Podcasts about cpg

Tomorrow's Valentine's Day, but Oregon Venture Fund just gave founders the real love language: clarity. OVF published a new AI startup rubric — stage-by-stage expectations from pre-seed to Series A — covering what they actually look for in product, traction, team, go-to-market, and yes… revenue (because “it's AI” isn't a business model). I break down how to use it to stop wasting shots, pitch when you're truly ready, and avoid the quiet “circle back” purgatory. Then we swing to angels: Angel Oregon 2026 is live with timelines for Tech, CPG, and Life/Bioscience. Bootstrappers, you're not left out: MicroConf US is coming to Portland (tickets aren't cheap, but the value might be). And finally, the doom-and-gloom headlines—why they matter, what they miss, and the part nobody should forget: startups still drive net new job growth. Keep up the good work.TIMESTAMPS00:00 Oregon startup news intro1:52 New AI startup scorecard 3:18 Angel Oregon 2026 10:46 MicroConf is coming to Portland 11:33 Portland doom and gloom 12:09 “Secrets” begins (personal/community notes)LINKS- https://siliconflorist.com/2026/02/13/ai-inspires-oregon-venture-fund-to-revise-their-startup-assessment-framework/- https://oen.org- https://microconf.com/us-flagship- https://youtu.be/JAdLTPj5L40- https://www.steamcircuit.com/events/61b8c1ba-e9bf-4dfc-b86e-17c125cd685b- https://pdxslack.comFIND RICK TUROCZY ON THE INTERNET AT…- https://patreon.com/turoczy- https://linkedin.com/in/turoczy- Portland Oregon startup news on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/portland-oregon-startup-news-silicon-florist/id1711294699- Portland Oregon startup news Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/2cmLDH8wrPdNMS2qtTnhcy?si=H627wrGOTvStxxKWRlRGLQ- Startup Stories on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1Tk7bbzaNYowGouI9ucKC3- Startup Stories on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/startup-stories-with-silicon-florist/id1849468494- The Long Con on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-long-con/id1810923457- The Long Con on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/48oglyT5JNKxVH5lnWTYKA- https://bsky.app/profile/turoczy.bsky.social- https://siliconflorist.substack.com/- https://pdxslack.comABOUT SILICON FLORIST ----------For nearly two decades, Rick Turoczy has published Silicon Florist, a blog, newsletter, and podcast that covers entrepreneurs, founders, startups, entrepreneurship, tech, news, and events in the Portland, Oregon, startup community. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a startup or tech enthusiast, or simply intrigued by Portland's startup culture, Silicon Florist is your go-to source for the latest news, events, jobs, and opportunities in Portland Oregon's flourishing tech and startup scene. Join us in exploring the innovative world of startups in Portland, where creativity and collaboration meet.ABOUT RICK TUROCZY ----------Rick Turoczy has been working in, on, and around the Portland, Oregon, startup community for nearly 30 years. He has been recognized as one of the “OG”s of startup ecosystem building by the Kauffman Foundation. And he has been humbled by any number of opportunities to speak on stages from SXSW to INBOUND and from Kobe, Japan, to Muscat, Oman, including an opportunity to share his views on community building on the TEDxPortland stage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj98mr_wUA0). All because of a blog. Weird.https://siliconflorist.com#pdx #portland #oregon #startup #entrepreneur

Once Upon a Farm is officially public — and it could mark a turning point for better-for-you brands. In this episode, the hosts break down the baby food company's $198 million IPO, what its $724 million valuation signals for the CPG landscape, and why going public may be emerging as a viable alternative to traditional acquisition. Is this the start of a new era for mission-driven food brands looking to scale on their own terms? Plus, they dig into the growing battle over how "healthy" gets defined at retail. Kroger adopted FoodHealth's nutrient scoring system, which aims to guide shoppers with a balanced approach to nutrient density and ingredient quality. Meanwhile, the Non-GMO Project's stricter Non-UPF Verified certification draws a hard line against processed oils, gums, and natural flavors. Are these systems complementary, competitive, or just confusing? Show notes: 0:23: Fiber Bowl. AMA In MIA. OFRM's IPO. UPF, Maybe Or No? A Burst Of Mayo, Protein & Powder. –  The hosts kick things off with lighthearted Super Bowl banter and a recap of their game-day food spreads before previewing the upcoming Taste Radio Miami Meetup at Casa La Rubia on Feb. 18. The team highlights event features including live podcast interviews, networking, brand sampling, and a new "Ask Me Anything" table hosted by Atomos Strategic Marketing, encouraging founders and industry professionals to attend. The conversation then shifts to industry news, notably Once Upon a Farm's IPO, which raised $198 million and valued the baby and kids food brand at over $724 million. The hosts discuss the rarity of successful CPG IPOs, the tradeoffs between going public and selling to a strategic buyer, and what the move could signal for other better-for-you brands. From there, they explore evolving nutrition standards, comparing FoodHealth's nutrient scoring system with the stricter Non-UPF Verified certification from the Non-GMO Project, touching on hot-button topics like processed oils, natural flavors, and consumer education. The episode also features commentary on innovative products such as Graza's olive oil mayonnaise strategy, protein soda from Joyburst, protein-enhanced fruit spreads from BamJam, and the straightforward drink mix brand Fave. Brands in this episode: Royo Bread, Once Upon a Farm, Annie's, Vita Coco, Bai, Graza, Koia, Joyburst, BamJam, Drippy, Dappie, Fave, BTR Nation, Cadence, Spindrift, Duke's

I noticed a growing number of internet people (mostly without any industry knowledge) trashing the beverage brand PRIME. And I get it…people love to kick someone (or something) when they're down, especially if it's a highly visible (maybe even a bit controversial) consumer brand partly owned by polarizing internet celebrities. Although if you stumbled into this expecting it would be just another copy/paste overly dramatic “rise and fall of PRIME” content piece…I'm sorry to disappoint you! But if you're into first principles thinking that produces fresh perspectives then hopefully, you'll stick around…mostly because when these internet people simultaneously proclaimed, “PRIME serves as a modern Case Study in the volatility of hype-first business models,” they collectively forgot to mention their whole thesis was foundationally established by whichever AI model prompts scraped my old strategic commentary within my content years earlier. Nevertheless, before getting started…while I'm not going to retrace the meteoric rise of PRIME, I have the utmost respect for what it achieved in those initial two years…and no one can ever take away that PRIME not only generated over a billion dollars in annual retail sales globally faster than any CPG brand in history but impacted (influenced) the overall industry in ways that will be felt for a very long time. However, over the last two years, PRIME has faced a classic “identity trap.” While PRIME obviously achieved viral success with Gen Z and Gen Alpha, essentially becoming a status symbol…older consumers (whether parents or not) often viewed the brand as a neon-colored faddish drink made for children. Attempting to fix this (and increase buy rates among Millennials and Gen X), PRIME shifted its strategy from "hype marketing” to functional legitimacy. Though, apart from throwing the "Gatorade Blueprint" sports marketing proverbial Hail Mary, what could PRIME really have done after retail sales momentum slowed…and aggressive over-expansion left inventory bloat? When the viral novelty faded…and once-scarce bottles were found everywhere (on-promotion), it signaled to younger consumers that the brand was no longer "exclusive.” Moreover, older consumers remained critical (warranted or not) that PRIME lacked the sodium and electrolytes necessary for true rehydration purposes. So, faced with two very different challenges impacting demand…PRIME decided to tackle “product” concerns over attempting to reignite cultural virality (which is extremely complex). Last month, PRIME officially entered the RTD protein category by launching a line of ultra-filtered protein milkshakes. PRIME Protein represents maybe the last remaining product strategy impactful enough to transition the beverage brand from a youth-centric "hype" product into a legitimate player within the functional beverages category. Lastly, and this cannot be overlooked when explaining why the “doom and gloom” scenario likely never came (or didn't come as severely) for PRIME yet. If you weren't aware, the more hidden owners of PRIME also co-founded Alani Nu. Obviously, everyone knows by now, Celsius Holdings acquired Alani Nu for $1.8 billion last April. But while that liquidity event maybe helps assess future risk/reward considerations, it's recognizing the culmination of that intertwined business activity that's most helpful because when a CPG brand rockets from zero to over $1 billion in two years…then falls to around $250 million two years later, it would normally result in chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Karl and Erum break down how biology is transforming the production of everything from cosmetics to construction materials. They explore why the petrochemical era is giving way to biological manufacturing, examining both the spectacular failures of early biofuels and the emerging success stories of companies like K18 and Mango Materials. Karl and Erum explain the fundamentals of fermentation, precision fermentation, and cell-free manufacturing, while introducing concepts like distributed biomanufacturing and "dirty biology." Drawing on insights from previous guests including Doug Friedman, Michelle Stansfield, Veronica Breckenridge, and Phil Morle, they reveal why 95% of executives are now pursuing bio-solutions and how three converging forces—falling technology costs, rising consumer expectations, and new infrastructure—are making this the moment for biomanufacturing to finally deliver on its promise.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters:(00:00:00) - Why AI might just become our CEO (plus haircuts, Pilates, and gene therapy for hearing loss)(00:02:05) - Eli Lilly's $1B gene therapy deal for hearing loss(00:05:00) - Long Now podcast recommendation and NASA astrobiologist Lynn Rothschild(00:07:00) - Discussion of Apple TV's Scion and Drops of God(00:11:00) - What is biomanufacturing and why does it matter?(00:13:00) - The history of petrochemicals as "green technology"(00:16:00) - The opportunity: removing gigatons of carbon and unlocking trillion-dollar markets(00:19:00) - Types of biomanufacturing: fermentation, precision fermentation, and continuous fermentation(00:22:00) - Cell-free manufacturing and plant cell bioreactors(00:26:00) - Growing products with mycelium and dirty biology approaches(00:29:00) - Why biomanufacturing has been hard: the valley of death(00:30:00) - The biofuels bust and lessons from 60 failed companies(00:34:00) - Infrastructure challenges and the capacity gap(00:36:00) - New solutions: performance over sustainability and the K18 example(00:40:00) - Orchestration beats invention: connecting the entire value chain(00:43:00) - Distributed biomanufacturing and making products from waste(00:48:00) - The bio-better reality: what consumers and CPG companies need(00:51:00) - Three forces converging to make biomanufacturing work now(00:53:00) - Quickfire questions: luxury vs. commodities, funding, and AI's roleLinks and Resources:Links and Resources DOCTopics Covered: biomanufacturing 101, industrial biotechnology, precision fermentation, continuous fermentation, cell-free biomanufacturing, distributed biomanufacturing, dirty biology, bio-based materials, performance vs sustainability, CPG reformulationHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553⁠Instagram⁠  / ⁠Twitter⁠ / ⁠LinkedIn⁠ / ⁠Youtube⁠ / ⁠Grow Everything⁠Music by: Nihilore Production by:  Amplafy Media

Will Nitze went from selling Linsanity T-shirts in his college dorm to building IQ Bar into a $125 million brain food empire—with just a team of ten people. No bloated headcount. No burning through VC cash. Just ruthless focus on unit economics and a contrarian approach to funding that let him scale aggressively while maintaining control. In this interview, the founder and CEO of IQ Bar breaks down how he turned a $73,000 Kickstarter into one of the fastest-growing CPG brands in America, why he believes bootstrapping is the worst thing you can do in food and beverage, and the exact moment—five years in—when he knew this could be a massive company. From cracking Costco and Whole Foods to reinventing the business over ten times, this episode is a masterclass in hyper-lean growth, retail strategy, and building a company like a knife fight. What you'll learn in this interview: • Why bootstrapping is the worst thing you can do in CPG • Will's contrarian fundraising strategy: raising less money, more often to maintain control • How he raised just under $10 million while still controlling the company • The exact moment, five years in, when he knew IQ Bar could be a big company • Why IQ Bar has reinvented its fundamental identity over ten times • How to navigate the cash conversion cycle while scaling physical products • Why retail is the "final boss" for CPG brands, even in the e-commerce era • The strategic shift from DTC to cracking Costco, Whole Foods, Walmart, and Target • Why consumers are less loyal every year and how more touchpoints solve that • How building a personal brand creates a network of category experts By the end of this episode, you'll understand how to scale a physical product business without burning cash, maintain control while raising capital strategically, and build the operational discipline required to survive in one of the toughest industries in the world. If you're building a CPG brand, navigating fundraising decisions, or trying to crack retail while staying lean, this conversation will fundamentally change how you think about growth, control, and category-defining execution. SAVE 50% ON OMNISEND FOR 3 MONTHS Get 50% off your first 3 months of email and SMS marketing with Omnisend with the code FOUNDR50. Just head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://your.omnisend.com/foundr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started. HOW WE CAN HELP YOU SCALE YOUR BUSINESS FASTER Learn directly from 7, 8 & 9-figure founders inside Foundr+ Start your $1 trial → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.foundr.com/startdollartrial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ PREFER A CUSTOM ROADMAP AND 1-ON-1 COACHING? → Starting from scratch? Apply here → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-start-application⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ → Already have a store? Apply here → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://foundr.com/pages/coaching-growth-application⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH NATHAN CHAN Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nathanchan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhchan/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CONNECT WITH WILL NITZE Instagram → https://www.instagram.com//willnitze/ LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-nitze Website → https://iqbar.com/ FOLLOW FOUNDR FOR MORE BUSINESS GROWTH STRATEGIES YouTube → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2uyvzdt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.foundr.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/foundr/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/foundr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitter.com/foundr⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/foundr/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.foundr.com/podcast⁠

In this episode, Ben Goodwin shares the inspiring story behind Olipop, a brand redefining healthier soda options while prioritizing science, quality ingredients, and societal impact. Tune in to learn about innovative formulations, the challenges of scaling a mission-driven company, and the future of health-focused beverages.Topics:The origin of Ben from personal health struggles and entrepreneurial passionHow Ben develops flavors that honor nostalgic tastes while delivering health benefitsThe science behind Ollipop's probiotic and fiber formulationsThe importance of clinical testing and transparent health claimsChallenges and opportunities in scaling a purpose-driven beverage brandThe role of marketing, branding, and consumer trust in a competitive marketFuture trends in health and wellness CPG, including regulatory and scientific standardsPractical advice for entrepreneurs entering the health and wellness space

Tenley Fitzgerald is the VP of Marketing & Brand Strategy at Yes! Apples, a brand bringing marketing, partnerships, and storytelling to family-run orchards in Upstate New York. On this episode of ITS, Tenley and Ali talk brand-thinking, consumer behavior, convincing farmers, retailers and consumers that "apples to apples" is a wild misunderstanding.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gage shares his best practices for attending Natural Products Expo West – the biggest trade show in the United States for the better-for-the-world product industry! Tune in to hear 10 tips for making the most of the show, based on Gage's ~15 years of experience attending Expo West as a brand, packaging, booth, and campaign designer who's helped some of the industry most beloved brands stand out at the show. Tune into the episode or read below for his top tips! You can also download a copy here for easy reference later. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eBpd7dVhxB-30-yPrvQ8Mn8nAar5oYOUx6fX1B3Wevc/edit?usp=sharing. See you at Expo West!1. Define Your Target ROIHave a clear goal and outcomes in mind because the event is what you make it.Rightsize your investment. There's no shame in starting small, like a shared booth, table at StartUp CPG, sampling out of a backpack, etc. Even big brands need to be cautious of their spending because it adds up fast. But if you want to make a big splash, be willing to spend the money on the right opportunity.Aim to have your agenda 60% planned, but 40% flexible, because you never know who might pop up with some exciting and unexpected.2. Plan AheadBook your accommodations early, because everything near the Convention Center fills up quickly and gets very expensive.Find the sessions you want to attend, people you want to meet, and booths you want to visit through the app and social media posts, but also decide what's non-negotiable and what's optional for you, because you will get exhausted/overwhelmed.Make dinner reservations, book event venues, and meeting rooms in advance because there are a ton of competing groups looking for limited time slots.Order all your materials, swag, outfits, etc., well ahead of time because shipping delays happen, and you don't want to be caught empty-handed or paying the steep price to rush reprint in Anaheim.3. Be Clear & CompellingHave your 5-second pitch and main talking points ready, because there are way too many people and not enough time to stumble or be vague.Bring the energy, passion, and vibes because that attracts people to your booth, lifts everyone's spirits, and makes you memorable.Ask lots of questions to get to know people and how you can help each other. It can reveal incredibly powerful information for you both.4. Crush Your BoothMake sure it's clear what you're selling and what makes it special, otherwise your booth is likely to be missed (unless you're drawing attention, see below).Be unique but authentic, have a compelling story or theme for the show, and be engaging and fun as people walk up.Have events or activities at your booth that attract a crowd, and bring enough samples/goodies to go around. Tip: people are drawn to anything that's more than a tiny bite on a toothpick or a generic tote bag.Have a method for politely exiting conversations, like handing them off to an associate or introducing them to another guest, so you can be available when that critical retailer, investor, broker, or press badge arrives.5. Draw AttentionApply for a Nexty, participate in the Pitch Slam, or partner on an innovation with another popular brand. Do things that will make you more visible.Send out press releases, make announcements on social media, and offer the press a unique and exciting story to draw them to your booth.Invite an industry rockstar or celebrity to your booth for a meet and greet.Host a happy hour with a prominent group, like B Corp.6. Connect With Your CommunityAttend events hosted by your membership communities (B Corp, 1% for the Planet, Regenerative Organic, Upcycled, Non-GMO, Fair Trade, Climate Neutral, Climate Collaborative, Naturally Network, Purpose Pledge, Startup CPG, Project Potluck, :INCLUDED, etc.)Post updates in your preferred social channel (pictures, top finds, great insights, events, selfies, etc), tag people, and comment on others' posts! Wear your affiliations (shirts, hats, pins, stickers, lanyards, badges, etc).7. Take Care of YourselfHydrate and eat real food, or at least snack your way to well-balanced meals or your stomach and energy levels will regret it later.Dress comfortably and in layers. You'll be walking a lot, in and out of buildings, and the weather can change quickly. Bonus: dress memorably.Rest your feet and your back whenever you can. They will be sore.Get full nights of sleep when you can, and take some downtime in between things to recharge your batteries and brain.8. Be Brave, Be ActiveMeet people! That's why you're going. Don't just hide in your hotel, your booth, or in your co-worker/friend group. Get out there.Attend happy hours, events, and dinners even if you worked the booth all day, because that's the time to make real human connections.Go talk to that hero, buyer, investor, press, celebrity, etc because that's why they're here, and why you're here.9. Don't Try to Do it AllThe show is way too big to see every booth. Decide what's most important. It can help to pick a theme to focus, like a category, certification, stage of business, etc.There are too many sessions, events, and happy hours. Pick a focus and try to limit your FOMO. Divide and conquer with your team if you can.If you've been going as long as I have, you'll wish you could spend time with all your friends, collaborators, clients, podcast guests, and more… but it's best to be at peace with what you can do instead of worrying about what you can't.10. Follow Through Take notes on business cards, in an app, or wherever works for you because you won't remember every conversation, idea, or to-do item.Digest what you learned, who you met, and how you want to follow up each evening before that information gets too foggy.Make social posts each day, because you'll be too burned out and busy to catch up on social media after the show.Follow up with people during and after the show to solidify that new connection.Links:Natural Products Expo West: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html10 Tips to Crush Expo West Download: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eBpd7dVhxB-30-yPrvQ8Mn8nAar5oYOUx6fX1B3Wevc/edit?usp=sharing. See you at Expo West!…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Expo West Best Practices05:23 Defining Goals and ROI for the Show08:21 Planning Ahead: Accommodations and Sessions10:42 Crafting a Clear and Compelling Message13:05 Maximizing Your Booth's Impact15:59 Drawing Attention and Engaging the Audience16:19 Connecting with Your Community20:40 Self-Care During the Event22:08 Being Brave and Active23:06 Managing Expectations and FOMO25:28 Following Through After the ShowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do CPG brands with strong demand still struggle with cash flow and funding?Growing a CPG brand is not just about demand. It is about timing cash, forecasting correctly, and understanding how growth actually impacts liquidity.Fractional CFO Abby June Richards breaks down why many CPG brands struggle financially even as revenue increases. She explains the hidden risks in retail growth, trade spend, distributor terms, and long cash conversion cycles that do not show up on a standard profit and loss statement.Abby also explains why generic CFO advice and AI-driven financial analysis often fail CPG brands, how founders should think about forecasting across DTC and retail channels, and what investors actually want to see beyond revenue.What You'll Learn:Why growing CPG brands still run out of cashHow to forecast across DTC and retail channelsWhy standard financial reports and AI tools miss key CPG risksThe difference between a bookkeeper, an accountant, and a CFOHow to tell a stronger funding story beyond revenueWhen debt makes sense and when equity is the better moveHow knowing your numbers changes founder confidenceConnect with Abby June Richards:Learn how CPG brands can forecast smarter, manage cash, and prepare for investors: https://www.thecpgcfo.com/Free resource of Know Your Numbers Investor Guide: https://www.thecpgcfo.com/knowyournumbersLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbyjuner/Resources:Connect with IanDownload a Tackle Box!Supercharge your marketing and grow your business with video case stories today!Subscribe to the YouTube Channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How did a drink that was concocted for the 1952 Helsinki Olympic Games find relevance in the U.S. today?    Finnish Long Drink co-founder and CEO Evan Burns explained on the latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast how the gin-based ready-to-drink (RTD) brand has connected with modern consumers through sampling, storytelling and authentic celebrity partnerships.     Burns shared that first-time Long Drink consumers often get "Long Drink Face" – a range of emotions that start with confusion for what the product is, to surprise after they try it, to ultimately delight. That starts a domino effect with the newfound fan turning their friends and spouses on to the product, Burns said. It also opens them up to the story of the cocktail made from gin, grapefruit juice and water more than half a decade ago for Finland's Olympic moment.   During a conversation with Brewbound senior reporter Zoe Licata, Burns emphasized how the Long Drink has stayed true to its citrus roots and isn't a product to be spun off into 30 flavors.    "It's about building brands with soul," he said.   Burns also discussed how a celebrity partnership with actor Miles Teller led to other celebrities organically signing on with the brand, how the Long Drink leverages social media and tips for any CPG brands seeking growth.

In this episode of CPG Insiders, Dr. Mark Young and Justin Girouard tackle one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions in direct-to-consumer marketing: How do you budget for DTC when there is no fixed budget? They explain why traditional retail budgeting models break down in a modern, multi-channel DTC world and why brands must instead focus on cost per acquisition, lifetime customer value, and scalable economics rather than preset annual spend limits. Mark walks through how to calculate customer value across one-time purchases, replenishment products, and subscriptions—and why the brands that win are the ones willing to spend the most to acquire customers while maintaining discipline. The conversation highlights how cash flow timing, manufacturing capacity, market size, and media efficiency all act as real constraints on DTC growth. Using analogies like slot machines vs. vending machines, the episode breaks down how DTC campaigns evolve from unpredictable experimentation into repeatable, scalable systems—and why each new channel resets the learning curve. The episode closes with a candid reminder: while direct-to-consumer CPG offers one of the fastest paths to building massive value, it requires resilience, patience, and a tolerance for risk—along with experienced partners who understand how to navigate constant change.

Magic Spoon is proof that breaking the rules can be the smartest move in CPG. In this episode, co-founder Gabi Lewis breaks down how the premium cereal and snack brand launched – and scaled – in a category most people had already written off. He shares why Magic Spoon anchored on protein and nostalgia from day one, how it made the jump from DTC to national retail without losing profitability, and what actually mattered along the way. Gabi gets candid about product-market fit, pricing, branding, word-of-mouth growth, retail velocity, and the tradeoffs that come with innovation – offering a clear, hard-earned playbook for founders building modern food and beverage brands. Show notes: 0:20: Gabi Lewis, Co-Founder, Magic Spoon – Gabi chats about his Glasgow roots and traces his path into food, and how cooking, fitness, and curiosity ultimately pulled him into entrepreneurship. He discusses his first CPG venture, EXO, a cricket-protein bar brand and reflects on being a young founder who didn't overthink risk. Gabi contrasts early investor reactions to EXO versus Magic Spoon and his belief that consumers still loved cereal emotionally but walked away for health reasons. He breaks down Magic Spoon's core playbook and hype as a downstream effect, the impact of influencer seeding, podcast ads and repeat purchases fueled by limited-edition flavors. Gabi also shares behind-the-scenes lessons on naming the brand, its focus on DTC before retail expansion, pricing strategy, and the constant tradeoffs between taste, nutrition, and ingredient standards. He also shares his long-term vision of building a defining breakfast company and how he finds happiness in high-pressure moments. Brands in this episode: Magic Spoon, EXO, RXBAR, Daniel, Corn Flakes, Frosted Flakes, Honey Smacks, Corn Pops, Lucky Charms

If you're an early-stage CPG founder struggling to raise money, it's probably not your product—it's your pitch list. In this episode we're talking about Why Your First Investor is Also Your Customer. We break down why the right investors are often already fans of your brand and your product, and how to identify those early believers. Make this mindset shift now and stop wasting time in the wrong rooms. Click below and start targeting smarter. Topics Covered; Your first investors are likely to be your customers. Many founders pitch to the wrong people, like VCs. Angel investors are often passionate about the problem you're solving. Lead with pain points, not product features. Finding believers in your product is crucial for early funding. Networking is key; start with personal connections. Ask your network for introductions to potential investors. The investor community is more cautious in uncertain times. Building momentum requires talking to many people. Shift your mindset from seeking investors to finding believers.   About Your Host Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast, where she's on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality! Connect Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/ Subscribe and watch on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@seedmoneypodcast/    Subscribe, Rate, & Review Please rate, follow, and review the podcast on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/seed-money/id1740815877 and https://open.spotify.com/show/0VkQECosb1spTFsUhu6uFY?si=5417351fb73a4ea1/! Hearing your comments and questions helps me come up with the best topics for the show!   Disclaimer The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.

Shaun Belongie is the CEO of New Belgium Brewery. He previously served as VP of Marketing for New Belgium before becoming CMO and then CEO in 2023. Shaun has over 20 years of CPG experience, having managed marketing innovation and brand direction for iconic companies like Nestle Purina and Kraft Foods. He's helped build and maintain New Belgium's human-powered business model as the brand grows and expands, all the while stewarding the brewery's legacy and people-centric culture. Shaun joins Roy to discuss the challenges and opportunities during his journey from CMO to CEO, the differences between working at a large CPG brand versus a smaller, more nimble company, how New Belgium embodies and enacts their foundational values, and much more. Highlights from our conversation include: Shaun's transition from CMO to CEO at New Belgium (3:35)Challenges he's confronted as New Belgium's CEO (6:14)Shaun's experience serving as New Belgium's CMO (9:53)Shaun's perspective on building and shaping culture as CEO (12:09)New Belgium's human-powered business model (14:55)Maintaining authentic values throughout periods of growth (16:16)How his son's health crisis inspired him to think differently about life and leadership (18:35)Leadership lessons that carried over from Shaun's Kraft and Purina days (21:11)How changes in the industry are affecting Shaun's approach to hiring (23:08)Leadership qualities that Shaun seeks in his senior executive team (25:01)How technology fits into his strategic plan (25:48)Guidance he'd offer to somebody early in their career (28:18)What Shaun's most excited about in the future (30:13)Visit HowIHire.com for transcripts and more on this episode.Follow Roy Notowitz and Noto Group Executive Search on LinkedIn for updates and featured career opportunities.Subscribe to How I Hire:AppleSpotifyAmazon

After 15 years of building brands across every category, John Scheer and his partner made a bet that focus would beat breadth and it paid off. In just three years, Herman Scheer doubled their business by going all-in on healthcare, self-care, and wellness branding.In this episode, John breaks down:On Positioning & Niching:Why specialization turned prospects from comparing agencies to making a choiceHow focusing on healthcare eliminated the "comparison game" with dozens of other creative agenciesThe real reason most agencies stay generalists (and why that's a mistake)On Building Healthcare Brands:Working with brands like Ritual, Bobby, and disruptive healthcare startupsWhy "your first 500 customers talk about you more than your next 5,000"—and what that means for brand positioningThe shift in supplement marketing: from benefit-forward to science-backed transparencyOn Industry Evolution:Why AG1's recent efficacy controversy signals a major shift in wellness marketingHow consumers now understand bioavailability and demand proof of resultsBalancing science vs. feeling when selling health productsOn Agency Growth:How bringing on a third partner helped them move upmarket and double revenueThe transition from "taking any creative work" to working with sophisticated businessesMoving from Venice Beach to Cleveland while maintaining cutting-edge wellness workJohn Scheer is Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Herman Scheer, a strategic brand consultancy specializing in healthcare, self-care, and wellness brands. They work with everyone from venture-backed startups to established CPG brands in supplements, fitness, health tech, and healthy food & beverage.ABOUT THE MARKETING FACTOR:Hosted by Austin Dandridge, Creative Director of Cobble Hill (a Pyxl company). Get tactical marketing insights from brand founders and marketing leaders driving real growth.

The Zero100 mailbag is open – and the questions inside reveal what's really keeping supply chain leaders up at night. With a little help from our own agentic AI sorting system, Chief Content Officer Matt Davis, Principal, Research Jenna Fink, and VP, Research Geraint John tackle what they've been hearing from the community. How do you move logistics from dashboards to execution? How do you orchestrate multiple AI agents on the same process? And how do you transform operations when the same people driving change are also keeping everything from falling apart?How to sell a data cleanup project (and the CPG that cut 192 hours of downtime) (02:12) Why procurement is having its AI moment (05:37) The transformation paradox: how do you change while keeping the wheels turning? (08:20) Orchestration: Zero100's word of the year (12:05)The visibility-to-execution gap (and why logistics is lagging) (16:26) Getting agents to actually work together (20:37)

Natasha Chawla spent 25+ years in the corporate world working on brands like Coca-Cola and Unilever before launching Greens&Beans — a line of vegetable-packed, allergen-free pasta sauces born from her own kitchen.What started as a mom's mission to feed her allergy-prone, hockey-playing son healthy meals turned into a full-fledged CPG brand now landing on shelves across British Columbia and beyond.In this episode, Natasha shares the real journey: the R&D nightmare of scaling from 10 litres to 300 (when her sauce turned into dessert), the pivot from glass bottles to shelf-stable pouches for e-commerce, and the hard lesson that getting into a store is only half the battle — you still have to sell it.Kenny and Phil also dig into the practical side of growing a food brand the right way: why training your distributor matters, how to pace your retail pipeline so you don't outgrow your co-packer, and the power of collaboration with complementary brands.Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, this conversation is packed with real talk about what it actually takes to get a sauce from your kitchen to the shelf.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Jenny Stanley, Founder of Appetite Creative, explains how connected packaging is transforming products into digital engagement channels. From QR codes and Digital Product Passports to data-driven marketing and post-purchase experiences, she shares real campaign insights, best practices, and emerging trends shaping retail and CPG. Discover how brands are using packaging to build loyalty, gather first-party data, and create meaningful two-way conversations with consumers.Jenny's Most Meaningful Songs:“Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqCo3fr8-OM“Rolling in the Deep” by Adele: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CigMPtm4FM“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk3XycambgIMister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and products with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data.Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Y'all know I love creative intersections between the CPG industry and Hip-Hop culture. And this newest Bobbie marketing campaign with Cardi B is slick. Playing off the famous Lil' Wayne “Weezy F baby and the F is for…” lines, I guess the “B” in Cardi B is for Bobbie. Though, the marketing campaign goes deeper than that. After expressing her frustrations (and struggles) around breastfeeding during a livestream, the purpose-driven organic infant feeding company, Bobbie, hopes Cardi B can bring her signature unfiltered confidence to a generation of parents navigating feeding choices amid a worsening maternal health crisis.

In this episode, I talk with John Ferrante from EO Space about how high-growth CPG brands find white space, build emotional differentiation, and use packaging as a true growth lever. We break down why functional claims are no longer enough, how standout brands earn attention and convert on shelf and on social, and what founders should focus on when positioning their product to win in competitive categories.Perfect for CPG founders rethinking branding, packaging, and long-term growth.Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

Send us a textOnce Upon a Farm went public, and the stock jumped. But this isn't the standard path for a consumer brand.In this episode of Market Outsiders, Jenny Rae and Namaan examine why a single-brand baby food company chose an IPO instead of selling to a large CPG player - and what role Jennifer Garner's involvement really plays in that decision.We break down the business fundamentals behind the headlines, from refrigerated supply chains to retailer economics, and question how much of the early momentum can translate into long-term scale.The episode closes with what comes next - and whether this business is built to stay public.We cover:Why this IPO breaks the usual consumer brand playbookThe real economics behind refrigerated, organic consumer productsHow celebrity-backed trust does - and doesn't - scale over timeA clear-eyed look at IPO strategy, consumer economics, and where this bet could break.Chapters:00:00 – Why This IPO Is Different02:30 – What Is Once Upon a Farm?05:20 – The Jennifer Garner Effect09:10 – Refrigerated Food Economics13:40 – Retail Shelf Space and Margins17:30 – Why IPO Instead of Selling21:40 – Losses, Growth, and Valuation25:40 – How This Business Scales29:40 – What Comes NextConnect With Management Consulted Schedule free 15min consultation with the MC Team. Watch the video version of the podcast on YouTube! Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and industry insights! Join an upcoming live event - case interviews demos, expert panels, and more. Email us (team@managementconsulted.com) with questions or feedback.

A $400 million exit and a reputational reckoning in wellness put this episode of Taste Radio on edge, as the team dissects Bachan's blockbuster acquisition and the fallout facing brands tied to wellness guru Peter Attia. The conversation also spotlights Solely's growth strategy in an interview with Manish Amin, VP of marketing for the fast-growing organic fruit snack brand. Show notes: 0:23: Many Meetups. Marzetti's Move. Attia Outta Here. Will Shat? DKB, MDS, MHH. – The hosts preview Taste Radio's packed year of networking events and live podcast meetups, kicking off in Miami. The hosts turn their attention to Marzetti's $400 million acquisition of Bachan's, examining how the Japanese barbecue sauce brand emerged as a standout CPG success story. They also dive into tougher conversations around reputational risk following recent revelations involving wellness influencer Peter Attia. Ray teases a surprising celebrity partnership between William Shatner and Raisin Bran, before the hosts spotlight new products from Dave's Killer Bread, Mid-Day Squares, Tama Tea, Tart Beverages, and Mike's Hot Honey Syrup. 28:16: Interview: Manish Amin, VP of Marketing, Solely – Ray sits down with Manish at the recent Naturally San Diego event to discuss Solely's mission and product lineup. Manish shares the brand's focus and positioning, emphasizing a commitment to genuinely good-for-you, great-tasting products. He also highlights Solely's role in pushing the broader snack industry toward cleaner labels and better ingredients. Brands in this episode: Solely, Bachan's, Marzetti, Olive Garden, Chick-fil-A, Buffalo Wild Wings, Arby's, Subway, Texas Roadhouse, New York Bakery, Sister Schubert's, AG1, Magic Spoon, LMNT, David Protein, Kellogg's Raisin Bran, Smart Bran, Dave's Killer Bread, Mid-Day Squares, Tama Tea, Tart, Mike's Hot Honey, Jolly Rancher, Red Hots, Absolut Vodka, Tabasco

Celebrities are everyday people just like us and should never be placed on a pedestal. Well, unless their oftentimes mysterious financial involvement within the dietary supplement industry is being investigated. Welcome back to Part 3! And I bet even my most avid audience members are scratching their heads (in confusion), as it's been what feels like a lifetime since my last update in 2021. But I get it…in that timeframe, the celebrity brand playbook has been completely rewritten. We aren't just looking at celebrities as being "faces" of a product anymore…we've seen a massive shift toward talent-led brands where celebrities are literally taking a seat in the boardroom. Today, three-quarters of Americans take dietary supplements…but the trend has moved beyond basic vitamins and into functional foods, functional beverages, and bidirectional beauty products. Also, success is now driven by digital platforms and community connection rather than traditional ads…as it's no longer just about looking like your favorite celebrity; it's about living like them. And over the last five years, talent-led CPG brands positioned across the categorical intersections of functional foods, functional beverages, bidirectional beauty, and dietary supplements…have surpassed several billion dollars in annual retail sales. Likewise, celebrities have continued to pour billions into these supplement industry offshoots…arguably cementing it as the official net worth growth frontier for the A-list. But for this third installment…I've uncovered a dozen more celebrities who have quietly built (or invested into) the massive supplement empires you know (and love), including Kourtney Kardashian, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Travis Kelce, Jennifer Lopez, Steve Aoki, Zac Efron, Cameron Diaz, Halle Berry, Marisa Tomei, Joe Rogan, and Bella Hadid.

Holly shares her journey as a nutritional scientist and formulating chemist, and how that experience led her to develop JostArriba, an instant coffee with added brain health and mental well-being benefits. We discuss the nootropic and adaptogen ingredients, like Reishi, Lions Mane, Ashwagandha, and L-Theanine, and how Holly obsessed over not just the functionality of the ingredients, but how the final product tastes. She then talks about the formation of her brand, Eightbillion, and the rigorous process of becoming a Certified B Corp, which reflects her commitment to ethical practices and community support. We wrap up by talking about her vision for the future of the company, her advice for fellow impact-driven entrepreneurs, and how a better world is one in which everybody is nicer, kinder, calmer, and feeling better about themselves and others. Try it for yourself. Get 20% Off with promo/coupon code: GAGE. - https://eightbillion.com/GageTakeaways:Coffee often comes with negative side effects, like jitteriness, heart palpitations, upset stomach, and more.Holly decided to solve that problem, by formatting a coffee product with beneficial nootropic and adaptogen ingredients.Nootropics just means something that we eat or drink to help us our brain, our cognition, our focus.Adaptogens are a food that we consume to help our body and our mind to cope with stress better.JostArriba has nootropics and adaptogens, which help with cognition, memory, focus, stress, anxiety, and also quality of sleep.Mushroom coffee's often have a strange taste and gritty texture, but JostArriba dissolves fully and tastes great.It took a couple of years for Eightbillion to become a Certified B Corp.Eightbillion supports EatReal, bringing healthy and sustainable food to schools, through their 1% for the Planet commitment.Their single serving packaging is made from plant sources and is 100% compostable.Sound bites:“Our mantra is drink good, feel good, and do good.”"Profitability is not enough. Sustainability and making an impact and having a purpose. It really drives me every day.”“Without brain health, without mental wellness, nothing matters, and nothing is sustainable.”"Life shouldn't be a struggle. It shouldn't be something that we have to fight for. It should be a natural state that as a result of our first morning drink and all the decisions that we make consequently."“Hopefully, Eightbillion is a community where people can come and can share, can learn and exchange their life stories and exchange their passions and exchange their impacts.”“There's never enough resources. There's never enough hours of a day. There's never enough people to work with.”“I'm just excited about this journey and wherever it takes us.”"I have great mentors, full transparency. I'm not doing this all by myself."Links:Holly Xing on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyxing8b/Eightbillion - https://eightbillion.com/Eightbillion on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eightbillionplanet/Eightbillion on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eightbillionplanet/Eightbillion on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drinkeightbillionEightbillion on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drinkeightbillion…Eat Real - https://eatreal.org/…The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, Book by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements/The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery, Book by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-fifth-agreement/…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Holly and Eightbillion.com07:49 Understanding Nootropics and Adaptogens12:06 The Coffee Dilemma: Caffeine vs. Health22:57 Ingredients of JostArriba: A Deep Dive30:40 The Role of Ashwagandha and Other Key Ingredients35:38 The Power of Kindness37:10 Customer Transformations and Emotional Connections39:10 The B-Corp Journey43:43 Building a Sustainable Brand49:25 Commitment to Sustainable Packaging54:53 Vision for a Better FutureSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Daniel Scharff, founder of Startup CPG, joins the Grow Everything podcast to share how he built the world's largest community for emerging consumer brands. With 35,000 members in their Slack channel and over 75 in-person events annually, Startup CPG is democratizing access to retail buyers, investors, and industry resources that would typically cost founders thousands in consulting fees. Daniel discusses the harsh realities of CPG entrepreneurship—including why only 20-25% of brands survive beyond a few years—and shares his playbook for success: prioritize great branding and taste over health claims, build scrappy and resourceful, and delay fundraising until you can command a meaningful valuation. He reveals patterns he's observed across thousands of brands, from the danger of copycat products in oversaturated categories (looking at you, chili crisps and prebiotic sodas) to the power of in-person connections for discovering innovation. Daniel also explains why Startup CPG operates on a "do good, do well" model, offering free resources to brands while building a sustainable business through sponsorships and events—and why he believes this approach could transform other industries beyond CPG.Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Chapters:(00:00:00) - Fancy Weekends, Le Bernardin, and the Met(00:03:00) - Drops of God Season 2 and Art at the Met(00:06:00) - Automatic Noodle Book Discussion(00:09:00) - Claude Bot and AI Tools for Content Creation(00:13:00) - Introducing Daniel Scharff and Startup CPG(00:16:00) - Daniel's Journey from Mars to Just Egg to Startup CPG(00:21:00) - Building the World's Largest CPG Community(00:27:00) - Patterns of Success and Failure in CPG Brands(00:33:00) - What Makes Products Stand Out: Innovation vs. Copycats(00:38:00) - The Role of Biology and Health Claims in CPG(00:42:00) - Why In-Person Events Still Matter in a Digital World(00:50:00) - The Startup CPG Podcast and Media Platform(00:54:00) - Fundraising Strategies: When to Raise and How Much(01:00:00) - Quick Fire Questions with Daniel(01:03:00) - Final Thoughts and Wrap-UpLinks and Resources:Startup CPGStartup CPG Formulator DirectoryStartup CPG ResourcesNoguchi's Waterstone at the METAutomatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz166. The Great Reformulation: Joshua Lachter Rethinks How We Make Everything at Scale165. Biology Behind the Brands: Inside P&G's Two-Century Story164. From Plasmids to Pallets: How Erin Marasco Scales Biology at CargillTopics Covered: CPG, consumer packaged goods, startups, community, Startup CPG, innovationHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram  / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow EverythingMusic by: Nihilore Production by:  Amplafy Media

COTTO's founder sold out her initial production run in 30 minutes by building her audience first. Use her social media techniques to validate demand before you're ready to sell. Subscribe and watch Shopify Masters on YouTube!Sign up for your FREE Shopify Trial here.

Griffin Spolansky is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mezcla, the protein bar brand known for its bold flavors and distinctive “puff-crispy” texture. On this episode of ITS, Griffin and Ali talk about the bar category, getting partners to bet on your brand, and keeping your business as simple as possible.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey, packaging fam! Adam Peek!I just had a total “fanboy” moment listening back to this conversation between my good friend Tom Seymour and the absolute powerhouse that is Jessica Kwong. If you aren't following Jessica yet, fix that immediately. She's a Cornell food scientist turned founder who is literally redefining what's possible in the CPG space with Jack & Friends Jerky and Moka Energy.Tom and Jessica go deep on the “behind the scenes” of the founder journey—the stuff that isn't always pretty but is totally necessary.Check out the show notes below for the highlights!Episode Highlights: Beyond the Dieline with Jessica KwongThe Origin Story: From Food Science to FounderJessica didn't just wake up and decide to make jerky. Her journey started at Cornell University, where she led product development teams and entered national competitions. The inspiration for Jack & Friends actually came from a personal place: her father developed severe food allergies later in life.“I saw firsthand how difficult it was for him to essentially upend his whole lifestyle... I wanted to make his life easier and find a solution for him.” — Jessica KwongThe “Unfiltered” Founder RealityOne of the most refreshing parts of this episode is the honesty about the early days. Jessica talks about:* The 3 AM Kitchen Shifts: Working the most affordable (and most exhausting) shifts in commercial kitchens to bootstrap the brand.* DIY Design Woes: Designing her first packaging in Photoshop, only to realize (at 2 AM!) that professional packaging requires vector artwork in Illustrator.* The NYT “High-Low”: Getting featured in the New York Times was a massive win, but it also meant hand-packing orders for four straight weeks to meet the demand.Packaging & Partnerships: The Secret SauceAs a packaging guy, I loved hearing Jessica talk about her refresh with Wagon Design Studio. She emphasizes the importance of custom-printed packaging from the start.* Pro Tip: Don't be the “most expensive label applicator” by doing it all yourself. Custom printing looks more professional and saves you time to work on your business, not in it.* The Power of “My Bad”: In manufacturing, things will go wrong. Jessica and Tom discuss how the best partners are the ones who own their mistakes and work to fix them immediately, rather than “ducking and covering”.What's Next? Moka EnergyJessica isn't stopping at jerky. She's also a co-founder of Moka Energy, applying everything she learned from Jack & Friends to a new category. It's a testament to the power of a “village” of proven operators coming together to build something great.Connect with Jessica & Tom* Jack & Friends: jackandfriendsjerky.com* Moka Energy: mokaenergy.com* Tom Seymour: Follow him on LinkedIn for more Beyond the Dieline episodes!* Jessica Kwon: Connect on LinkedInWant more content like this? Make sure you're following me on LinkedIn and over on TikTok @thelabelking. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.packagingisawesome.com

In this episode of Marketing Happy Hour, we're sitting down with Jackie Widmann, the SVP of Marketing and Commercial at BERO Brewing, to go behind the scenes of one of the buzziest names in the non-alcoholic space. Recorded fresh off the heels of Dry January 2026, Jackie breaks down the intensive, months-long planning required to own the "Super Bowl" of the non-alc industry. We dive deep into the transition from a high-energy brand launch to the sustainable "brand-building" phase, exploring how BERO stays agile while scaling globally. From the strategic selection of experiential activations to the power of community panels in a crowded market, Jackie shares her 11+ years of expertise on how to turn a culturally relevant trend into a lasting premium brand.Key Takeaways:// The Dry January Timeline: Why planning for the non-alc industry's biggest month starts months in advance and how to execute a campaign-level strategy that cuts through the noise.// Post-Launch Evolution: How to pivot your marketing strategy once the initial "newness" wears off and focus on long-term optimization.// Agility in Leadership: Jackie's secrets to keeping a marketing team motivated and nimble during the shift from "launch mode" to "growth mode."// The Experiential Filter: A look at BERO's 2025 strategy and the specific criteria used to decide which events are worth the investment.// Credibility via Community: How to use panels and community-building to establish trust and authority as a newcomer in a highly competitive CPG category.// Translating Trends: How to identify cultural shifts and turn them into compelling brand expressions that drive actual conversion.Connect with Jackie: LinkedInLearn more about BERO: Website____Join the MHH Collective! The MHH Collective is a community for marketers and business owners to connect, ask real questions, and grow their careers together. Join for access to live Q&As with industry experts, a private Slack community, and ongoing resources: https://www.marketinghappyhr.com/mhh-collectiveSay hi! DM us on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - We can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. ⁠Join the MHH Collective: ⁠Join now⁠Get the latest marketing trends, open jobs and MHH updates, straight to your inbox: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our email list!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow MHH on Social: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Dear BellRing Brands board of directors…please consider this my formal submission for your open CEO position! BellRing Brands (NYSE: BRBR) is a portfolio that owns a collection of convenient nutrition brands like Premier Protein and Dymatize Nutrition, which was previously wholly-owned by Post Holdings. A fast-paced and busy lifestyle is pushing consumers to switch to quick and healthy meal options. This has resulted in above average categorical growth rates and increased household penetration of RTD protein shakes that promote active lifestyles. Additionally, powders are becoming more mainstream, and category proliferation has created an environment where more consumers are purchasing both every day and performance nutrition positioned protein products at grocery stores and mass retailers. Bellring Brands reported 2026 Q1 net sales of $537.3 million, which was up 0.8% YoY. Premier Protein (~85% of BellRing Brands total revenue) declined 1.2% YoY, resulting from mostly incremental promotions lowering net pricing. Dymatize Nutrition was up 15.8% YoY, stemming from strong volume growth (particularly across international markets). Moreover, I provide deep dives into Premier Protein RTD protein shakes business activity, along with examining similar metrics surrounding the protein powders from Premier Protein and Dymatize Nutrition. But my latest first principles content piece will end with a "formal" submission for the upcoming open CEO position, as Darcy Davenport has decided to retire, effective upon whichever is earlier…the appointment of a new CEO or the end its fiscal year 2026. And most will scoff at my boldness thinking I can run a multibillion-dollar public company…but double-check those receipts because I'd put my very public “visionary field notes” up against anyone regarding BellRing Brands and the larger “wellness CPG” market dynamics. Although more so than anything…I recognized early that what got Premier Protein here, won't get it there (with “there” being an independent public company with $4 billion in net sales heading into fiscal year 2030). So, I'll provide future-proofing details on what would arguably be my three most-critical forward-looking strategic initiatives as the new CEO of BellRing Brands. Firstly, as the popularity of protein pushes the macronutrient into top-of-mind status (arguably creating more purchasing impulsivity), I must re-position Premier Protein for this marketplace shift. Secondly, Premier Protein cannot (and should not) become an “everything to everyone” brand. Thirdly, I must hedge against the reality that our protein powder emulsion beverages, which are essentially my entire business, might not be the market's most desirable consumption experience going forward (and will be foundationally replaced by ultra-filtered milk).

John Cymbal, co-founder and chief marketing officer for Molly’s Grape & Citrus Co., explains how ditching the commodity mindset for a CPG strategy is helping the brand win over consumers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What will value really mean for food and beverage in 2026? On the latest episode of Retail Sound Bites, Barry Thomas and Rachel Dalton sit down with Brian Choi, CEO of The Food Institute, to unpack the forces reshaping the industry, including deeply value‑obsessed consumer to the rise of challenger brands and experience‑led innovation.

What if one hour of creative testing beats a month of ad spend? In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Daniela Bolzmann, Founder of MindfulGoods.co, who leads a boutique Amazon creative studio that helps seven- and eight-figure CPG and DTC brands turn product pages into high-converting brand experiences. Known for running hundreds of split tests and publishing aggregate metrics, she shows where creative focus delivers outsized conversion gains. In this conversation, Daniela breaks down the three highest-impact tests, why brand-driven storytelling wins on Amazon, and how shifting a slice of ad budget into creative can unlock rapid lift. Key Takeaways:→ What brand-specific storytelling looks like on a PDP.→ Why it's vital to have the right title, images, image stacks, and content.→ How to make your main image drive clicks. → How ongoing split tests compound results across SKUs. → The importance of going all in with conviction. Daniela Bolzmann is the Founder of MindfulGoods.co, the go-to creative studio for Amazon brands. As a featured speaker at Amazon Accelerate 2024, she is a leading expert in Amazon optimization and supports hundreds of eCommerce brands in doubling and tripling their sales on Amazon through creative content that converts. Connect With Daniela:Website: https://mindfulgoods.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielabolzmann/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dbolzmann/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danielabolzmann

In this episode, Jake Karls—co‑founder of Mid‑Day Squares—reveals how a small snack made in a Montreal condo kitchen grew into a retail powerhouse now found in more than 10,000 stores across North America. He breaks down the storytelling‑driven strategy that helped them build community before hitting shelves, the decision to manufacture their own product when no co‑packer could match their vision, and the city‑by‑city retail expansion model that allowed them to scale without losing momentum. Jake also shares how the brand navigated the global cocoa crisis, why innovation led them to launch their new PB&J product now taking off at Target, and what every CPG founder needs to understand about attention, velocity, and building real relationships with retailers. This is a raw, honest, high‑energy masterclass in modern brand building and the realities of winning in today's retail landscape.  

In this episode, Mike sits down with Rachel Konrad, former head of communications at Impossible Foods and now a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, to talk about the state of alternative protein and where Impossible lost its way. Drawing on her experience as the company's first communications hire, Konrad argues that Impossible's biggest mistake wasn't market headwinds but a strategic shift away from its original biotech ambition toward a conventional CPG playbook. Mike and Rachel discuss founder vision, venture capital incentives, and the missed opportunity to license core technology to major food brands. They also discuss what a real turnaround would require if Impossible hopes to reclaim its original mission and relevance in the future of food Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summary In this episode bvc of Essential Ingredients, Justine Reichman speaks with Cindy Anderson, founder of Manny's Choice, about her journey in creating gluten-free products based on European heritage wheat. Cindy shares her personal health challenges, including a battle with breast cancer and gluten intolerance, which inspired her to seek clean, nutritious ingredients. The conversation explores the importance of community support for entrepreneurs, the future of clean eating, and the challenges of sustainable packaging in the food industry. Cindy emphasizes the need for transparency in food sourcing and the growing trend towards health-conscious consumer choices. Takeaways Cindy's journey began with a personal health crisis. The concept of 'good gluten' is based on European heritage wheat. Clean ingredients are essential for health and wellness. Community support is vital for entrepreneurs. Perseverance is key in overcoming business challenges. Listening to your instincts can guide decision-making. The food industry is moving towards clean and sustainable practices. Cindy emphasizes the importance of transparency in food sourcing. Future trends will focus on health-conscious consumers. Manny's Choice is expanding its product line to meet consumer needs.   Sound bites "I can't pronounce half of these things." "Believe in your instincts." "I need the CPG community." "Clean eating is going to be the big trend." "We have a special 10% off everything."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Essential Ingredients Podcast 00:24 Meet Cindy Anderson and Manny's Choice 01:19 The Concept of 'Good Gluten' and Its Origins 02:46 Cindy's Personal Journey with Health and Nutrition 06:00 The Challenges of Finding Clean Ingredients 10:12 Lessons for Aspiring Founders 12:33 The Importance of Community in Business 17:01 Future Trends in Clean Eating and Food Innovation 20:10 Sustainability in Packaging and Business Practices 22:21 Upcoming Products and Innovations from Manny's Choice   Keywords Manny's Choice, gluten-free, clean eating, food innovation, sustainability, health, nutrition, entrepreneurship, community, European wheat  

Yep - we are at the start of a new world - a world where AI is going to be 'even bigger than the internet'. And as the leaders of challenger brands in CPG, we've gotta lean in. In this episode of Brand Growth Heroes, I'm joined by one of my oldest and best friends, Paul Adams, CPO & Marketing at a multi-billion dollar company, Intercom AND he is building Fin.ai. If you're not in 'Tech' you may not have heard of him, but Paul Adams is one of the world's most prominent tech product designers, researchers, and authors -  recognised as one of the world's leading thinkers on the the intersection between humans and technology... and now between humans, commercialisation and AI.... amongst many other aspects of tech that most of us are not even privy to!  Described as "one of Silicon Valley's most wanted", he's also one of my closest friends, and I can't tell you how proud we are of the young man who rocked up to live with us in Balham in 2002 to work at Dyson, his very first job. After only a few years he was poached by Facebook, where he made the platform 'mobile' and then Google, where he worked on making Gmail, Google and YouTube mobile too. It was while working for these behemoths that he moved to San Francisco with his wife Jennifer, who's one of my three besties (Love you, Jen), and became globally renowned on the Tech speaker scene. In this episode, Paul argues that AI isn't just another new channel or tool. It's a platform shift on the scale of the internet and potentially bigger. We talk about why the moment we're in feels eerily similar to 1999, why marketing is getting less effective across the board, and why the brands that win next will look very different to the ones that won the last cycle.A bit more background on Paul:"Most Wanted" Status (2011): Paul Adams was highlighted by Fortune as a highly sought-after talent in Silicon Valley following his significant contributions to major tech firms.Google (Social Research): At Google, he led the social research team, and his work directly influenced the creation of "Circles," which became the foundational feature of Google+. He also worked on Gmail, YouTube, and mobile products.Facebook (Brand Experience): He later joined Facebook as the Global Brand Experience Manager, where he focused on research, design, and product strategy, working with marketers and advertising agencies.Intercom (Product Strategy): He joined Intercom as VP of Product in 2014, later becoming the Chief Product Officer.Thought Leadership: Adams is the author of Grouped: How Small Groups of Friends are the Key to Influence on the Social Web. His work on "The Real Life Social Network" is widely recognized as one of the most viewed presentations on the evolution of social networks.Background: Before his time in tech, he worked as a product designer at Dyson, where he designed electronic appliances. Current Status: As of September 2023, he was working as the Chief Product Officer at Intercom, focusing on product strategy in the age of AI.This isn't a tactical 'AI' for the sake of AI episode. It's a big-picture conversation about what's actually changing, what's already changed, and what brand builders need to understand to stay relevant over the next decade. it was this conversation that made me set up a buzzing new community called NextGen CPG -  a community for AI-native founders.   Take a look and see if you're eligible to join us hereUseful linksConnect with Paul Adams on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauladams/Connect with Intercom The #1 AI Agent https://www.linkedin.com/company/intercom/Join the NextGen CPG WhatsApp community and LinkedIn page ============================================================Thanks to Brand Growth Heroes' podcast sponsor - Joelson, the commercial law firm=============================================================If you're a founder, you already know how much of your energy goes into building the perfect product, creating standout branding and connecting with your consumers.But don't forget that scaling a CPG business also comes with a maze of legal complexities that can make or break your business journey. From contracts, term sheets and regulatory compliance to protecting your brand's intellectual property as you expand, it's essential to get it right.And that starts with the right legal partner.So we're thrilled to introduce you to Joelson, a leading commercial law firm that specialises in guiding the founders of scaling CPG brands, as Brand Growth Heroes' sponsor.With long-term relationships with clients like Little Moons, Trip, Eat Natural, Bear Graze, and Pulsin, Joelson is also famous for advising the innocent founders in their landmark sale to Coca-Cola! As a female team, we are especially impressed by Joelson's commitment to championing female founders in CPG.Not many law firms are also BCorps, nor do they specialise in helping founders navigate the legal challenges of scaling without stifling the creativity and momentum that got you here in the first place. So thanks, Joelson—we're delighted to have you on board for the second year running.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com==============================================.Please don't hesitate to join our Brand Growth Heroes community to stay updated with captivating stories and learnings from your beloved brands on their path to success!Follow us on our Brand Growth Heroes socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.Thanks to our Sound Engineer, Gyp Buggane, Ballagroove.com and podcast producer/content creator, Kathryn Watts, Social KEWS.

Points of discussion:1. Acquired2. How we built the Cold Drinking Beer brand3. How we refreshed Ore Dock's brand4. How we refreshed Fernson's packaging-Learn more at: www.craftbeerrebranded.com / http://www.beyondbeerbook.com-Have a topic or question you'd like us to field on the show? Shoot it our way: hello@cododesign.com-Join 9,500+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

As one form of cultural capital is democratized, “the elite” promptly establish a new (less accessible) social asset. Therefore, what could it mean across the CPG landscape after GLP-1s made thinness no longer a pursuit of rarity? And while I recently shared a short-form content piece on this topic, it was not nearly enough time to properly assess massive opportunities emerging from this social phenomenon. Either way, my hope is to expand (while also simplifying) a messy sociology and economics intersection that blends elements of the “leisure class theory” and the concept of social distinction (along with) my own first principles thinking. The result? Optimistically, you'll clearly see the beginning of an enormous (potentially multi-decade long) structural realignment of consumer demand, as this new “Age of Ozempic” era is facilitating a "measuring stick" shift (with thinness commoditized) and strength (defined by lean muscle and metabolic health) elevating into the ultimate social status. But consumer surveys still show most Americans are interested in losing weight. So, why are “the elite” changing the social distinction game…even as the previous one still feels mostly inaccessible to a broader population? Whether analyzing over a 100 million annual BMI classifications, taking notice of recent CDC data involving adult obesity rates, or noticing that calories consumed per capita is declining…it appears obesity has peaked in the United States. However, that societal trend alone isn't the culprit. Instead, its centers around how GLP-1 medications have become this sort of "social technology," rapidly moving thinness from a result of extreme discipline (and/or maybe rare genetics) to a broadly accessible pharmaceutical outcome. So, because GLP-1s often cause significant muscle loss, maintaining a "strong" physique now requires a level of investment that the drugs alone cannot provide. Accordingly, muscle mass serves as a signal of disposable income, time, and agency over one's schedule, as it requires resistance training and specific nutritional regimens that are harder to sustain than medication alone. Hence, the new social distinction isn't just about weight, but the biological quality of the body…with strength now framed as a “critical measure of health.” And the CPG industry has also been strategically repositioning itself to sell this new social distinction. And that's obviously the sector lens I primarily utilized when making the comment about “then you probably need to learn more about what I've dubbed the foundational triad of muscle health” within my beforementioned short-form content. Although (in all honesty) just recognizing protein, creatine, and HMB could (very) likely grow their relevance (and inclusion) even further within the various categorical intersections across packaged foods, beverages, and dietary supplements…probably isn't a compelling enough insight, right? Nonetheless, what happens when a sizable share of the CPG industry strategically repositions themselves to (more obviously) sell this new social distinction? It appears this new “Age of Ozempic” era is facilitating a "measuring stick" shift (with thinness commoditized) and strength (defined by lean muscle and metabolic health) elevating into the ultimate social status, which should trigger a multi-decade “muscle health revolution” (effectively putting consumers in a trillion-dollar productized chokehold)!

Why do talented new hires often destroy value instead of creating it? Matt Putra, founder of EightX and a fractional CFO for 8-figure brands, argues that "profitability is a human problem," not a math problem. In this interview, he explains how misaligned teams create operational drag and how he helps companies save millions (like a recent $1.5M inventory win) by fixing communication rather than just tweaking spreadsheets. Matt and Sean also dive deep into the future of AI in business, debating whether we are heading toward a "Utopia" with Universal Basic Income or a total economic collapse. They discuss Sean's experience "Vibe Coding" a SaaS product using AI, the risks of buying a business versus starting one, and why an "irrational belief in oneself" is the most important trait for success. Check out the company: https://eightx.co

Are popular OnlyFans creators and/or adult film stars too spicy for the CPG industry? While crossover attempts have been occurring for decades, a significant cultural shift…where the line between adult entertainment and mainstream influence is increasingly blurred, has more commonly allowed performers to achieve a different kind of celebrity and control over their careers. Though, beyond noticing a few “adult performers” utilized in marketing campaigns for vice categories like alcoholic beverages, illicit substances, or even certain dietary supplement categories…stodgy industry gatekeepers have kept deeper involvement (what appears to be) quite low. And maybe the best recent example happened after Urban Decay (a beauty brand popular with teens) recruited an explicit content creator, as global cosmetics giant L'Oréal faced public outcry…even though Ari Kytsya has a dual online persona producing hair and makeup tutorials for millions of social media followers.

This week we chat everything CPG! The start of trade show season is around the corner, category reviews are in full swing and are we in peak innovation?

What if the future of wellness marketing is simply… not trying so hard? In this episode, the hosts explore how mission-driven CPG brands are moving beyond preachy messaging and into a new era of modern moderation, one rooted in balance, authenticity, and consumer trust.  Plus, we sit down with beverage industry veteran Kevin Klock, who's back in the game as the co-founder and CEO of moringa-infused brand Orange Toucan, and Keegan Fong, the founder of Woon, a culture-forward pantry brand inspired by a family's beloved Chinese restaurants. Show notes: 0:25: MIA. Done Dry. Don't Lecture Me. A Good "Bully." Pop The Top. Too Much Tallow? Boop Me. – The team promotes an upcoming Miami meetup on February 18th at Casa La Rubia, encouraging founders to bring product samples. They also discuss how consumer attitudes around Dry January and wellness marketing are shifting away from rigid "all-or-nothing" messaging toward balance, moderation, and authenticity. The hosts shift to product samplings, including a new line of spirit-free canned cocktails, a brand of coffee beans with explosive packaging, beef tallow tortilla chips, BFY instant soups, protein shots, and corn snacks flavored with Vietnamese coffee. 19:58: Interview: Kevin Klock, Co-Founder & CEO, Orange Toucan – Kevin Klock shares the origins of Orange Toucan and his partnership with co-founders Rob Snell and Sandy Wheeler, creator of Bowflex. He explains how the moringa-infused beverages, blended with ginger and turmeric, are designed to support inflammation reduction and blood sugar management, highlighting Wheeler's own experience with the products. Klock also discusses the brand's approach to consumer education through online channels and trusted influencers. 28:11: Interview: Keegan Fong, Founder, Woon – Keegan explains the meaning of "Woon" and how the brand took shape during the COVID pandemic. He discusses Woon's growth to more than 500 stores nationwide, with products like Mama's Way hot sauce, a versatile stir-fry sauce, and other pantry staples. Keegan also shares how building an online following helped fuel retail expansion and create a full-circle brand experience connecting the restaurant and packaged goods. Brands in this episode: Recess, Athletic Brewing, Zevia, Red Bull, Bully Boy Distillers, Pretentious Coffee, Blue Bottle, Manchas, Long Weekend, The Cumin Club, Green & Sunny, Shooka Sauce, Boop, Chilly Water, Like Air, Copper Cow  

Joshua Lachter, co-founder of Synonym, joins us for an in-depth conversation about the future of biomanufacturing and what he calls "the great reformulation." We explore how biology is poised to replace petrochemicals across industries, the infrastructure challenges holding back commercial scale production, and why standardization is critical for mass adoption. Joshua shares insights from Synonym's work building commercial biomanufacturing facilities, including their groundbreaking project in Decatur, Illinois. From GLP-1s to microplastics, we discuss how bio-based products can deliver superior performance while addressing health and environmental concerns. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in the commercialization of industrial biotech, the economics of biomanufacturing, and the path toward a reformulated supply chain built on biology.(00:00:00) - Snowstorm updates from NYC(00:03:00) - Tech Meets Pharma: The Data Revolution(00:09:00) - Mr. Beast, Upside Foods, and Colossal Biosciences(00:14:00) - Joshua's Background and Why He Founded Synonym(00:18:00) - Financialization and Standardization of Biomanufacturing(00:25:00) - Early Assumptions That Turned Out Wrong(00:38:00) - The Great Reformulation: Biology vs. Petrochemicals(00:48:00) - GLP-1s and Nature-Inspired Innovation(00:54:00) - Better with Bio: Synonym's Partnership with Brentag(00:59:00) - Quickfire Questions(01:03:00) - Wrap-Up & Final ThoughtsEpisode Links:SynonymBetterWith.BioThe Great Reformulation Primient and Synonym Forge Strategic Partnership to Propel U.S. Bioproduct InnovationNYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Snowstorm Prep VideoMr. Beast video: $1 vs $1,000,000,000 Futuristic Tech!Edward Shenderovich epAmy Trejo and JC Garcia Garcia epSuveen K18 ep Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?Learn more at www.messaginglab.com/groweverythingTopics Covered: biotech, industry, biomanufacturing, bioprocessing, industrial biotech, Great Reformulation, consumer packaged goods, CPG, biotech R&D, chemical engineering, bioengineering, AI in biomanufacturingHave a question or comment? Message us here:Text or Call (804) 505-5553Instagram  / Twitter / LinkedIn / Youtube / Grow Everything

I sit down with Rachel Vigil, Founder of UpClose Marketing, to break down one of the most overlooked sampling channels for emerging CPG brands: vacation rentals and short-term stays.We talk about how placing products inside Airbnbs, mid-term rentals, and campgrounds allows brands to reach high-intent consumers in distraction-free environments without the high costs and chaos of festivals or in-store demos. Rachel shares which product categories perform best, how brands can collect real feedback and emails, and how this channel can support retail growth and long-term customer relationships.If you're curious whether this sampling strategy could work for your brand, you can contact Rachel by emailing me at intro@foodbevy.com, and I'll be happy to make an introduction.Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.

Delanie Fischer chats with Yousuf Ahmed, founder and CEO of B-SIDES, about upcycling, sustainability, and building an ethical CPG brand—from origin story to sourcing, manufacturing, and growth. Yousuf also shares the routines and mindset practices that keep him grounded through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, offering practical takeaways for anyone building a conscious business or looking for inspiration to upcycle in daily life. Episode Highlights:  Inside the Evening Ritual That Keeps Yousuf Grounded Where You Start Isn't Likely Where You'll End Up 2 Mindsets Every Entrepreneur Can Use as Needed Releasing Perfectionism for the Sake of the Mission Inside Scoop: Production in the U.S. vs. Canada ____ A quick 5-star rating means a ton! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Get a bunch of free Self-Helpless goodies: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: We Need Your Art! For Health, Community, and More with Amie McNee: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/25b6ee3e/we-need-your-art-for-health-community-and-more-with-amie-mcnee Q&A: Publishing, Podcasting, and Creative Entrepreneurship with Literary Agent Lindsey Smith and Podcaster Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/23bfb9d7/qanda-publishing-podcasting-and-creative-entrepreneurship-with-literary-agent-lindsey-smith-and-podcaster-delanie-fischer The Shocking Ingredients in Menstrual Products: Toxic Truths, Safe Alternatives, and the Future of Period Care with Arielle Loupos: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2bd21fe3/the-shocking-ingredients-in-menstrual-products-toxic-truths-safe-alternatives-and-the-future-of-period-care-with-arielle-loupos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Week In Startups is made possible by:Gusto - http://Gusto.com/twistZite - http://zite.com/twistCircle.so - http://circle.so/twistGuest links: Andrew Duffy, Founder and CEO, http://sparkplug.app — Retail incentives and brand partnerships platformFord Smith, Founder of http://Ultranative.com — Investing in transformative startupsSocrates Rosenfeld, Founder and CEO of http://iheartjane.com — One stop shop for cannabis productsToday's show: On TWiST's first Cannabis Roundtable, Jason is joined by three top Cannabis founders and investors: Ford Smith of Ultranative, Andrew Duffy of Sparkplug, and Socrates Rosenfeld of Jane.How will the regulatory environment and the move to Schedule III change the industry? Are those regulations shaping consumption? How are investors thinking about cannabis startups given the difficulty with exits? Most importantly, what's the deal with the increasing potency of cannabis?Each guest has their own perspective, Andrew sees it as a natural reaction from CPG brands to power users, Ford points to “flyover” operators unconcerned with long-term health of the industry, while Socrates refers to moonshine drinking during the prohibition to say that regulations create these problems.Speaking of moonshine, alcohol consumption is dropping dramatically among Gen-Z, with many pointing to cannabis consumption as a substitute. Some perceive cannabis as healthier and lacking caloric nature of alcohol, which could explain why there are now more daily smokers than daily drinkers!Timestamps:(0:00) Guest Introductions for the Cannabis Roundtable!(2:50) Why Jason invested in Sparkplug(6:44) How Ford Smith got into Cannabis investing — is it Cannabis a good investment?(11:40) Gusto - Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at http://Gusto.com/twist.(12:46) Socrates breaks down building a major cannabis marketplace(18:13) Canadian legalization and tailwinds for cannabis.(20:25) How Cannabis startups are pivoting to deal with high competition and regulatory pressure(21:47) Zite - Zite is the fastest way to build business software with AI. Go to http://zite.com/twist to get started.(27:07) Who benefits from legalization of cannabis? Healthcare? Retail? Banking?(28:03) How the alcohol industry is getting crushed by cannabis usage(31:27) Circle.so -  The easiest way to build a home for your community, events, and courses — all under your own brand. TWiST listeners get $1,000 off Circle's Professional Plan by going to http://circle.so/twist.(32:47) Is new cannabis too potent? Is high potency cannabis a result of illegal rules.(42:05) Why heavy consumers are driving CPG startups to high doses(44:14) Cannabis psychosis and the problem with brands selling potency items.*Subscribe to the TWiST500 newsletter: https://ticker.thisweekinstartups.com/Check out the TWIST500: https://twist500.comSubscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: https://rb.gy/v19fcp*Follow Lon:X: https://x.com/lons*Follow Alex:X: https://x.com/alexLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexwilhelm/*Follow Jason:X: https://twitter.com/JasonLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis/*Thank you to our partners:(11:40) Gusto - Check out the online payroll and benefits experts with software built specifically for small business and startups. Try Gusto today and get three months FREE at http://Gusto.com/twist.(21:47) Zite - Zite is the fastest way to build business software with AI. Go to http://zite.com/twist to get started.(31:27) Circle.so -  The easiest way to build a home for your community, events, and courses — all under your own brand. TWiST listeners get $1,000 off Circle's Professional Plan by going to http://circle.so/twist.Check out all our partner offers: https://partners.launch.co/

Jodi Scott is the CEO and co‑founder of Green Goo by Spry Life, a plant‑based first aid company that started the way a lot of real businesses do: out of necessity, frustration, and a kitchen that slowly turned into a production facility. What began with homemade remedies and mason jars eventually grew into a nationally distributed brand, but not without detours, hard lessons, and a few moments where the easy path would have cost the company its soul. Jodi's story is not a clean, linear founder arc. She built Green Goo from the ground up, sold the company, and then made the rare and uncomfortable decision to buy it back. That experience reshaped how she thinks about success, control, and what it actually means to build something that lasts. She's lived both sides of the exit fantasy and is candid about what people don't talk about once the deal closes: identity loss, cultural drift, and the realization that money doesn't automatically equal alignment. At her core, Jodi is deeply skeptical of performative purpose. She believes mission‑driven branding only works when the mission shows up in operations, hiring decisions, ingredient sourcing, and the way leadership behaves when no one's watching. Her opinions about marketing are sharp, practical, and often uncomfortable for founders who want growth without accountability. In her view, attention is easy to buy; trust is not. Green Goo reflects that philosophy. The brand is farm‑based, plant‑forward, and built around first aid products that do what they claim without relying on synthetic shortcuts. But Jodi is quick to point out that values alone don't move product. Execution does. Systems do. Saying no does. She's spent years learning how to scale a values‑led business without turning it into a hollow lifestyle brand or a corporate costume. Family plays a real role in the story, not as a sanitized origin myth, but as a source of both tension and strength. Jodi credits a "functional dysfunction" for sharpening her instincts, forcing hard conversations, and teaching her how to lead without pretending conflict doesn't exist. Those lessons show up in how she builds culture and how she handles growth moments that pressure companies to compromise. Today, Jodi spends her time running Green Goo, advising other founders, and pushing back on the idea that bigger is always better. She's an advocate for intentional growth, honest leadership, and businesses that can look themselves in the mirror after scaling. Fueled by kombucha, pure cocoa, and a stubborn commitment to doing things the hard but right way, Jodi Scott represents a version of entrepreneurship that's less about hype and more about durability. On the ROI Podcast episode 502 How To Build A Green Business

After years of building credibility with a core consumer, Zevia is leaning into scale – and confronting what it takes to turn a purpose-driven brand into a durable CPG business.  In this episode, CEO Amy Taylor breaks down the executional shifts across product, pricing, packaging and mass retail distribution that are helping Zevia compete more effectively in mainstream grocery and position the brand for sustainable, long-term growth. Show notes: 0:25: Amy Taylor, CEO, Zevia – Amy discusses her journey from two decades at Red Bull to leading Zevia, explaining how her brand-building experience prepared her to scale a modern soda brand at the right cultural moment. She positions Zevia as a timely solution amid growing interest in the better-for-you soda category and explains how advances in stevia use and flavor blending have unlocked a more sugar-like taste. Amy highlights the brand's expansion into mainstream retailers like Walmart, its role as an anchor brand due to value and multipacks, and the importance of trust, transparency, and word-of-mouth marketing over lecturing consumers. She also discusses packaging makeovers and a new marketing campaign focused on a moderation-based philosophy. Amy also outlines her leadership approach, which is centered on humility, strong teams and long-term growth. Brands in this episode: Zevia, Red Bull, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Mountain Dew, Sprite, Doritos, Oreos

In this episode, I talk about the idea of the "Individual Empire" and why Mr. Beast is the absolute best example of this new reality. I break down his inspiring journey of building an empire through content and his CPG brand. His success signals about the future of creator-owned IP versus the traditional studio model. I also share the current platforms and mediums where attention is still underpriced for those looking to build their own legacy.You'll learn about:Why the creator is the empireThe underpriced attention opportunities in live streamingWhy I believe Mr. Beast is a "preview, not the anomaly"How the algorithm is the report card for the audienceThe significance of Beast Games and what it means for Hollywood