Conception to Consumption

From corporate finance to frozen dessert innovator, this episode explores the journey of Nicole Cardone, co-founder of Fruitful Brands, including Sorbabes and Fudgy Pop. Nicole shares her knowledge of entrepreneurship, sparked by a serendipitous encounter with overripe peaches at a farmers market. With a blend of adventurous spirit and business acumen, she and her co-founder, Chef Deborah Gorman, embarked on a mission to take on the frozen dessert category. Discover the highs and lows of building a brand from scratch, from selling hand-packed mason jars at local markets to navigating a strategic partnership with a global ice cream manufacturer. Nicole candidly discusses the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining independence, including the pivotal decision to part ways with their corporate partner and weather the storm of COVID-19 disruptions. In this interview-style podcast with Gary Nowacki, learn how Sorbabes bounced back from adversity, leveraging their experience to launch new brands and expand to nationwide distribution. Nicole offers advice from her hands-on experience into the intricacies of product innovation in the frozen dessert industry and the importance of strategic partnerships in driving growth. Watch this episode to gain entrepreneurial wisdom, actionable advice, and a glimpse into the innovative world of Fruitful Brands. ----more---- Takeaways Starting a business requires perseverance and the ability to navigate challenges. Partnerships with larger corporations can provide support and guidance, but also come with their own challenges. Being nimble and making strategic decisions is crucial for growth and success. Innovation is important, but can be constrained by industry limitations. Following your gut instincts and listening to advice from trusted sources is key. Enjoying the journey and staying positive is essential for long-term success.

Explore the impact of socially conscious coffee through conversations with visionary guest Rod Johnson, co-founder of BLK & Bold, a coffee company on a mission to brew impact through giving back. You'll hear the inspiring journey of BLK & Bold, from its humble beginnings in a garage to becoming a symbol of change in the coffee industry. Rod shares his passion for giving back to youth in need, how they've partnered with major brands like the NBA and Marvel, and their innovative approach to making quality coffee accessible. In this episode, you'll listen to why BLK & Bold are changing the coffee game and creating a space where every cup you enjoy contributes to a brighter future. Experience this episode of the Conception to Consumption (C to C) Podcast to discuss the fulfillment of crafting meaningful coffee experiences, fostering community, and leaving a lasting mark on the world, one cup at a time. This episode is a blend of inspiration, innovation, and the belief that your daily coffee ritual can make a difference. So, grab your favorite brew and get ready to be inspired by the story of BLK & Bold, where coffee meets purpose.

Step into organic farming and entrepreneurship as Gary Nowacki engages with a visionary guest who shares the remarkable story of turning a family legacy into a pioneering organic endeavor. In this Conception to Consumption episode, you'll hear why becoming the nation's number-one-selling organic orange juice brand takes determination against the odds with guest Matt McLean, Founder and CEO of Uncle Matt's Organic. Tune in to explore the challenges of citrus greening, the power of differentiation in a bustling market, and the inspiring commitment to sustainable practices that define this unique journey. With decades of familial organic farming wisdom spanning decades, Matt McLean has led the brand to inspiring and hands-on support to aide fellow farmers in their transition to organic methods. As a Certified B Corp, Uncle Matt's Organic continues to give back through their nutritious and organic products and various non-profits they support. You'll leave the episode inspired and encouraged to pursue your passion despite the obstacles along the way.

Having the grit to turn lemons into lemonade, or better yet, elderberries into syrup, upon being presented with a very personal challenge gave way to start on a CPG startup journey that eventually spread all over a small town. In this episode of Consumption to Conception (C to C), Erin Mann of namesake Erin's Elderberries tells a story of turning a ‘no' into an ignition that spared on a journey to create a product that would turn into a local favorite. This episode highlights how determination, mission-driven values, and shared knowledge within a like-minded community can help turn a passion into a successful business for those just starting out with their CPG brand. Erin's insights are relevant to all types of brands, whether it's identifying a gap in the market and creating a product based on a family recipe, seeking guidance from mentors in your industry, or pursuing a completely different path to create a brand and product you're passionate about. This episode covers a range of topics to assist you at any stage of your journey.

Ten years ago, tahini was a rarity on grocery store shelves. But after discovering the versatility of this ingredient, Amy Zitelman and her sisters decided to bring it to the masses here in the United States. Learn more about how they grew their brand Soom Foods through strategic partnerships, contract manufacturing, and omnichannel sales on this episode of the Conception to Consumption (C to C) podcast.

According to Founder and CEO Jason Cohen of Gastrograph AI, it can. Both faster and with more accuracy than traditional methods of testing consumer preferences for CPG brands. Find out how this tech works and what it means for the future of food and beverage innovation.

Creating products that consumers love requires innovation beyond just ingredients. Hear from wildwonder founder, Rosa Li on how the emerging gut-health brand applies a holistic approach to innovation that delivers true customer satisfaction.

In this episode of CtoC, we sit down with the Chief Supply Chain Officer of Daily Harvest Ricky Silver, and talk about the real secrets to supplier-driven sustainability in food and CPG.

In the latest episode of CtoC, NoBaked Cookie Dough CO-Founder Jimmy Feeman shares tips on how focusing on flavor can help you out win the competition. 

CEO of OMSOM, Vanessa Pham sits down with CtoC podcast host, Gary Nowacki to share tips on how to build successful and profitable relationships with your Co-Mans.

In the latest episode of CtoC, Spoon Shot Co-founder Markus Stripf shares tips on how to compete in the retail market even if you can't compete on price.

In the latest episode of CtoC, SuperMarketGuru.com CEO and Founder Phil Lempert shares his thoughts on retail innovation and what the future holds.

CEO and Founder Christie Lagally from Rebellyous Foods sits down with us in the next episode and discusses the future of innovation in meats.

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with second-time guest Paul Shapiro and discuss his latest company breakthroughs.

CEO of Organifi, Mae Steigler discusses the benefits of hiring mission-aligned people to help accelerate innovation.

In the next episode of CTOC we sit down with President and CEO Lou Cooperhouse from BlueNalu and discuss the future of Cell-Cultured Alt Protein. Large-scale factories are coming sooner than you think.

Co-Founder of Poppi Allison Ellsworth discusses the challenges for innovators in finding the sweet spot with Co-Mans.

In this episode of CtoC Gary sits down with CEO of Lifeway Foods Julie Smolyansky and discusses the importance of timing in innovation.

Listen to the latest episode of Conception to Consumption (CtoC) Podcast to hear insights from the natural food industry veteran and former CO-CEO Walter Robb on innovation and how to seize opportunity where you least expect it.

In this episode of CtoC Gary sits down with Co-Founder Maggie Patton of Bitsy and discusses how the importance of taste plays in today's children's foods and snacks.

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with Co-Founder and CEO of Hoplark HopTea Dean Eberhardt and discuss what it takes to stand out in the beverage industry in terms of innovation. 

In this episode of CtoC I sit down with Managing Partner Kim Essex from Ketchum and discuss consumer permission in new product development.

In this Episode of CtoC I dive in deeper about how to find space in a jam-packed Category with special guest Suzie Yorke.

In this Episode of CtoC we sit down with CEO Riana Lynn of Journey Foods and discuss what Cloud and AI can do for innovation. 

In this episode of CtoC Gary Nowacki sits down with CEO Eran Blanchinsky from Better Juice and discusses his newest invention that can take 80% of sugar out of juices.

In this episode of CtoC, we sit down with Barb Stuckey, the President and Chief Innovation Officer of Mattson, to discuss the current state of new product development in the food, beverage, and CPG industries, and to obtain her guidance on how to successfully drive future innovation.

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with the Vice President of Product Development Paul Neumann from Califia Farms and discuss how to build a brand that can be used and thought of in multiple categories. 

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with the VP of innovation Greg Kean from WellPet and discuss how pet food is evolving with consumers today. 

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with Author, Professor, and Founder Barry Nalebuff and discuss what it takes to create a stand out brand in the beverage industry.

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with the founder of Ocean Hugger David Benzaquen and discuss a new era of plant-based foods specifically seafood. 

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with Culinary Development Chef Nick Landry and discuss how to deal with the constant pressure of revisions. 

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with Consultant Chef Greg Grisanti and talk innovation from a Chef's point of view. 

In this episode of CtoC we discuss the recent innovate idea created by Farm.One. If you ever thought Food Farming in Manhattan New York sounded impossible CEO Rob Laing will talk about how this idea is already happening. 

 In this episode of CtoC, we sit down with Pre Brands founder Lenny Lebovich and talk innovation in the meat industry and how he got his own brand off the ground.

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with Billionaire GT Dave and get the inside scoop on how he turned his kombucha beverage, with $0 in advertising into a billion-dollar business!

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with the Vice President of Reseach and Innovation at RXBAR Eliana Pena and talk about how RXBAR continues to innovate.

Best-selling author of Clean Meat takes a deep dive into how close we are to replacing animal protein. 

In this episode of CtoC we sit down with CEO Justin Singer and get the inside scoop on everything you need to know about having CBD as a food ingredient.

In this episode of CtoC, we sit down with former R&D culinary manager of Boulder Brands Sebastian Nava and discuss all things NPD. You'll find in this episode a deeper understanding of how to target millennials.

In this episode of CToC we sit down with UPNA President Loren Israelsen and discuss all things CBD. You'll find in this episode a deeper understanding of how this billion-dollar industry is becoming larger than life.

In this episode, we sit down with certified culinary and senior product development scientist Kimberly Schaub and talk new product development and why some companies struggle with keeping their product on the shelf. 

In this episode of C to C, we sit down with food scientist and “All Things Food” podcaster Adam Yee to discuss different approaches to plant-based meat and what the future holds for this emerging market.

Eric Kiker stops by TraceGains studio to share successful strategies for innovation in food and beverage.