How I Built This with Guy Raz Lily’s Sweets: Cynthia Tice
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Sep 30, 2024 
Cynthia Tice, the founder of Lily's Sweets, ventured into the chocolate arena at nearly 60, driven by her quest for a healthier sweet fix. She shares her rollercoaster journey of innovating sugar-free chocolate using stevia, revealing the trials of product development and co-founder conflicts. Cynthia discusses the pivotal moment when her brand caught Hershey’s eye, leading to a $425 million acquisition. Her story highlights resilience, the impact of personal experiences, and the growing demand for healthier indulgences in a changing market.
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Alar Scare Impact
- The 1989 Alar scare on apples significantly boosted the natural foods industry.
- Mothers, concerned about children's health, entered natural food stores for the first time, creating new opportunities.
Consulting Inspiration
- Cynthia attended an FMI seminar where Whole Foods announced targeting conventional grocery customers.
- This sparked her idea to consult conventional grocers on transitioning to natural and organic products.
Soda Venture
- Cynthia's initial venture was a natural sugar-free soda with Elizabeth Fisher.
- Coke and Pepsi's entry into the same segment led them to abandon the project.