The Pitch #141 Christie's Chips
Aug 28, 2024
Christie Buck, founder of a groundbreaking potato chip startup, aims to redefine junk food with gourmet, plant-based options. Alongside investors Cyan Banister and Mac Conwell, they delve into the challenges and triumphs of launching Christie's Chips. The discussion includes innovative flavors like vegan sour cream, lean operations, and unique marketing strategies. Insights into navigating the competitive snack market and the vision for billion-dollar growth showcase the potential impact of this tasty venture in the health-conscious world.
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Culinary Training Shapes Mainstream Snacks
- Christie translated a Michelin-trained palate into mainstream snack design to make indulgent chips without dairy or junk ingredients.
- She framed the product as plant-based yet broadly appealing so taste, not label, drives purchase.
Bootstrapped Revenue Growth
- Christie launched in a big facility in 2022 and grew revenue from $142K to $325K in year two and $335K year-to-date.
- She's bootstrapped to date and is shipping POs for 100,000 units this week.
Vegan Friend Sparked The Product
- The idea began when a vegan friend lamented he hadn't had a real sour cream & onion chip in 10 years.
- Christie removed dairy powders, reformulated onion/vinegar bases, and tuned richness with vegan buttermilk flavor to match the classic taste.