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The Startup CPG Podcast
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Inhalt bereitgestellt von Startup CPG. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Startup CPG oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.
The top CPG podcast in the world, highlighting stories from founders, buyer spotlights, highly practical industry insights - all to give you a better chance at success.
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284 Episoden
Alle als (un)gespielt markieren ...
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Inhalt bereitgestellt von Startup CPG. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Startup CPG oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.
The top CPG podcast in the world, highlighting stories from founders, buyer spotlights, highly practical industry insights - all to give you a better chance at success.
…
continue reading
284 Episoden
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×In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Patricia Menegoto and Caitlin Bricker from the Startup CPG team for a packed update on everything happening across the community. They dive deep into the Shelfies , the industry's largest free product awards program, discussing standout submissions, evolving trends in plant-based innovation, and what it’s like to be a Shelfies judge. Patricia and Caitlin share their unique judging processes and the behind-the-scenes chaos (and joy!) of receiving hundreds of packages. The team also highlights major upcoming events—from the Further initiative empowering female founders to the jam-packed Fancy Food Show schedule, featuring buyer meetings, founder dinners, and a silent disco at Discotopia during Newtopia Now. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on the Grocery Run event series, how the Startup CPG Newswire is amplifying brand news for free, and Caitlin’s new role as host of the Friday Founder Feature podcast episodes. Whether you're already part of the Startup CPG community or just discovering it, this episode is your roadmap to all the ways we're connecting, celebrating, and supporting emerging brands across the country. Don’t miss out—Listen now! Email and Content Manager Job Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScI2upkBZbBA6NuJ0pMQCktMPFHVM-zF22pT66UEpUAH0ZVAg/viewform CPG Operations Writer Job Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbhEnmFjJ0M2myKIpbz5FU6RX-jAyyoAZ1FkNiwe5SD6steA/viewform Listen in as they share about: Shelfies Awards Further Program for Female Founders Trade Show Events - Fancy Food Show -Newtopia Now -Expo West Grocery Run Event Series Startup CPG Newswire Team and Community Highlights Episode Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmenegoto/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinbricker/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy is joined by Stephanie Berwick, founder of Pastazerts—the first brand to bring chocolate ravioli to market. Stephanie shares her unique journey from a two-decade career in fintech to launching a frozen dessert product that’s carving out a completely new category in CPG. She discusses how early success in amateur cooking competitions sparked the idea, and walks through the practical steps she took to validate the concept, navigate production challenges, and transition from self-manufacturing to working with a co-manufacturer. Stephanie also opens up about the realities of bootstrapping a frozen brand, conducting a debt-based crowdfunding round, and the strategic rollout into retail and foodservice. This episode is packed with valuable insights on innovation, retail readiness, and managing operational complexity in the frozen space. Tune in now! Listen in as they share about: Overview of Pastazerts Early Steps & Product Development Product Development and Scaling Retail & Distribution Strategy Frozen Category Challenges Funding and Financial Strategy Marketing and Community Building Advice for Entrepreneurs Episode Links: Website: https://pastazerts.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-berwick/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Grace's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…

1 #197 - AI for CPG 101 with Chris Szigeti 1:08:04
1:08:04
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In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Chris Szigeti, a seasoned tech consultant and emerging CPG founder, for an in-depth discussion on how artificial intelligence is transforming the consumer packaged goods industry. Chris demystifies foundational AI models such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity, and shares practical strategies for integrating these tools into early-stage brand building. From conducting deep market research to creating AI-powered advisory boards, Chris outlines how solo founders can effectively leverage AI to streamline operations, accelerate development, and make more informed business decisions. Drawing from his own experience building Froth and Honey , Chris offers a candid look at how AI can reduce overhead, enhance creativity, and help brands launch smarter and faster — even with limited resources. If you're a CPG founder looking to better understand and apply AI in your business, this episode is a must-listen. Listen in as they share about: AI and Foundational Models How to Use AI Effectively Practical Use of AI for CPG Brands Research & Strategy via AI Customizing AI Responses Using AI as a Virtual Advisor AI for Content Creation & Design How Chris Uses AI to Build His Brand Pros & Cons of AI Episode Links: Website: https://www.peakproductgroup.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisszigeti/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Cynthia Duran, founder of Xinca Foods , one of the first Salvadoran frozen food brands in the U.S. market. Cynthia shares her inspiring journey from a career in tech at companies like Microsoft and T-Mobile to launching Xinca Foods—a brand rooted in heritage and dedicated to making high-quality frozen pupusas accessible across the country. They dive into the realities of bootstrapping a CPG business, the importance of self-manufacturing to preserve authenticity, and the strategic decision to pause growth in order to focus on consumer awareness. Cynthia also opens up about the challenges of entering new markets, learning from on-the-ground demos, navigating distribution, and adapting packaging and pricing to meet regional demand. Whether you're a founder, food entrepreneur, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of scaling a culturally rich food brand, this episode offers a candid look at the grit, strategy, and community that power Xinca Foods. Listen in as they share about: Founding Story of Xinka Foods Bootstrapping and Self-Manufacturing Direct-to-Consumer to Retail Transition Retail and Distribution Strategy Packaging and Marketing Lessons Day-to-Day Operations Customer Feedback and Eating Creativity Startup CPG Community and Resources Episode Links: Website: https://xincafoods.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-duran-693410b9/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Grace's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Adam Marsh and Gabrielle McGonagall from Giannuzzi Lewendon, one of the most trusted law firms for CPG founders. They break down everything early-stage founders need to know about setting up their companies, choosing the right entity (LLC vs. C-Corp), fundraising strategies, issuing equity to employees and advisors, and how to protect yourself from losing control of your business. Adam and Gabby also unpack key differences between SAFEs and convertible notes, the pros and cons of crowdfunding, the reality of secondary sales for founders, and why having the right legal advisors is crucial—especially as you scale. Whether you're raising your first check or dreaming of a major exit, this conversation will set you up with the legal fundamentals to do it smartly and safely. Ready to level up your founder knowledge? Listen now and get one step closer to building a company that lasts! Contact Giannuzzi Lewendon for a consultation at https://gllaw.us/ Listen in as they share about: Choosing the Right Business Entity Equity Ownership and Vesting Fundraising Mechanics Investor Rights and Founder Protection Dilution and Secondary Sales Legal Expertise vs. AI Tools Episode Links: Website: https://gllaw.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-marsh-847a8571/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-mcgonagle-803b2b21/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy speaks with Damiano Messineo, founder of Loopini , a revolutionary brand reimagining pizza through the power of the ancient lupini bean. From his childhood obsession with pizza to launching a premium, protein-packed frozen pizza line made in Italy, Damiano shares his flavorful journey of turning tradition into innovation. He walks us through the lupini bean’s history—from Roman legions to Mayan civilization—and how this under-the-radar superfood is redefining the frozen aisle. Damiano also talks about sourcing ingredients straight from Naples, the importance of clean Italian flour, and the art of crafting a delicious, healthy pizza that still tastes indulgent. You’ll hear insights on launching at Fancy Foods, navigating international supply chains, and the role of community in early-stage growth. Tune in now! Listen in as they share about: Origin of Loopini Pizza What Makes Loopini Unique Startup Growth & Product Testing Challenges & Supply Chain Realities Retail & Pricing Strategy Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Efforts Community & Startup CPG Support Episode Links: Website: https://eatloopini.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiano-messineo-53354018a/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Grace's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this bonus episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, our Editor, Caitlin Bricker, sits down with Ashley Waldman, founder of Jubilee's, a groundbreaking line of flavored milk for kids made with real fruit, hidden vegetables, high protein, and zero added sugar. Jubilee's just won the "Ones to Watch" lightning pitch competition at Beverage Forum! In this episode, Ashley shares the personal story that inspired the brand’s creation, including her experience as a parent of a child with autism and her frustration with the lack of nutritious, low-sugar beverage options for children. From working with a professional formulator to pioneering a new approach to sweetening milk with fruits and vegetables, Ashley provides a transparent look into the product development process, the health implications of added sugar, and the early wins that are propelling Jubilee's into retail spaces and onto Amazon. They also explore broader industry trends, the rise of functional and clean-label products, and practical advice for emerging founders in the CPG space. What are you waiting for? Listen now! Listen in as they share about: Founding Story of Jubilee's Product Formulation & Innovation Parenting & Health Consciousness Consumer Trends & Health Culture Marketing & Distribution Clean Label & Ingredient Awareness Founder Advice Episode Links: Website: https://drinkjubilees.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyverrill/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Caitlin's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…

1 #195 - What Do Health and Sustainability Really Mean to Consumers? | Dana Kim & Sam Kass 1:00:05
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In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff chats with Dana Kim & Sam Kass to unpack what “health” and “sustainability” actually mean to today’s consumers. Sam Kass, former White House Chef and food policy advisor to the Obamas, shares behind-the-scenes stories from the West Wing—including what it's really like cooking for the First Family—and how those experiences led to a deep commitment to reshaping our food systems. He dives into the hard truths about sugar, portion sizes, and policy limits, as well as the ambitious mission behind his new venture, PLEZi, to help shift eating habits for the next generation. Dana Kim, founder & CEO of product testing platform Highlight, brings the data. From packaging guilt to sweetener preferences, Dana shares real consumer insights from across the U.S.—what shoppers say they care about vs. what they actually buy, and why brands need to tailor their health and sustainability messages to fit different audiences (Erewhon isn't the whole world!). Together, they explore how brands can build better-for-you products and communicate them effectively—without falling into the greenwashing trap. 👉 Want to learn how to turn data into product gold and create CPG brands that truly resonate with customers? Listen now and get inspired by two people shaping the future of food. Learn more about Highlight here Listen in as they share about: Health and Sustainability in Consumer Perception Sam Kass’ White House Experience Nutrition Policy and Cultural Barriers Consumer Behavior & Product Testing Sustainability Perception Trends in Food & Beverage Differences Between Mass and Tastemaker Consumers Brand Strategy & Messaging Advice to Founders and Brands Episode Links: IG: https://www.instagram.com/samkassdc/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-kass-896752112/ Website: https://www.letshighlight.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-kim-44920135/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy chats with Morgan Murdock, the founder of Unbothered Foods—a gut-friendly, sourdough-based cracker brand launched in 2023. Morgan, a clinical dietitian turned CPG entrepreneur, shares her journey from working with IBS patients to creating a delicious, low FODMAP cracker that prioritizes both taste and digestive health. They dive into everything from navigating product formulation and scaling production to finding the right co-manufacturer and managing fermentation at scale. Morgan also opens up about fundraising via WeFunder, the challenges of being a solo founder, and the importance of mentorship in building a mission-driven food brand. If you're a CPG founder, health-conscious foodie, or just love a good cracker, you won’t want to miss this one. Tune in now! Use code STARTUPCPG at checkout for 15% off any cracker product! Listen in as they share about: Unbothered Foods Overview Why Crackers? The Sourdough Advantage Scaling & Manufacturing Journey Retail & Distribution Strategy Funding & Bootstrapping Solo Founder Life Mentorship & Community Support Episode Links: Website: https://unbotheredfoods.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morganjmurdock/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Grace's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff and Caitlin Bricker dive deep into how emerging brands are using AI for operations and back office support. Joined by two powerhouse founders—Yaminah Childress of YANY Beauty and Veronica Blue of Phenomenal Foods Co—they explore how small teams are using AI to scale smarter, save time, and simplify complex workflows. From AI-powered forecasting and document automation to personalized marketing and product costing, this episode breaks down the real-world tools that founders are actually using. Yaminah shares how she leverages tools like Perplexity AI and Contractor AI to manage agreements, expansion strategies, and even create AI assistants. Meanwhile, Veronica reveals how ChatGPT has become her go-to tool for recipe costing, unit economics, and preparing investor-ready projections—all as a solopreneur. Whether you're skeptical, curious, or already experimenting with AI, this episode will give you practical ideas and fresh inspiration to apply AI in your own business ops. Tune in now to learn how these founders are turning AI into their ultimate business partner. Listen in as they share about: Initial Skepticism Around AI AI as a Tool for Business Efficiency AI as a Tool for Lean Teams AI for Financial Modeling & Forecasting AI Building Internal Knowledge Bases Legal, Regulatory, and Forecasting Uses Custom Tools & Software AI as a Creative Partner Episode Links: Website: https://yanybeauty.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamyaminah/ Website: https://phenomenalfoodsco.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vblue/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy speaks with BJ McCaslin, co-founder of Holy! Water.BJ shares the story behind Holy! Water, a functional beverage brand built on the belief that health is sacred. Drawing on his deep experience in hospitality and beverage entrepreneurship—including a successful exit to Vita Coco—BJ discusses how Holy! Water was developed to meet multiple consumer needs with formulations that include ketones, functional mushrooms, and nootropics. They explore the evolution of the non-alcoholic and functional beverage categories, the challenges of product development, retail strategy, and navigating distribution. BJ also opens up about his approach to brand-building, investing in people, and what it takes to succeed in a highly competitive industry. Whether you're a CPG founder, investor, or industry enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insight into the grit, creativity, and strategy behind bringing a beverage brand to life. Listen now! 👉 Try Holy! Water at enjoyholywater.com with code ALWAYS30 for 30% off! Listen in as they share about: Holy! Water Overview Product Line & Unique Ingredients Distribution & Partnerships R&D Process & Challenges Marketing & Sales Strategy Positioning & Category Insight Brand Philosophy & Culture Episode Links: Website: https://enjoyholywater.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjmccaslin/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Grace's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with CPG veteran Matt Merson to dive deep into one of the most critical topics for emerging brands: velocity. With over three decades of experience from industry giants to emerging brands, including Coca-Cola, Dannon Yogurt, Glaceau Vitaminwater, Zico, Boxed Water, Haven’s Kitchen, and now Once Upon a Coconut—Matt shares hard-earned insights on what it really takes to drive product velocity in retail. They explore everything from the pre-launch groundwork that sets brands up for success to the nuances of working with retailers, optimizing shelf placement, leveraging data, and understanding buyer expectations. They also break down in-store vs. out-of-store tactics, how to effectively run promotions and demos, and how to use merchandising partners to gain a competitive edge. For bootstrapped founders and well-funded startups alike. Matt’s advice offers a roadmap to building a brand that turns quickly, wins over buyers, and scales sustainably in retail. Tune in now! Schedule a call with Grassroots, Startup CPG's demo partner: https://calendly.com/grassrootsmarketing/grassroots-x-startupcpg-intro-call Access Startup CPG's exclusive data package with NIQ: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/landing-page/startupcpg/ Listen in as they share about: Velocity in Retail for CPG Brands Pre-Launch Strategy Driving In-Store Velocity Merchandising Out-of-Store Strategies Data & Velocity Metrics Distribution & Stockouts Bootstrapping Advice Episode Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-merson/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Grace Kennedy speaks with Max Luthy, co-founder of Plink! Hydration , a fast-growing brand bringing a fresh take to the electrolyte category with its fizzy, flavorful, and sustainable hydration tablets. Max shares the brand’s unique origin story, the challenges of positioning a disruptive product in a traditional market, and how Plink! has scaled from concept to landing on shelves in over 1,100 CVS locations. He offers valuable insights into product development, retail strategy, category navigation, and the importance of refining your value proposition as you grow. Whether you're a founder, brand builder, or CPG enthusiast, this conversation offers actionable takeaways and an inspiring look at what it takes to succeed in the modern beverage space. Listen now! Listen in as they share about: The Origin of Plink! Hydration Co-Founder Dynamic Product Positioning Category Strategy Retail & Growth Environmental Mission E-commerce Learnings Flavor & Formulation Decisions Retail & DTC Growth Advice for Other Founders Episode Links: Website: https://drinkplink.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwell-luthy-a8587137/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Grace's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff and Patricia Menegoto from the Startup CPG team sit down with Leana Salamah of the Specialty Food Association to learn all about the upcoming Summer Fancy Food Show in New York, as well as Luca Molinari of BARIS, who exhibited last year, and Jaden McTaggart from Earth Fare, a show regular. They kick things off with an inside look at the upcoming Summer Fancy Food Show in New York—why it’s one of the most high-impact events of the year for emerging brands, and what makes the Startup CPG section a magnet for top-tier buyers. Leana shares how the show supports brands at every stage, while Daniel and Patricia offer a behind-the-scenes look at their curated events, pitch sessions, and founder networking opportunities. Then, Luca shares the story behind BARIS—a Patagonia-born, chocolate-dipped raspberry brand that turned a single tabletop at Fancy Food into major retail wins. He shares insights on connecting with buyers, leading with purpose, and building traction as a young brand. Lastly, Jaden offers the buyer’s perspective from Earth Fare, explaining what stands out at Fancy Food, how he approaches early-stage brands, and why product mission, packaging, and personal connection matter more than ever. Tune in now! Our upcoming Fancy Food Show 101 webinar: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fancy-food-show-101-get-ready-for-the-2025-summer-show-tickets-1291507807619?aff=oddtdtcreator Apply for the Startup CPG section at Fancy Food Show: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbu0jtXP2n-tS1xSWhC9LHorFI8Fm736mujws35eftWixlfg/viewform Listen in as they share about: Overview of the Fancy Food Show (Summer Edition) Opportunities for Brands at the Show What to Expect from the Show Startup CPG’s Role and Events at the Show Brand Perspective - SFA (Leana) Brand Perspective – Baris (Luca) Buyer Perspective – Earth Fare (Jaden) Tips for Brands Attending Fancy Food Episode Links: Website: https://www.specialtyfood.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leana-rogers-salamah-5770862/ Website: https://everybaris.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luca-molinari-cattarossi/ Website: https://www.instagram.com/earthfare/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaden-mctaggart-1167225b/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy chats with Marilyn Yang, co-founder and CEO of Popadelics—the first-of-its-kind crunchy shiitake mushroom chip brand. Marilyn shares the story of how she and her husband turned a pandemic-era idea into a nationwide retail brand, detailing their journey from finance to CPG, and the behind-the-scenes grind of product development, branding, pivoting from DTC to retail, and navigating funding without losing creative control. She dives into how they created bold, edgy branding to change perceptions around mushrooms, launched with eye-catching flavors like Rosemary + Salt and Twisted Thai Chili, and scaled the brand through demos, trade shows, and sheer hustle. Plus, she shares what it’s like getting on shelves at places like Whole Foods, Urban Outfitters, and even airport stores, all while building a company rooted in a bigger mission to make all mushrooms—culinary and psychedelic—mainstream. Follow along for more founder stories and behind-the-scenes startup wisdom—tune in now! Listen in as they share about: Popadelics Founding Story Flavor Development Initial Launch Strategy Go-to-Market Strategy Funding & Self-Financing Pitching & Investor Readiness Biggest Challenges and Future Goals Episode Links: Website: https://popadelics.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/popadelics/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com . Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top) Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!) Follow @startupcpg Visit host Grace's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com Episode music by Super Fantastics…
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