Podcasts about cpg

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rachel Katzman, the founder of Pvolve, a functional fitness company that's redefining what it means to truly move your body with purpose.  Rachel's story is deeply personal and inspiring. What started as a search for relief from back pain and scoliosis evolved into creating a method that blends functional fitness with resistance equipment, delivering not only results but also long-term health and mobility. In our conversation, Rachel opened up about her journey with Lyme disease, how it reshaped her perspective on wellness, and why she believes movement is medicine. We also explored how Pvolve scaled from a scrappy start-up to a global brand with both digital and studio presences, why clinical studies matter in fitness, and what it means to franchise a mission-driven brand. Some key moments from the episode include: * Rachel's personal health journey and how it inspired the Pvolve method.   * Why functional fitness addresses more than aesthetics; it prevents injury, improves posture, and supports longevity.   * The pivotal role of clinical studies in validating fitness methods and building consumer trust.   * How Pvolve thrived during the pandemic with its digital platform and transitioned into a fast-growing franchise model.   * The impact of celebrity advocates like Jennifer Aniston in amplifying the brand's credibility.   Join me, Ramon Vela, as we listen to the episode and discover how Pvolve is changing the fitness landscape with an approach that goes beyond sweat; it's about strength, mobility, and living pain-free. For more on Pvolve, visit: https://pvolve.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.   Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

Andy Judd, the veteran Chief Marketing Officer of CPG brands, adds his page to the Marketing Playbook. Hear how to find a mentor and mentor others, why you should have a career plan, how to be open to change, what Andy learned moving a lot as a kid, and the behind-the-scenes of poppi's incredible growth. Connect with Andy on LinkedIn

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Fintan Gillespie, Global Director - Ad Partnerships Group at Snap Inc., a technology company that contributes to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. Follow Fintan on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fintangillespie/Follow Snap for Business online at: http://forbusiness.snapchat.com/cpgguysFollow Snap Business Blog at: https://forbusiness.snapchat.com/blogFollow Snap on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/snapchat-for-business/postsThis episode is sponsored by Snap, Inc.Fintan answers these questions:Fintan, let's start with your journey. What brought you into the world of media and partnerships, and what does your current role at Snap entail as Head of Independent Agencies & Global Ad Partnerships?You lead  global ad partnerships. How do these partnerships shape Snap's GTM strategy in the broader media ecosystem?Independent agencies are often more agile and innovation-driven than holding company giants. How are you seeing them lean into platforms like Snap to drive differentiated value for their CPG clients?What advice would you give to agencies looking to leverage Snap effectively within omnichannel media strategies?Proving ROI remains critical for agencies and brands. How is Snap helping advertisers measure real business outcomes, especially sales lift and conversion?Looking ahead to 2026, what's your boldest prediction for the intersection of agencies, partnerships, and platforms like Snap in the world of commerce mediaFintan, you've seen the media landscape from multiple vantage points. What leadership lesson or guiding principle has helped you most in building trust and value in partnerships?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

In this episode of the Programmatic Digest, host Ellen Parker welcomes two of LinkedIn's most active programmatic voices: Gary Guarnaccia and Ryan Verklin. Together, they dive into the realities of in-housing, retail media, DSP strategy, and the ongoing shifts in supply path optimization (SPO). Ryan shares his journey from agency life to in-house at Bayer, where he helped lead the transition to hands-on programmatic buying before moving into retail media. Gary reflects on his role supporting Bayer's in-house teams through ad tech partnerships, ensuring programmatic and retail investments drive real business outcomes. We dig into hot-button industry debates, including: In-house vs. agency vs. retail media networks – how traders' roles are evolving. DSP strategy – why more DSPs don't automatically mean more reach. Retail media networks – the difference between on-site and off-site, and how CPG brands leverage retailer data for incremental reach. Amazon DSP – is it really positioned to replace other omni-channel platforms? Traders' perspective – why user-friendly DSPs, efficient reporting, and reduced friction are critical to long-term success. SPO and transparency – reacting to Index Exchange's announcement and The Trade Desk's move to categorize SSPs as resellers. The conversation highlights a recurring theme: programmatic traders need more love. Empowering the hands-on-keyboard teams with better tools, education, and collaboration leads to stronger business results—and less burnout. If you're a programmatic trader, strategist, or leader navigating the complexities of DSPs, SSPs, and retail media, this episode is packed with insights and candid perspectives you won't want to miss. Additional resource: Gary LinkedIn post    About Us: We teach historically excluded individuals how to break into programmatic media buying and land their dream jobs. Through our Reach and Frequency® program, an engaged community, and expert coaching, we offer:   Programmatic Training & Coaching: Executive Membership: for the busy mid-level to senior or director-level programmatic ninja looking for a structured, high-impact way to stay ahead of evolving trends, sharpen your optimization skills, and connect with like-minded experts. Join Here: https://programmaticdigest14822.ac-page.com/executivemembership   Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on DSP exercises, and real-time feedback. Sign Up: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program   Self-Paced Course: Learn at your own speed with full content access. Enroll Here: https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introductions 03:11 – From Agency to In-House: Ryan & Gary's Journeys 08:35 – The Rise of Retail Media at Bayer 14:20 – DSP Strategy: Why More Doesn't Always Mean Better Reach 20:02 – Retail Media Networks: On-Site vs. Off-Site Explained 26:41 – Amazon DSP: Threat or Opportunity? 33:17 – Why Traders Deserve More Love in Ad Tech 40:05 – Reporting, AI, and Reducing Friction for Traders 46:28 – SPO Debate: Resellers, Transparency & Control 53:19 – Final Thoughts & Industry Takeaways   Meet Our Guest: Gary Guarnaccia – Ad Tech Partnerships, Bayer https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-g-16328640/   Ryan Verklin – Retail Media Lead, Bayer https://www.linkedin.com/in/verklin/ https://www.instagram.com/verklin/ https://x.com/verklin   Meet The Team: Hélène Parker - Chief Programmatic Coach https://www.heleneparker.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/helene-parker   Manuela Cortes - Co-Host  Programmatic Digest In Espanol:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/manuela-cortes-   Learn Programmatic As a TEAM: https://www.heleneparker.com/workshop/ As a Programmatic Ninja: https://www.heleneparker.com/course/ Programmatic Coaching Newsletter:https://www.heleneparker.com/newsletter/   Programmatic Digest https://www.linkedin.com/company/programmatic-digest-podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBGMMRsZkw0IIUbQIJmMBxw   Looking for programmatic training/coaching?  Sign up to our Accelerator Program: A 6-week structured program with live coaching, hands-on within DSP(s) exercises, and real-time feedback—perfect for those who thrive on accountability and community, and looking to grow their technical skillset https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/courses/program   Self-Paced Course: Full access to course content anytime, allowing independent learners to study at their own speed with complete flexibility. https://reachandfrequencycourse.thinkific.com/bundles/the-reach-frequency-full-course   Join our next workshop by signing up to our waitlist below:  https://www.heleneparker.com/waitlist/  

What kind of founder drives a U-Haul full of perishable product through the desert at 3 A.M.… and calls it progress? That's the kind of relentless, purpose-driven hustle behind Forager Project, the plant-based food and beverage company reshaping what dairy-free can taste and feel like. In this episode, co-founders Stephen Williamson and JC Hanley open up about the mission-fueled (and occasionally messy) evolution of their brand, from cold-pressed juice to cashew-based yogurts and creamers that compete head-on with dairy. They discuss what it really takes to build a standout CPG brand in saturated categories, why “project” is still part of their name, and how lessons from prior businesses and discontinued product lines have shaped their approach. They also explain why they walked away from juice, how they knew yogurt was the future, what it means to innovate with both a moral compass and a culinary one and how they define success. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Stephen Williamson & JC Hanley, Co-Founders, Forager Project – In a conversation hosted at Forager Project's office in San Francisco, Stephen and JC discuss how the brand was created by a desire to create clean, minimally processed, plant-based foods and how “project” reflects their ethos of exploration and ongoing improvement. The founders recount their early days launching Forager Project in 2013, initially inspired by the ultra-premium juice space before pivoting – what they describe as “foraging” – into new categories. They explain how they began fermenting plant-based ingredients, particularly cashews, to create plant-based yogurts, and have since expanded into Greek-style yogurts and creamers. Stephen and JC emphasize an innovation philosophy rooted in clean, organic ingredients, including vegetables, nuts, seeds and ancient grains, and talk about the grit and craziness required to build a mission-driven company. They note how – despite challenges like tariffs, competition, and changing categories – they've remained focused on their mission: to help replace animal dairy with plant-based alternatives. They close with a broader reflection on success and staying true to their values. Brands in this episode: Forager Project, Odwalla, Blueprint Juice, Evolution Fresh, Starbucks, Suja, Coca-Cola, Stonyfield Farm

I had such a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Lisa Curtis, Founder & CEO of Kuli Kuli Foods.  Lisa shared her incredible journey that began in the Peace Corps in Niger, where she first discovered moringa, a nutrient-packed “tree leaf” that transformed her health.   What started as a simple act of self-care in a rural village has grown into Kuli Kuli Foods, a pioneering superfoods brand that now partners with thousands of small farmers across Africa and India, empowers women, and brings nutritious, climate-smart foods to shelves nationwide. Lisa opened up about the early hurdles, navigating FDA approvals, raising money through crowdfunding, and hustling at farmers' markets, and how those small proof points led to partnerships with Whole Foods, Walmart, and more.   We also explored the resilience it takes to keep going for over 12 years, her gratitude practice, and the leadership lessons that continue to guide her. This episode is packed with inspiration for entrepreneurs and food lovers alike. Here are some highlights from our conversation:   How a Peace Corps experience in Niger led to the discovery of moringa and sparked the founding of Kuli Kuli Foods.   Overcoming early supply chain and regulatory challenges, including a $70,000 FDA hurdle with creativity and mentorship.   The role of farmers' markets and crowdfunding in proving demand and landing Whole Foods as their first big customer.   Building impact by partnering with 3,000 small farmers and reinvesting 10% of profits into community projects worldwide.   Lisa's advice for entrepreneurs: map out small proof points, celebrate wins, and keep the courage to start and persist. Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to Lisa's inspiring story of grit, gratitude, and global impact, and to discover how Kuli Kuli is changing the way we think about superfoods. For more on Kuli Kuli Foods, visit: https://www.kulikulifoods.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.   Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.

On this week's episode, Gavin and Wade will be chatting with Alison Cayne, a veteran in the CPG space! Alison founded Haven's Kitchen, a cpg brand, nearly 14 years ago. She started a podcast, In The Sauce, about 8 years ago (BEFORE IT WAS COOL) and most recently took on an Adjunct Professor role at Columbia Business School. If you think that's pretty awesome - you're right! When Alison is not busy as hell - she is dropping knowledge bombs all over her LinkedIn that's incredibly relevant for established CPG founders or emerging ones. Her honesty, transparency and curiosity are exactly why you should tune in to this week's episode!

Danielle Kidney is the founder of The Creative Pack, a Los Angeles-based agency specializing in packaging design for CPG and DTC brands. With over two decades of experience in the industry—including work with Tesco and a diverse portfolio of well-known consumer brands—Danielle brings a wealth of expertise in every aspect of packaging, from strategy and brand storytelling to materials and production.In this episode of DTC Pod, Danielle breaks down the behind-the-scenes process of creating packaging that not only looks great but also delivers on function, compliance, and scalability. She covers everything from the earliest stages of design and competitor audits, to the nuances of materials, regulatory requirements, and print production. Danielle shares practical advice on how brands can avoid costly mistakes, streamline their supply chain, and create packaging that stands out both online and on the shelf.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. The importance of packaging in brand perception and sales2. Process: From initial idea to production-ready design3. Building a design brief and establishing project scope4. Competitive reviews and designing for hierarchy and function5. Balancing creative innovation with must-have regulatory details6. Collaborating with clients, manufacturers, and printers7. Prototyping, mockups, and unboxing experience8. Print technology, material choices, and cost management9. Regulatory review, legal claims, and compliance essentials10. Lead times, timeline planning, and pitfalls of rushing production11. Early-stage packaging vs. scaling up for retail and DTC12. Lessons learned: common mistakes and strategic tips13. Pricing, form factor, and packaging design as sales leversTimestamps00:00 Introducing Danielle Kidney & The Creative Pack05:42 The Creative Pack's client process: from idea to brief10:50 Balancing branding vs. functionality for sales and conversion18:03 Manufacturing realities: materials, dielines, and cost constraints24:39 Colors, mockups, and bringing digital designs to life26:22 Real-world costs of packaging mistakes and risk mitigation29:27 Regulatory musts: nutrition facts, barcodes, legal pitfalls35:10 Realistic timelines for packaging launches and scale40:33 Strategies for startups vs. brands scaling up43:23 Lessons learned and tips for optimizing packaging decisions50:20 Where to connect with Danielle and The Creative PackShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokDanielle Kidney - Founder of The Creative PackBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

This episode launches a new series I'm calling Rising Stars - Founders new to CPG who have defied the odds, built growing eight-figure businesses without the interference of premature institutional money.  This is part one of my interview with Yoni Reisman, Co-Founder, Chairman, and former Chief Executive Officer of Atlanta-based Tip Top Proper Cocktails. Established in 2018 by Yoni and his childhood friend and fellow music industry veteran, Neal Cohen, Tip Top offers high-quality, classic cocktails in a can. In this episode, we explore the origins of the business and the bumps in the road on the way to national retail presence. Your Host: Dr. James F. Richardson of Premium Growth Solutions, LLC www.premiumgrowthsolutions.com Please send feedback on this or other episodes to: admin@premiumgrowthsolutions.com

The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Sarah Leinberger. Sarah is an ex-colleague of Sri from General Mills. She recently switched to leading marketing and brand management at a startup Yoobi. She is active on the brand speaking circuit from Cannes Lions to Adweek and more. This episode is a recap of how she made the jump, what it takes in a very small environment and how she is laying the path for brand share gains.Follow Kim Cox on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahzehrerleinberger/Follow Yoobi on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yoobi-llc/Follow NIQ online at: https://yoobi.com/Here's what we asked her : Sarah, what's the Yoobi story? What was the consumer problem it solves? In a crowded market, how does Yoobi uniquely stand out to shoppers, retailers, and partners?In your own journey from some of the largest companies and brands to a startup - what's the biggest change you are experiencing?How are you folks approaching distribution and retail media to scale Yoobi in 2025 and beyond?How is Yoobi leveraging digital shelf, DTC, or omnichannel touchpoints to stay close to consumers?As a marketer, how do you see AIAs a growing brand, how do you balance investments in media versus broader awareness-driving channels?How are Gen Z and younger cohorts influencing Yoobi's product innovation, brand voice, or community building? What role does sustainability, inclusivity, or brand purpose play in Yoobi's DNA? What's your vision for marketing for Yoobi by 2026? What does success look like?For those transitioning from large brands to follow your path, what advice would you give to emerging CPG entrepreneurs looking to navigate retail, media, and consumer demands today?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.  CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

I am so thrilled to share this very special LIVE episode with you. I had the absolute joy of sitting down in London with Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed and Jake Karls, founder of Mid-Day Squares, for an unforgettable conversation about scaling challenger brands, radical transparency, and building community. And yes, I got to TASTE a Mid-Day Square and it's INCREDIBLE.  In fact, I actually ate 3 in a row.If you haven't come across Mid-Day Squares yet, they're the Canadian-born brand redefining healthy afternoon snacking with functional chocolate AND now scaling rapidly across the US. Co-founder Jake Karls last joined me on Brand Growth Heroes in 2023 (scroll back to hear the original episode), and since then, the business has experienced significant growth, expanding from $8M to tens of millions in revenue, with its sights firmly set on reaching $100M.Because it was PerfectTed who first introduced me to Jake, it felt only right to have Marisa Poster join in the conversation as co-host! And thanks to Lucky Saint who SO kindly offering us their fab upstairs event room, we gathered 50 friends, founders, and partners for a night of storytelling, snacking, and straight-talking about what it really takes to scale a challenger brand. In this episode, we dive into:How Mid-Day Squares grew from the kitchen table to producing 150,000 bars a day.Why therapy, radical transparency, and “building a business out loud” became part of their DNA.The importance of building fans not just customers.How PerfectTed is making matcha accessible and creating a whole new category.The realities of expanding into the US market (and what's different from Canada, the UK, and beyond).Why team communication and trust are make-or-break for founders.How Storytelling fuels challenger brands.What happens when new competitors enter a category and how to stay focused.The role of product excellence in sustaining growth.The highs, lows, trolls, and resilience it takes to keep going.This is part one of our Mid-Day Squares live series. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did hosting it!Next week we'll be sharing the Q&A session, which ran for a whole extra hour and was packed with brilliant audience questions. And as you'll hear at the end of this episode, Shani Higgs, Head of Sales at PerfectTed (and their fourth team member after the founders), will be stepping in to co-host with me for part two. You're going to learn A LOT so stay tuned!Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss it. And if you're not already, go check out Midday Squares and PerfectTed on Instagram and LinkedIn; their storytelling is world-class.A tiny favour: If this episode inspires YOU to think about new ways to drive business growth, please could you click FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE on your favourite podcast app and leave a review, and maybe share with someone you know will enjoy it?This small gesture from you means the world to us, and allows us to share these nuggets of insight and value with you more often.Useful linksMidday Squares LinkedInPerfect Ted LinkedInMidday Squares FacebookMidday Squares InstagramPerfect Ted InstagramPerfect Ted TikTokMidday SquaresPerfect TedLucky Saint on LinkedInLucky Saint============================================================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 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.If you'd like to get in touch to find out more, why don't you drop them a line at hello@joelsonlaw.com!============================================== 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.

In this conversation, Sara Stender Delaney, founder of Sarilla Beverage, shares her journey from her roots in Vermont, to her transformative experiences in Rwanda, and what inspired her to create a non-alcoholic organic tea spritzer company. She discusses the challenges of launching a beverage brand, the importance of regenerative agriculture, and her commitment to social impact and mental health. Sara emphasizes the need for personal growth and responsibility in creating a better world, highlighting the interconnectedness of health, community, and sustainability.Takeaways:Sara's entrepreneurial journey was influenced by her experiences in Rwanda.The connection to Rwanda inspired Sara to focus on regenerative organic supply chains.Sarilla Beverage was born out of a desire to create non-alcoholic options for health-conscious consumers.Sara emphasizes the importance of personal growth and healing in her journey.The challenges of product development include navigating market demands and consumer preferences.Regenerative agriculture is crucial for sustainable farming and environmental health.Sara's nonprofit work in Rwanda focuses on trauma healing and entrepreneurship training.The beverage industry requires constant adaptation and learning from failures.Sara believes in the power of community and support for mental health.A better world involves individuals taking responsibility for their health and well-being. Sound bites:“I consistently had the opportunity to quit or fail or close. There's always that possibility.”“I think it's important to stay grounded, but also connected to a big vision and sometimes just to trust that the universe will show us opportunities along the way that we can't even plan for.”“The last thing we need is another generic consumer product… the only thing we might need more of is like brands making a difference and making an impact.”“With my own sobriety journey, I was just feeling consistently like something was missing for me and my friends and people I knew who were not drinking alcohol.”“It's 100 % regenerative. They just don't have the certification yet.”“It's like, instead of just taking and taking from Mother Earth, it's like we have an exchange.”“We're finding is that plants grown in regenerative soil are better for humans as well.”“There's so many systems ripe for change.”“I would like to see more people showing up in their healthy self.”“I've seen firsthand the ripple effect of unhealed trauma on families, on communities, on villages, and on generational impact.”Links:Sara Stender Delaney on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarastenderdelaney/Sarilla - https://www.drinksarilla.com/Sarilla on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/drinksarilla/Sarilla on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drinksarilla/Sarilla on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrinkSarillaSarilla on X - https://x.com/drinksarillaSarilla on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@drinksarillaSarilla on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drinksarilla…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 Sarilla Beverage and Its Origins14:50 The Impact of Rwanda on Sara's Journey24:50 The Birth of Sarilla Beverage31:45 Product Development and Challenges38:52 Navigating the Beverage Industry39:50 Building a Supportive Network50:55 Understanding Regenerative Agriculture01:05:09 Envisioning a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I sat down with Brad Ebenhoeh of Belay (formerly Accountfully) to unpack how CPG founders can actually make money during Black Friday and Q4 instead of burning it on discounts and excess inventory.In this episode, we talk about:Knowing your true landed costs and margins by channelForecasting demand without tying up too much cash in inventoryNegotiating supplier terms and securing credit before you need itDeciding if Q4 is really your season—or if you should shift focus to Q1Brad brings years of experience supporting CPG brands through the most stressful (and most profitable) time of the year.

“Smaller households mean different product configurations, different product features, different ways of taking them to market… Even the fact of the aging population emphasizes certain categories and new benefits that these older consumers will desire. So, these forces point to new pockets of opportunity.” In this episode of Retail Sound Bites, we welcome Oksana Sobol, consumer insights lead at Clorox, for a timely discussion on the forces shaping consumer demand. Oksana unpacks how economic volatility, shifting demographics, and evolving attitudes are redefining what and how consumers buy. From the rise of single-person households to the priority of time, she shares actionable insights for CPG, retail, and manufacturing leaders navigating today's complex landscape. Have a topic you'd like us to cover? Contact us at Kantar's Retail Sound Bites Podcast. Contact Barry: Email | LinkedIn Contact Rachel: Email | LinkedIn Amazon_Grocery_Private_Brand_Pantry.jpg (3735×5600) How Aldi revamped its social media strategy — and why it's working | Grocery Dive OpenAI takes on Google, Amazon with new agentic shopping system | TechCrunch https://www.retaildive.com/news/retail-beauty-sephora-product-incentivized-reviews/761081/ https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/14/amazon-product-reviews-ai-customers-online-shopping.html https://www.modernretail.co/technology/tiktok-is-talking-to-brands-like-its-a-grocer-now/

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we're joined by Lauren Gropper, Founder and CEO of Repurpose — the compostable household goods brand that's changing the way we think about single-use products. What started with a vision to replace wasteful plastics with plant-based alternatives has grown into a national movement, with Repurpose products now found in over 20,000 retail locations including Target, Costco, Kroger, and Whole Foods. From compostable cups, plates, and cutlery to bamboo paper towels and BPA-free wine cups, Repurpose is proving that sustainability can be simple, stylish, and affordable.In our conversation, Lauren shares how her early career in sustainable design and an eye-opening stint consulting in Hollywood inspired the launch of Repurpose. We talk about what it's like to pioneer a new category, the challenges of educating consumers without overwhelming them, and how she's built a mission-driven brand that has already replaced more than 727 million pieces of plastic. Lauren also opens up about the toughest challenges she's faced as a founder, how she balances leadership with motherhood, and her bold vision for a world free from single-use plastics.Whether you're passionate about sustainability, curious about how to build a mission-driven CPG brand, or just looking for inspiration from a founder who turned an “aha moment” into a movement, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Lauren Gropper and Repurpose:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-gropper-9a62791/https://www.linkedin.com/company/repurpose-compostables/https://www.instagram.com/repurpose/https://repurpose.com/ Sponsored By:Quo - Get started for free, plus get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/KARAGOLDINLinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Dell - Get a new Dell PC at Dell.com/ai-pc Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/747 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Disa Pratt, the Chief Sales Officer for Vetnique, joins us to share her remarkable journey in sales leadership. From her early days at Procter & Gamble to leading a thriving pet wellness brand, Disa unveils the strategies that have driven her success. With Vetnique's unique veterinarian-formulated solutions, founded by Dr. James Bascharon, standing out in the competitive pet wellness market, Disa explains how delivering results and being part of supportive company cultures have been pivotal in her career. Her passion for sales and her dedication to building teams resonate throughout the conversation, offering inspiration and practical insights for aspiring leaders.  The art of building successful sales teams comes alive as Disa reflects on her foundational training and mentorship at Procter & Gamble. Her experiences underscore the importance of product knowledge, understanding merchandising dynamics, and cultivating strong buyer relationships. She passionately describes how mentorship has not only shaped her leadership style but also helped her nurture future leaders. Disa reveals the key attributes she seeks when assembling her sales teams—proven track records, cultural fit, and the adaptability necessary for high-growth environments—all while fostering a positive and supportive culture that encourages growth and innovation.  Leadership and accountability in sales take center stage, with Disa discussing the power of vulnerability and feedback in developing as a leader. The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) comes into play as a tool for maintaining accountability and enhancing organizational clarity. Additionally, we explore the critical role of CRM systems, not just as a tool for efficiency but as a catalyst for strategic decision-making through data analytics. Disa emphasizes the need for skilled analysts who can convert raw data into actionable insights, ensuring that sales teams are empowered to achieve excellence. Join us for this engaging episode that offers a wealth of experience and strategies from one of the leading voices in sales leadership.  Disa Pratt is a seasoned sales and business development executive with over 30 years of experience driving revenue growth for both start-ups and global CPG brands. She currently serves as Chief Sales Officer at Vetnique, where she leads sales strategy and retail expansion across major outlets like Chewy, Petco, Walmart, and Target.  Her background spans sales, strategy, eCommerce, marketing, and omnichannel execution, with leadership roles at Zesty Paws, Solid Gold, HALO, and New Chapter (P&G). Disa is known for her data-driven, collaborative approach and proven success in building strong retail partnerships.  She lives on a 40-acre farm in western Massachusetts with her two rescue dogs, Olive and Odie, and is passionate about pet wellness and fostering animals.    Quotes:  "In sales, it's all about results. Promise made, promise kept. Deliver on your numbers and the rest will follow."   "Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career. Strong mentors believed in me, thrust me into roles I wasn't ready for, and stood by me as I grew."  "Vulnerability isn't a weakness in leadership; it's a strength. Embracing imperfections and learning from them fosters a culture of growth and innovation."   "CRM systems are more than just efficiency tools; they're catalysts for strategic decision-making when aligned with organizational goals."     Links:   Disa's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/disa-pratt-2baa2653/ Vetnique - https://vetnique.com Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/ 

As consumers shift their preferences toward healthier food options, there is ripe opportunity for innovators in the CPG snack market. This week, we are joined by NutriPop co-founders Ujaswin Jain and Audrey Chung to talk food is health, student entrepreneurship and seizing the moment. We get into:  How the NutriPop team came together on the campus of the University of Notre Dame What popped water lily seeds are and how they become a nutritious snack The company's participation in AgriNovus' Velocity accelerator and how that experienced helped drive NutriPop forward in 2025 After winning the Food is Health track for Velocity, NutriPop's successes, wins and momentum on market NutriPop's differentiation and what makes them unique in the food is health space The tough realities of the CPG market and why they chose to enter as entrepreneurs Advice they would offer to young student entrepreneurs heading down a similar path  What's ahead for NutriPop 

Jed is the Founder at Pirawna, Uptikk, and Refund Hawk. Pirawna is a performance agency for Amazon. Uptikk is a performance agency for TikTok. And Refund Hawk claws back erroneous fees from Amazon. WHAT WE GO OVER:Must-read tips for Prime DayAmazon reviewsManaging 3rd party sellersJed's 3-step checklist for BFCMCONNECT WITH US:Connect with Vasa on LinkedInConnect with Jed on LinkedInPerfy's websiteCPGSPN by Growthbuster, a CPG newsletter with a sports themeCheck out PirawnaCheck out UptickkCheck out Refund HawkSPONSOR:Food Chained is a Perfy podcast brought to you by Growthbuster. Growthbuster is a team of creatives and strategists that help food & beverage brands grow. Check out Growthbuster's newsletter, CPGSPN here. 

I sat down with Garrett Otondo, Director of Strategic Operations at Little Spoon, to explore how their team scaled from DTC to retail while shipping 30,000+ fresh meals each week.We cover:Cold chain packaging + logisticsData-driven demand planning to reduce wasteHow Owlery streamlined freight and retail launch

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Kim Cox, Managing Director for North America eCommerce & Global Snapshots at NielsenIQ, the world's leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. Follow Kim Cox on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-cox-nielsen/Follow NIQ on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/Follow NIQ online at: https://nielseniq.comHere's what we discussed : Let's get straight to the point - Could you walk us through your framework of “Full View Measurement”? What does it encompass—and what, if anything, is still a work in progress?How has Full View Measurement evolved over the years, and what makes NIQ's approach uniquely robust in today's omnichannel environment?NIQ's Full View™ now includes top-tier coverage across online, club, D2C, social, and quick commerce—with account-level insights. Can you highlight how integrating the largest U.S. club retailer strengthens the overall measurement ecosystem?You've emphasized deeper private label performance insights. How are manufacturers leveraging that data to inform product strategy and positioning?With 91% of consumers now shopping both in-store and online, what emerging behavioral trends should brands be paying attention to as they optimize omnichannel approaches?“Digital engagement is no longer a complementary strategy—it's essential to growth.” With growth in some categories slowing, what strategic pivots should CPG and retail leaders consider over the next few years?Going beyond traditional POS, what next-gen data sources or technologies is NIQ exploring to expand omnichannel signal capture—especially in emerging channels like quick commerce and social commerce?How can Full View and related tools empower sales teams to conduct causal analyses on shopper behavior—like identifying why "casual buyers" aren't converting or where growth is stalling?Where do you see the biggest opportunity for omnicommerce measurement to evolve over the next 18–24 months? How will it reshape strategic planning for brands and retailers?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.  CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

MOVE SUPPLY CHAINPay less for COGS, get shorter lead times, and improve payment terms in your supply chain with help from Move Supply Chain at https://⁠movesupplychain.com⁠.INTELLIGEMSIntelligems brings A/B testing to business decisions beyond copy and design. Test your pricing, shipping charges, free shipping thresholds, offers, SaaS tools, and more by clicking here: https://bit.ly/42DcmFl. Get 20% off the first 3 months with code FARIS20.//Drew Fallon is the founder and CEO of Iris. Learn more about Iris at www.irisfinance.co and follow Drew on X at https://x.com/drewfallon12.//Raising money has become almost taboo in the DTC and eCommerce world—but is that mindset actually holding brands back?In this episode, Andrew sits down with Drew Fallon, CEO of Iris, fresh off a $6.2M seed round. They unpack the hard truths about fundraising, margins, forecasting, and why certain categories (like supplements and gummies) are scaling at lightning speed. Drew brings unique insight from inside the financials of 100+ eCommerce brands, offering perspective few operators ever get to see.You'll hear a candid discussion about:- When raising capital creates real advantage (and when it kills your optionality)- Why high gross margin is the ultimate cheat code for scale- The long, overlooked sales cycle for B2B SaaS in eCommerce- How forecasting and inventory planning can make or break growth- The capital markets correction and what it means for CPG founders nowIf you're facing margin pressure, considering outside investment, or just want a sharper financial lens on your business, this episode is a masterclass in understanding the numbers that matter.//CHAPTER TITLES:00:01:15 - Raising Money00:03:43 - Influencer Marketing In DTC00:07:40 - Drew's Onboarding Sales Cycle00:10:11 - Hiring For Head of Marketing00:11:17 - The Future Of Iris00:16:45 - The Up Trend For E-Commerce Brands00:18:40 - These ARE The Brands That Win00:27:52 - Drew's Bucket Analogy00:31:46 - Make Your Subscription Valuable To Customers00:37:59 - Make The Case For Fundraising00:47:27 - Early Growth Equity Funds//SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL FOR 2X/WEEKLY UPLOADS!//ADMISSIONGet the best media buying training on the Internet + a free coaching call with Common Thread Collective's media buyers when you sign up for ADmission here: ⁠⁠https://www.youradmission.co/andrew-faris-podcast⁠//FOLLOW UP WITH ANDREW X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/andrewjfaris ⁠Email: podcast@ajfgrowth.comWork with Andrew: ⁠https://ajfgrowth.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Existing home sales don't count as new GDP output, but they trigger a burst of spending that powers dozens of industries. When sales sink, that “turnover multiplier” fades—hitting retailers, manufacturers, and last-mile logistics fast. This episode, inspired by U.S. home sales decline: How companies can offset the ripple effect, connects the macro dots (7% mortgage rates, rate-lock, inventory scarcity) to the micro results (weaker durable-goods demand, slower last-mile, cautious consumers).We highlight four strategies leaders are deploying to offset the drag—from IKEA x Best Buy pop-ups to Pro-segment plays, international expansion, AI shopping-agent readiness, and granular scenario modeling—so companies can protect margins now and position for the rebound.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why a Frozen Housing Market Ripples EverywhereExisting home sales projected near ~4M in 2025 vs. ~5–5.5M pre-pandemicRate-lock squeezes churn: owners won't swap 3% mortgages for ~7%Housing ≈16% of GDP: ~12% stable “housing services” vs. ~4% volatile RFI (the tripwire)Where the Drag Shows Up FirstDurable goods tied to moves: furniture, appliances, electronicsLogistics signal: softer last-mile for big-ticket deliveriesRetailers/manufacturers citing the freeze in H1 2025 resultsThe Four-Part Corporate PlaybookA. New Business Models & MarketsIn-store adjacency: IKEA pop-ups inside Best Buy to capture room-by-room buyersPro focus: revamped contractor programs to balance DIY softnessInternational hedge: expansion where housing is healthier (e.g., Mexico)B. Experience-Led RetailTurn stores into multi-function hubs: events, design consults, visualization toolsSell outcomes (spaces & solutions), not just SKUsC. Tapping New AI-Driven ChannelsPrepare for independent AI shopping agents (e.g., Remark, Rufus, Muse)Structure product data, attributes, pricing, availability for machine findabilityD. Intelligent Scenario ModelingMove beyond linear forecasts to granular simulations:Interest-rate paths by quarterRegional inventory + store signalsCategory-level demand elasticityUse outputs to shift inventory, hedge inputs, and adapt pricing dynamicallySignals to Watch in H2Persistent rate-lock, slower household formationDurable-goods resilience vs. lag effectsWhere the multiplier hits next (self-storage, landscaping, subscriptions, etc.)Key Takeaways:The “small” 4% RFI slice is the economy's tripwire—when turnover stalls, many categories feel it.You can't control rates or inventory, but you can decouple growth from move-driven demand.Experience-led stores, Pro segments, and international footprints cushion the blow.AI shopping agents are a new channel—optimize for machines, not just humans.Scenario modeling turns volatility into an advantage by guiding inventory, pricing, and sourcing in real time.Subscribe for more deep dives on macro shocks and practical playbooks. Visit The Future of Commerce for research and case studies on demand resilience, AI-ready data, and scenario modeling. Share this episode with leaders in retail, CPG, logistics, and durable goods who need an actionable plan for a slow-churn housing market.

In this episode, we catch up with Justin Giuffrida, CEO and co-founder of Citizens Coffee, to hear how the company's Australian-style café model is performing as it scales beyond New York into Texas. The update? Citizens is thriving. After record openings in Houston, the team has now launched Austin, which became the best-performing opening in company history—hitting profitability in just six weeks and trending toward Citizens' most profitable locations to date.Citizens runs a high-margin breakfast & coffee model, pairing chef-driven, fresh food with third-wave coffee, best-in-class hospitality, and local community partnerships. Their stores open at roughly $500K per unit—a fraction of the cost of many national chains—and achieve a 24-month payback period, with stores averaging 21% four-wall EBITDA. The company plans to scale to 40 locations in five years, targeting $120–$150 million in revenue, with CPG (retail) launching in parallel to expand the brand's reach and potential exit pathways.With the brand's strongest performance now outside NYC—specifically in Austin and Houston—Citizens is executing a scalable entry into Tier 2 markets with lower cost structures and equal (or better) unit economics. 02:14 – What's Brewing in 2025Justin shares current momentum and milestones—record openings in Texas03:36 – Proving Portability Beyond NYCHow Citizens performed in Houston and Austin vs. NYC; why Texas was the bet07:40 – The Risk of Scaling RetailChris on the risk of new locations; Justin on build costs ($500K), efficiency, and payback (24 months)10:26 – Local Marketing & “Local Legends”Citizens' launch playbook: grassroots, partnerships, and charity-based LRM14:01 – ICW AnnouncementChris plugs Investment Crowdfunding Week (Sept 29–Oct 2)14:46 – Differentiation vs. StarbucksAustralian café model: chef-driven food + third-wave coffee + hospitality & frequency19:42 – Growth Plan: 40 Locations in 5 YearsTexas expansion strategy and the path from 3 openings/year to 10/year22:31 – Managing Debt & Investor ProtectionHow Citizens balances debt and equity while remaining cash-flow positive25:16 – Why CPG (Retail) Fits the BrandCPG strategy to extend brand trust and boost exit optionality28:19 – Localization & Shelf StrategyChris on go-to-market for CPG; Justin on sequencing markets with brand equity29:50 – Projections & Exit Comps$120–$150M revenue target with CPG; comps like Blue Bottle & La Colombe31:55 – Final Message to InvestorsProof of concept in 3 major markets & the 5-year plan

Ten years ago, the idea of canned milk powering a fast-growing brand might have seemed far-fetched. And yet, Slate – which recently announced $23 million in fresh funding – has proven just how powerful a novel concept can be. What can CPG founders – and the industry at large – learn from its rise? The hosts also look back on an unforgettable meetup in San Francisco, where industry veterans, insiders, and ambitious early-stage founders came together in a high-energy atmosphere. Show notes: 0:25: SpearsTok. S.F. Straightaway. Soaring Slate. Aggressive Snacks & Sprinkles. — The show kicks off with banter about AI job titles and algorithm-driven social media feeds, before the hosts reflect on the energy of Taste Radio's recent San Francisco meetup and how the event fostered valuable industry connections and spotlighted emerging brands. They also preview the show's London meetup on October 2 as well as BevNET's Live events in December. The hosts then turn their attention to a $23M funding round for milk-based protein beverage platform Slate, which sparked a deeper conversation about brand evolution, product positioning and the importance of timing in industry success. They also discuss a plant-based meat snack brand with “aggressive” branding. Ray highlights Sprinkles' new cupcake bites, John gulps Zico's organic coconut water, Mike touts THC and turmeric drinks and Jacqui spotlights an innovative CPG brand designed for women. Brands in this episode: Slate, Spindrift, Health-Ade, Trip, In Good Taste Wines, Slapp, Dokkaebeer, Kechi, Mindful, Jules Matcha, Fort Point, Standard Deviant, Straightaway Cocktails, Plift, MixMix, KiuKiu, Uncle Matt's, ZICO, Drink Folks, Q Drinks, Benni Pops, Sprinkles, Rootless, AGRO, Yasso, Forager Project, Uncracked, Yerba Madre

This week on Above The Fold, I sat down with Chef Rama Ginde to talk about building a food brand rooted in heritage, education, and flavor. Rama is a private chef, culinary educator, and co-founder of Satya Blends, a spice company created from family recipes with the goal of making Indian flavors approachable for every kitchen.We cover entrepreneurship, food culture, and what it really means to educate customers while building a CPG brand. Rama opens up about growing up between Puerto Rican and Indian cultures and how it shaped her love of food, launching Wannabe Chef as her first business and turning cooking lessons into a career that has lasted over 16 years, and creating Satya Blends with her mom, inspired by her grandmother's cooking classes in Bombay. She also talks about the challenges of honoring tradition while making spices mainstream and easy to use, and why packaging, sampling, and constant education are the keys to building customer loyalty in CPG.If you're building a food brand, leading a CPG startup, or just want to learn how heritage can shape customer experience, this episode is packed with practical insight you can actually use.Listen now for tips on CPG marketing, customer education, and why the best food brands are built on empathy and tradition.

You've worked with some of the biggest CPG brands. What key experiences or lessons have shaped your approach as a leader in insights and category growth?You're passionate about understanding the consumer, retailer, and shopper. Can you share a moment where an insight completely transformed a marketing strategy or category approach?As a retail media crusader and AI advocate, how do you see data, AI, and retail media shaping the future of omnichannel marketing?You call yourself a “Shaker-Up'er.” Can you share an example of when you challenged the status quo and drove meaningful change within an organization or industry?What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in unified commerce today, and how should brands and retailers prepare to stay ahead?  

In this conversation, Bryon White, co-founder of Yaupon Brothers, discusses the unique qualities and benefits of Yaupon, the only caffeine-containing plant native to North America. He shares insights into the history of Yaupon, its cultivation, and the innovative flavored blends that have emerged. The discussion also covers their recent influencer branded products and the importance of building authentic relationships with influencers for successful marketing. We discuss the challenges faced by the CPG industry, and the role of regenerative agriculture in sustainable farming practices. Bryon emphasizes the need for entrepreneurs to understand their customers and the significance of leaving the world better than we found it.Takeaways:Yaupon is the only caffeine-containing plant native to North America.Historically, Yaupon was widely consumed across various cultures for its energizing and medicinal properties.Yaupon offers a smoother taste compared to traditional teas due to its lower tannin content.Theobromine in Yaupon provides a chill energy boost without jitters.Yaupon Brothers focuses on cultivating unique varietals for better tea production.Flavored Yaupon blends have gained popularity, appealing to a broader audience.Building authentic relationships with influencers can lead to successful collaborations.Regenerative agriculture practices are integral to Yaupon cultivation.Entrepreneurs should prioritize understanding their customers before launching products.The CPG industry faces challenges with rising costs across the supply chain, local production is a big win.Sound bites:“Yaupon has been associated with mental, spiritual, and physical purity for at least 8,000 years, probably longer than that. And only in the last 150, 200 years has it really sort of been forgotten about.”“Yaupon is the only caffeine source native to North America.”“It's very similar to tea in terms of its caffeine content, but with a higher ratio of theobromine to caffeine, meaning that it's a way more chill experience.”"Flavored Yaupon blends have gained popularity."“Yaupon is the only caffeinated holly native to in North America. The other two are in South America and those are yerba mate and wayusa.”“Yaupon trees provide habitat for wildlife, they provide food for pollinators, they help stabilize the soil, and when we harvest the trees, we tend to put the woody material from the harvesting process back into the soil, so there could be like a carbon sequestration component as well.”“We were able to give Uncle Pappy a way to monetize his following without doing things that he wasn't comfortable doing. Without selling out, so to speak.”“We have a 5 % give back to Friends of the Everglades, which was something that Uncle Pappy cared about a lot and something that we jive with.”"The CPG industry faces rising costs and challenges.""Social media has made us dumb and inconsiderate."Links:Bryon White on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryon-white-b9b172b0/Yaupon Brothers - https://yauponbrothers.com/Yaupon Brothers on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/YauponAsiTea/Yaupon Brothers on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yauponteaYaupon Brothers on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hGFk-WriknjdCK0iqF0MQYaupon Brothers on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@yauponbrothers…Black Drink, A Native American Tea (Book) - https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/black-drink-a-native-american-tea/2851945/item/28550797/#edition=3163440&idiq=33503911…Uncle Pappy Florida Chai - https://yauponbrothers.com/products/yaupon-tea-uncle-pappys-zippacket-16Uncle Pappy on Instagram - https://www.everglades.org/Uncle Pappy on Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@unc.pappyUncle Pappy on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7arn0PnTCPNbAKRzNhD-vQFriends of the Everglades - https://www.everglades.org/…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 Yaupon and Its Significance05:50 Health Benefits and Unique Qualities of Yaupon08:48 Consumer Reactions and Perceptions of Yaupon11:41 Yaupon Varietals and Flavored Blends14:41 The Founding Story of Yaupon Brothers17:41 Processing Yaupon and Its Accessibility20:45 Affiliate Marketing and Influencer Collaborations23:48 Successful Collaborations and Product Development26:45 Future of Affiliate Marketing and Building Relationships41:51 The Shift in Investment Landscape44:52 Challenges in Starting New Ventures47:44 Influencer Collaborations and Market Expansion52:37 Embracing Regenerative Agriculture58:03 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs01:06:32 Defining a Better WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

TikTok might look like cat videos and dance challenges—but for CPG brands, it's a massive opportunity. In this episode, Dr. Mark Young and Justin Girouard are joined by special guest Mark Young II, Founder + CEO of Ryze Agency, to break down how brands can use TikTok effectively without wasting budget. From understanding why TikTok works on impulse buys, to navigating creative fatigue, to exploring how AI and user-generated content are reshaping the ad world—this conversation pulls back the curtain on what's really driving results in digital. Whether you're skeptical about TikTok or itching to test it, this episode will help you decide if it's the right platform for your brand, and how to approach it strategically.

On this episode of The Kara Goldin Show, we're joined by Hannah Cheng, Co-Founder and CEO of Mimi Cheng's — the cult-favorite dumpling brand on a mission to bring family recipes to the world in a fresh, modern way. What began in 2014 as a small New York City dumpling shop, inspired by Hannah and her sister Marian's mom's recipes, has grown into a thriving brand with restaurants, ready-to-eat Taiwanese meals, and soon frozen dumplings launching nationwide at Whole Foods in Fall 2025.In our conversation, Hannah shares her journey from JP Morgan's trading floor to running one of NYC's most beloved dumpling spots, and how she balanced Wall Street with entrepreneurship during the early years. We dive into what has allowed Mimi Cheng's to thrive for over a decade in a notoriously tough industry, why staying self-funded and self-operated has been key, and what it takes to expand from restaurants into CPG. Hannah also opens up about building a business with her sister, her favorite collaborations, the lessons she's learned as an angel investor, and her vision for turning Mimi Cheng's into more than a meal — but a lifestyle brand.Whether you're a foodie, a founder, or simply someone who loves a great family business story, this episode is full of inspiration and insight you won't want to miss. Now on The Kara Goldin Show. Are you interested in sponsoring and advertising on The Kara Goldin Show, which is now in the Top 1% of Entrepreneur podcasts in the world? Let me know by contacting me at karagoldin@gmail.com. You can also find me @‌KaraGoldin on all networks. To learn more about Hannah Cheng and Mimi Cheng's:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-cheng-9480bb7/https://www.instagram.com/hannahjcheng/https://www.instagram.com/mimichengs/https://www.mimichengs.com/ Sponsored By:Apple Card - Visit apple.co/cardcalculator today and discover just how much Daily Cash you can earn.Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at Shopify.com/karaLinkedIn Jobs - Head to LinkedIn.com/KaraGoldin to post your job for free.Boll & Branch. Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/KARAGOLDIN Check out our website to view this episode's show notes: https://karagoldin.com/podcast/745 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you scale a DTC beverage when 90% of customers still prefer buying in retail? Nik sits down with Aaron Nosbisch while Aaron shares how he built BRĒZ, a hemp THC drink brand, from a fitting 4/20 launch to nearly $70M bootstrapped revenue.  He breaks down why DTC was the demand engine but retail became the scale, how a raw $560 “coin-flip refund” video turned into one of their best ads, and why rotating offers beats running discounts for months. He also cover TikTok Shop arbitrage, founder-led creative that actually converts, and what BRĒZ learned from messing up BFCM.  If you're serious about scaling a CPG brand, this episode is packed with ideas you can use right away. AppLovin Ecommerce Newsletter Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips. Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts. Follow Nik: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Jordan Rost, head of Ad Marketing for Roku & Jeff Bustos, SVP retail media analytics at Merkle. Jeff is a repeat guest on the CPG Guys and we have had great conversations on the role of retail media in our industry. This episode is focused on retail media including new capabilities, our guests' partnerships and the overall state of retail media research and learnings.Follow Jordan Rost on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanrost/Follow Roku on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/roku/Follow Roku online at: https://advertising.roku.com/ Follow Jeff Bustos on Linked in at : https://www.linkedin.com/in/bustosjeffrey/ Follow Merkle on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/merkle/ Follow Merkle online at: https://www.merkle.com/Here's what we discussed :  1. Jordan, give us the latest - Roku was on this podcast  a year ago, what's changed, what's new and how is the world of CTV doing?2. Jeff, Roku and Dentsu recently revealed research on shoppable TV advertising and whether it drives success for CPG. Tell us if content commerce integration drives engagement for brands or not?3. Jordan, you now have a partnership with Amazon. Tell us all about it and how advertisers can benefit from this partnership including any measurement?4. Jeff, as an expert of retail media measurement, how are you advising all including Roku to innovate metrics and deliver for CPG brands?5. Jordan and Jeff, are these ads mostly generic or personalized and how are consumers responding to it?6. Jordan, what role does content provide in engagement and attribution - how do you work with brands in ensuring there is ROI?7. Jeff, we know price sensitivity is impacting CPG today. How can brands reach the value-driven shopper?8. Jordan, if a brand hasn't used CTV before, what's the best way to give it a try? CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.  CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

Davina McCall is my daily running/dog-walking buddy (okay, okay... only in my earbuds), SO when I heard that she was promoting Ancient+Brave on her podcast, I just KNEW I had to see if I could get founder Kate Prince onto Brand Growth Heroes to find out just HOW she is scaling this incredible wellness business.Because a brand that gets (and can afford) someone like Davina on their *team* has got to be doing something right, right?Founder Kate began her career as a City lawyer, to discovering her creative side working as a lawyer at Endemol (right at the beginning of Big Brother...), through a first founding venture into Tea,  to building one of the UK's most exciting wellness brands. In this honest conversation, Kate shares the harsh realities of scaling fast, why obsession with brand and storytelling matters, and how learning to let go as a leader can become a founder's greatest strength.In this episode, you'll learn:Why there's no silver bullet in scaling AND how Kate got from £1m to £10m by stacking growth in layers.Why Kate believes brand is everything AND how design, packaging, and storytelling turned Ancient + Brave from products into a movement.The surprising choice to hire nutritionists early and why it paid off for credibility and product leadership.How Ancient+Brave raised money but kept it in the bank, a rare approach that gave them confidence and control.Why ritual and experience matter as much as product features, and how to make consumers feel something.The lessons Kate learned about team, culture, and leadership along the way.I loved recording this conversation. I've already listened back three times, and I'm still learning from it. I know you will too. Enjoy.Did this episode make you think differently or give you an idea? If so PLEASE SHARE THE LOVE BACK BY taking a few minutes to1. Hit

From Sunday suppers to 2,000 stores… and almost losing them all. Andrew Arbogast turned his dad's cheese dip recipe into a fast-growing CPG brand, only to face the harsh realities of shelf life, co-packing, and retailer expectations. In this episode, he joins Liz Sertl to share how he scaled Arbo's Cheese Dip, what nearly sank the business, and the turning point that gave him a second chance. Listeners will hear the unfiltered story behind bringing a homemade recipe to the national stage, and the resilience, partnerships, and supply chain decisions that made survival possible. In this episode, you'll learn: How shelf life testing and packaging decisions directly impact scalability Why rapid national expansion without brand awareness creates costly supply and demand mismatches What strategies helped Arbo stabilize its operations Jump into the conversation: (00:00) Introducing Next Level Supply Chain (02:33) Family traditions that inspired Arbo's recipe (04:25) Why barcodes matter for brand credibility (06:03) Shelf life challenges with early co-packers (08:11) Reformulating products for large-scale production (09:24) Rapid retail expansion that backfired (11:31) Winning Walmart Open Call and scaling mistakes (13:28) Debt crisis and asking for help (17:33) Grants and innovation with Real California Milk (19:31) Favorite flavors and unexpected uses for cheese dip Connect with GS1 US: Our website - www.gs1us.orgGS1 US on LinkedIn Connect with the guests: Andrew Arbogast on LinkedIn Check out Arbo's Cheese Dip

From Kitchens to Code: Gregory Willis on Flavor, Innovation & Food TechIn this episode, I sit down with Gregory Willis — founder and president of SenSpire, the company behind Flavor Studio, an operating system powering innovation in the food and ingredient industry. Gregory's journey is anything but linear: from earning four-star reviews as a chef in the competitive San Francisco dining scene, to leading CPG innovation at Chef's Best, to building patent-backed food tech solutions at Treasure8, and now creating software that unifies formulation, sensory testing, CRM, and R&D for some of the world's leading food companies.He's also the author of The Language of Flavor, a book unpacking the creative science of taste, and co-runs a boutique letterpress company with his wife. His career weaves together food, technology, design, and relentless curiosity.We cover:How lessons from fine dining — work ethic, customer service, discipline — shaped his approach to startupsThe creation of Flavor Studio: from flavor-predicting algorithms to a full R&D suite replacing Excel in food labsWhy most food companies still rely on spreadsheets (and how Flavor Studio solves this problem)Scaling Chef's Best into a nationally trusted label and what it taught him about consumer psychologyBehind the scenes of food innovation trends: tinned fish, Dubai chocolate, protein-everything, pickle-flavored snacks, and zero-proof drinksMisconceptions about taste: why aroma is central and the “tongue map” is a mythThe role of memory, design, and emotion in shaping flavor experiencesThe grind of patents and why sustainable food innovation is both slow and necessaryAdvice for young founders entering food/CPG: curiosity, communication, and building resilience against failure

What happens when neuroscience meets AI in the world of CPG? We sat down with Dr. Pradeep, CEO of Sensory AI and a pioneer in NeuroAI, to explore how the nonconscious mind and large language models are transforming innovation, marketing, and product development.

What separates beverage brands that break out from those that burn out? In this episode, industry veteran Ken Sadowsky – often known by his sobriquet, the “Beverage Whisperer” – offers a behind-the-scenes look at what's working (and what's not) in the fiercely competitive drinks industry.  Ken, who is the executive director of the Northeastern Independent Distributors Association (NIDA) and a senior advisor with Belgium-based investment firm Verlivest, draws from decades of experience and shares practical, battle-tested insights, from store checks in NYC bodegas to the growing influence of non-alcoholic spirits. He dives into a range of hot-button topics, including the ROI of trade shows like Expo West, the crucial role of effective packaging, and the delicate balance between innovation and consumer confusion. Along the way, he shares candid opinions on up-and-coming brands, expressing optimism for some while voicing skepticism toward others. Show notes: 0:25: Interview: Ken Sadowsky, Sr. Advisor, Verlinvest – Ken Sadowsky talks about his passion for conducting store checks to stay current on emerging brands and trends and emphasizes the importance of trying new products, especially in diverse markets like New York City. He also explains how his background as a distributor and investor informs his observations and why advises early-stage founders to perfect their product in their hometowns before attempting to break into bigger markets. He and Ray sample a non-alcoholic margarita from Pentire and a collagen-infused sparkling water from Liquid Youth. They then discuss the rise of ANA beverages and the evolution of sweeteners in better-for-you sodas. Ken acknowledges Poppi's branding success and PepsiCo's acquisition of the company, but he remains skeptical about the long-term viability of the prebiotic soda category. The conversation continues with an exploration of the value of trade shows like Expo West, why ROI can be elusive and difficult to quantify, and his advice for startups with limited budgets. Ken and Ray sample more brands, including Fhirst, a U.K.-based probiotic soda brand, and Orange Toucan, a moringa-infused beverage. The discussion turns to the meaning of innovation in CPG, as Ken defines it as introducing something truly new, ideally with a functional or sustainability benefit that can reach mainstream audiences. They wrap the episode by spotlighting 67 Water, a culturally resonant brand targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha; Glucosal, a Guatemalan electrolyte beverage only distributed in Miami; and Cadence, an isotonic drink brand. Brands in this episode: Liquid Youth, Poppi, Olipop, Liquid I.V., Celsius, Prime, Red Bull, Vitaminwater, Hint, 67 Water, Cadence, Pentire, Orange Toucan, Ringa, Kuli Kuli, Glucosal, Woody Creek Distillers, Mountain Dew, Vita Coco, Fhirst, Casa Azul, Bud Light, Electrolit, AriZona Beverages, GNGR Labs, MOTH Drinks  

I had the chance to sit down with Steve Booher, the founder and CEO of Always Full, and what an inspiring conversation it was.   Steve's entrepreneurial journey spans decades, from walking away from a “lifetime” corporate job to building multiple companies across engineering, manufacturing, and ag-tech. Along the way, he learned hard lessons about trust, cash flow, and resilience. And now, he's bringing all of that experience into the pet space with a product that solves a simple but universal problem—keeping your pet's water bowl always full and always clean. In our conversation, Steve shared the story of how a broken arm in his family turned into the spark for Always Full. What began as a sketch in AutoCAD evolved into a laser-precise, vortex-flushing, self-cleaning water bowl that pet parents (and pets!) are falling in love with.   From overcoming engineering challenges, to winning awards at SuperZoo and Global Pet Expo, to preparing for retail and online expansion, Steve walked us through what it takes to build not just a product, but a brand that truly makes a difference in people's lives. Here's what you'll learn in this episode: * How Steve's early career experiences led him to embrace entrepreneurship   * The tough lessons he learned building and selling multiple companies before Always Full   * How his wife's broken arm sparked the idea for a better water bowl   * The engineering process behind Always Full, including the vortex flush and filtration system   * Why Always Full is gaining traction with consumers, retailers, and even industry awards Join me, Ramon Vela, as I listen to this episode of The Story of a Brand as we dive into the journey of an entrepreneur who's proving that solving real problems—like keeping your pets healthy and hydrated—can be both meaningful and transformative. For more on Always Full, visit: https://alwaysfull.com/ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave The Story of a Brand Show a rating and review.  Plus, don't forget to follow us on Apple and Spotify.  Your support helps us bring you more content like this! * Today's Sponsors: Workspace6 - Private Community for 7, 8, 9-figure Brands: https://www.workspace6.io/ Workspace6 is a private community where over 950 seven-, eight-, and nine-figure brand operators share insights, solve problems, and accelerate growth. It's the anti-fluff operator's room, and for your first 30 days, it's just $1. Get real answers and skip the trial and error.   REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners: https://revivemp.com/ REViVE Amazon Marketing Partners helps better-for-you CPG brands win on Amazon with niche expertise, founder-led strategy, and a true partnership model. Built by a CPG founder with a successful exit, REViVE only works with brands it believes in. Are you curious if Amazon is right for you? Book a Free Deep Dive Strategy Session today.

Next in Media talked to Selina Sykes, Global Marketing Transformation Leader for Beauty and Wellbeing at Unilever, about the company's ambitious goal to allocate half of its media budget to creators. The conversation explored how a legacy CPG giant is reimagining its marketing model to stay relevant in a social-first world.Sykes discussed Unilever's shift from traditional broadcast advertising to a "many-to-many" model that harnesses communities and creators. She shared insights on building authentic creator partnerships, the success of campaigns like Vaseline Verified, and how AI is being integrated into their content supply chain. The conversation also covered social commerce opportunities, the balance between scaled operations and authentic creator relationships, and the future of AI-driven shopping experiences.Join us for this insightful discussion on how traditional brands can successfully navigate the creator economy while maintaining authenticity at scale.

Points of discussion:1. Acquired - So you bought a brewery. Now what?2. Defining your Brand Equity: Fast & Slow3. Embrace the "Staggered" rebrand launch 4. When to jettison your Brand Equity 5. A designer & a lawyer walk into a brewery -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 8,000+ food and bev industry pros who are subscribed to the Beer Branding Trends Newsletter (and access all past issues) at: www.beerbrandingtrends.com 

A decade ago, Allison Ellsworth was drinking apple cider vinegar for health reasons and doctoring it with fruit so she could stand the taste. Her husband Stephen helped her turn it into a business by adding carbonation on a hacked soda line in their Dallas townhouse. They called it “Mother Beverage,” and sold out every week at the farmers market…but then heard the words no founder forgets: “Your branding is…sh*t.” What happens next is one of the wildest CPG glow-ups of the 2010s: a Shark Tank deal with brand whisperer Rohan Oza, a full rebrand to Poppi, colored cans that jumped off the shelf, a launch derailed by Covid—and finally, an explosion fueled by Amazon, TikTok, and a Super Bowl moment that planted the flag: We're soda–and we've left the farmers market for good. Five years after its rebrand, Poppi was acquired by Pepsi for nearly $2B. This is the story of the messy bottling line, saying no to “dumb money,” baptism by Shark Tank, and building a generational brand while staying married.In this episode, you'll learn:How rebranding can rescue a beverage, and when to avoid early eye-rolls The hit-and-miss of carbonating on a small scale (and why co-packers said no).How the risky decision to call Poppi “soda” unlocked a new retail set (functional soda).What a Shark Tank partner does during a rebrand window.How Allison seized on TikTok to spike sales during Covid Timestamps:0:10:15 Meeting cute at a snowboard shop → engagement in 7 months 0:14:00 How apple cider vinegar helped Allison's health…but tasted terrible (early flavor hacks) 0:22:36 DIY carbonation disasters: exploding bottles & the 40°F lesson 0:42:28 Selling out at the Dallas Farmers Market 0:37:48 Appearing on Shark Tank while nine months pregnant and the deal with Rohan: “your branding is sh*t.”0:47:02 The nail-biting rebrand from “Mother” to Poppi: colored cans vs. white, and winning the shelf 0:53:44 Expo West canceled by Covid → a massive turnaround fueled by Amazon, Shark Tank, and TikTok1:05:51 Super Bowl ad– “We're soda!”--and the road to a ~$2B Pepsi acquisition 1:07:58 Growing a business while managing a marriage Follow How I Built This:Instagram → @howibuiltthisX → @HowIBuiltThisFacebook → How I Built ThisFollow Guy Raz:Instagram → @guy.razX → @guyrazSubstack → guyraz.substack.comWebsite → guyraz.comThis episode was produced by Rommel Wood with music composed by Ramtin Arablouei. It was edited by Neva Grant with research help from Alex Cheng. Our engineers were Patrick Murray and Jimmy Keeley.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Yo, what's good, packaging people? Adam Peek here, and you know how we roll—we're diving deep into the real talk behind building a brand. On this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Jack McNamara and Yash Banthia, the co-founders of Tru Energy Drinks. These guys aren't just making a great-tasting, better-for-you beverage; they're building a brand with a purpose, and their story is a masterclass in hustle and smart business decisions.From the Dungeon to DrinkTru.comJack and Yash's journey is the kind of scrappy startup story you love to hear. We're talking about a a literal dungeon—the basement of a Jiu-Jitsu gym—and a mindset of relentless improvement. We got into the nitty-gritty of their brand's evolution, from the early days of a crazy-expensive, custom-designed shot bottle that customers didn't even understand, to their current sleek, pre-printed cans. It's a prime example of why you can't be afraid to kill your darlings and embrace change, even if it means moving away from your original, most "creative" idea.The Power of Packaging EvolutionThis is where the real value bombs were dropped. We broke down:* The Cost of Creativity: Why a custom-molded bottle wasn't the right move for them early on, and how tooling costs can crush a new brand's cash flow.* The Sprint to Scale: The massive leap from a small, local co-packer to a national one, and the significant 35% savings they unlocked by switching from shrink sleeves to pre-printed cans. This is a crucial lesson in understanding your supply chain and the economies of scale.* Reading the Room (and the Shelf): How a simple redesign, like moving the brand name to the top and adding a clear flavor stripe, can make all the difference in a competitive retail environment. We talked about consumer behavior and why you've got two seconds to communicate what your product is.Products with a PurposeOne of the coolest things about Tru is their commitment to giving back. I had to call them out for not leading with their charitable contributions—they're just out there doing good because it's the right thing to do. We discussed their partnership with the Trevor Project and how building a brand with a strong mission, even when you're not yet profitable, can be a huge motivator for the team.Big shout-out to Jack and Yash for their time and their transparency. If you're out there building a CPG brand, trying to figure out your packaging, or just need a dose of entrepreneurial inspiration, this episode is for you.Check out Tru's full product line at drinktru.com and grab a can or a powder pack to fuel your next big idea. Don't forget to look for them at stores like Market Basket, Wegmans, and H-E-B.And hey, if you're ever in Salt Lake City, hit up Harmons and tell 'em Adam sent you! And yes, a special shout-out to my parents, Ed and Lydia Peek, and Jack's toddler. Thanks for listening, everyone! 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

I sat down with Semira Nikou and Bella Hughes, co-founders of Better Sour, to share how they're redefining the candy aisle with bold sour flavors inspired by their roots in Hawaii and Iran. We talk about scaling into 4,000+ retail doors, building a new category, and the lessons they've learned along the way.Sponsored by Highbeam – The financial platform built to protect and empower modern brands. Highbeam is a founder-focused cash and banking platform. With FDIC-insured accounts, high-yield cash management, and real-time financial visibility, Highbeam helps CPG brands stay liquid, secure, and ready for anything.Foodbevy listeners can also get access to a free FDIC-insured bank account with Highbeam, plus tools designed specifically for growing CPG brands. Just email us directly for the introduction: grace@foodbevy.comStartup 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.

In this special roundtable episode of the Product and Packaging Powerhouse, host Megan Young Gamble sat down with industry experts Emily Anne Friedman (Recycled Plastics Editor, ICIS), and Ryan Fox (Packaging Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence) and Nicole Toole (Founder of ECGO) to unpack definitions of sustainability, the impact of data and technology, consumer education, and policy approaches like EPR. The panel considers how to move toward a more circular economy, while acknowledging the real-world constraints of infrastructure, cost, and market incentives.Affiliate & Other Links: [Megan Young Gamble Links][AFFILIATE] Ready to crank out your content in as little as 5 minutes? Use Castmagic, AI powered tool to take your content creation from overwhelmed to overjoyed by saving hours of developing content. Save 20 hours by Signing up today! https://get.castmagic.io/Megan [FREEBIE] Learn about “day in the life” of a Packaging Project Manager → Get our “Starter Packaging PM Freebie” [link] https://glc.ck.page/thestarterpackagingprojectmanager [FREEBIE] Access commonly referenced organizations and tools in ONE PLACE with our handy guide HERE [link] https://bit.ly/OSTPlay Subscribe & Access our Video Vault YouTube Channel [ link] https://bit.ly/GLConYouTubeJoin our Email List [link] https://glc.ck.page/55128ae04b Follow and Connect with Megan on LinkedIn [link] https://linkedin.com/in/megangambleLearn about GLC, Packaging & Project execution firm for CPG brands http://www.getlevelconsulting.comWork with Me @ GLC, Schedule Discovery Call https://calendly.com/getlevelconsulting/15-minute-insight-sessionGot a topic you'd love us to cover? Share your ideas here [link] https://bit.ly/ppptopicform [Powerhouse Guests Social Links]  1. Emily Anne Friedman - Recycled Plastics Senior Market Editor, Americas ICISLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyannefriedman/Company Website: https://www.icis.com/explore/2. Nicole Toole - Founder & CEO at ECGOLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-toole/Company website: https://www.ecgo.co/3. Ryan Fox - Corrugated Packaging Market Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandfox/Company website: https://www.green-markets.com/BOX/Index.htmlAdditional Resource: Pizza box recycling - https://www.westrock.com/blog/pizza-box-recycling Here's a great resource to help understand curbside recycling trends. - https://recyclingpartnership.org/residential-recycling-report/ [Podcast] Be a Packaging Steward": Packaging Sustainability, Sales and Intentional Connections with Adam Peek “Packaging Pastor” SVP of Meyers | Host of People of Packaging Podcast. Listen here[Podcast] How Connected Packaging Shapes Sustainability and Traceability” with John Dwyer, Smart Packaging Expert at Smurfit Westrock & Maurizio Carano, Innovation & Marketing Director IML @ MCC Label. Listen hereEpisode Quotes:.It's one thing to give someone a recycling bin, it's another thing for them to actually treat it like one. - EmilyYour PCR, which is post-consumer recycled content, is very important, but you also have to ask, where is that recycled material coming from and what's the overall carbon footprint? - EmilyUltimately when we think about shifting people's behavior, it's adopting the values of waste stewardship and ensuring products have the best end-of-life process. - NicoleThe biggest barriers are incentives and confusion, so we built technology to make it easy, local, and rewarding. - NicoleEvery year, corrugated captures about 35 million tons of old containers and turns them into a brand-new version that circularity is sustainability. - RyanOne of the challenges is inspiring people at home to take a bigger role in recycling. That's where the biggest difference will come. - RyanSometimes the greenest thing from a greenhouse gas perspective is actually plastic, but it's the one that gets hit the hardest. - Ryan

The global food system stands at a crossroads. Climate change is reshaping where crops can grow, trade disputes threaten supply chains, and smallholder farmers who produce much of our food often have the least power in the system. Meet Heather Terry, founder and CEO of GoodSAM Foods, and discover how the company is transforming the traditional smallhold farm model by putting people and regenerative agriculture at the heart of a growing food company. GoodSAM Foods sources 90% of its ingredients directly from smallholder farms in Latin America and Africa, eliminating middlemen and reinvesting profits into farming communities. Terry's approach is both principled and pragmatic: as climate volatility reduces crop yields globally, the companies that have built genuine relationships with farmers will have access to limited harvests. "When I'm a farmer and I suddenly have leverage, who am I going to sell that product to?" Terry asks. "It's relationships."[Terry's journey to raise $9 million in Series A funding over 18 months illustrates the disconnect between traditional investors and regenerative business models. After facing skepticism from conventional CPG investors, she found success with impact investors who understood that sustainable food systems represent the future of the industry. While GoodSAM maintains USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project verification, Terry takes a critical stance on regenerative certification labels, arguing that current systems impose Global North standards on farmers who have practiced regenerative techniques for generations. Instead, GoodSAM focuses on direct relationships and on-ground verification. Her proactive approach protected both the company and its farming partners from sudden economic shocks at a time when the U.S. food system faces mounting pressures from climate impacts and trade policy changes. "Every time you pick something up off the shelf, you are voting," Terry said. "You're sending a signal to a company."You can learn more about GoodSAM Foods at goodsamfoods.com.Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on iTunesFollow Sustainability In Your Ear on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, or YouTube

The CPG Guys are joined in this episode by Laura Knebusch, SVP CPG Marketing & CX at Geaorgia-Pacific, the world's leading manufacturers and marketers of bath tissue, paper towels and napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, cellulose, specialty fibers and building products. Follow Laura on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-knebusch-8887033/Follow Georgia-Pacific on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/georgia-pacific-llc/Follow Georgia-Pacific online at: https://www.gp.com/Brands & Retailers looking to attend our Groceryshop Kickoff Party on Sept 28 register here: https://rethink.industries/events/groceryshop-kickoff-party-september-28-2025/Here's what we asked Laura: CPG hasn't always been known for being data- or tech-forward. But you've made AI and data central to your team's approach. Why, and how is it paying off?How do you balance human creativity with AI-driven automation — especially in areas like campaign optimization or creative development?Media habits have changed so much in just a few years. How has your media strategy evolved? You've shifted from a TV-heavy media mix to a digital-first strategy — what signals told you it was time to make that change?Are there particular emerging channels — podcasts, gaming, retail media, even the metaverse — where you see the biggest growth opportunity for CPG?How do you make sure those media messages really resonate — beyond just price or promotion? With so many touchpoints, how do you measure what's really working across platforms? We know social and influencers have become a bigger part of your playbook. What's changed there?You've had some bold campaigns recently this year - across 3 of your brands. How have they performed - what kind of audience response have you seen?Georgia-Pacific has such iconic brands. How do you modernize a household staple without losing what people already love about it?Your campaigns have been bold and playful lately — how do you create a culture where teams feel comfortable taking creative risks?You're leading one of the most ambitious CPG marketing transformations in the country — what mindset shifts were required to get the organization on board?What skills do you think the next generation of CPG marketers will need that maybe weren't as critical five years ago? Looking ahead, what does the “CPG marketer of 2030” look like?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity the CPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

In this conversation, Simón Sacal, CEO and co-founder of Solely, shares his journey toward building a company focused on creating healthy fruit snacks made entirely from real fruit. He explains the challenges of using real fruit in manufacturing, the importance building a reliable supply chain, and how the patented innovations that unlocked their ability to make indulgent yet nutritious products. He then shares vision for the future of the company, advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, and how he believes that aligned incentives in the food system can lead to a better world.Takeaways:Solely aims to revolutionize fruit snacks by using only real fruit.The evolution of fruit snacks from their original candy origin.Using real fruit in manufacturing presents unique challenges.Organic sourcing is a priority, but making indulgent yet nutritious whole food snacks is their purpose.Eliminating waste in the supply chain is crucial for efficiency.Building strong relationships with farmers is essential for success, especially when using whole, fresh ingredients.Innovative manufacturing processes allow for shelf-stable fruit products without preservatives.Future growth will focus on expanding product lines while maintaining quality.Aspiring entrepreneurs should ensure their product solves a real problem.Business must be treated as a sustainable venture, not just a passion project.Sound bites:“So I have a very, very long story. I've been doing this for more than 25 years.”“We're designed to crave sweetness, and in nature the only place that you find sweetness is in fruit.”"We help farmers use 100% of what they grow.”“All the incentives are aligned and everyone makes money from each other's success.”“The process has to be very mild to the fruit. And then you need to manufacture it in a way that you don't need preservatives.”“It's all about the basics. This is not rocket science. The product has to taste amazing. It has to be priced in line with everything else. It has to communicate well to the consumer. It has to have a market fit.”“To make a product out of fruit, you need to create the whole supply chain and understand how to do it in a way that's profitable, that works for the supply chain, for the farmers, for you.”“At the end of the day, it's just a great product that checks all the boxes.”Links:Simуn Sacal on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sim%C3%B3n-sacal-05265715a/Solely - https://solely.com/Solely on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/solely-inc/Solely on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/solelycleanfood/Solely on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/solelyfruit/Solely on X - https://x.com/solelyfruitSolely on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@solelyfruit…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 Soli and Its Mission06:00 Revolutionizing Fruit Snacks: The Soli Approach09:03 Challenges of Using Real Fruit in Production11:59 The Importance of Organic Sourcing14:54 Understanding the Complexity of Food Production18:05 The Role of Waste in Food Systems20:57 Building Relationships with Farmers24:02 Soli's Commitment to Sustainability and Health34:09 Supporting Farmers Through Sustainable Practices38:47 Innovative Manufacturing for Healthy Products46:51 Future Growth and Product Innovation52:41 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs56:40 Personal Insights and Reflections62:19 Creating a Better World Through Aligned IncentivesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey loves, this episode is so close to my heart. I'm sharing something deeply personal and raw — the messy, magical, behind-the-scenes story of how I launched Chai Tonics, my new Ayurvedic wellness tea brand. This isn't just about tea — it's about reclaiming ritual, honoring ancestral wisdom, and finding home within ourselves, one cup at a time.I spill the truth behind building a CPG brand while mothering two babies, moving cross-country, writing a book, and healing from burnout. If you've ever had a dream on your heart that felt too messy, too late, or too scary to pursue, this is your permission slip. Welcome to the real, unfiltered journey of how ritual saved me… and how it can save you too.Mama, your nervous system deserves a pause. The Chai Tonics Ritual Starter Kit was made to help you reset with blends that support focus, calm, and energy without the coffee crash. Create your sacred moment at https://chaitonics.com with code BRAVE for 15% off.What you'll get out of this episode… What sparked the launch of Chai TonicsThe Ayurvedic ingredients in chai that changed my mood, focus, and hormonesWhy ritual is more important than ever for women juggling everythingHow nostalgia, grief, and heritage became the foundation of this wellness brandBehind-the-scenes truth of launching a CPG product (it's not all pretty labels!)What to do when you want to give up on your dream — and how I kept goingHow to claim your ritual and reset your nervous system with one cupThis Episode is Powered by Health NagStruggle to stay hydrated? Health Nag's Juicy Watermelon Electrolytes give you six essential electrolytes + Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Vitamin C—all without sugar or fillers. It's hydration that actually works. Try it today at https://neetabhushan.com/healthnag with code BRAVETABLE for 10% off.Sponsored by Zoime Longevity ClinicLongevity isn't just about more years—it's about better ones. At Zoime Longevity Clinic, you'll get a personalized health plan rooted in the seven pillars of thriving life—gut health, hormones, nervous system, mindset, and more. Start your journey at https://neetabhushan.com/zoime and get 10% off your consultation with code BRAVETABLE.Want more?☕ Love chai + self-care? Grab my free 12-month ritual guide → neetabhushan.com/chaitonics

Entrepreneur Sasha Millstein shares her journey launching Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies and scaling this frozen comfort food brand from idea to shelves. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/581-sasha-millstein-aunt-ethels-pot-pies/ Sasha Millstein, founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies, joins Henry Lopez to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey from concept to scaling a consumer packaged goods (CPG) business. Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, Aunt Ethel's has sold over 75,000 units, secured placement in 100+ Wegmans stores, sold out on QVC in under six minutes, and earned features in The New York Times and How I Built This. In this conversation, Sasha reveals the origin story of Aunt Ethel's, including her family's entrepreneurial influence, the pivotal pop-up that validated the concept, and her innovation of the first-ever two-part pot pie that solves soggy crusts and long cook times. Sasha also discusses the challenges of packaging, co-packers, funding, navigating consultants, and ultimately landing major distribution. “In the first three years, I think I cried every single day. But ultimately what keeps me focused is having that North star - you have to know why you started this company.” – Sasha Millstein Listeners will gain valuable insights into perseverance, the realities of the CPG space, fundraising challenges, and why doing your research and knowing your numbers is non-negotiable for entrepreneurs. Sasha Millstein is the founder and CEO of Aunt Ethel's Pot Pies, a Brooklyn-based frozen food company reinventing comfort food with innovation and hustle. Since launching in 2020, Sasha has scaled the brand into national retail and online channels, earning acclaim for her patented two-part pot pie design. This episode is hosted by Henry Lopez. The How of Business podcast focuses on helping you start, run, grow and exit your small business. The How of Business is a top-rated podcast for small business owners and entrepreneurs. Find the best podcast, small business coaching, resources and trusted service partners for small business owners and entrepreneurs at our website https://TheHowOfBusiness.com

How are leading retailers and brands using AI to transform shopping? Nordstrom's Brad Tucker, Mars' Shashank Kadetotad, and HCLTech's Debraj Bhattacharya join Rethink Retail to explore: - Smarter personalization and recommendations - Greater operational efficiency - Faster product innovation - AI's role in sustainability and customer loyalty From generative to agentic AI, discover how companies are turning data into insight and creating the future of retail.

Michael Fisher was making gummy worms in his kitchen during COVID when he realized candy hadn't been reimagined for today's consumer. With no food science background, he started experimenting—less sugar, no artificial dyes, and all the nostalgia of sour gummies. That tinkering turned into Rotten, a candy brand with its own world, characters, and cult following. From a Kickstarter launch in 2023 to landing in retailers like Foxtrot and Hy-Vee within months, Rotten has grown fast by pairing bold branding with better-for-you candy that doesn't compromise on taste. In this episode, Michael shares how he built Rotten from scratch, why brand world-building matters in CPG, and what the future of candy looks like when it's fun and functional. Make sure to check out Rotten at: https://eatrotten.com/   Check out my new book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kRKGTX Sign up for Starting Small University to join our interviews LIVE and ask questions: https://startingsmallmedia.org/startingsmalluniversity Visit Starting Small Media: https://startingsmallmedia.org/ Subscribe to exclusive Starting Small emails: https://startingsmallmedia.org/newsletter-signup   Follow Starting Small: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startingsmallpod/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Startingsmallpod/?modal=admin_todo_tour LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cameronnagle