The Startup CPG Podcast

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy interviews Jilleo Recio, founder of RĒJINS, a luxury skincare brand dedicated to celebrating and catering to maturing, melanin-rich skin. Jilleo shares his personal journey and motivations for creating RĒJINS, inspired by his experiences in Singapore and a desire to challenge beauty standards that prioritize skin lightening.Jilleo discusses the challenges he faced while launching his skincare line, from sourcing a contract manufacturer to developing effective formulations during the pandemic. A significant focus is on the brand’s All Encompassing Serum, highlighting its multitasking capabilities and key ingredients like peptides, niacinamide, and humectants designed to address aging, dryness, and uneven skin tone.They also explore the entrepreneurial journey of launching a skincare brand, stressing the importance of networking, mentorship, and community support in building a successful business. Tune in now!Listen in as they share about:RĒJINS Inspiration and OriginsCultural ContextName and BrandingResearch and FormulationProduct OverviewNetworking and MarketingFinding a MentorEngagement with Customers Future GoalsEpisode Links:RĒJINS Website 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 interviews Aaron Nosbisch, the founder and CEO of BRĒZ, a rapidly growing cannabis beverage company using hemp-derived THC. Aaron shares his journey through the cannabis and e-commerce landscapes, offering a deep dive into BRĒZ’s innovative approach to cannabis-infused and functional beverages.Discover the unique elements of BRĒZ’s product line, from their craft cocktail-inspired flavors to the incorporation of functional mushrooms like lion's mane. Aaron discusses the company's e-commerce strategies, the challenges of scaling a beverage company, and how they’ve crafted a distinctive brand and product formulations.The conversation also delves into the specifics of hemp-derived THC beverages, highlighting how BRĒZ’s nano-emulsified THC results in quicker onset and shorter duration effects, similar to alcohol. Aaron addresses key market challenges, including dosage consistency, regulatory hurdles, and the transition from dispensary-only to mainstream market availability.Learn about BRĒZ’s psychographic targeting strategy designed to appeal to those seeking enjoyable, non-alcoholic alternatives without the negative effects of traditional alcohol. Aaron also provides insights into their retail expansion plans, regulatory concerns, and the entrepreneurial scene in West Palm Beach. He reflects on the company's growth, marketing tactics, and the balance between his professional and personal life.Tune in for an enlightening conversation on the future of cannabis beverages and the innovative strategies driving BRĒZ’s success!Listen in as they share about:BRĒZ OverviewBRĒZ’s Unique Selling PointsFunctional MushroomsProduct Taste and DevelopmentHemp-Derived THC vs. Traditional THCComparison of Cannabis Beverages and Traditional Cannabis ConsumptionConsistent Dosing in BeveragesMarket and Consumer BehaviorCompetitors and Industry TrendsRegulatory Environment and DistributionDrinking Trends and Health ConsiderationsEntrepreneurial Scene in FloridaEpisode Links: BRĒZ WebsiteAaron Nosbisch 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 (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 bonus episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy chats with Gloria Allorbi, CEO and founder of Gloria’s Shito®️, a spicy chili oil brand inspired by Ghana’s traditional condiment, Shito. Gloria shares her entrepreneurial journey, from creating her product for personal use to scaling it into a thriving business in U.S. grocery stores. They dive into the challenges of maintaining authenticity while adapting the recipe to be vegan and the process of getting her product into retailers like Erewhon. Gloria also talks about her mission to introduce Ghanaian cuisine to the U.S. market and how she educates customers through in-store demonstrations, pairing Shito with familiar dishes like pizza and avocado toast. She reflects on the financial hurdles of bootstrapping her business and her experience with capital raising, all while building a strong community around her brand.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about culture, food, and entrepreneurship! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and connect with us to stay updated on more exciting founder stories.Listen in as they share about:Origin Story of Gloria's Shito®️Vision and Mission of Gloria's Shito®️Transition to Business and Retail ExpansionChallenges with ManufacturingFlavor AdjustmentsIntroducing Shito to New MarketsCustomer Feedback, Funding and Business GrowthCultural and Personal ChallengesNetworking and ResourcesEpisode Links:Gloria Allorbi LinkedInGloria’s Shito®️ WebsiteDon'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 Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Aaron May, the manager of UNFI's UpNext program, UNFI's major program that helps helps emerging and diverse brands thrive in the retail space. Aaron shares insights into how UpNext supports small brands by offering guidance, networking opportunities, and access to UNFI's trade shows, all while helping them navigate the challenges of distribution. They discuss key strategies for building strong relationships with UNFI account managers, unlocking regional distribution centers, and scaling through partnerships with major retailers.Aaron also covers practical advice for brands looking to succeed in retail, from managing promotion funding to understanding the nuances of the retail process. Throughout the conversation, they provide actionable tips on managing fees, running promotions, and maximizing trade show opportunities, while stressing the value of positive human interactions in business.Learn how to leverage the UpNext program for success, and don’t miss Aaron's valuable advice for emerging brands. Tune in now!Retail Sales Tracker:Listen in as they share about:UNFI's EvolutionUNFI UpNext ProgramExperience with Up Next and Trade ShowRole of Account ManagersFinding the Right ContactsApplication Process for “Up Next”Funding and GrowthStage of the CompanyAdvice for Launching a CPG ProductCriteria for Working with BrandsManaging Deductions and FeesROI from Programming and Trade ShowsResources and SupportEpisode Links: UNFI UpNext WebsiteAaron May 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 (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 Leanne Viola and Jesse Baruch, the co-founders of WHIMS Delights, a better-for-you confectionery brand. They share their inspiring journey of creating low-sugar, gluten-free, and dairy-free treats, born out of their personal health challenges. Leanne and Jesse discuss the obstacles they faced entering the CPG industry with no prior experience, the importance of financial responsibility, and their unique strategies for growth, from local store launches to scaling distribution. They also touch on balancing business and marriage, the power of communication, and the value of attending trade shows like Expo West.Tune in to hear their insights on building a sustainable, health-conscious brand and how they’ve navigated the world of CPG!Listen in as they share about:The Creation of WHIMS DelightsProduct DevelopmentManufacturing and ScalingBusiness Challenges and CostsRetail and Online StrategyRetail ExpansionParticipation in Expo West 2025Work-Life IntegrationProudest MomentsAdvice for Early-Stage FoundersEpisode Links:WHIMS Delights  WebsiteWHIMS Delights InstagramLeanne Viola LinkedInJesse Barruch 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 (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 Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Grace Kennedy, Startup CPG Podcast Host, and Jess Windell, owner of Maven Consulting and Co-Founder of Dryft Sleep, to explore the launch of Startup CPG Newswire. This innovative, free service is designed to help emerging CPG brands distribute their news and secure media coverage, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional PR practices.They highlight the crucial role of strategic PR for early-stage brands, emphasizing the importance of building credibility and waiting for substantial news before investing heavily in PR efforts. Grace and Jess share practical strategies for startups, including leveraging influencers and media, engaging in authentic collaborations, and securing organic endorsements. They also offer tips on crafting press releases that adhere to journalistic standards, making them newsworthy, and distributing them effectively.To submit your brand's press release for free, please visit startupcpg.com/newswireListen in as they share about:Startup CPG NewswirePR Strategy for Early BrandsExamples of Newsworthy NewsInfluencer and Celebrity PartnershipsObjective vs. Subjective ContentThe Role of Press ReleasesProcess for Submitting Press ReleasesEffective PR Strategies and ResourcesChallenges with PR AgenciesMaven's Catalyst Program DetailsEpisode Links:Maven Consulting LinkedInJess Windell LinkedInInstagram: @Dryft SleepDon'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 bonus episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy chats with Samantha Edwards, founder of the plant-based food brand New Breed. Samantha shares her inspiring journey, rooted in her Caribbean heritage and nonprofit work, which led her to create a line of flavorful, plant-based products like Jamaican Jerk CHICK’N. She opens up about how her mother’s recovery from cancer through a plant-based diet motivated her mission to make healthy eating accessible.They dive deep into the challenges of building a CPG brand, from product development and logistics to the complexities of scaling a frozen food business. Samantha also shares her excitement for New Breed’s upcoming launches and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of resilience and consumer education.Tune in now! Listen in as they share about:Mission and Origin of New Breed MeatsProduct Creation & NutritionRetail & Market ChallengesConsumer Education and OutreachBroker Services and Marketing NeedsChallenges in Founding and ScalingFrozen vs. Shelf-Stable ProductsProudest Moments and Future PlansSocial Media and CommunityEpisode Links:New Breed Meats WebsiteSamantha Edwards 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 (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 new series on the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff and Jamie Valenti-Jordan from Catapult Commercialization Services take callers who have had 'Ops Nightmares' that plague many brands. Joining them are Katherine Harvey, co-founder and CEO of Bare Bones Broth, who faced a bone broth launch disaster at Costco due to manufacturing and contamination issues; Brett Perrotta, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Chubby Snacks, who recounts his own ops nightmare involving production errors with a co-packer, underscoring the critical nature of founder involvement during initial production runs; and Brady DeLong, VP of Sales & Ops at Clean Age, who reveals chaos from a major inventory mix-up with Walmart.Teva from our sponsor, Crstl, provides expert advice on leveraging Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) for managing high order volumes, as well as for reducing chargebacks and driving revenues.Crstl: No-Code EDI for Modern BrandsTired of ops nightmares? Crstl is here to help! Whether you’re new to retail or looking to migrate off your existing EDI platform, Crstl can onboard you to any retail trading partner for EDI in 2 weeks or less. Additionally, Crstl seamlessly integrates with all the platforms you need to run your business, such as Shopify, QBO, your ERP, your WMS, and more. Our best-in-class customer experience ensures you are never alone when challenges arise. Say goodbye to operational headaches and focus on what you do best—growing your brand!Learn more at https://www.crstl.so/demo and mention Startup CPG for 25% off your first annual subscription.Today's topics:Advice on Handling Ops NightmaresKatherine Harvey’s Ops Nightmare at CostcoBrady DeLong's Operational Nightmare with WalmartBrett Perrotta’s Operational Nightmare with a Co-PackerTeva's ( Crstl EDI ) DiscussionCommunication with BuyersHandling Freight ProblemsLegal and Insurance ConsiderationsDamage Control and TransparencyPlanning and Risk ManagementOperational and Product LossesCommon Business ChallengesPackaging and Labeling IssuesEpisode Links:Catapult Commercialization Services WebsiteJamie Valenti-Jordan LinkedInBare Bones Broth Website Katherine Harvey LinkedInClean Age WebsiteBrady DeLong LinkedInChubby Snacks WebsiteBrett Perrotta 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 (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 bonus episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy  sits down with the co-founders of Tamarind Heads— Sashi Kumar, Brittney Lim, and Jim Giberson—to explore the story behind their tamarind-based barbecue and hot sauce brand. They share how tamarind, a fruit familiar around the world but lesser-known in the U.S., became the key ingredient in their unique sauces. The founders dive into the challenges of educating consumers, their product development journey (including winning a Sofi Gold Award), and the process of scaling their business in a competitive market.Tune in to hear about their marketing strategies, from direct-to-consumer sales and influencer partnerships to trade shows and retail expansion, all while staying true to their brand vision. Don’t miss out on their valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to grow in the food industry.Ready to learn more? Listen now!Listen in as they share about:Tamarind Heads' Origin StoryChallenges and DevelopmentConsumer and Retail ResponseScaling and Supply ChainRetail ExpansionManufacturing and ScalingMarketing StrategyFunding and BootstrappingTrade Shows & ROIEpisode Links:Tamarind Heads WebsiteTamarind Heads instagram: @tamarindheads Brittney Lim 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 (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 Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Ryan Williams, founder of FABID (Food and Beverage Investment Database) and former CFO at RISE Brewing Co., to explore the evolving landscape of fundraising and valuations in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector. With his extensive background in finance and investment banking, Ryan offers a deep dive into the shifting valuation trends, the tightening venture capital environment, and the growing prominence of family offices and angel investors.They also highlight successful brand strategies, recent notable raises, and essential fundraising advice for entrepreneurs. Ryan wraps up with crucial fundraising advice, emphasizing the importance of grabbing investor attention, being selective with comparable companies, and maintaining financial clarity in pitches.Tune in now!Listen in as they share about:Valuation Multiples for Early BrandsCurrent Funding LandscapeRecent Notable RaisesSuccessful Brand StrategiesFundraising AdviceEpisode Links:FABID Website RISE Brewing Co. WebsiteRyan WilliamsLinkedInDon'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