The Startup CPG Podcast

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.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Want to learn about the top claims against emerging CPG brands?Join Daniel Scharff in this episode of the Startup CPG podcast to discuss the legal landscape of the food industry with Lauren Handel from Handel Food Law. From the surge in lawsuits against emerging brands to the nuances of labeling and disability compliance, Lauren provides prevention tips and strategies for both small and established brands.Gain insights into specific areas of litigation, including false advertising, health claims, and ADA compliance. Learn about Prop 65 risks in California and the increasing challenges with ADA lawsuits targeting websites. Lauren also offers crucial advice for brands on influencer endorsements and avoiding misleading marketing claims.Tune in now!Listen in as Lauren shares about:Consumer Protection LitigationLitigation Risk OverviewOrigins of LawsuitsSettlement DiscussionsNegotiation StrategyClass Action ConsiderationsNatural and Artificial ClaimsSugar Content and Health ClaimsSustainability and Environmental ClaimsSlack Fill-In PackagingAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Website AccessibilityProp 65 and Chemical Exposure RisksEpisode Links:Lauren’s WebsiteLauren’s Email lauren@handelfoodlaw.comLauren’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 Something fun is brewing in this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast as we join our host, Daniel Scharff, as he welcomes his cousin, Daniel Kopman, Co-founder and former CEO of The Saint Louis Brewery and Heavy Seas Beer, now turned academic and researcher.Kopman shares what it was like to be an early microbrewing innovator in St. Louis, home of Anheuser Busch, and many lessons learned in his journey expanding into retail. As a beer policy pro and advocate, Dan studies the global shifts in the alcohol industry, predicting a promising future for non-alcoholic beers.Whether you're a brewing maverick or a non-alc beverage explorer, this episode is tailor-made for you. Don't miss out – tune in to gain more insights  of the beverage business!Listen in as Dan shares about:Launching a Beer RegionallyUnderstanding Retail DynamicsBuilding Relationships and Understanding the Value ChainPolicy Changes and Market DynamicsRise of Non-Alcoholic BeerConsumer Shift Towards Healthier ChoicesEpisode Links:Dan’s Websites:hsbeer.com     schlafly.com Dan’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 Can you handle the highs, survive the lows, and still rock the runway?In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by the CEO of Suja Juice and Rowdy Energy, Jeff Church. Jeff shares invaluable insights from his diverse ventures, spanning socially conscious brands like Nico Water to the rise and challenges of Suja, an impactful cold-pressed juice success.Learn about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, navigating acquisitions, and the tough decisions that led to the closure of Rowdy Energy. He also weighs in on the competitive energy drink market, offering wisdom on balanced decision-making for startups.Tune in to learn more about the journey from setbacks to new beginnings. Don't miss out!Listen in as Jeff shares about:- Suja's Origin and Growth- Foundational Wisdom- Risk-Taking Timing- Disruptive Success- Market Dynamics and Challenges- The “Rule of Twos”- Brand Differentiation- Learning from SetbacksEpisode Links:Church’s WebsiteChurch’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 We are as thrilled as you are to unveil the second part of Jenna Cameron’s episode – How to Launch in Foodservice.In this episode, Jenna dives into the nitty-gritty of building strong relationships with operators and transforming from a mere product supplier to a true strategic partner. But that’s not all – Jenna also unravels the intricate web of distributor partnerships, offering valuable guidance for emerging brands looking to navigate this complex landscape. She draws from her wealth of experience, shedding light on both the challenges and opportunities within the food service industry.Whether you're a startup entrepreneur finding your way or a seasoned professional aiming to boost your food service sales know-how, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and insider tips. Tune in to gain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving world of food service salesListen in as Jenna Cameron  shares about:- Packaging Design Strategies- Channel Analysis- Outreach Tactics- Distributor Relationships- Start Local- Leverage UNFI for Retail- Strategic Broker Selection- Incentivize OperatorsEpisode Links:Jenna’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.