Bootleg Avocado - Food Ventures

Bootleg Avocado Presents...Through the Lens of Design & Branding For years, cannabis businesses never felt the need to have professional branding. Recently things have changed and the design of a cannabis business is as important as the design of any other type of business. Designers have found new ways to consume, store and present cannabis, with sleek aesthetics and functional approach. From luxury cannabis edible packaging to tech-driven vape pens for cannabis consumption and sleek accessories, we'll take a look through the lens of design and branding. Moreover, there is a new wave of innovators who are looking into sustainability and how we can make cannabis truly green. A huge thank you to: - Monique Jackson-Fitzgerald, CEO & Co-founder, InnDica - Rick Fitzgerald, CCO, Lazy Turtle Group - David Paleschuck, CPG Brand Marketing Expert and Author, "Branding Bud: The Commercialization of Cannabis" - Michelle Regenbogen, Designer & Founder, Macchiatto - Brett Heyman, Founder, Edie Parker

Bootleg Avocado Presents...The Resurgence of Cannabis Hospitality & Tourism The world is full of amazing places, but not all of them are legal to travel to with a grinder in your back pocket. Cannabis hospitality encompasses the full spectrum of hospitality, from resorts and hotels to restaurants and events. The industry provides a wide range of services to help guests enter the cannabis market successfully, safely, and legally. Cannabis hospitality and tourism opportunities are ever-expanding in states where cannabis has been legalized, which includes California, Nevada, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, and Vermont. Cannabis hospitality runs the gambit from B&Bs to high-end resorts. Many cannabis companies offer special services such as cannabis cooking classes and spa treatments designed to appeal to potential guests who want to smoke or eat their way through a particular state. Special thanks to our panelists: - Amy Cirincione O'Connor, Founder & Chief People Officer, Humboldt Bay Social Club - Esti & Federica, Brand & Communications Manager, Dr. Dou Social Club - Brian Applegarth, President & Founder, The Cannabis Travel Association International, Cultivar Strategies

This is Bootleg Avocado Presents: Confections in the World of Cannabis & Psychedelics Yes, they are a thing. And yes, they'll knock your socks off. We're diving into the interconnection of cannabis, psilocybin, and confectionaries. Eating cannabis-infused foods is about more than dosing. It's an art form, an experience, and is a must for every canna-curiouser. Join the food movement leaders at this event to celebrate the intersection of cannabis, psilocybin, and desserts. Featuring companies making the tastiest infused desserts, from macarons to indulgent truffle bars! Special thanks to our panelists: - LJ Buffardi , CIO, Cirona Labs - Rachel King, Co-founder Kaneh Co. - Sebastien Centner, Founder & Creative Director, Hervé - Ben, Representative, Hubcap Wellness

In our latest Bootleg Avocado Presents... Cannabis is attracting a lot of attention these days, especially in North America. Whether it's for recreational or medicinal purposes, the industry is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. With legalization on the horizon and more markets opening, many cannapreneurs have turned to technology in order to remain competitive. Cannabis cultivators (growers), brands, and retailers are using technologies that have been developed for other industries such as hydroponics, food production, e-commerce, and digital agriculture. With new breakthroughs in automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, and sensors, cannabis growing technology is set to take the next generation of growers to the next level. Special thanks to our friends at Fox Rothschild LLP, Mattio Communications, and our panelists: - Matthew Kittay, Partner, Fox Rothschild - Josh Malman, VP Cultivation, Jushi Holdings - David Kessler, Chief Science Officer, Agrify - Socrates Rosenfeld, Co-founder & CEO, Jane Technologies

In our latest installment of Bootleg Avocado Presents...New Age Edibles - legalization has changed the way people consume cannabis. The days of smoking as the only way to achieve effects are over, and in their place have arisen a variety of edible options. Throughout our various discussions, panelists have reiterated time and time again that the cannabis industry is still in its infancy. This event aims to highlight advancements in edibles along with expected trends and one-of-a-kind products. Welcome to a new way of ingesting cannabis. Special thanks Mattio Communications and to our panelists: - Jessica Benchetrit, Brand Director, Incredibles, Beboe & Dr. Solomon's (Green Thumb Industries) - Cameron Clarke, CEO, Sunderstorm - Kyle Neathery, Director of Ops & General Manager, High Life Farms

This is Bootleg Avocado Presents...The Future for Greener Cannabis - featuring industry leaders at the intersection of cannabis, sustainability, and renewable energy this panel discussion will illuminate the importance of clean gardening products, soil health, and energy solutions. Highlighting her work at Aster Farms, Julia Jacobson will discuss the importance of sustainability through her experience of working with a plant and planet-focused company. Marie Montmarquet, Co-founder of MD Numbers, Inc., will explain how MD Numbers looks to create successful sustainable companies which will give back to the communities as well as her work in creating numerous successful vertically integrated cannabis businesses. Carly Culin, will lead the discussion in soil development and how to implement natural and eco-friendly practices, along with clean gardening products, focusing on Good Earth Organics. Anel Espinosa will tie the conversation together through educating guests on the importance of soil testing and soil health and how Earthfort analyzes biology reports completed with a soil test and then makes recommendations to improve that soil depending on their client’s goals.

Bootleg Avocado Presents...The Shifting Form Factor of Micro-Dosing, featuring industry leaders pioneering shifting the form factor of micro-dosing - this panel will highlight unique companies with the latest unconventional products and services. Illuminating the importance of lifestyle and health, Josh Kirby, Founder of Kin Slips, will discuss his all-natural cannabinoid-infused sublingual strip and how our bodies better absorb products this way. ALT Head Scientist, Jay Spall will explain product development and how ALT provides a personalized high by allowing users total control dosing and flavor without the common health drawbacks associated with smoking or the delayed onset of edibles. Charlotte James and Undrea Wright, Co-founders of The Ancestor Project, will spotlight their work as an inclusive community of support in patient’s plant medicine journey as well as their primary focus on the collective healing of the community.

With the #Covid-19 pandemic

Featuring Cannabis Industry leaders covering topics related to public relations, licensing, policies and law, manufacturing, white-labeling, sales, and marketing. This Bootleg Avocado panel will illuminate how entrepreneurs can launch their cannabis brand. Highlighting her work in the NCIA and launching her own cannabis PR practice, Lori Rosen (our co-host) will discuss her industry experience. Amy Margolis will discuss the hurdles of licensing and educate the audience on all aspects of cannabis and law. Inanna manufacturing Founder and CEO, Raquel Origel produces a full range of cannabis-infused products (including Infused gummies, vape cartridges and disposable pens, pre-rolls and packed flowers, tinctures and oral sprays, tablet pills, topical products, baked goods) and can provide a focus on the manufacturing/packaging side of the industry. Terra Vera, Head of Sales & Marketing (Eastern U.S. and Caribbean), Chris Walsh has over 10 years experience in the Cannabis Industry and is also the Co-Founder of Upstate Elevator Supply Company, one of the fastest-growing CBD brands in the cannabis sector. He can discuss his expertise in business strategy and development, revenue growth, profit maximization, start-up know-how, and organizational restructuring to enhance business models, staff performance, and infrastructure.

In partnership with Satori Confections, our event series is back for the first event of 2021, featuring female leaders at the intersection of cannabis, sexuality, and edibles, this panel will illuminate how women can use cannabis to set the mood for love. Highlighting the special effects of fast-acting edibles as sensual aids, author Mary Jane Gibson will discuss her Playboy article, Fast-Acting Edibles are Perfect for a Quickie, while the infamous sex educator and CannaSexual founder Ashley Manta will educate the audience on all aspects of cannabis and intimacy. “Bong Appetit” cannabis cookbook author and Satori Brand Manager Elise McDonough brings a unique perspective on the chemical composition of chocolate and its traditional association with Valentine’s Day, as well as how adding THC to chocolate boosts sexy, euphoric vibes

As legalization in cannabis and psychedelics continues to gain more momentum, the negative stigmas surrounding them are beginning to fade and heading in a brave new direction. New research and information in support of mental health and recovery are coming out and it’s beginning to feel like the more we learn, the less we know. As a result, the need for education is more important now than ever. We will be co-hosting along with Rachel Burkons, Co-founder, Altered Plates Hospitality. We are grateful to have an esteemed panel attending to guide us through their world of education in cannabis & psychedelics. A huge thank you to: - Jessica Catalano, Chef & Author - Scarlet Ravin, Founder & Alchemist, White Fox Medicinals - Rob Mejia, Chef & President, Our Community Harvest

With changing legislation and emphasis on mental health and recovery, psychedelics have taken the main stage. With help from our co-host Ophelia Chong, we want to take it step further and see how experts in the field have progressed in cultivating, educating, and cooking with psilocybin. We are grateful to have an esteemed panel attending to guide us through their world of psilocybin & culinary. A huge thank you to: - Ophelia Chong, Founder, Gomu Garden - Dr. K, Author, Psilocybin Mushroom Bible - Carla Kieffer, Advisor, Maya Health - Noah Tucker, Chef & Restauranteur **With special appearance from Shelby Hartman, Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief, DoubleBlind

We are grateful and excited for our recent partnership with Vertosa, who has helped to curate our latest event within the intersection of culinary and cannabis with a focus on investing in minority cannabis founders. We will be co-hosting along with Austin Stevenson, Chief Innovation Officer of Vertosa. Discussions will include: What are the current struggles for minority founders? How can we execute on a call to action to elevate products and ideas for individuals of color? What are creative vehicles that support investments for these founders? A huge thank you to our panelists: - Tiffany Yarde, Founder & CEO, SHOKi - Maggie Connors, Founder & CEO, Besito - Joyce Cenali, Partner & Chief Operating Officer, Big Rock Partners

We are kicking off our next event within the intersection of culinary and cannabis with a focus on how to launch consumer packaged goods in the food, beverage, and cannabis industry. We are grateful to have an esteemed panel attending to guide us through their world of early-stage CPG: tech ideation, business fundamentals, e-commerce, and fundraising. A huge thank you to: - Liz Wald, Co-founder, Dry Powder Partners - Chelsea Ford, Founder, Females in Food - Asaf Cohen-Jonathan, Founder, Asaf Food Technologies

We are kicking off our next event within the intersection of culinary and cannabis with a focus on next-level consumer packaged goods in the market - think naturally infused THC honey, milkshakes, elixirs, popcorn, etc.. We are grateful to have an esteemed panel attending to guide us through their world of unique products. A huge thank you to: - Maya Elisabeth, Founder, Om Edibles - Kevin Huber, CEO, Vertical Growth Innovations - Yoav Bar Joseph, Co-founder & CEO, Cannible - Elad Barkan, Co-founder & CTO, Cannible

Cooking with cannabis has been part of our collective culture in one form or another, since we've been using cannabis as a medicine, going back thousands of years. In more recent times, the proverbial "pot brownie" has been part of our underground culture since the 1960's. Fast forward to the past few years, and the sophistication and offerings for cannabis-infused food products have been skyrocketing. For all you budding canna-chefs out there, we are proud to bring together a team of professionals to put on a cooking demonstration like no other. Learn the basics of what to do to get started and then how to prepare both simple and sophisticated meals or special treats for you and your guests: Chef David Yusefzadeh, Founder of Cloud Creamery Chef Kelly McClay, Dean of the Academy of Culinary Arts, Atlantic Cape Community College Tara Misu, Founder of Blazin Bakery, Host & Moderator *A big thank you to the New Jersey Cannabusiness Association for inviting us on the panel!

How will the restaurants and hospitality industry move forward? How are you adjusting to provide the same level of service and hold true to your mission? We are grateful to have our esteemed panel attending to guide us through their new reality of the restaurant world for Bootleg Avocado Presents: Hospitality 2.0. A huge thank you to: Ron Silver, Chef, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Azuca Jen Johnson & Serafina Palendech, Chef, Co-founders, A Boring Life, Inc. Holden Jagger, Chef, Co-founder, Altered Plates Hospitality

Our live recording of Bootleg Avocado L.L.C. Presents: Innovation Drive, at the intersection of culinary and cannabis. Our panelists included Mike Hennesy, Director of Innovation, Wana Brands; Yahav Blaicher, Co-founder, CTO, Kaneh-B; Carolina Vazquez Mitchell, Co-founder, Ciencia Labs. Discussing: - 2020 R&D Outlook - White Spaces in Edibles - Deciding Performance vs. Brand - The Infrastructure Innovation

With pandemic mania infiltrating our lives, we tend to look for brands that can help us balance our stress and mental health. Enter Unity Wellness Co. - Founder and CEO, Alex Valley, breaks down his start into the CBD beverage space and where he is taking his newborn brand in 2020. Definitely some uncharted territory ahead.

What does navigating through the current pandemic crisis look like for early stage entrepreneurs? In this episode, we had a chat with Marc Siden, CEO of Cloud Water. We discussed how he is keeping his company true to their mission while also staying afloat. Given the high demand of cannabis infused brands, is the grass greener on the other side?

We launched our event series, Bootleg Avocado Presents, on Feb 27, 2019 - a cold winter night in NYC. With over 120 attendees we ushered in a new type of event focused on the intersection of culinary and cannabis. Our panelists included Scott Jennings from Pantry, Rachel King from Kaneh Co., David Yusefzadeh from Cloud Creamery, and Kaelan Castetter from the Castetter Sustainability Group. For those who couldn't attend, here is what you missed....

This week we sat down with Kaelan Castetter, CEO of the Castetter Sustainability Group, and dug into what its like to run a family business in the cannabis industry. How has the group supported and grown other hemp companies through advocacy and regulatory strife in the Empire State? Also what does their CBD infused wine taste like?

What does it take to launch a food brand in the cannabis space? Scott Jennings, Co-founder & CEO, Pantry Food Co. stops by to talk about his transition from Wall Street to being at the helm of a chef driven food brand. How do you choose your "investors'" while also investing in your team?

This week, we had the pleasure to chat with Serafina Palandech, Co-founder and CEO of A Boring Life. We discuss the current landscape for early stage startups in the food cannabis space and what it takes to survive in the first few months with impending regulatory changes on the horizon.

Who doesn't like ice cream?! Founder and CEO, David Yusefzadeh, of Cloud Creamery stops by to chat about his journey through restaurant life and how his bout with Crohn's Disease lead him into exploring cannabis and eventually creating Cloud Creamery.

Happy New Year Everyone! Last week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel King, Chief Development Officer, of Kaneh Company. Rachel started in the fine dining scene in San Diego and decided to take a risk into the cannabis industry. So sit back, relax and listen to her journey while eating one of her delicious Kaneh brownies.

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with, Christine Yi, co-founder and chief brand officer of Potli. We discuss their unique approach to the CDB infused edibles market and how they crafted their products for high functional individuals.

In this episode we chat with CEO, Melanie Goldsmith of Pollen. Melanie gives us the story of how her first company forced her to find a way to deal with the rigors of startup life, ultimately leading her to launch Pollen.

In the episode, we had to opportunity be a fly on the wall at Adrian Farquharson's MARY holiday pop up at the Come Back Daily storefront. MARY explores ways to educate and enlighten our society on cannabis culture; change negative impressions and eliminate stigmas; and cultivate community and togetherness with family and friends. Interviews include: Amy Chin of Calm Better Days, Minchul An of Buzzn, Sylvia Wehrle of June, and Sara Kern of Papa & Barkley.

We chat with Meenal Lele, Founder and CEO of Lil Mixins. Their mission is very simple: make early introduction easy so they can put an end to food allergies. This is the one episode you don't want to miss if you are a new parent.

In this episode we chat with CEO, Mike Straight of FarmPod. With the numerous farming options out there, Mike takes us through his world of Aquaponics and how his FarmPods have revolutionized food service, education, and other industries.

Bootleg Avocado brings you TBJ Gourmet, next level bacon jams. Chef and owner, Mike Oraschewsky, walks us through his product line of jams and rubs and chats about his journey out of restaurants for good. Help support his equity crowd funding campaign on Wefunder!

In this episode we talk to Lucas Sin, Culinary Director of Junzi - how he has been able to re-translate Chinese (regional) cuisine to a QSR concept and change the stigmatism of MSG heavy Chinese food to be EVERYDAY healthy food.

In this episode we jump into the world of (vegan) jerky and chat with director of sales at Foreal Foods, Max Buckner. Foreal Foods' (formerly Cocoburg) sustainable production model uses up-cycled young coconut meat from the waste stream of coconut water production in Thailand. Max also shares with us the importance of "listening" and how to properly execute a re-brand.

This week we have, Nic Bash, founder of HoneyFlower Foods: a health food company focused on making great tasting food products with scalably sustainable ingredients and zero waste. We discuss the journey from Michelin starred kitchens, to product development, and finally to launching in a busy grab and go space in both DC and NYC. Hold on to your plant-based butts!

In this episode we chat with, Klaus Moeller, CEO of Boardwalk Hospitality. We discuss his new venture, Surf Dog, located in Venice Beach. What are the keys to investing in franchises? What lessons were learned in his previous businesses, spread across multiple industries? And how people can get involved in investing into Surf Dog!

In this episode, we talk with SERDAR MIZRAKCI of Element Farms. With the explosion of vertical farming and the demand for hydroponic products, Serdar has been able to provide a year-round, pesticide free, and scalable spinach product.

Sam Lillie, CEO and co-founder of Vinder, stops by and chats about his journey into the agriculture world and the unglamorous lifestyle of starting his company. Vinder connects home growers who have an abundant garden with community members looking for local produce - just "neighbors feedings neighbors".

In the latest episode of Bootleg Avocado - Food Ventures, we talk to Jonny Price of Wefunder and tackle the world of crowd funding. What are the different types of (equity) funding platforms out there? And how can you get the most out of raising money without giving up control your company?

In this episode, we jump back into the food tech space, with Ken Kuo of Ingest AI. We dive into the importance of having a strong co-founder and how that has guided them to create their data integration platform as a solution to the fragmented systems within the restaurant industry.

In this episode, we talk to Jill Frechtman of "Fretzels" about the trials and tribulations of growing a product and brand in the age before social media and easy website apps. The wild wild west of CPG!

In this episode we discuss the double sided marketplace with CEO and Founder of Foodie For All, Oge Akyil. What was her inspiration to jump into a logistically heavy business and what has been the craziest request she's gotten from a client.

In this episode we explore the food tech world, including Klove Chef, a voice first solution to help you cook at home.

We explore what’s happening in the Vegan world with cookbook author, Chef, punk rocker, and Vegan Boss Lady, Terry Hope Romero. Also introducing entrepreneur J.J. Williams of Best Life Foods and diving into his cauliflower centric products.

In this episode we talk with Chris Bailey of Pozole To The People, entering the CPG world, building a vegan empire in Porlandia, and #thefutureiscolor movement.

In this episode we explore how the VC world operates, how to prepare yourself as an entrepreneur and what NOT to do via Elise Baros of First Rock Capital. In addition we have a talk with Hernan Aracena, co-founder of Effortless and learn about his fail story and how salt bae changed mounting loss.

We discuss culinary school and the perils of education. Eric Brown, founder of Line Threads, stops by to discuss his launch and how he got into the chef apparel game.

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