The Startup CPG Podcast

Janie's Life-Changing Baked Goods has been transforming lives, including her own. Janie credits baking as giving her hope after she struggled with addiction and homelessness as a young adult. She's also changing the lives of those around her through service and hiring historically marginalized community members. Listen in as she shares her journey through darkness to the bright lights of the Food Network's Chopped Sweets, QVC, and beyond. 

Sparkling craft cocktails from the heart of Los Angeles. Vervet is harnessing the cultural wealth of California and Co-Founder, Tuan Lee, is set on redefining what it means to be an American brand. @DrinkVervet  If your brand is needing clarity on how to show up authentically in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) space, email me. Along side executive producing the Startup CPG podcast I run my own consultancy, Merida Consulting, working at the intersection of DEI + Marketing Communications. Email me at JBlundell@meridaconsultingllc.com 

If your brand is feeling a bit stuck in a rut, not quite connecting with consumers, or if you're struggling to set yourself a part from competitors, it might be time to refresh your Brand Strategy. In this episode we'll hear from Rebekah Hubbard, Managing Director at Heart Creative, a content & digital marketing agency. Listen in and take notes as Rebekah lays out the framework for refining your brand in 3 simple steps. Special thanks to our Community Partner Heart Creative, you can find them at HeartCreative.co

Never mix your cocktails from scratch again. Meet Alison Nathenson, co-founder of Steep't cocktails. Alison and her partner Chole are making it easier for you to create restaurant caliber cocktails in your own home for the fraction of the cost. Not staken, not stirred, Steep't. Take a listen. 

If you are new around here, we are a  community dedicated to helping young CPG brands succeed. We do this a few ways like giving access to phenomenal resources like our guest today, Mary Allen, who has expertise in taking brands global. She not only advise brands in this space, but she's also done it herself! She sells Savvy Green, a line of eco-clean detergent products, internationally. Listen in, as Mary dives into what type of products should be thinking about expanding internationally and resources to help you on the journey.

Meet Emily, a midwest mom, MBA-student and professional who is leading her family's journey to sustainable foods. Listen as we spotlight an array of consumer profiles, think 1-on-1 qualitative research, digging into the minds of today's consumers. Make sure to reference the other Consumer Profiles in season 2. 

What if I told you there is a sweet icing dip made from plant protein powder…and it’s actually tasty?! Well believe me, it’s paradise in a jar. I’m talking to Emily Edwards, founder of Paradise Icing, she’s a former social worker turned food entrepreneur. Her story is one of health struggles, perseverance, and a whole lotta optimism!  Listen in as we chat about how she’s building a brand that’s tastefully wholesome.

In a crowded marketplace where anyone can open a Shopify site to sell a product, you have to fight for attention. On today’s episode we will hear from Florian Radke, an expert in building successful direct-to-consumer brands. Listen as he breaks down what is really needed to have a thriving brand on Shopify. 

Meet Brianna, a self-described plant-based, pescatarian and an avid label reader. She's new to city life and enjoying the easy access to new cultures, flavors and brands - even during a pandemic. Listen as we spotlight an array of consumer profiles, think 1-on-1 qualitative research, digging into the minds of today's consumers. 

Melanie Kahn, founder of Poppilu Lemonade, shares how she’s been able to land on the shelves of top retailers like Walmart & soon to be Target. And how going bold on product innovation is paying off.  Follow Poppilu on Instagram @drinkpoppilu