The Startup CPG Podcast

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.

This episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com As we kick off the new year, we welcome you with 2024’s first podcast episode so chock-full of insights, we had to split it into two parts! Our guest, a seasoned sales pro with a decade in the food service industry, is here to spill the beans.In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharf sits down with Jenna Cameron to discuss her experience, which includes notable contributions at JUST Egg, Alpha Foods, and her current role as the Sales Lead at Simulate. Jenna shares insights into effective marketing, navigating the competitive market, surviving in the food service industry, and Simulate's journey from direct-to-consumer to achieving success in grocery. Jenna is an absolute pro at Foodservice, especially the sales side, and we know you'll all be taking notes as she talks through specific distributors and operators that are great fits for emerging brands.Whether you're a foodservice novice or deep in the industry, this podcast is your shortcut to success. Jenna covers the ins and outs of navigating food service channels, building industry relationships, tackling D2C challenges, dealing with Gen Z and branding, locking in product-market fit, cultivating regional relationships, handling pricing challenges, and creating solid price sheets. It's a practical guide to navigating the dynamic world of foodservice.Listen in as Jenna Cameron  shares about:- Navigating Foodservice Channels- Building Relationships that lead to sales- Establishing Product Market Fit- Building a Regional Strategy- Tackling Foodservice Pricing- Creating Effective Price and Sales SheetsEpisode 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.

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com Get ready for an extra special treat this holiday season! We've got an exclusive bonus episode fresh from a recent webinar, where Daniel Scharff sits down with movers and shakers in the industry. Meet Paul Voge, the brains behind Aura Bora, Clara Paye, the powerhouse founder of Unite, and Mitch Orland from Earth Fare. We couldn't keep this goldmine of insights to ourselves, so we're sharing it on our Startup CPG podcast. From effective networking to strategic sales pitches, pitching to retailers,  and delving into the practical strategies of catching the attention of retailers, this episode is packed with actionable tips and insights. Discover the importance of differentiation, leveraging personal connections, and showcasing data stories to secure deals with major retailers. Whether you're a startup or a seasoned pro, this episode offers actionable tips for building connections, maximizing sales help, and thriving in a competitive market. Ready to elevate your product? Hit play now!Listen in as Paul, Clara and Mitch share about:Selling StrategiesPitching to RetailersSales Help and BrokersStarting a Business During the PandemicData Stories and DifferentiationWalmart Pitching and ExpansionTrade Show StrategiesBuyer's Perspective (Earth Fair)Episode Links:Clara’s WebsiteClara’s LinkedInPaul’s WebsitePaul’s LinkedInMitch’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 RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software hereStrategy 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 RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgEver wondered how successful CPG brands navigate the complex world of retail? Struggling to find your way from premium anchor accounts to negotiating with major retailers? Look no further! In this episode of Startup CPG Podcast, we're joined by Aaron Barnholt, President of Cultivate CPG, sharing his strategies from his extensive experience in launching brands like the CPG’s individual entrepreneurs.If you've ever felt the challenges of building momentum, choosing the right broker, or adapting to retailer requirements, consider this episode your solution.From targeting premium anchor accounts to navigating negotiations with major retailers, this episode offers actionable insights for entrepreneurs at every stage and concise guide to long-term success in the competitive CPG landscape.Listen in as Aaron shares about:-Grocery Industry Expertise-Cultivate CPG's Approach-Navigating Retail Strategies-Story and Product Differentiation-Building Momentum-Choosing the Right Broker-Adapting to Retailer RequirementsEpisode Links:Aaron’s WebsiteAaron on 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 RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Strategy Maven Agency. Go to strategymavenagency.com In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast with Daniel Scharff featuring Emily Griffith, founder of Lil Bucks, and Luke Peterson from A-Frame Farm, delve into their mission to make America fall in love with buckwheat and improve diets and soil health. Discover the wonders of regenerative organic certified buckwheat products and the principles of soil health in regenerative farming. They share their early education on organic farming, the versatile uses of buckwheat, and the importance of a direct relationship with ingredient suppliers for transparency. Don't miss out on the taste and health benefits that buckwheat brings to the table. Tune in now!Listen in as Emily & Luke share about:-Origins of the Partnership  -Buckwheat's Superpowers  -Regenerative Farming-Direct Relationships Matter-Targeting Consumer Trends-Beyond Tradition-Consumer InsightsEpisode Links:Emily’s WebsiteEmily’s InstagramLuke;s WebsiteLuke;s InstagramDon'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 RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software hereStrategy 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 RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgIn this episode of the Startup CPG podcast with Daniel Scharff featuring Matt Levine, the founder of Chlorophyll Water, he recounts the journey of transforming a unique product idea into a major success. Matt discusses the genesis of Chlorophyll Water, emphasizing the importance of proactivity and relationship-building in a competitive market. The entrepreneur's scrappy approach to brand growth, centered on profitability and effective marketing through platforms like LinkedIn and RangeMe, is highlighted as he navigates challenges and secures prime spots in major outlets.Join us together with  Matt Levine in this insightful podcast episode as he shares the remarkable journey of turning a unique product idea into a major success, emphasizing proactive sales strategies, scrappy brand growth, and the pivotal role of relationships with retailers and distributors in securing prime spots in major outlets.Ready to take your business to the next level? Hit play now and absorb the Chlorophyll Water success story firsthand!Listen in as Matt shares about:- Origins and Inspiration of Chlorophyll Water- Strategic Market Entry- Collaborations and Partnerships- Sustainable Growth Philosophy- Effective Sales Strategies- Marketing Focus- Product Strategy- Consumer EngagementEpisode Links:Matt Levine’s WebsiteMatt Levine’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 RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgIn this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Myles Powell, the founder of Myles Comfort Food. Myles Comfort Foods is a clean, premium comfort food brand elevating the landscape of frozen foods through the marriage of quality and clean convenience that the modern day consumer is seeking in grocery. Join us as we dive into Myles' inspiring journey, exploring topics like rebranding, fundraising, and the strategies that led to the successful launch of Myles Comfort Foods on Target shelves.Listen in as Myles’ share about:-Rebranding-Leveraging Data in your Brand Story-Successful fundraising strategies-Target Placements-Leveraging Endorsements-Gathering Organic Surveys-Product Innovation and Feedback-Seeking Support and CollaborationEpisode Links:Myles WebsiteMyles on InstagramMentioned: NIQ’s Byzzer, Jenna CameronDon'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 RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

Welcome to the Startup CPG Podcast! I’m Jessi Freitag and it’s been my pleasure to be your host for Season 3 of the show since August 2021. It’s now time for me to introduce you to your new host for Season 4 of the show, Daniel Scharff. Many of you already know Daniel as he’s the founder of Startup CPG and has been hosting webinars, in-person events, and back in the day, lots of Clubhouse sessions for the community. He's extremely active in the CPG community and has deep CPG experience, so I'm really excited for you to meet him today and get excited for the start of Season 4 next Tuesday!Episode Links:Daniel's LinkedInFind Daniel in the Slack at "Daniel Scharff / Startup CPG"Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteJessi's favorite moments from Season 3 rounded up in Episode 100Show 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 (16K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgQuestions or ideas for Season 4? Email podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Floret. Go to tryfloret.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgYou know what that sound means - we had another member of the Startup CPG community on Shark Tank! And this time it was previous podcast guests Mafe Romer & Coco Cabezas from TOAST-IT! They join us today to tell us all the details about their Season 15, Episode 2 episode of Shark Tank that aired recently on October 6th. TOAST-IT makes delicious Latin staples, including arepas, that toast up to perfection in under 10 minutes. When Coco and Mafe were on the show back in June 2022, we talked more about their backgrounds, origin story, how they got into Publix, and more, so I’ve linked that episode in the show notes as well.Listen in today as Mafe & Coco share about:The application process to Shark Tank and behind the scenes of taping the showWhat it was like to negotiate live with deals on the table from Kevin O’Leary and Daniel Lubetzky and why they went with the $150,000 investment for 20% equity with DanielHow they prepped for the airing of the show and the story of Mafe being 5 months pregnant while taping the show and then welcoming her baby the same week the episode aired!The consumer and retailer response to the episode airingTheir tips for brands interested in being on Shark Tank or who are pitching to the Sharks soonAnd more!I also want to let you know that this is the last episode of Season 3! Feel free to skip ahead 30 seconds to get to the interview, but I wanted to say thank you for those of you that have joined me as listeners, guests, and supporters for Season 3 of the show over the past 2+ years. It means the world to me and it’s been an honor to be your host. Season 4 starts next week with your new host, Daniel Scharff, the founder of Startup CPG, so stay tuned!Now let’s hear from Coco & Mafe.Episode Links:TOAST-IT website & IG @toastitfoodsCoco’s LinkedIn & Mafe’s LinkedInWatch Season 15, Episode 2 to see the pitch!Mentions: Camino Partners, NopaleraOur other Startup CPG Podcast episode with Coco & Mafe from June 2022: Data-first, customer-focused, and expanding into PublixShow 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 (16K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or ideas for Season 4? Email podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereFloret Links:Sign up here for a free 2023 deductions auditCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here

This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Floret. Go to tryfloret.com/startupcpgThis episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpgWe have a really special episode today - Seth Goldman is back on the show! Over the past couple of years, Seth has come on the show a number of times for what we called the Pure Gold Series to talk field marketing, sustainability, trade shows, and even an “Ask Seth Anything.” I’ll link a playlist in the show notes with all our episodes with Seth because they are all so fun, full of wisdom, and were very popular. Seth is Co-Founder and Chief Change Agent of Eat the Change®. Seth is also the Co-Founder of PLNT Burger (which was just named in the top 10 restaurants for vegans by USA Today), Honest Tea, and Chair of the board of Beyond Meat. Last time Seth was on the show, Eat the Change had just launched Just Ice Tea and now the teas are available in over 5,000 stores, which I’m especially grateful for since I LOVE the berry hibiscus tea and want to be able to buy it everywhere. It was so fun to have Seth back on the show to catch us all up!Listen in as Seth shares about:Just Ice Tea’s fast growth and how the experience compares to growing Honest TeaEat the Change’s team setup and the importance of good partnersHow trade spend and field marketing support Just Ice Tea growing in storesUpdating the packaging on Cosmic Chews to better connect with consumersHow the team decided to discontinue Eat the Change’s first product, mushroom jerkyEat the Change’s recent $14M raise & the 10 year anniversary of Seth and Barry’s graphic novel Mission in a BottleAnd more!Make sure to stay until the very end because Seth drops great insights on leadership and mental health and how to prioritize as an entrepreneur pulled in so many different directions.Episode Links:Pure Gold series playlistEat the Change’s websiteSeth’s book - Mission in a BottleSeth’s LinkedInJust Ice Tea Instagram reel mentioned by JessiMentions: Big Geyser, Canada Dry LansingShow 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 (16K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or websiteQuestions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics RangeMe LinksRangeMe websiteListen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson hereFloret Links:Sign up here for a free 2023 deductions auditCin7 Links:Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here