In this special bonus episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Jake Deleon, the founder and CEO of Fila Manila. With a focus on crafting award-winning sauces and spreads inspired by Filipino flavors, Jake shares insights into his appearance on the upcoming episode of Shark Tank, along with his anticipation for increased online orders and brand buzz.Drawing from his background at major CPG companies like Procter Gamble and Starbucks, Jake delves into the importance of understanding target audiences and product differentiation when launching a new product line. His persistence in applying multiple times to Shark Tank paid off, and he discusses the overwhelming yet fair experience of filming the show. Throughout the conversation, Jake emphasizes the broader impact he hopes to achieve—creating awareness for Filipino cuisine on a national level and making his mother proud by fulfilling her dream of seeing him on her favorite show.Don't miss this inspiring conversation that goes beyond the entrepreneurial journey to celebrate culture and culinary excellence. Tune in now!Listen in as Jake shares about:Founding Fila ManilaShark Tank Casting and FilmingPrevious Venture - Origin AlmondTikTok StrategyCultural RepresentationInternational ExperienceEntertaining YouTube VideoImpact of Shark Tank on EntrepreneurshipApplication ProcessNegotiation and ValuationTherapist Session After PitchFounders HeritageProduct Transition and Future PlansShow 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 (15K+ 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 Startup GPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Erin Fasano, the chief marketing officer at Core Foods with over two decades of experience in the CPG industry, and delves into the intricacies of marketing for food and beverage brands, while trying to explain the question “what is a CMO?” With a focus on emerging brands, Erin emphasizes the pivotal role of a CMO and advises aspiring marketers to start at classic CPG companies before venturing into smaller enterprises.Discover the keys to success, including building strong relationships with retailers like Whole Foods and Target, crafting comprehensive marketing plans aligned with sales activities, and prioritizing owned platforms for long-term brand identity. Plus, gain insights on effective consumer feedback utilization, brand partnerships, navigating the competitive landscape, and understand why retail distribution often trumps direct-to-consumer channels for heavy and perishable products and unravel the strategies for success in competitive categories.Ready to turn heads in the market? Hit play now!What Erin talks about:Joining Core Foods and Transition to CMO RoleStarting of Erin’s Own Brand - StarrysideChallenges and LessonsMarketing Strategy and PlanningRetail and Shopper MarketingAligning DTC with Trade ProgrammingSocial Media and AuthenticityConsumer Input and Product DevelopmentConsumer Input on PricingApproach to D2C vs. RetailConsulting and CollaborationEpisode Links:Core Food’s WebsiteErin's LinkedInGrab Erin's FREE Marketing Calendar Template here!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 (15K+ 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

Wondering how to get on shelf and pick the right marketing programs to do well?Join expert guests Erin, Courtney, and Holly as they share their wealth of knowledge on successfully navigating the Kroger landscape. From Erin's firsthand brand experience, Courtney's expertise around submissions and promotions, and Holly's insights into category strategies, this episode is packed with actionable tips for CPG startups.Learn the art of differentiation, effective marketing strategies, and successful promotions. Whether you're a startup or scaling up, this episode is for you.Don’t miss out on elevating your CPG startup with insider insights!Listen in as Erin, Courtney, and Holly share about:Kroger's PrioritiesNew Item Selling ProcessGetting into KrogerUnderstanding Shopper and LandscapeSupply Chain and Budget ConsiderationsShopper MarketingDSD CollaborationE-commerce OpportunitiesRegional ConsiderationsSales Velocity ExpectationsEpisode Links:Kroger.comHolly’s LinkedInErin’s LinkedInCourtney’s LinkedInDon'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 (15K+ 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 dives into the vibrant world of the natural food industry with Jonathan Lawrence, Vice President of Center Store at Fresh Thyme Market. Discover Fresh Thyme Market's mission-driven approach to offering fresh and healthy food at great value and Jonathan's passion for supporting startup brands.Explore the intricacies of building meaningful relationships with brands, tailoring assortments to community needs, and the significance of local brands in their stores through initiatives like the local scout program. Jonathan shares his excitement for international flavors and products, offering unique tastes and experiences for customers.Get an exclusive preview of the Startup CPG section at Expo West on level three of ACC, featuring 25 booths with amazing brands, including female founder giveaway winners. Ready to embark on a flavorful journey? Tune in now!Listen in as Jonathan shares about:Natural Food Industry ExpertiseRelationship BuildingBalancing Innovation and TraditionAdaptability to Store EnvironmentsSuccess Metrics for Category ManagersBrand Persistence and RelationshipsCategory Management and Retailer InfluenceChallenges in Introducing New BrandsInnovation in RetailBrand Life Cycle and Continuous InnovationSupport for Local Brands and Community EngagementExploration of International Flavors and Ethnic ProductsEpisode Links:Jonathan’s WebsiteJonathans LinkedInDon'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 (15K+ 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

Learn insider tips for maximizing success at Expo West from CPG industry legends. Get strategies for engaging attendees with concise pitches, effective booth planning, and networking. Discover post-show follow-up tactics, booth management strategies, and energy preservation techniques. Don't miss out on expert advice and actionable strategies to elevate your trade show adventure!

Dwight Richmond, Director of Center Store at Town & Country Markets and grocery sector expert with 30 years of experience, shares advice for CPG brands, insights on trade shows, understanding consumer trends, and establishing connections with brands. He emphasizes the significance of product quality, adapting to market changes, and not getting too attached to packaging. Dwight also provides tips for visibility at trade shows and expresses gratitude and anticipation for future interactions.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Welcome to another episode of the Startup CPG Podcast where Daniel Scharff introduces Leon Lewis, the accomplished founder of Daybreak Growth Partners. Leon's journey spans gaming, music, and entrepreneurship, starting his first online business at 12 and later delving into the music industry. In 2019, he founded Daybreak Growth Partners, specializing in Amazon and retail media strategy for new CPG brands.From experiences at Amazon and starting his own venture-backed brand,  Leon emphasizes the challenges such as rising advertising costs and competing with established CPG brands while stressing the value of measuring repeat purchases and retention rates and the need for hard work over magical solutions.In addition - Leon explores the parallels between launching a CPG product and being a musician, emphasizing the fundamentals' importance and sharing key e-commerce success metrics: product conversion rate, repeat customer rate, lifetime value, and cost of advertising.Ready to elevate your Amazon strategy? Hit play now!Listen in as Leon shares about:Amazon as an Ever-Expanding WebRepeat and Retention RatesConversion RatesChallenges and Opportunities in Product LaunchChoosing Amazon as a StrategyAmazon Advertising SpendReview StrategyCost and Pricing on AmazonContinuous Advertising OptimizationLaunching a Brand on AmazonFulfillment by Amazon (FBA)Mobile OptimizationEpisode Links:Daybreak Growth Website Leon’s LinkedInEmail: leon@daybreak.agency 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 (15K+ 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 Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Join Daniel Scharff and Startup CPG Director of Marketing & Community, Patricia Menegoto, chatting about all the exciting initiatives and events shaping the future of our community.From the upcoming Shelfie Awards to a booth giveaway for female founders they delve into the first dedicated section for Startup CPG at Expo West, the first ever Swag Fashion shows, happy hours with the TikTok Shop team, partnerships with industry leaders like RangeMe, and plans for empowering BIPOC brands through microgrants. Additionally, there's a Q&A session with a Shark Tank casting supervisor, a partnership with Summit Series for networking and vacation opportunities, and plans for a cruise partnership and CPG happy hours at sea.As a bonus, Patricia shares a vibrant reflection of the enthusiasm and commitment to supporting emerging CPG brands within the Startup CPG community.Listen in as Patricia shares about:RangeMe Partnership and Startup CPG CollectionMicro Grants for BIPOC BrandsStartup CPG Swag Fashion ShowShelfie AwardsExpo West Booth Giveaway with SatoSocial Media and Healthy LifestyleEngaging with RetailersSlack Channel ModerationNewtopia Now EventEpisode Links:Patricia’s WebsitePaticia’s LinkedInPatricia’s Instagram 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 (15K+ 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 Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Explore the success story of the innovative sparkling water infused with botanicals, offering a unique non-alcoholic alternative for beer Enthusiasts.With a background in venture capital and e-commerce, Jordan Bass CEO and co-founder of HOP WTR dives into the burgeoning non-alcoholic beer market, consumer trends favoring moderation, and the strategic decisions that propelled HOP WTR's growth in natural channels, crossover accounts, and mass retailers.Discover the intricacies of e-commerce strategies, innovative packaging, and HOP WTR's retail focus. Gain insights into team dynamics, challenges faced during the early days, and the importance of mentorship. From the successful foray into on-premise markets to international expansion considerations, this episode covers it all.Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the business landscape, this episode offers a unique perspective on building and growing a brand. Tune in, stay inspired, and raise a virtual glass to the future of innovative beverages!Listen in as share about:HOP WTR's Origin & InnovationConsumer Trends & OpportunitiesHOP WTR Flavor ProfileLaunch and Market StrategyDriving Product VelocitySales Strategies and Team CultureReflections on Early Days and LearningProduct Innovation and Long-Term VisionEpisode Links:HOP WTR’s WebsiteJordan’s LinkedInDon'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 (15K+ 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 Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com This episode was sponsored by Cultivate CPG. Go to cultivatecpg.comIn this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff together with the Cultivate CPG president Aaron Barnholt and Eli Bank co-founder and COO of Absurd Snacks unveils the highly anticipated Startup CPG retail sales tracker. This comprehensive database empowers emerging brands with vital information on channels, store locations, numbers, websites, and direct submission links. Eli, sharing his beta testing experience, underscores the tool's value in building relationships with retailers.Gain exclusive insider tips from Cultivate CPG to enhance your outreach strategies, and hear Eli's journey with Absurd Snacks, a mission-driven brand making snacks accessible for those with food allergies.Listen in as Eli and Aaron  share about:Startup CPG Retail Sales Tracker OverviewCustomization of the toolInsider Tips and NotesPersistence and Learning from MentorsUnderstanding Retail ProcessesScaling SmartlyEffective Networking and Relationship TipsExpansion Goals and Community EngagementAbsurd Snack’s OriginMission of Absurd SnacksEpisode Links:Aaron’s WebsiteAarons LinkedInEli’s  WebsiteEli’s LinkedInDon'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 (15K+ 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 Strategy Maven Agency Link:Visit www.strategymavenagency.com and mention “Startup CPG” for a free account audit! Find co-founders Amy Hage or Brittney Trahan in the Start-up CPG slack channel.