The Startup CPG Podcast

In this insightful discussion, Karen Slusher, Chief Experience Officer of Azure Standard, shares her journey from corporate life to leading a mission-driven distributor. She highlights Azure's focus on supporting independent brands with sustainable practices, innovative distribution methods, and community collaboration. Karen reveals the booming demand for bulk products and how Azure's unique family-owned ethos sets it apart. Plus, there's a tasty spotlight on Missy J's carob as a healthier chocolate alternative. Tune in for a fresh perspective on transforming the CPG industry!

Akua Boakye Okunseinde, co-founder of Karité, shares her journey in building a skincare brand that harnesses the power of ethically sourced shea butter from women-led cooperatives in Ghana. She discusses how she and her sisters merged their diverse professional backgrounds to create effective products that promote both wellness and simplicity. Akua highlights the challenges of scaling their business, the importance of retail partnerships, and strategies for customer engagement. Plus, she emphasizes their commitment to education and the rigorous clinical testing behind their offerings.

Ben Bacon, founder of Lentiful, discusses how AI revolutionizes CPG brands by streamlining marketing and product development. He highlights using AI tools like Claude for targeted email marketing, customer insights, and product innovation. Daniel Herz, co-founder of FocusFuel, emphasizes how AI aids branding and investor pitches, acting as a 'CMO in your pocket.' Together, they explore the balance of efficiency and human oversight in AI integration, making it essential for modern brands to leverage this technology for growth and consumer engagement.

Breanna and Jared Golestani, co-founders of Kokada, share their journey from a pandemic kitchen experiment to launching a coconut-based snacks brand. Breanna's background as a Jamaican national volleyball player inspires their low-sugar treats. They discuss scaling challenges, including supply chain management, and the importance of strategic partnerships. The couple reveals insights on navigating startup financing and launching their new product, Kokada Dunks, a healthier twist on nostalgic snacks. Their journey showcases love, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Discover the exciting world of the Shelfie Awards! This season highlights the importance of storytelling and innovation for emerging consumer packaged goods brands. Learn about the thorough judging process and the new Sustainability Shelfies Award. Hear success stories from past winners who secured retailer deals and media coverage, showcasing the positive impact of recognition. Plus, dive into the art of packaging and how it influences a brand's success in competitive markets. Get ready for an inspiring celebration of creativity and community!

Join Matt Levine, founder of Chlorophyll Water, Clara Paye from Unite Foods, and Pierre Jamet of Fishwife, as they share their experiences from Expo West. They dive into preparation tactics to maximize trade show success, from booth design to effective pitching strategies. Learn how to engage with potential buyers, keep samples fresh, and network like a pro using platforms like LinkedIn. Hear their amusing anecdotes about handling challenges and critiques, and discover the importance of authenticity in building long-lasting business relationships.

Ehime Eigbe-Akindele, the innovative founder of Sweet Kiwi, transformed her finance career into a thriving frozen Greek yogurt brand. She discusses her inspiring leap into entrepreneurship and how she turned a homemade recipe into a hit product found in major retailers like Whole Foods. Ehime delves into the challenges of scaling, the importance of branding based on consumer feedback, and building genuine relationships with retailers. Plus, she reveals exciting collaborations, including a Smurfs-inspired launch, all while promoting healthier lifestyles!

In this enlightening discussion, Aaron Alpeter, founder of Izba, shares his expertise on navigating the complexities of tariffs in the CPG sector. He delves into the implications of recent tariff changes affecting trade with Canada, Mexico, and China. Aaron breaks down how these tariffs can disrupt supply chains and influence pricing strategies. He also offers practical advice on tariff engineering and alternative sourcing to help businesses adapt. Tune in for crucial insights that could shape the future of your brand.

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by John Lane, Category Manager for Snacks & Commercial Bread at Raley's, a division of The Raley's Companies (formerly Pantry buyer), to explore the evolving grocery landscape and the secrets behind Raley's success as a trusted grocery store chain for nearly 90 years. John shares his journey from bagging groceries to leading category management, insights into Raley's health-focused initiatives, and strategies for balancing legacy brands with emerging market entrants.Discover actionable advice for startups on standing out in the crowded grocery market, the importance of passion and planning in brand pitches, and how Raley's is shaping the future of healthy snacking.Don’t miss this insightful conversation—tune in now and follow the Startup CPG podcast for more episodes like this!Listen in as they share about:Overview of Raley’sHealth and Wellness InitiativesIndustry Trends and Snack InnovationsBalancing Legacy and Emerging BrandsSupporting Brands at Raley'sSuccess Stories in Product LaunchesNetworking and Trade ShowsEpisode Links:Website: https://www.raleys.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlane-raleys/ 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, Grace Kennedy sits down with Brian Bethke, founder of BEAR Maple Farms and winner of the 2024 Shelfie Award in the drink category. Brian shares his inspiring journey from building amplifiers for rock legends like Pearl Jam and Lenny Kravitz to creating a one-of-a-kind functional beverage featuring ginseng and maple water.Discover how BEAR Maple Farms combines the natural sweetness of maple water with the adaptogenic power of sustainably grown ginseng to deliver a refreshing, caffeine-free energy boost. Brian opens up about the challenges and triumphs of launching a CPG brand, the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, and how critical feedback led to a transformative rebrand.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply a fan of innovative beverages, this episode is packed with insights on building a team, navigating the CPG industry, and creating a product that’s good for the mind, body, and planet.Tune in to hear Brian’s story and learn how BEAR Maple is expanding nationally in 2025!Listen in as they share about:BEAR Maple Farms Origin StoryProduct DevelopmentBranding and MarketingSales and Distribution StrategyMentorship and NetworkingCommunity and SupportAdvice to EntrepreneursPlans for 2025Episode Links:Website: https://drinkbearmaple.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bethke/ 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