Food Chained

In this episode of Food Chained, Matt Orr, Partner at Amin Talati Wasserman, joins us to discuss a new wave of civil lawsuits against CPG brands.  Things we discuss: What is Matt's background? What started these ADA Lawsuits? Early on = physical  Nowadays = digital  What happened with these types of lawsuits in California? What recourse do brands have? Proactive vs. Reactive plans Widgets Are these lawsuits defensible? What is the best proactive approach? Accessibility Policy Accessibility Plan Monthly or quarterly audits w/ published results Bonus if you have multiple 3rd party audits Have a specific worksheet for specific remediation efforts Show Notes: Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn Connect with Matt on LinkedIn  Check out Amin Talati Wasserman Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Shop Perfy on Amazon Prime Sponsor:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast. A big thank you to our sponsor, Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage companies grow. Get 20% off your first month of services when you mention FOOD CHAINED here. 

In this gripping tale, Jenna, a tenacious entrepreneur, finds herself on a collision course with her new business partner, Snowman, Inc., a co-manufacturer shrouded in mystery and deception. As Jenna unearths chilling details about The Snowman, she finds herself on a dangerous journey through the shadows of the manufacturing underworld.Submit Your Horror Story: Your CPG Diary will be anonymized and dramatized so the story can see the light while you remain in the shadows.  Email podcast@drinkperfy.com with your story to be featured.  Show Notes: Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Shop Perfy on Amazon Prime Sponsor:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage companies grow. Get 20% off your first month of services when you mention FOOD CHAINED here. Growthbuster, wrote, produced, and designed this series of Food Chained. 

In the midst of an economic downturn, determined Food & Beverage CPG founder Chuck must navigate the treacherous challenges of Fundraiser Manor, where securing investments takes on a sinister twist. As he battles the malevolent forces of the manor and his industry's struggles, Chuck must prove that even in the darkest times, entrepreneurial spirit can triumph.Submit Your Horror Story: our CPG Horror Story will be anonymized and dramatized so the story can live while you remain in the shadows.  email podcast@drinkperfy.com with your story to be featured.  Show Notes: Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Shop Perfy on Amazon Prime Sponsor:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage companies grow. Get 20% off your first month of services when you mention FOOD CHAINED here. Growthbuster, wrote, produced, and designed this series of Food Chained. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Cody Berenson, VP of Operations & Services at Siddhi Capital, joins us to discuss common pitfalls that startups find themselves in and how to navigate them. We also introduce the podcast's new co-host, Bruce Cardenas, former Chief Communications Officer of Quest Nutrition.  Things we discuss: What is Siddhi Capital? What is its investment Thesis? Pitfalls Multipacks:  When?  Why?  Implications? Identifying your co-man and warehouse:  Relationship capital.  Preventing issues w/ thorough communication.  Repairing vendor relations.  When are brands ready to scale?  digital/print cans pros cons implications Show Notes: Connect with Bruce on LinkedIn Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn Connect with Cody on LinkedIn  Check out Siddhi Capital Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Shop Perfy on Amazon Prime Sponsor:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage companies grow. Get 20% off your first month of services when you mention FOOD CHAINED here. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Vir Satyan, SVP of Supplier Success at RangeMe shares his expertise on using LinkedIn to connect with buyers and brands, getting products into stores, and keeping up-to-date with emerging brands.Things we discuss: How Range Me got its name. Using LinkedIn to connect with buyers and brands. Networking events to separate the haves and the have-nots. Cool kids vs. the uncool kids on LinkedIn Getting into the stores Staying on top of emerging brands Show Notes: Connect with Vir on LinkedIn Check out RangeMe Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter

On this episode of Food Chained, we're joined by Stacey Lee & Tiffany Yang from Sweety Ice Cream, how does being an attorney help with starting a CPG brand and what does food do in bridging cultures.Things we discuss: Being an attorney to start in CPG Bridging cultures in food Consulting for brands The Ethnic Aisle Show Notes: Connect with Stacey on Linkedin Connect with Tiffany on Linkedin Check out Sweety Ice Cream Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor: • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

On this episode of Food Chained, we're joined by Aaron Luo from Mercado Famous, discussing the intricacies of importing and exporting, as well as the importance of branding.Things we discuss:Shownotes: Aaron's finance and global supply chain background Imports/Exports Meat vs. Anti Meat consumers The importance of branding Making your brand feel human The process and regulations of Iberico Show Notes: Connect with Aaron on Linkedin Check out Mercado Famous Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor: • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

On this episode of Food Chained, we're joined by Alec Jaffe from Alec's Ice Cream, discussing the importance of sustainable agriculture and regenerative ingredients in the food industry.Things we discuss:How college sports drives culture at Alec'sA2 dairy - what's so special about it?How does Alec's come up with flavors?Owning your own production facilityWhat could Big Dairy be doing better?Running a frozen DTC channelQuality of life for farmersSustainable agricultureRegenerative ingredientsShow Notes:Connect with Alec on LinkedInCheck out Alec's Ice CreamCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple WhaleSponsor: • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

In this episode of Food Chained, Justin Queen ( Merchant Development @ Snack Magic) joins us to discuss building stories behind the brand and the early days of launching a brand.Things we discuss:Brand AmbassadorsEarly days of launching a brandB2B AudienceData Driven CPGAnd more!Show Notes:Connect with Justin on LinkedInCheck out Snack MagicCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple WhaleSponsor: • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

On this episode of Food Chained, Zoe Kahn (CX at Chomps) joins us for a conversation about customer experience, retention, and gaming.Things we discuss:Zoe's StoryGamingChompsRetentionWho would your brand be if they were a celebrity?And more!Show Notes:Connect with Zoe on LinkedInCheck out the Oopsie PodcastCheck out Chomps w/ code: ZOE15Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple WhaleSponsor: • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

On this episode of Food Chained, Chris Moe (Founder of Cartograph) opens up the Amazon marketing playbook for us and shares an immense amount of wisdom.Things we discuss:Amazon vs. DTCBuy w/ PrimeAmazon Affiliate pushesFBA vs. FBMAmazon remarketingAmazon Private LabelAnd more!Show Notes:Connect with Chris on LinkedInCheck out CartographCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple Whale

On this episode of Food Chained, Amrit Richmond (Founder of Indie CPG) lends her extensive CPG knowledge to us and shares valuable tips and industry insights that you can apply to your business TODAY. Things we discuss:Leveraging Snack Magic dataRetail roadmap for startupsF&B trendsRetailer buyers doing due diligence on brands like investorsThe 3 R's of FundingEmily Sundberg's piece on smallwashingAnd more!Show Notes:Connect with Amrit on LinkedInCheck out Indie CPGCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple WhaleSponsor: • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

Tom Shea, co-founder and CRO of Adgile Media Group, a next-gen out-of-home advertising company, shares how the company has evolved creatively and technologically since its inception. They now apply color psychology and other creative data points pulled from hundreds of campaigns and have applied those learnings to drive better outcomes for brands. Adgile is more than just an OOH media company, they are a data-driven digital marketing powerhouse applying cutting-edge behavioral psychology studies that support CPG brands of all types. For example, Adgile has conducted research showing that 96.3% of people believe that the branded vehicles they see on the road are delivering products on behalf of that brand, which has a positive impact on consumer perception and product sales.On this episode of Food Chained, Tom Shea (Co-founder and CRO of Adgile Media) shares how the company has evolved creatively and technologically since its inception.Things we discuss:How Adgile bridges the gap between OOH and digital media advertisingOOH best practicesColor psychologyBehavioral psychologyOOH attributionGPS + geofencingWhat's next for Adgile?And more!Show Notes:Connect with Tom on LinkedInCheck out AdgileCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple WhaleSponsor: • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

On this episode of Food Chained, Bruce Cardenas (former CCO of Quest Nutrition and Brand Builder) shares how relationships and service to others have helped him grow some of the most recognizable brands in America.Things we discuss:Bruce's history in the military and LAPDHow he began working with Quest NutritionWorking for freeServing othersHow he became so well known in Sports NutritionAnd more!Show Notes:Connect with Bruce on LinkedInCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple WhaleSponsor: • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

On this episode of Food Chained, Lucas Kraft (Co-founder & CMO of Wonderbelly) shares how creating a brand from a place of personal need comes from the heart...and guts.  Things we discuss: Relief should be something you enjoy, not endure Dealing with an ED and the long-term impact Digestive Health  Building an OTC (over-the-counter) brand Zoom filters (listen if you want to laugh) And more!  Show Notes: Check out Wonderbelly on LinkedIn Connect with Lucas on LinkedIn Wonderbelly website Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

On this episode of Food Chained, Lucas Kraft (Co-founder & CMO of Wonderbelly) shares how creating a brand from a place of personal need comes from the heart...and guts. Things we discuss:Relief should be something you enjoy, not endureDealing with an ED and the long-term impactDigestive Health Building an OTC (over-the-counter) brandZoom filters (listen if you want to laugh)And more! Check out Wonderbelly on LinkedInConnect with Lucas on LinkedInWonderbelly websiteCheck out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTokConnect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and TwitterCheck out Triple Whale • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

On this episode of Food Chained, Stephen Caldwell (Founder & CEO of Rösti Stuft Spuds) shares his journey from globetrotting foodie to food founder. Things we discuss: Traveling the world as "research" :-P The history of Rösti How to win on QVC  Oregon State food scientists/R&D Form factor as a moat And more!  Show Notes: Check out Rösti Stuft Spuds on LinkedIn Connect with Stephen Caldwell on LinkedIn Where to buy Rösti Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

On this episode of Food Chained, Marilyn Yang (Co-founder of Popadelics) shares her journey from finance to food founder as she builds around underloved foods, starting with mushrooms.  Things we discuss: Finance background Business x life partnership Brand positioning  The need for product education in mushrooms Her biggest "oh shit!" moment And more!  Show Notes: Check out Popadelics Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

In this episode of Food Chained, DG (Founder & CEO of Dream Pops) shares how he created his brand's dream world, from mom's kitchen to thousands of doors in just a few years.  Things we discuss: Finance background Dream Pops' origin story from mom's kitchen to commercial kitchen The built-in moat of having a dodecahedron form factor Brands that inspired DG The lay of the land before plant-based was en vogue Early capital-raising stories Creating your brand's dream world His social media strategy that every founder can use And more!  Show Notes: Connect with David Greenfeld on LinkedIn Check out Dream Pops Where to buy Dream Pops Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Jake Karls (Co-Founder of Mid-Day Squares) shares the MDS story, how the team thinks about relationship building, and how YOU are your superpower when building a brand.  Things we discuss: What did Jake do before MDS? MDS' origin story A media company that happens to sell chocolate The big brand that sent the C&D MDS' positioning evolution Owning production 30 under 30 How placement in store mattered so much for MDS And more!  Show Notes: Connect with Jake Karls on LinkedIn Check out Mid-Day Squares Where to buy Mid-Day Squares Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Paul Voge (Co-Founder and CEO) shares Aura Bora's origin story. From habits crafted by mom, to delivering the very first PO by hand in San Francisco.  Things we discuss: The start of Aura Bora Seasonal flavor drops Shark Tank Being uniquely yourself as a brand Green Bean Casserole Beards And more! Show Notes: Connect with Paul Voge on LinkedIn Check out Aura Bora Where to buy Aura Bora Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Kristin Charbo (Co-Founder of Glonuts) shares the Glonuts origin story and how a side hustle became her and Grover's main squeeze.  Things we discuss: Coffee cart -> donuts Funding the business (you have to listen to this) Being your own co-man Being your own 3PL Burnout, and how it has created so many startup CPG founders And more! Show Notes: Connect with Kristin Charbo on LinkedIn Check out Glonuts! Where to buy Glonuts Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Stu Davidoff (Founder & CEO of Gigantic!) joins us to share his journey from finance to building a candy bar empire.  Things we discuss: Finance -> Candy Bars Gigantic's guardrails during R&D Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins How did the brand get its name? The trends moving from overly sweet to  "sortasweet" And more! Show Notes: Connect with Stu Davidoff on LinkedIn Check out Gigantic! Where to buy Gigantic! Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Matt Weiss (Founder & CEO of Rind Snacks) joins us to discuss his journey from finance to CPG founder. With a great-grandmother who instilled the idea of "roots, rinds, seeds, & stems" early on, Matt took this family lesson, coupled it with a finance background, and set off to create a high growth better-for-you snacking platform with an emphasis on reducing food waste.  Things we discuss: Living your dream vs. others' Upcycling  The shift from super sweet to tangy and zesty Selling stories vs. products His first "Oh, shit!" moment And more Show Notes: Connect with Matt Weiss on LinkedIn Check out Rind Snacks Where to find Rind Snacks Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the kno

In this episode of Food Chained, Phil Lempert (The Supermarket Guru) joins us to discuss supermarket trends & insights, as well as a variety of topics impacting today's food supply.  Things we discuss:• Phil's take on rising food prices and possible solutions• SKU discipline and the need for brands to consolidate offerings • Brands that have exercised SKU discipline well (Kerrygold, Liquid Death)• Leaders in Private Label like Nestle, Kirkland, Kroger/Albertsons • The pros and cons of PVL• Trends and insights moving into 2023 (indoor farming, plant-based evolution, meat packing, store brands, insect protein) • And much, much moreShow Notes: Connect with Phil Lempert on LinkedIn Check out Supermarket Guru Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

In this episode of Food Chained, Delisa Harper (Co-founder of Funky Mello) joins us to discuss the origin of Funky Mello and how, during one fateful music festival, her marriage and business were born.  Things we discuss:• Spouses as Co-founders• Music Festivals as an incubator for life and business partnerships? :-P  • The importance of mentors and accelerators• Networking and partnerships• Farmer's Market => Whole Foods Market• Much more!Show Notes: Connect with Delisa Harper on LinkedIn Check out Funky Mello Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know.

In this episode of Food Chained, Jason Wright (Founder of Wilde Chips) joins us to discuss his journey from Abercrombie & Fitch, to creating his own granola, to Wilde Chips...and everything in between.  Things we discuss:• Jason's story • Entrepreneurial learnings from past business ventures• A HILARIOUS Abercrombie photoshoot• Wilde's Repositioning and how it can help YOU• Overall vibes• Much more!Show Notes: Connect with Jason Wright on LinkedIn Check out Wilde Chips Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know

In this episode of Food Chained, Matt Cotton (Founder of Rooted Food Sales) shares an immense amount of knowledge regarding the Food Service channel for food & beverage brands. If you're a broker...you probably don't want to listen to this one. :-P  Things we discuss:• Matt's story• Food Service as a GTM strategy• Why is Food Service so "clean" in a business sense?• Why do brokers have such a bad rep?• Fixed retainer + commission or just commission?• Much more!Show Notes: Connect with Matt Cotton on LinkedIn Check out Rooted Food Sales Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know

In this episode of Food Chained, Shray Joshi (Founder of Good Peeps) shares some personal stories and how those have shaped his career. We also open up about fun and creative ideas we've had at past jobs that never quite reached the finish line. Tune in to learn a lot more about some Good Peeps.  Things we discuss:• Shray's story• Building brand vs. depending on ad spend• Fun brand ideas that never reached the finish line• Social/Influencer/Creator• Thoughts on the dark side of TikTok Show Notes: Connect with Shray Joshi on LinkedIn  Check out Good Peeps Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the knos 

In this episode of Food Chained, Hector Saldívar (Founder of Tia Lupita) shares his journey from Mexico to Norcal. Hector is a founder that has done it all. He's worked all of the jobs in a CPG business that you can imagine. But that's not the only similarity that Hector and I have...we both honor our moms with our brands. Things we discuss:• Hector's history• The story of Tia Lupita (his mom)• Stereotypes in the "ethnic" aisles• Recipes as family heirlooms• and much more!Show Notes: Connect with Hector Saldívar on LinkedIn  Check out Tia Lupita Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Triple Whale Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know

In this episode of Food Chained, Will Nitze (CEO of IQBAR) joins us to talk about how a job in software coupled with the Standard American Diet led him to create IQBAR. A functional protein bar and hydration mix for your brain.  Things you'll learn:• Will's history• Standard American Diet leading to brain fog• The connection between nutrition and cognition• The book that unlocked it all for Will• How IQBAR was first funded• Strategy behind the product and what the customer needsShow Notes: Connect with Will Nitze on LinkedIn  Check out IQBAR Find IQBAR in store Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Kendall Dickieson joins us to discuss the state of organic social and UGC. Kendall is the founder of Flexible Creative, a boutique consultancy that works with a handful of the rising stars in CPG like Graza, Immi, Starday Foods, and more.Things you'll learn:• Kendall's origin story as a "Pintern"• What's cooking with YouTube Shorts?• Why copypasta isn't a viable strategy in food & beverage• How to repurpose content• Commercial music...are influencers brands?• SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGERS ARE UNDERVALUEDShow Notes: Connect with Kendall Dickieson on LinkedIn and Twitter Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Sponsor:   • Use code PERFY for 15% off Triple Whale. Triple Whale's powerful analytics platform clarifies your ad performance across channels, keeping you instantly in the know. 

In this episode of Food Chained, Andrew Benin joins us to discuss his new hit product, Graza. Graza is a premium olive oil packaged in beautiful squeeze bottles for two different occasions –– sizzling and drizzling. When he noticed chefs in New York often using squeeze bottles, coupled with his and his wife's connection to Spain, Andrew put two and two together. The result? Massive demand for Graza.Tune in to learn more about Andrew, the business, and achieving product market fit. Show Notes: Connect with Andrew Benin on LinkedIn Check out Graza on Instagram and TikTok Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter

In this episode, Vasa and Mark Metry discuss "The New Food Pyramid" and the impact that food and drink have on brain health.  Show Links: Connect with Mark Metry on LinkedIn Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Food Pyramid Article Conflicts of Interest Climate Change x Obesity Article 

In this episode of Food Chained, Sarah Grosz provides an immense amount of value when it comes to influencer marketing and the state of the creator economy. You'll learn about:• how to measure ROI on influencer initiatives• what to do and what not to do when negotiating• creating processes for influencer marketing• goal-based KPIs• Influencer Network Score (a term coined by Sarah)Show Links: Connect with Sarah Grosz on LinkedIn Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter

In this episode, Vasa steps aside from the host seat and serves as the guest...GUEST. Kane Lewandowski reached out to Vasa with several hard-hitting, great questions on LinkedIn. So Vasa decided to turn his answers into an episode of Food Chained. Some of the questions:• How much does it cost to start?• How do you get into retailers?• Where do you create products?• How does it get manufactured?• What are some cautionary tales someone like me should watch out for?• I understand that when it comes to software you want a minimum viable product, does a similar idea apply with CPG?Show Links: Connect with Kane Lewandowski on LinkedIn Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter

Did you know Filipinos make up the second-largest Asian American community in the United States? Yet there is no representation of that culture on most grocery store shelves. Jake Deleon wanted to change that, so he founded Fila Manila, a company devoted to bringing authentic and all-natural Filipino cuisine to mainstream grocery stores. Today, three of Fila Manila's SKUs have hit number one on three separate Amazon lists. In this episode, Jake shares the story of his startup, why fundraising is so hard, and the importance of networking for entrepreneurs.Show Links: Check out Fila Manila Connect with Jake Deleon on LinkedIn and Twitter  Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter

In the world of plant-based ice cream, it's hard to find a dairy substitute that has the right texture and flavor, yet is also eco-friendly. Enter: hemp. Hemp seeds and hemp hearts are nutritional, functional, and sustainable. Kirsten Sutaria, founder of Doozy Pots, understands the challenges of building an eco-friendly business. But through hard work and integrity, Kirsten has learned how to source sustainable ingredients and market an unconventional product. In this episode, Kirsten shares her background in food, what inspired the name Doozy Pots, and why it's so hard to build an eco-friendly business.Show Links: Check out Doozy Pots Connect with Kirsten Sutaria on LinkedIn Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter

Have you ever heard the term “Listen to your gut”? Well, it turns out your gut is responsible for more than just good intuition. A healthy gut microbiome is linked with cellular health, better brain function, and even the way we age. And Kirten Parekh, co-founder of Klora, wants people to know that a healthier way of living is within reach. In this episode, Kirten explains the importance of having a healthy gut microbiome, the gut-brain connection, and how Klora is bringing high-end science to regular consumers.Show Links: Check out Klora Connect with Kirten Parekh on LinkedIn and Twitter  Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter

Healthy versions of your favorite snacks are often disappointing because they lack the same texture or flavor. So when Matt Parry decided to make a healthier version of Pringles, he didn't just want a snack that was made up of better ingredients. He wanted it to taste better, too. So he co-founded The Good Crisp Company, which has created a gluten-free chip without artificial colors or flavors that beats Pringles in blind taste-testing. In this episode, Matt shared about the origins of his chip company, how to find the right product-market fit, and why it's important to perfect your product before your company scales. Check out The Good Crisp Company Connect with Matt Parry on LinkedIn and Twitter  Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter

The ketogenic diet is taking the world by storm. Everyone knows the benefits of lowering refined carbohydrate consumption, and ketosis is an optimal state for the human body. But it can be hard to tell the difference between truly keto-friendly foods and unhealthy items that have co-opted the keto label. Dr. Ryan Lowery, CEO at Ketogenic.com and President and Co-founder of Applied Science & Performance Institute, is an expert on ketogenic diets. In this episode, Ryan shared with us how to tell the difference between keto and non-keto items, why it's important to get your diet back to the basics, and how keeping your body healthy can prevent cognitive decline.Show Links: Check out Ketogenic.com  Connect with Dr. Ryan Lowery on LinkedIn and Twitter  Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter

In the world of beverage creation, it's hard to come up with a new angle. But after Kayla Castañeda had spent a decade working in the beverage industry, she decided it was time to make something of her own. Taking inspiration from her cultural heritage, Kayla decided to put a healthy spin on classic aguas frescas, and the company Agua Bonita was born. Ethically made and good for the consumer and the planet, Agua Bonita's drinks are a fruit-forward beverage that pays homage to its cultural roots. In this episode, Kayla told us the story of her startup, how she dealt with copycats, and why failure shouldn't discourage you. Check out Agua Bonita  Check out Perfy Connect with Kayla Castañeda on LinkedIn  Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Save 15% on Perfy with code: FOODCHAINED15

Do your late-night snacking tendencies lead you to chips, cookies, and other unhealthy foods? Late-night snacking was Damien Law's weakness, but he thinks he's found the solution. Damien, founder of Effin' Good Snacks, has created a healthy alternative to your typical late-night junk food. Effin' Good cookies are low carb, low sugar, and are even a great source of magnesium, which can help you fall asleep after a late-night snacking session. In this episode, Damien shared the entrepreneurial journey that led him to create Effin' Good Snacks and why today's founders should look to platforms like TikTok for organic marketing. Check out Effin' Good Snacks Connect with Damien Law on LinkedIn Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter Pre-order Effin' Good Snacks  15% off Perfy Superfood Soda FOODCHAINED15

There's a massive disparity between the wealth of the chocolate industry and the poverty of cocoa farmers. But Fatima-Zohra Hakam hopes to change that. Fatima-Zohra founded her chocolate company ZORA to create and celebrate ethically-made chocolate. By working directly with farmers and cooperatives in a bean-to-bar process, Fatima-Zohra is trying to bridge the gap between cocoa farmers and chocolate consumers. In this episode, founder and CEO of Perfy Vasa Martinez interviewed Fatima-Zohra about the cocoa industry's shortcomings, how ZORA has risen to meet the challenge, and why transparency is key to an ethical chocolate business. Checkout Perfy  Check out ZORA Chocolate Connect with Fatima-Zohra Hakam (FZ) on LinkedIn and Twitter  Check out Perfy on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok Connect with Vasa Martinez on LinkedIn and Twitter 15% off ZORA Chocolate FOODCHAINED15 15% off Perfy Soda FOODCHAINED15