Katie Lefkowitz, founder of Harken Sweets, shares her inspiring journey of creating a better-for-you candy brand infused with superfoods. She discusses how her personal health experiences shaped her product development and led to rapid national distribution. Katie reveals the challenges of scaling a bootstrapped business, managing cash flow, and navigating retail relationships. She offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, persistence, and preparing for future growth and innovation.

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.

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy chats with Lindsay Hancock, founder of My Better Batch, about her journey from a corporate career in CPG to launching her own brand of premium cookie mixes. Lindsay shares her experience creating a product that fills a gap in the baking aisle, offering a clean, homemade flavor with simple ingredients. She delves into the challenges and strategies of working with co-manufacturers, preparing for scale, and standing out in a competitive market.Lindsay also reflects on the hurdles of launching during formal category review cycles, the importance of building strong relationships with retailers, and leveraging key differentiators like non-GMO certification and woman-owned business status to appeal to buyers. She offers valuable advice for emerging brands on navigating the retail landscape, working with brokers, and crafting a compelling brand story.Tune in to hear Lindsay's insights on operational readiness, creating eye-catching packaging, and building momentum for My Better Batch as it prepares to expand into national retailers.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and the reality of building a CPG brand from scratch!Listen in as they share about:Inspiration for My Better BatchProduct DevelopmentFinding the Right Manufacturing PartnerPackaging and BrandingSales and Retail StrategyOperational Preparations for ScalingMarketing and Social MediaAdvice for Emerging BrandsEpisode Links:Website:  https://mybetterbatch.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayhancock/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff explores the world of SupplySide West with Wiley Jones, Founder and CEO of Doss, who sponsored 2 lucky brands to attend SupplySide West this year - Paul and Barbara Logan from Uncle’s Ice Cream; and Mark Collis, CEO of Scout Organic.At Doss they're building tools for teams that work in the Real World. Manage your operations from PO to POS all within one platform. DossARP is a lightweight ERP and Data Platform, whether you need a total overhaul or want to unify fragmented systems, visit them at doss.comListen in as they discuss:DossSupplySide WestPreparation and Networking TipsGeneral Impressions of Supply Side WestNetworking and Supply Chain ConnectionsSocial and Emotional BenefitsWho Should AttendKey Trends and Focus Areas at the ShowInsights for Startups and BrandsChallenges and Lessons SharedEpisode Links:Wiley JonesWebsite: doss.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wileycwjones/ Mark CollisInstagram Handle: @skoutorganicWebsite: https://www.skoutorganic.com/Paul and Barbara LoganWebsite: https://www.unclesicecream.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unclesicecream/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.comShow Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Cason Crane, the founder of Explorer Cold Brew, to explore his journey from endurance athlete and consultant to the creator of a caffeine-conscious coffee brand. Cason shares his unique story, which includes summiting the highest peaks on every continent and competing on Race to Survive Alaska, and how these experiences shaped his perspective as a founder.They dive into the origin of Explorer Cold Brew, born out of Cason’s own need for decaf options during the COVID lockdown, and discuss the company’s mission to bring low-caffeine and decaf cold brew to coffee lovers everywhere. Cason speaks candidly about the challenges of building a brand in the competitive CPG space, from customer acquisition to establishing retail partnerships with Whole Foods and Sprouts, and his strategy to achieve profitability while remaining true to Explorer’s values.If you're a founder, coffee enthusiast, or curious about navigating the CPG industry, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest reflections on the startup journey.Tune in now to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit!Listen in as they share about:Explorer Cold Brew’s Unique Selling PointChallenges of Building a CPG BrandCustomer Acquisition StrategyFuture Retail ExpansionAdvice on Strategic PartnershipsHonest Perspective on Startup ChallengesEngagement with Startup CPG CommunityEpisode Links:Website:  https://explorercoldbrew.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casoncrane/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with Taylor Cathala, Senior Spirits Category Merchant at Whole Foods Market, to explore the intricacies of getting a brand into Whole Foods’ coveted spirits section. Taylor shares his journey from graphic design to category management, where he now oversees an evolving landscape of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including spirits, mocktails, and RTD cocktails. He dives into how Whole Foods makes its product decisions, balancing customer demand with strict quality standards, local sourcing priorities, and the unique regulatory challenges around spirits distribution.For brands eager to make it onto Whole Foods’ shelves, Taylor offers tips on navigating the Whole Foods supplier portal, creating compelling product pitches, and the importance of local relevance, sustainable ingredients, and strong distribution networks. He also highlights how brands can leverage social media and in-store demos to increase customer engagement and improve sales performance. Whether you’re an emerging local distillery or an established player, this episode is packed with valuable insights for breaking into the Whole Foods Market.Tune in to learn what it takes to stand out at Whole Foods and how to start the journey to the shelves!Want more insights like these? Don’t miss an episode—subscribe to the Startup CPG Podcast today!Listen in as they discuss:Whole Foods Market Supplier PortalQuality Standards and ComplianceDistribution and State RegulationsConsumer Decision-Making ProcessPrioritizing Local and Relevant BrandsCelebrity-Endorsed ProductsCustomer Engagement and Social MediaWhat Sets Brands ApartGrowth Potential and ExpansionAdvice for Submitting BrandsEpisode Links:Website: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-cathala-6762917/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy is joined by Woo Pailet, co-founder of LOO, a plant-based, eco-friendly wipes brand. Woo shares the inspiration behind LOO and the drive to create sustainable, beautifully designed wipes that appeal to both environmental and aesthetic concerns. She dives into the harmful impact of traditional plastic-based wipes and how LOO provides a better alternative with fully recyclable packaging and flushable wipes.Hear about the importance of networking, LOO's marketing strategy, and the challenges of launching a sustainable personal care brand—from participating in major trade shows like Expo West to balancing financial sustainability with growth, all while minimizing waste. Wu offers insights into bootstrapping the business, the role of persistence, and the importance of building a collaborative team to turn their vision into reality.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, sustainability, and the entrepreneurial journey behind LOO!Listen in as they share about:Why They Created LOOTeam Expertise and arget AudienceMarketing Strategy and Product FeaturesChallenges in Production and Team DynamicsDestigmatizing WipesFragrance and Product DevelopmentParticipation in Trade ShowsFinancial Management and SustainabilityEpisode Links:Website: https://www.loowipes.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/woo-pailet-91818264/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, host Daniel Scharff engages with Nikhil Arora, co-founder of Back to the Roots, an innovative organic gardening company now selling $100M at retail. Nikhil shares the inspiring journey of how he and his co-founder, Alejandro Velez, transformed their initial idea of growing mushrooms from coffee grounds into a successful urban farming business.Nikhil opens up about the various kinds of advice he has received along his startup journey - the good, the bad, and with an overall focus on the perspective founders should have when hearing or giving advice, acknowledging that companies have very different paths, and what works for one person may not work for another. They delve into the essential qualities of resilience, focus, and adaptability in entrepreneurship, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to building a brand.Nikhil and Daniel explore the complexities of decision-making in the startup world, referencing Jeff Bezos’ "one-way" and "two-way" doors framework and contrasting it with Steve Jobs’ focus on product innovation. Nikhil opens up about the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, including the pressures of comparison and the importance of a strong co-founder relationship in sharing the burdens of startup life.Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion filled with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike.Listen in as they share about:Background and Origin of Back to the RootsKey Growth StagesChallengesNetworking and SerendipityThe Nature of AdviceFinding Value in ExperiencesThe Role of Trust and CollaborationSusceptibility to Bad AdviceThe Importance of Having a Co-FounderOrganizational Structure and Financial InsightsEpisode Links:Website: https://backtotheroots.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aroranikhil/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy chats with Sahithya Wintrich, the founder of Chutni Punch. Inspired by traditional South Indian chutni powders, Sahithya has turned her family's recipes into a unique line of seasonings that can be used in many types of dishes, not just Indian food.Sahithya shares her journey into the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, discussing the challenges she faced with product development, branding, and the importance of listening to customer feedback. She talks about her experiences promoting Chutni Punch at trade shows, building relationships with retailers, and balancing her business with her personal life.Together, Grace and Sahithya explore the importance of building a community and creating new products that help people enjoy tasty, healthy meals. Grace praises Chutni Punch for its success and its contribution to the startup CPG world.Don’t miss this inspiring episode! Tune in to learn from Sahithya’s journey and discover how you can make your own mark in the CPG industry. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share it with other entrepreneurs!Listen in as they share about:Introduction to Chutni PunchInspiration for the BrandDevelopment Process & Branding JourneyProduct Usage & Product VersatilityConsumer Engagement StrategiesTrade Show ExperienceBuilding Retail RelationshipsChallenges of Being a Female FounderBranding and Community BuildingFuture Plans for Chutni PunchEpisode Links:Website: https://chutnipunch.com/collections/frontpage LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahithya-wintrich/ Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.Show Links:Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

Paul Voge, Co-founder and CEO of Aura Bora, shares his inspiring journey in the craft sparkling water world. He discusses the skyrocketing growth from 2 stores to 10,000, revealing the fierce competition with beverage giants like Coca-Cola. Paul delves into the intricate dance of distribution and retailer relationships while navigating the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. He emphasizes resilience and realistic expectations, offering practical insights on maintaining a healthy mindset and the joys of building a sustainable brand in a tough market.