Motley Fool Money Interview with Karat Packaging CEO Alan Yu: From Boba Tea Shop to Packaging Powerhouse
Sep 21, 2025
Alan Yu, the Co-founder and CEO of Carrot Packaging, shares his fascinating journey from running a boba tea shop to leading a sustainable packaging powerhouse. He discusses the innovative shift to eco-friendly products driven by regulatory changes. Alan highlights the importance of strategic partnerships and unique printing solutions that cater to startups and national brands like Panda Express. He also reveals insights on diversifying suppliers and leveraging technology to grow their operations and expand the company’s presence in the market.
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From Boba Shop To Packaging Supplier
- Carrot Packaging began as a boba tea shop in 2000 and shifted into making clear cups, straws, napkins, and bags.
- Today the company supplies many national chains and stocks products across 10 U.S. warehouses.
Serve Small Customers First
- Offer low minimum order quantities so startups can brand their packaging affordably.
- Serve small and midsize customers with the same care as large chains to win early relationships.
Regulation Drives Eco Packaging Demand
- Large chains are shifting away from styrofoam and single-use plastics toward eco-friendly alternatives.
- City and state bans accelerate demand for recyclable paper and cardboard packaging.