
The Startup CPG Podcast
#172 - Ops Talk: 5 Things Brands Get Wrong
Dec 3, 2024
Jamie Valenti-Jordan, CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services and food brand program manager at the Food Finance Institute, shares invaluable insights on operational pitfalls for brands. She emphasizes the necessity of expecting the unexpected in production processes. Jamie discusses the importance of treating co-manufacturers as true partners to streamline operations. She also explores effective quality control post-launch and when to consider hiring consultants, framing them as strategic investments for long-term success.
37:44
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Quick takeaways
- Brands must view co-manufacturers as essential partners to improve communication, problem-solving, and production efficiency during challenges.
- Implementing contingency plans is crucial for brands to anticipate unexpected delays and maintain consistent production timelines to avoid significant losses.
Deep dives
Understanding Co-Manufacturers as Partners
Co-manufacturers should be viewed as essential business partners rather than mere service providers. They play a critical role in producing the quality and volume of products that brands market to consumers and claim to investors. This partnership dynamic implies that brands need to foster cooperative relationships with co-manufacturers, which can lead to better communication and shared problem-solving. Recognizing that co-manufacturers have different goals and operations can enhance the effectiveness of collaboration and reduce tensions during production challenges.