The Startup CPG Podcast
Founder Feature: Philip Teverow of Yolélé
Feb 28, 2025
Philip Teverow, co-founder of Yolélé, shares his journey of introducing fonio, a gluten-free ancient grain, to the U.S. He discusses the challenges of building a sustainable supply chain and how they secured Whole Foods as a major retailer. The conversation highlights the surprising rise of fonio beer and Yolélé's innovative expansions into new product categories. Philip also offers valuable insights for emerging food entrepreneurs navigating distribution and growth while emphasizing the importance of supporting West African farmers.
33:04
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Quick takeaways
- Yolélé's mission to introduce Fonio, a gluten-free ancient grain, supports West African farmers by fostering sustainable agriculture and cultural appreciation.
- The company addresses significant supply chain challenges by collaborating with local partners in West Africa to create efficient processing facilities for Fonio.
Deep dives
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