The Startup CPG Podcast

Patricia Menegoto, Head of Marketing and Community at Startup CPG, shares insights on a transformative year for the community. They reflect on the success of in-person networking events and impactful partnerships, including the GNC 'Next Big Thing' initiative. The pair discuss empowering female founders, brand matching successes, and their growing Shelfie Awards. Looking ahead to 2025, they reveal ambitious plans to strengthen connections among entrepreneurs and retailers, ensuring visibility for emerging brands in the competitive market.

In this bonus episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Spencer Hoddeson, the CEO of Gay Water. They delve into the inspiration behind creating Gay Water, a mission-driven brand that is aiming to increase representation for the queer community in the alcohol space. With a rich background in media and tech, Spencer shares his journey of developing Gay Water, highlighting the personal experiences and meaningful conversations that shaped the brand.They explore the challenges of entering a competitive market and how Spencer's commitment to vibrant packaging and purpose-driven marketing has struck a chord with millennial and Gen Z consumers. Spencer candidly discusses overcoming founder-related stresses like imposter syndrome through prioritization, stress management techniques, and the power of positive customer feedback.Discover how Gay Water is making waves in the beverage industry through strategic branding and a deep commitment to community representation. Tune in now!!Listen in as they share about:Product Details of Gay WaterBrand Inspiration, Mission, Development and ImpactChallenges and LearningsMarketing StrategiesSales and DistributionGrowth and ExpansionFuture PlansEpisode Links:Gay Water’s WebsiteGay Water’s InstagramDon'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

David Fudge, co-founder and CEO of Aplós, shares his journey in creating a premium non-alcoholic spirits brand. He dives into innovative branding and marketing strategies that challenge traditional alcohol norms, appealing especially to health-conscious consumers. Fudge emphasizes the importance of e-commerce success, leveraging influencer partnerships and AI tools. He provides valuable lessons from his prior roles, underscoring the need for authenticity and resilience in the fast-evolving beverage market. Tune in for insightful takeaways for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Heidi Traore, Supplier Relationship Development Manager at National Co+op Grocers, and Jeanette Bloss, their Category Manager, share fascinating insights into the co-op ecosystem. They discuss NCG’s role in empowering natural brands through centralized support and procurement. Topics range from the importance of data in category management to identifying trends like the growing interest in dumplings and plant-based alternatives. They also provide tips on effective brand outreach and fostering sustainable partnerships for long-term success.

Caroline Howard, co-founder of Walker Brothers Kombucha, shares her inspiring journey from home brewing to launching a successful kombucha brand. She discusses the creative branding process, the challenges of scaling production, and the strategic dual-pathway distribution for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Caroline emphasizes the importance of local partnerships and grassroots marketing while highlighting their innovative collaborations with brands like Rishi and Counter Culture Coffee. Tune in for insights on fundraising, community engagement, and expanding into new markets!

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by a distinguished panel of investors, including Greer Tessler (Founding Partner at Simple Food Ventures), Daniel Faierman (General Partner at Habitat Partners), Carolyn Simmons (Partner at Melitas Ventures), and Andrew Reynolds (Co-Founder & General Partner at RCV Frontline). Together, they provide an in-depth exploration of the current fundraising environment for CPG brands, discussing realistic valuations, funding strategies for pre-seed and seed stages, and the nuances of engaging with angel investors versus institutional funds.The panel offers expert insights on investor expectations, from gross margin benchmarks to profitability strategies and the critical role of founder resilience. They also examine key industry trends, including the growth of better-for-you products, protein-enriched innovations, and clean-label global cuisines, while highlighting how founders can effectively differentiate themselves through strategic pitches, trust-building, and leveraging professional networks.They conclude with rapid-fire pitches from emerging brands and real-time feedback from the panel, making it a valuable resource for founders and industry professionals. Don’t miss this deep dive into the minds of top CPG investors—tune in now!Listen in as they share about:Fundraising EnvironmentMetrics and MarginsTrends of InterestRaising FundsInvestment CriteriaInvestor ExpectationsPitching to VCsQ&A and Brand PitchesHow to Approach VCsEpisode Links:Greer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greer-tessler-50256640/ Daniel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-faierman/ Carolyn Simmons  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynsimmons/ Andrew Reynolds LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/areynolds720/ 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

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