAnd more!Social Nature is a proud sponsor of Startup CPG.Episode Links:Social Nature websiteAnnalea’s LinkedInJoin the Social Nature community as a consumer hereAs a CPG Brand, learn more about Social Nature’s programs here or contact their team at [email protected]: Olipop, GoPuff, NotCo NotMilk, Primal KitchenLearn from & get to know the Social Nature team: Episode #87 How Natural Shoppers are Responding to Inflation with Social Nature's Jessica MalachEpisode #50 The Data Behind the Modern Wellness Consumer with Social Nature's Jessica MalachOverview of Digital Sampling with Social Nature founder Annalea KrebsEpisodes that mention Social Nature campaigns: Episode #66 Sharing is Caring: How Alison Cayne & Haven's Kitchen share cooking confidence and industry knowledge (Social Nature discussed at 41:15)Episode #86 From Target Buyer to Nationally Launching Upcycled Pet Brand Shameless Pets with James Bello (Social Nature discussed at 37:33)Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereFloret Links:Sign up here for a free 2023 deductions auditCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Floret. Go to tryfloret.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgToday I’m excited to feature another of the backpack brand winners from Startup CPG’s Mic Drop party at Expo East: Crooked Owl! Crooked Owl is the first probiotic, shelf stable, 5% ABV tepache brand on the market. They are also a member of 1% for the Planet. Through this partnership, they contribute one percent of profits to support underserved communities and sustainable agriculture practices in Mexico. We’re joined today by founders Cam Bailey & Dave Bailey. Mic Drop attendees loved Crooked Owl’s products, so I’m excited for you to learn more.Listen in as Cam & Dave share about:How they got started brewing tepacheTheir branding processTips for navigating the highly regulated alcohol industryTheir Mic Drop / Expo East experienceAnd more!Episode Links:Crooked Owl websiteCam’s LinkedInDave’s LinkedInMentions: Liquid DataShow Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereFloret Links:Sign up here for a free 2023 deductions auditCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgToday I’m excited to feature one of the backpack brand winners from Startup CPG’s Mic Drop party at Expo East: Neeshi! Neeshi makes naturally nourishing and hormone balancing treats for menstruation through menopause. We’re joined today by founder Gita Vellanki. The Startup CPG team loves Neeshi’s products and so did Mic Drop attendees, so I can’t wait for you to learn more.Listen in as Gita shares about:How Neeshi got started from branding to packaging to recipes to how Neeshi’s products have helped her and her family and now so many othersHer experience with SKUStarting in retail with Celery RetailHow she’s grown Neeshi’s subscribersWhat’s next for NeeshiAnd more!Episode Links:Neeshi websiteGita’s LinkedInShow Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgI’m so excited today to learn from Twrl Milk Tea, a long time and very active member of the Startup CPG Community! We’re joined by co-founder Olivia Chen, and Twrl was recently a Shelfies finalist for their Ube milk tea. Twrl Milk Tea makes the world’s first canned milk tea made with pea milk and single-origin, non-GMO, organic tea, and they also make chewy cafe style boba toppings, which are the new sprinkles! Twrl is women & minority owned, and they were recently certified as a women-owned business by Women's Business Enterprise National Council. Twrl launched in 2021 and has accomplished so much in the last couple years that I can’t wait to dig into.Listen in as Olivia shares about:How Twrl got started and behind the scenes of starting a new categoryTheir recent retail launches with Central Market, Wegman’s, and in just a week, nationwide with Sprouts, and tips for standing out to retailersTwrl’s marketing, press, and event strategies and how they leverage unique moments like Pop Up Grocer and getting an advertisement in New York City’s Times SquareTheir test with Costco and tips for testing your team’s infrastructure and evaluating retail opportunitiesAnd more!Episode Links:Twrl Milk Tea websiteTwrl’s Cookbook Zine: Boba is the New SprinkleOlivia’s LinkedInShow Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgWe’re bringing you an episode from the archives today while I’m on vacation - so many listeners loved this episode from February because Sandra gives such practical and actionable advice and such honest insights into topics like Shark Tank and fundraising that are so hard to find. Since this episode released, Nopalera has released their Dulce de Cuerpo products, a cactus shower gel and cactus cream in beautiful aluminum bottles, their body scrub was voted #1 by People magazine, and they’ve launched a pop up store in Silver Lake in Los Angeles that’s open until December 5, 2023 (be sure to visit if you are in LA!), and those are just a few highlights! This was one of my favorite episodes, so I wanted to bring it back and give those of you who hadn't had a chance to listen to this one to give it a listen now and I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think and I'll see you next week.I love that I get to bring you more Shark Tank content so soon, and with one of my favorite people. Today’s guest is Sandra Velasquez, the CEO & Founder of Nopalera, and a very early member of the Startup CPG community. Nopalera creates Mexican botanicals for bath & body, and as you’ll hear, have become a staple in my life. Sandra appeared on Shark Tank last month during Season 14, Episode 12, and I’m so glad she agreed to come on the show and share the details with us. You don’t need to pre-watch the episode to enjoy the conversation, but I definitely recommend tuning in to watch Sandra’s incredible pitch and how she gracefully received and ultimately turned down two offers from the Sharks. Nopalera also recently closed a fundraising round of $2.7 million unrelated to Shark Tank!Listen in as Sandra shares about:The process of applying to Shark Tank and preparing to air from the opening pitch to outfit vettingHow eerily quiet the time in the Tank isSandra’s affirmations and prep going into the TankHow her team prepped for consumer demand and the real numbers from Amazon and their website after airing (Sandra really gives us the nitty gritty details and I love it!)The process of raising $2.7 million including valuation work and legal fees to expectHow Sandra developed a fundraising network from scratchWhat’s next at NopaleraAnd more!You also may notice our intro music is a little different, I wanted to feature a song from Sandra’s band, Pistolera - this is "Nuevos Ojos", which was featured in Season 4, Episode 12 of the show Breaking Bad.Episode Links:Nopalera website & IG/TicTok handle @nopalera.coSandra’s LinkedInThe Nopalera Podcast (recent episode about the new popup store & products here)Link to Season 14, Episode 12 of Shark TankMitú article: "Why Nopalera CEO Sandra Velasquez Chose To Decline Two ‘Shark Tank’ Deals"Other Startup CPG Shark Tank episodes: #77 Making a deal on Shark Tank with wildwonder's Rosa Li, #57 Shark Tank, Sea Moss, and an Ocean of Potential with Alexiou GibsonBrand mentions: Luna Magic, Liquid DeathShow Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgIt’s Expo East recap time! New Hope Network announced on the opening day of this year’s Expo East that it would be last Expo East after nearly four decades. There will be a new format next August called Newtopia Now, which will discuss a little in the episode. Whether you weren’t able to attend Expo and are hoping to learn what is was like or if you attended but want to hear the trends and takeaways, this episode has something for you. I asked our resident Startup CPG friend and press expert Monica Watrous, Managing Editor of Food Business News & Editor of Food Entrepreneur to join us today, along with Patricia Menegoto, Startup CPG’s Head of Community & Kiki Huddleston, our Startup CPG Social Media Manager. Listen in as we discuss favorite bites and sips, trends, the new Startup CPG section at Expo East sponsored by Nielsen IQ, the Backpack Brands from the epic Startup CPG Mic Drop Party, and more.Episode Links:Food Business News article by Monica: Startup CPG to showcase early-stage brands at Expo EastFood Business News article by Monica: Three trends at Natural Products Expo EastMonica Watrous LinkedIn, Food Business News, Food EntrepreneurKiki Huddleston LinkedInPatricia Menegoto LinkedInMentions: Blue Zones Kitchen, Newtopia Now, Must Love, Bundle x Joy, Mocktail Club, hey freya, Hazelicious, Growee Foods, Pricklee, Seedly, Better Sour, Neeshi, Crooked Owl, S’NOODS, Halmi, Pedestrian Project, Journ, Chutni Punch, Soom, Mocktail Club, Blobs, Geem, Snoods, Reprised Health, Root Foods, Blobs, Moss, Fila Manila, Paro, Bollygood, Pzaz, Journ, Treehouse Naturals, Freshly, Must Love, Sweet TahiniShow Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super FantasticsGraphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here. RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson here

Today’s episode is a special recording of our first LinkedIn LIVE podcast episode where we announced the winners of the third annual Startup CPG Shelfies Awards! Thank you to those of you who joined live - we had so much fun! You’ll hear the voices of Startup CPG’s founder Daniel Scharff, Patricia Menegoto, Startup CPG’s Head of Marketing & Community, Jenna Movsowitz, Startup CPG’s Spotlight Magazine Managing Editor, and of course my voice. Plus, special guests presenting the branding award Kirk Visola and Andy Kurtts. If you are listening to this before October 5th, you still have time to sign up for our in-person celebrations in New York City and Los Angeles, which I’ll link in the show notes or that can be found on Startup CPG’s Eventbrite page. Also, make sure to check out the special edition of the Spotlight Magazine that highlights all of the incredible finalists and winners (and that you can build your own shopping list from). Thanks for joining us in celebrating our incredible Shelfies applicants, finalists, and winners! And thank you to Floret for sponsoring this year’s awards!Episode Links:Shelfies Award sponsor FloretSpecial Shelfies Edition of the Startup CPG magazineNYC Shelfies PartyLA Shelfies PartyWinners mentioned: Viv - Viv Cup, Pedestrian Project - Walker’s Cream, Journ - Kauai Color Corrector, Funk It Wellness - Cycle Bites, All Phenoms - Defense blend, Exeer - Mint Soother, Kinship Milk Tea - Earl Grey Milk tea, Whist - Lychee, Absurd Snacks - Rockin’ Rosemary Sea Salt, Better Sour - Pomegranate Tangy, Goddess Mousse - Vegan Raspberry Chocolate Mousse, House of Kajaana - Cauliflower Tikka Masala, NoBull - Original, Seeductive Foods - Marinated Feta, Full of Beans Kitchen - Pancake & Waffle Mix, One Trick Pony - Kinda Crunchy Peanut Butter, Desert Dust - Original Desert Dust, Sideyard Shrubs - Strawberry-Infused Vinegar, Begin Health - Growing Up Prebiotics, Open Eye - Masala Chai, Petaluma - Roasted Peanut Butter & Sweet Potato Baked Food, Geez LouiseThis episode was sponsored by Settle. Go to https://www.settle.com/gostartupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgSettle Links:Settle websiteTake the Settle Bill Pay for a spin hereGraphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

It’s tough getting buyers’ attention, let alone getting them all the information they need to review your product. In 2014, a fellow emerging CPG brand founder realized there had to be a better way for startups and innovators to get discovered by buyers in the CPG industry. Nicky Jackson created the platform RangeMe to solve that problem and today RangeMe is the leading product discovery and sourcing platform with over 15,000 buyers. Retailers like Thrive Market, Albertsons, and many others handle all their new product submissions through RangeMe now. Today we’re joined by founder Nicky and by Vir Satyan, RangeMe’s SVP of Supplier Success to go through how our community brands can best leverage RangeMe as a platform. RangeMe and Startup CPG have also partnered to offer an exclusive discount for our community members on a premium RangeMe subscription, with an option to secure guaranteed meetings, and we’ll share all the details in the episode and the link to take advantage of the offer is in the show notes.Listen in as Nicky & Vir share about:RangeMe’s founding story from Nicky’s big CPG background to starting her own emerging brand to then starting a platformWhich retailers use RangeMe and how they use itHow emerging brands find the most success on the platformIdeas for using RangeMe prior to and after a trade show like ExpoHow RangeMe can help with distributor relationships and channels beyond grocery like foodserviceWays that buyer behavior on RangeMe has changed since the pandemicDetails on the Startup CPG & RangeMe partnership, which includes face-to-face buyer meetingsHow ECRM shows work and how they are different from other trade showsAnd more!This episode is sponsored by RangeMe. Go to https://www.rangeme.com/landing-page/StartupCPGThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgThis episode was sponsored by Settle. Go to https://www.settle.com/gostartupcpgEpisode Links:RangeMe websiteNicky’s LinkedInVir’s LinkedInBrands mentioned: Machu Picchu, MaazahGraphite Financial Links:Graphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Settle Links:Settle websiteTake the Settle Bill Pay for a spin hereShow Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (15K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

This week we're bringing you an episode from the archives, our most popular episode of all time that played this January of 2023 and was with Liquid Death. I got so many comments about this episode; I had so much fun during this episode, so I wanted to bring it back and give those of you who hadn't had a chance to listen to this one to give it a listen now and I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think and we'll see you next week.I figured it was worth putting my soul on the line to bring you some behind the scenes content from one of the hottest brands in CPG. Just a few months ago in October 2022, Liquid Death Mountain Water closed a $70 million Series D round that valued the company at $700 million, their products are in over 60,000 retailers nationwide, they have over 160 employees, and they were only founded in 2018, so things are just getting started. Hamid Saify, Liquid Death’s SVP of Digital Retail, one of the company’s first hires and a long-time Slack community member, joins us today to dig into how he and the team at Liquid Death creates such incredible marketing and branding.Listen in as Hamid shares about:Liquid Death’s early days testing paid social ads, video content, copywriting, community-building, and choosing to focus on niches like action sports and heavy metalWhy their marketing is entertainment-led rather than product/feature-led - including some of Hamid’s favorite campaigns like one that included drawing Tony Hawk’s blood!?How starting with a focus on ecommerce helped their eventual retail expansionHow they’ve used Amazon DSP and why they’ve 10xed their investment in Amazon in the last year and a halfThe importance of bridging the physical and digital worlds and their work on Instacart, a new rewards program, and frequent merch dropsThe details behind joining their Country Club and how some people want their souls backHow Hamid and team noticed something magical happening in their reviews and used it as a community-building momentAnd so much more!This episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgThis episode was sponsored by Settle. Go to https://www.settle.com/gostartupcpgEpisode Links:Liquid Death’s website & IG & TikTok @liquiddeathHamid’s LinkedInThe Liquid Death Country ClubThe Time-Waster 5000Fastest-Growing Emerging Brands on Instacart 2022Companies mentioned: Pear Commerce, Tinuiti, OkendoGraphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Settle Links:Settle websiteTake the Settle Bill Pay for a spin hereShow Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (14K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Today we get to learn from an incredible marketing and customer experience expert and leader. Jess Cervellon is the Vice President of Customer Experience at Feastables, a DTC/B2B Customer & Brand Experience Consultant, and Co-host of Oopsie Podcast. If you aren’t familiar with Feastables, it’s the CPG brands of YouTube star Jimmy Donaldson, better known as Mr. Beast, who is the most subscribed individual in the world with 176 million subscribers on YouTube at the time of recording. His brand Feastables so far makes chocolate bars, cookies, and gummies (shoutout to Karl Gummies as my personal favorite) which are available online, in Walmart, and a growing list of other retailers. Jess has worked across high-growth DTC, eComm and SaaS companies for the last 12+ years and was the 4th hire at Feastables. We’re really going to dig into all things customer experience in this episode and Jess has lots of practical tips for small brands.Listen in as Jess shares about:Why customer experience or CX is important to start thinking about early at an emerging brandHow to leverage chat bots on your website and the behind-the-scenes of the Feastables chat botSMS trends and how to interact with your customers through SMSThe pros and cons of outsourcing customer service and how to leverage technology as your own army of customer success reps and salespeopleConnecting DTC with retail and how Feastables leveraged their community during the Walmart National launchStories from the field, including Jess’ personal number getting leaked to the Mr Beast audienceAnd more!This episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgThis episode was sponsored by Settle. Go to https://www.settle.com/gostartupcpgEpisode Links:Jess’ website & LinkedInFeastables’ website & Mr. Beast’s YouTubeJess on MentorPassOopsie Podcast hosted by Zoe Kahn & JessSignup for Jess’ newsletter, Sunday Postcards1-800-DTC article about Feastables featuring JessMentions: Intercom, Kustomer (CRM), Zendesk, Gorgias, Hubspot, Certainly (bot), Sendlane, Klaviyo, Postscript, Attentive, Oat Haus, Mid-Day Squares Graphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Settle Links:Settle websiteTake the Settle Bill Pay for a spin hereShow Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (14K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

It’s awards season! Well at least here at Startup CPG it is. If you aren't aware, we have our very own annual industry award competition at Startup CPG, and this year is the Third Annual Shelfies Awards, proudly sponsored by Floret, where we recognized the most promising emerging CPG brands. Startup CPG wanted to create opportunities for industry recognition with no entry fee, no essays, and only for emerging brands. This year the categories expanded beyond food, beverage, and supplements to include pet, beauty, and health products, and we received over 600 submissions that have been narrowed down to 76 finalists across 21 categories. I thought it would be fun to have the two main judges and coordinators behind the Shelfies on the show to talk about trends and some of the finalists. You may know the names and voices of Patricia Menegoto, Startup CPG’s Head of Marketing & Community & Jenna Movsowitz, our Startup CPG Spotlight Magazine Managing Editor. We didn't have time to discuss every finalist, even though we love them all so much, so I've linked in the show notes the latest magazine edition with all the finalist brands you'll be wanting to try and celebrate. We’d love for you to join the LinkedIn live awards ceremony in a few weeks on September 28, 2023; you can find the link in the show notes or on our Startup CPG LinkedIn page. Also, a fair number of the brands mentioned today are either backpack or innovation brands at Expo East, so if you are headed to Philadelphia, be sure to stop by to try for yourself. There will also be a Shelfies celebration meetup in LA in October and details will be in Slack and the newsletter soon. Now let’s talk Shelfies!Episode Links:Startup CPG Spotlight Magazine: Frozen Edition & Shelfie FinalistsAttend the Shelfies Awards Ceremony on LinkedIn Live on September 28, 2023Shelfies Award sponsor FloretJenna’s LinkedInPatricia’s LinkedInStartup CPG Pet Judges Video on InstagramMentions: Toum by Saha, Sohha Savory, Culture Kitchn Kombucha, Pedestrian Project, Daybird, Jaded CBD, Bonny, Funk It Wellness, Tend Prenatal, Recoup Wellness, Twrl Milk Tea, Hooch Booch, Immorel, Krushwell, Thrive Market, House of Kajaana, Kula, NoBull, Something Sweet, Kind Roots, Ghost Town Oats, Seeductive Foods, Rebel Cheese, Goddess Mousse, Full of Beans Kitchen, Better Sour, Bundle & Joy, Petaluma, A Better Treat, Homescape PetsThis episode was sponsored by Settle. Go to https://www.settle.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgSettle Links:Settle websiteFind out your Settle financing power hereGraphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Show Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (14K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Last time we talked about equity crowdfunding on the show, many of you let me know that you wanted more equity crowdfunding content. When I saw that Ghost Town Oats had launched their second Wefunder campaign, I thought it would be a great opportunity for us to talk more about equity crowdfunding and to introduce you to Ghost Town Oats if you aren’t familiar. Ghost Town Oats is the first Black-owned, queer-owned, barista-owned oat milk company. Ghost Town Oats was developed by three baristas, Michelle R. Johnson, Eric Grimm, and Ezra Baker, who were a part of oat milk’s initial rise to fame in some of the first shops to carry it. Having been unpaid ambassadors while also seeing its marketability skew towards the upper economic class of society, it was time to flip the script: make a premium oat milk of their own and create a brand that appealed to a broader audience. They formulated Ghost Town Oats for incredible taste, steaming capability, and versatility, and the reviews are in: it’s a hit! They reached $1 million in revenue 10 months after launch, they’ve already produced over 1 million units of oat milk, and they are already carried in over 500 coffee shops. Our guest today is Ghost Town’s Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder Ezra Baker.Listen in as Ezra shares about:How Ghost Town Oats got started during the pandemicTheir first Wefunder equity crowdfunding campaign in 2022 where they raised over $210,000 from almost 500 investors in less than a week and NBA all-star Jimmy Butler was a lead investorTheir second and currently ongoing Wefunder campaign, from what they learned from the first campaign to how it works to set up a campaignHow they distribute to 500+ coffee shops and what’s next for Ghost Town in the foodservice channelFirst hires for Ghost Town and how they plan ahead for their next hiresPress opportunities like Good Morning AmericaAnd moreGet your ticket to the Expo East Mic Drop party for a chance to win a spot on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4nafz284This episode was sponsored by Settle. Go to https://www.settle.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgEpisode Links:Ghost Town Oats websiteCurrent Ghost Town Oats Wefunder campaignOrder Ghost Town Oats on DayglowNo Free Refills PodcastEzra’s LinkedInMentions: Tetra Pak, Shoreline, Go Get Em Tiger, CBC Specialty Beverage, Stan’s Donuts, Dom's Kitchen & Market, Cafe Grumpy, Saveur, Prosperity Market, Black Market FleaMic Drop Party at Expo East Giveaway:Enter the giveaway to win a spot on this podcast and The Dish by buying your ticket to the Mic Drop party in Philadelphia on September 21, 2023 hereNote: Giveaway only available to CPG brands and must be present at party in-person to win. If you already bought a ticket, you’ve automatically been entered!Settle Links:Settle websiteFind out your Settle financing power hereGraphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Show Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (14K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

I’m so excited to introduce you to today’s guest and for the chance to feature an incredible organization everyone in CPG should know about, Project Potluck. Kathleen Casanova is the Founding Executive Director of Project Potluck, which is the largest professional community inclusively for People of Color (POC) in CPG. People of Color face systemic barriers to accessing social, human, and financial capital. As a result, today’s CPG industry is not representative of the US population or the consumers that support and purchase products, especially natural and organic products. Currently, 40% of the US population are POC but only 16% of leadership teams in CPG Natural Products are POC. Project Potluck is empowering People of Color to build successful companies and careers in the CPG Industry. If you are a Person of Color, this episode will introduce you to Project Potluck as a resource. If you are not, this episode will introduce you to how to support the Project Potluck community and contribute to serving 1,000 People of Color in CPG, creating a more colorful CPG industry, and a more equitable society.Listen in as Kathleen shares about:How Project Potluck got startedResources and events available to membersHow people can support Project PotluckAnd more!Get your ticket to the Expo East Mic Drop party for a chance to win a spot on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4nafz284This episode was sponsored by Settle. Go to https://www.settle.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgEpisode Links:Project Potluck websiteKathleen’s LinkedInMic Drop Party at Expo East Giveaway:Enter the giveaway to win a spot on this podcast and The Dish by buying your ticket to the Mic Drop party in Philadelphia on September 21, 2023 hereNote: Giveaway only available to CPG brands and must be present at party in-person to win. If you already bought a ticket, you’ve automatically been entered!Settle Links:Settle websiteFind out your Settle financing power hereGraphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Show Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (14K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Today’s guests are active members of the Startup CPG community and were a crowd favorite Backpack Brand at Startup CPG’s Expo West Alley Rally! Hannah and Behzad Varamini are the co-founders of Tend, the first snackable, real food prenatal. They are reinventing multivitamins, replacing synthetic, hard-to-stomach pills and gummies with superior real food supplements for every stage of life - beginning with pregnancy. I loved getting to hear more about their story and am so excited for you to hear about their journey so far.Listen in as Hannah and Behzad shares about:The process of founding Tend and how Hannah’s prenatal pill experience paired with Behzad’s PhD background to create a new productHow they went from kitchen science project to commercialization and brandingTheir experience with accelerators including SKU and the Target Forward Founders AcceleratorHow they use qualitative and quantitative consumer dataTheir Expo West experiences and tips and what it was like to be a Backpack Brand at the Alley RallyThe experience of being married and co-foundersWhat’s next for TendAnd more!Get your ticket to the Expo East Mic Drop party for a chance to win a spot on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4nafz284This episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgThis episode was sponsored by Settle. Go to https://www.settle.com/startupcpgEpisode Links:Tend’s websiteHannah’s LinkedInBehzad’s LinkedInMic Drop Party at Expo East Giveaway:Enter the giveaway to win a spot on this podcast and The Dish by buying your ticket to the Mic Drop party in Philadelphia on September 21, 2023 hereNote: Giveaway only available to CPG brands and must be present at party in-person to win. If you already bought a ticket, you’ve automatically been entered!Graphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Settle Links:Settle websiteFind out your Settle financing power hereShow Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (14K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

I don’t always love talking about insurance, but I love talking about insurance with today’s guest, Danielle Holyoake, because I always learn so much and end up feeling more empowered with knowledge. Danielle, is the CRO and co-founder of Amelia Risk, a CPG insurance brokerage equipped to handle all lines of commercial insurance, and I actually met Danielle through the Startup CPG Slack back in 2021 when she helped me with an urgent insurance issue. Last year, in 2022, Danielle came on the show for a CPG insurance 101 level episode of Let's Demystify Insurance - How to navigate insurance in CPG, which is linked in the show notes and may be helpful to listen to before or after this episode, as it’s packed with really great information about general liability, product liability, recall, and worker’s comp insurance. Today we continue with our 100 level CPG insurance knowledge by focusing in on two areas of insurance that often get overlooked, but become super important as a CPG company scales: D&O or Directors & Officers insurance and stock throughput insurance, which come into play around conversations about fundraising and inventory respectively.This episode was sponsored by Amelia Risk.Listen in as Danielle shares about:Why D&O insurance comes up during fundraising and why it’s often a requirement of investorsWhen to start thinking about D&O insurance and what it coversWhy stock throughput insurance is important and surprising areas where your inventory may be unprotectedHow inventory is covered from an insurance perspective during freight transit, at 3PL warehouses, and why you might need insurance to protect itExamples of insurance claim and inventory loss scenarios when insurance can and cannot help, including spoilage, and temperature control issuesHow to find the right insurance broker and why choosing a broker before shopping for policies is importantAnd more!Get your ticket to the Expo East Mic Drop party for a chance to win a spot on the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4nafz284This episode was sponsored by Kickfurther. Go to https://www.kickfurther.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgEpisode Links:Amelia Risk websiteDanielle’s LinkedInDanielle’s email: danielle [at] ameliarisk.comLink to our other episode with Danielle: Let's Demystify Insurance - How to navigate insurance in CPGMic Drop Party at Expo East Giveaway:Enter the giveaway to win a spot on this podcast and The Dish by buying your ticket to the Mic Drop party in Philadelphia on September 21, 2023 hereNote: Giveaway only available to CPG brands and must be present at party in-person to win. If you already bought a ticket, you’ve automatically been entered!Kickfurther Links:Kickfurther websiteSee how much inventory funding you qualify hereGraphite Financial Links:Graphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Show Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (14K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Making it to the 10 year mark as a food business is no small feat, and our friends at Soom Foods just passed their 10 year anniversary. Today we are joined by Soom’s CEO and co-founder, Amy Zitelman. Amy had just graduated from college when she and her sisters started Soom, and since then, her and her sister Jackie were on the Forbes 30 under 30 list, Soom has been featured by Forbes, Bon Appetit, and The New York Times, and they have grown into the trusted brand for tahini and tahini products. I met Amy at a Mental Health for Founders event that I hosted last year and was so impressed with her calm, steady wisdom, so I was so excited to share her insights with all of you in today’s conversation! Make sure to grab Soom products at your local Whole Foods and Sprouts and I’ve linked a great blog post in the show notes where Amy reflects further on 10 years at Soom.Listen in today as Amy shares about:Starting Soom with her three sistersWhy Soom focused on the foodservice channel for the first eight years and what it was like to get started and grow the restaurant channel within foodserviceLaunching nationally in Sprouts and Whole Foods in the past two years and how they prepared as a businessThe process of rebranding to prep for retailHow Amy navigated having 3 children while growing Soom and her tips for growing a family and a startup at the same timeWhat it’s look liked to grow Soom from a financial standpoint from a story that almost bankrupted the business to what it was like to raise outside funds for the first time in 2021How Soom has used EOS, or the Entrepreneurial Operating System to scale their team and build an accountability chartAmy’s tips for staying grounded amidst everythingAnd more!This episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgThis episode was sponsored by Kickfurther. Go to https://www.kickfurther.com/startupcpgEpisode Links:Soom website & IG @soomfoodsAmy’s LinkedIn10 Years of Soom blog postEntrepreneurial Operating System, Traction bookBrands mentioned: Pulp & Wire, Zahav RestaurantGraphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Kickfurther Links:Kickfurther websiteSee how much inventory funding you qualify hereShow Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (14K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

Today’s episode is a celebration. A celebration of 100 episodes of The Startup CPG Podcast! Can you believe it? If you’ve been listening since the beginning, that’s amazing! If this is your first episode, that’s also amazing - welcome! I want to give a heartfelt thank you to each of you as listeners and to our incredible sponsors - you all have allowed us to keep the show going!I thought to commemorate the occasion, I’d share my top 100 moments on the podcast - just kidding, I’ll just share 10-ish things. From most used metaphors to most surprising stories to most actionable tips to fan favorite episodes, we’re going to count backwards to the #1 moment on the podcast so far. I also made a playlist in the shownotes of all the episodes mentioned in this roundup in case you want to check out the full conversations.I hope you enjoy and would love to hear from you - what’s your favorite episode or moment on the show? Send me a message on LinkedIn or in the Startup CPG slack (or post it to LinkedIn!). Also, just a quick note that it was incredibly difficult to narrow down this list of moments - there are so many incredible guests and episodes not in today’s roundup - I used a mix of download data + your feedback + my own memory to curate this.Enter the July 2023 podcast review giveaway by completing this form: https://tinyurl.com/28zyjr3eThis episode was sponsored by Shopify. Go to shopify.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Kickfurther. Go to https://www.kickfurther.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgEpisode Links:Playlist with all episodes mentioned#10 - The “Pure Gold Series” with Seth Goldman (4:10): From: #51 Pure Gold Series: Ask Seth Goldman Anything! Plus the Announcement of Just Ice Tea#9 - Unlikely Meetings (6:29): #57 Shark Tank, Sea Moss, and an Ocean of Potential with Alexiou Gibson#71 Building Content Creation Muscles - Behind Dream Pops’ Marketing with David Greenfeld (+ Nowhere Bakery)#8 - Shark Tank Moments (11:43): #80 From turning down Shark Tank offers to raising $2.7 million for Nopalera with Sandra Velasquez#77 Making a deal on Shark Tank with wildwonder's Rosa Li#7 - Marriage and Dating Fundraising Metaphors (14:41): #60 Venture Capital & Private Equity 101 with VMG Partners' Wayne Wu#68 How to Raise $10 Million: Fundraising Aura Bora Style with Paul Voge#6 - Early Episodes (17:33): How to Mind your Packaging, Branding, (and the Font) with Designer and Agency Owner Kirk VisolaMove over coconut water - Pricklee cactus water brings health, happiness, & hydration#5 - Best Advice (23:43): #83 Trade Spend & Retail Promotions 101 with Jake Huber (+ Niramaya)#73 In-Store Demos 101: Building a Successful Demo Program (+ Funky Mello)#81 Meet the Press: Behind the scenes on media publishing with Monica Watrous at Food Business News#4 - Fan Favorites (28:03): #70 Angel Investing 101 with Marcia Dawood (+ Uproot Teas)#62 Affiliate & Influencer Marketing 101 with Kim Biddle#3 - Cold Outreach (31:24): #59 Welcome to the Oat Haus! Celebrity Collaboration, Sprouts Launch, and Mental Health with Ali Bonar#92 Behind the Dream [Pie] Collaboration of Ben & Jerry’s and Partake Foods with Marlo Giudice#2 - Authenticity behind the scenes (36:15): #47 Authenticity 101: Developing a clear & authentic brand identity at SOMOS with Miguel Leal#95 GT Dave - Founder & CEO of GT’s Living Foods: 25+ years of building the kombucha industry one batch at a time#1 - Liquid Death (41:37): #76 How Liquid Death is Murdering Lame Marketing with Hamid SaifyJuly 2023 Podcast Review Contest:Enter the giveaway by completing this form (it only takes 1-2 minutes!)By completing the form, you’ll be entered to win one of six prize packages, each filled with goodies from past guests: Tsubi Soup, GoNanas, Forij, Amazi, Chia Smash, Eureka Tortilla, and Nowhere Bakery.Giveaway open to US residents only, age 18+. Giveaway ends on July 31st, 2023 at 11:59 pm PST. The winner will be notified via email.Thank you for listening to the show and helping new listeners find us!Shopify Links:Start a free trial and enjoy 2 months of Shopify for $1/monthKickfurther Links:Kickfurther websiteSee how much invent...

I’m so excited to bring back a very popular guest from last year, Jenna Cameron, for another foodservice episode! We released episode #74 with Jenna during December of last year as part of the First Hire Series, and our conversation focused on first hires for foodservice sales. Our community seems hungry for foodservice knowledge and so we asked Jenna to come back on the show to walk us through the biggest players in foodservice from distributors, to operators, to buying groups and more. Jenna is currently the sales lead at SIMULATE and has 10+ years of experience in plant-based foodservice sales for growing brands.Listen in as Jenna shares about:Key term definitions to frame the conversation including operators versus buying groups versus redistributorsMajor distributors to know in foodservice, including details on Dot, Sysco, US Foods, and more, plus other regional distributors and how to work with eachSome of Jenna’s favorite operators from campus stores to Disney to Red Robin and others and specific nuancesAn overview of key buying groups like Compass and Aramark and how to get started with a buying groupC-store & convenience store channel ideasResources for finding a regional broker for foodservice or an advisorAnd right at the end we cover Groceraunt, which is incidentally my new favorite wordAnd more!Please note that Jenna drops a ton of detailed information in this episode and if you are worried about catching the company names she’s dropping, fret not! I included all the distributors, buying groups, and operators she mentions in the show notes with links.Enter the July 2023 podcast review giveaway by completing this form: https://tinyurl.com/28zyjr3eThis episode was sponsored by Shopify. Go to shopify.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Kickfurther. Go to https://www.kickfurther.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgEpisode Links:SIMULATE websiteJenna’s LinkedInLink to our other podcast episode with Jenna: #74 First Hire Series: Foodservice Sales with Jenna CameronFoodservice 101 webinar recordingCompanies mentioned: Distributors mentioned: Dot Foods, Sysco, US Foods, BiRite, PFG / Vistar, Gordon Food, Chefs’ Warehouse, Vegan Distribution, Shamrock, Webstaurant, FoodServiceDirect, SunbeltRedistributors mentioned: Alpine, Dot FoodsOperators mentioned: Follett Bookstores/Campus Stores, Peet’s Coffee, Bareburger, Philz Coffee, Lemonade, Red Robin, Disney, Next Level Burger, Plant Power Fast FoodC-Store Operators mentioned: Loop Convenience, 7-11, Plaid PantryBuying Groups mentioned: Compass (Chartwells, Foodbuy), Aramark, SodexoCollege & Universities Trade Show: NACUFSRegional brokers: Herspring-Gibbs, Acclaim, Fidler MarketingAdvisors: Elohi Strategic Advisors (general foodservice strategy), Green Nature Marketing (strategic nationwide coverage), Advanced Natural Group (micromarket/c-store/corporate cafeterias)Groceraunt Trade Show: IDDBAJuly 2023 Podcast Review Contest:Enter the giveaway by completing this form (it only takes 1-2 minutes!)By completing the form, you’ll be entered to win one of six prize packages, each filled with goodies from past guests: Tsubi Soup, GoNanas, Forij, Amazi, Chia Smash, Eureka Tortilla, and Nowhere Bakery.Giveaway open to US residents only, age 18+. Giveaway ends on July 31st, 2023 at 11:59 pm PST. The winner will be notified via email.Thank you for listening to the show and helping new listeners find us!Shopify Links:Start a free trial and enjoy 2 months of Shopify for $1/monthKickfurther Links:Kickfurther websiteSee how much inventory funding you qualify hereGraphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Show Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (13K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's

We’re hearing a lot about AI, artificial intelligence these days, especially with the release to the public of Chat GPT, which may of you have been experimenting with. Chat GPT can help with brainstorming, writing, coding, and more - definitely check out the free version if you haven’t yet. When I first saw the demo of Chat GPT that used Instacart’s plug-in in a recent TED talk (which I’ve linked in the show notes) and it generated a shopping list based on a prompt for a dinner party, my first thought was, “How do emerging brands fit into this picture when AI helps us shop?” How can our community stay informed about how AI is involved in shopper choices and take advantage of the opportunities available now and going to be available? Because Instacart is on the forefront of using AI in grocery and because they are the leading grocery technology company in North America, I decided to reach out to them. Lucky for us, Ali Miller, their Vice President of Product Management, Ads, was willing to come on the show! As you’ll hear, I’ve been personally using Instacart since 2018 and love the platform and have dug into their ads platform, 3rd party tools, and their new AI features from the Chat GPT plug-in to the new Ask Instacart. I think this episode is packed with really powerful knowledge from Ali about how Instacart works and opportunities available for emerging brands to tap into this technology. Instacart partners with more than 1,200 national, regional, and local retail banners, which is approximately 80,000 stores in North America through their marketplace and nearly 6,000 brands use Instacart Ads to connect with consumers.Listen in as Ali shares about:How Instacart’s 4-sided marketplace worksHow the platform has evolved in the last couple of years especially with ML, machine learning, and AI, artificial intelligenceHow Instacart is partnering with Chat GPT both as a plug-in and to power “Ask Instacart” and ways consumers are using these featuresOpportunities for emerging brands to keep their data up to date within the Instacart platform and use Instacart Ads to get great digital listings (despite physical shelf placement)How Instacart Ads automates and optimizes the process to your goals and how you can use Instacart to support retail launchesHow Instacart’s customer service balances using AI and traditional customer service methodsWhat Instacart is working on next, how quickly the platform is evolving, and the excitement on what’s aheadAnd more!Enter the July 2023 podcast review giveaway by completing this form: https://tinyurl.com/28zyjr3eThis episode was sponsored by Shopify. Go to shopify.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Graphite Financial. Go to graphitefinancial.com/cpgThis episode was sponsored by Kickfurther. Go to https://www.kickfurther.com/startupcpgEpisode Links:Instacart websiteInstacart Product Library tools & all brand toolsAli’s LinkedInTED talk about Chat CPT (including the Instacart plugin)Ask Instacart release detailsStartup CPG Webinar recording: Leveraging Instacart for Early Stage Brands with DaybreakBrands mentioned: Liquid Death, New Seasons MarketJuly 2023 Podcast Review Contest:Enter the giveaway by completing this form (it only takes 1-2 minutes!)By completing the form, you’ll be entered to win one of six prize packages, each filled with goodies from past guests: Tsubi Soup, GoNanas, Forij, Amazi, Chia Smash, Eureka Tortilla, and Nowhere Bakery.Giveaway open to US residents only, age 18+. Giveaway ends on July 31st, 2023 at 11:59 pm PST. The winner will be notified via email.Thank you for listening to the show and helping new listeners find us!Shopify Links:Start a free trial and enjoy 2 months of Shopify for $1/monthGraphite Financial LinksGraphite Financial websiteDownload a free financial model template, chart of accounts template, and more hereListen to our episode with Graphite founder, Paul Bianco, episode #96 here.Kickfurther Links:Kickfurther websiteSee how much inventory funding you qualify hereShow Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (12K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics

One of the hottest topics in our Slack community is brands looking for the right co-packer, and since this is something that I often help brands navigate outside of my work at Startup CPG, it’s a topic near and dear to my heart and I wanted to bring on one of my favorite co-packers to talk with, Motherlode Co-Packing in Colorado. Our guests today are Kit Maxfield, their Chief Marketing Officer and Partner, and Adam Bender who is their New Product Development Manager. I met Kit and Adam through my work at Boyle Brands and have always been impressed by their organization and willingness to educate, so I’m so excited to share this 101 level conversation where we establish some of the basics of working with a co-packer.Listen in as Kit and Adam shares about:The co-packer business modelDay-in-the-life of a co-packer that affects communication, timing, and relationships with brandsHow a co-packer scales up a recipe for their facilityWhy co-packer relationships are different than other vendorsBest practices for outreach to co-packersTips for successfully navigating onboarding with a co-packerAnd more!Because this topic is near and dear to my heart as an operations person and it’s the area spend the most time freelancing in, I’ve added in some extra context and term explanations throughout the episode and linked a bunch of resources in the show notes that can help you navigate the world of co-packing. Now let’s hear from Kit and Adam!This episode was sponsored by Shopify. Go to shopify.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.comThis episode was sponsored by Kickfurther. Go to https://www.kickfurther.com/startupcpgEpisode Links:Motherlode websiteKit’s LinkedInAdam’s LinkedInBrands mentioned: Primal KitchenUseful resource articles on co-packing: 3 Things To Have Before You Reach out to a Contract ManufacturerTurnkey vs. Tolling in a Contract Manufacturing RelationshipThe Thrill of the Search - The Journey of Searching for the Right Contract Manufacturing Partner3 Costly Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Working with Co-packersCo-Packing 101Shopify Links:Start a free trial and enjoy 2 months of Shopify for $1/monthStrategy Maven Agency Links:Strategy Maven websiteBook your free account audit hereKickfurther Links:Kickfurther websiteSee how much inventory funding you qualify hereShow Links:Join the Startup CPG Slack community (12K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected] music by Super Fantastics