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/

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Show Links:

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Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com
Episode music by Super Fantastics

Founder Feature: Damiano Messineo of Loopini