The Startup CPG Podcast #226 - Hungryroot 101: Launch Your Brand & Master Smart Cart Shopping
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with the Hungryroot team for an exclusive inside look at how the fast-growing food tech platform curates products, personalizes grocery shopping through its innovative Smart Cart technology, and simplifies meal planning for millions of customers.
The Hungryroot buyers reveal exactly how they evaluate new products, source clean ingredients across categories like meat, seafood, and snacks, and navigate operational challenges in packaging, shipping, and scaling partnerships. They break down what makes a product launch successful, how customer feedback shapes category strategy, and what emerging brands need to know before pitching to the platform.
The episode closes with nearly 20 CPG brands pitching directly to Hungryroot buyers in real time, offering listeners a rare, behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to launch and grow on one of the most innovative personalized grocery platforms in the market.
Listen in as they discuss:
- How Hungryroot's Smart Cart personalizes grocery shopping and meal planning
- What buyers look for when evaluating new products and brand partnerships
- Sourcing strategies and emerging trends in meat, seafood, and clean-label snacks
- Operational challenges with packaging, shipping, and ready-to-eat meal innovation
- The importance of brand volume and scaling successfully on the platform
- Why the launch is just the beginning: ongoing support and growth strategies
- Real-time brand pitches from nearly 20 CPG founders to Hungryroot buyers
- Opportunities in food innovation, clean ingredients, and personalized nutrition
- How customer feedback drives category expansion and product curation
- Keys to building successful long-term partnerships with Hungryroot
Episode Links
Hungryroot Website: https://www.hungryroot.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hungryroot
Chris Battaglia - Director of Strategic Sourcing Meat and Seafood, Hungryroot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-battaglia-47569347/
Nika Mosenthal - VP of Food Experience, Hungryroot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikamosenthal/
Keri Cardenas - Category Lead, Hungryroot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keri-cardenas/
Julia Bello - Director of Category Management, Hungryroot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliabello/
Daniel Scharff - Founder, Startup CPG LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danscharff/
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 (30K+ 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