In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with three visionary founders who have built and scaled their businesses without external funding. Joining the discussion are Lisa Mastela of Bumpin Blends, Ben Bacon of Lentiful, and Jack & Tessa Schrupp of Drink Wholesome—leaders who have mastered lean operations, strategic growth, and creative problem-solving. Lisa shares how she turned a small investment into a $10 million revenue smoothie brand, leveraging unconventional ...
Mar 11, 2025•1 hr•Ep 130•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Ranwei Chiang, the CEO and owner of Abstinence Spirits, a brand redefining non-alcoholic beverages with bold flavors and sophisticated botanical blends. Ranwei shares the inspiring journey behind Abstinence Spirits, from its roots in South Africa’s Cape Floral Kingdom to its expansion in the U.S. market. They discuss the rising trend of non-alcoholic options, how Abstinence Spirits differentiates itself with depth and compl...
Mar 07, 2025•34 min•Ep 129•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Mott Smith, co-founder and CEO of Amped Kitchens, and Jaime Valenti-Jordan of Catapult Commercialization Services, to break down one of the biggest decisions early-stage food brands face: Should you produce in a commercial kitchen or work with a co-manufacturer (Co-man)? They discuss the pros and cons of each approach, how to scale from small-batch production to full-scale manufacturing, the hidden costs and challenges of bo...
Mar 04, 2025•57 min•Ep 128•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Startup CPG Podcast , Grace Kennedy sits down with Philip Teverow, co-founder of Yolélé, an African food brand bringing Fonio, a gluten-free ancient grain, to the U.S. market. Philip shares the inspiring story of how he and his business partner, Chef Pierre Thiam, embarked on a mission to introduce African flavors to a wider audience while supporting West African farmers and sustainable agriculture. Philip discusses the challenges of building a supply chain from West Afric...
Feb 28, 2025•34 min•Ep 127•Transcript available on Metacast In this bonus episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Patricia Menegoto and Kiki Huddleston from the Startup CPG team, as well as Brendan Cravitz from Azabu Foods x Meatless Future and Maxi Heidenblut from Häppy Candy, to recap the Winter Fancy Food Show in Las Vegas. The team shares behind-the-scenes insights on what made Startup CPG's section a must-visit for retailers and buyers, the power of community-driven brand support, and how small brands can maximize their trade...
Feb 26, 2025•41 min•Ep 125•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast , Daniel Scharff sits down with Karen Slusher, Chief Experience Officer of Azure Standard, to explore how this unique distributor is transforming the CPG industry. Karen shares Azure's mission-driven approach to supporting emerging and independent brands, with a focus on sustainability, transparency, and innovative distribution models like buying clubs and partnerships with independent stores. Karen dives into Azure’s family-owned ethos, its commitment ...
Feb 25, 2025•46 min•Ep 126•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Startup CPG, Grace Kennedy sits down with Akua Boakye Okunseinde, one of the co-founders of Karité, a skincare brand rooted in the power of shea butter. Akua shares the inspiring story of how she and her two sisters—each with distinct professional backgrounds—came together to build a brand that blends Ghanaian heritage with dermatologist-backed skincare. Akua shares the brand’s evolution from a passion project to an established business, detailing key milestones such as securi...
Feb 21, 2025•40 min•Ep 124•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Daniel Herz, co-founder and CEO of FocusFuel, and Ben Bacon, founder of Lentiful, to dive into how AI is transforming the way brands operate, market, and grow in the CPG space. Ben shares how AI tools like Claude have revolutionized his email marketing, product development, and even customer insights, helping him craft better messaging, streamline operations, and identify key customer trends. He reveals how AI helped Lenti...
Feb 18, 2025•46 min•Ep 123•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Breanna and Jared Golestani, the co-founders of Kokada, to discuss their journey from a kitchen experiment during the pandemic to launching a nationally distributed brand. As a husband-and-wife duo, they share how their love for food (and each other) led to the creation of their delicious coconut-based spreads and snacks. Breanna and Jared dive into the origins of Kokada, inspired by Breanna’s experiences playing volleyball...
Feb 14, 2025•42 min•Ep 122•Transcript available on Metacast In this bonus episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Patricia Menegoto and Kiki Huddleston from the Startup CPG team to dive deep into The Shelfie Awards, the biggest free awards program for emerging CPG brands. Now in its fifth year, the Shelfies offer small brands valuable visibility, credibility, and connections with retailers & media. They break down everything about the Shelfies —how they began, why they matter, and how they can help brands gain exposure. They a...
Feb 12, 2025•36 min•Ep 121•Transcript available on Metacast Let’s rewind, refresh, and get you ready for this year’s Expo West! 🎉 This episode originally aired in February 2024, but trust us—the insights are still absolute gold. Step into the vibrant world of Expo West in this episode of the Startup CPG podcast where Daniel Scharff is joined by startup CPG sales legends Matt Levine from Chlorophyll Water, Clara Paye from Unite Foods, and Pierre Jamet from Fishwife. Join them as they share insider tips for Expo West - what to do before, during, and after...
Feb 10, 2025•57 min•Ep 120•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Startup CPG Podcast , Grace Kennedy chats with Ehime Eigbe-Akindele, founder of Sweet Kiwi, a frozen whipped Greek yogurt brand that combines functional nutrition with irresistible taste. Ehime shares her inspiring journey from working in bankruptcy litigation at Citigroup to creating a delicious and nutritious product. She talks about her leap into entrepreneurship, the pivotal moments that shaped Sweet Kiwi, and how she turned an idea from her home kitchen into a product...
Feb 07, 2025•35 min•Ep 118•Transcript available on Metacast In this bonus episode of The Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with supply chain expert Aaron Alpeter, founder of Izba, to break down the latest tariff changes and what they mean for CPG brands. With new tariffs potentially impacting goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, Aaron explains the potential ripple effects on supply chains, pricing, and business strategies. From understanding the true objectives behind these tariffs to exploring practical steps brands can take—like tariff eng...
Feb 06, 2025•24 min•Ep 119•Transcript available on Metacast 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 ...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min•Ep 117•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Jan 31, 2025•38 min•Ep 116•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff welcomes Caitlin Bricker, editor at Startup CPG, to dive into her journey from food service to retail buying and now to the editorial world. Caitlin shares her passion for finding purpose-driven brands, her insights into the evolving CPG ecosystem, and her unique perspective shaped by personal and professional experiences—including transformative moments that have influenced her approach to life and work. They discuss Caitlin’s role at S...
Jan 28, 2025•39 min•Ep 115•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Startup CPG Podcast , Grace Kennedy chats with Jana Goodbaum, co-founder of Happy Wolf, a snack company revolutionizing toddler and kids' snacks with their "wildly simple" refrigerated bars. Jana shares her journey from advertising executive to entrepreneurial mom, driven by the frustration of limited healthy snack options for her child. Discover how Jana and her co-founder, Derek, navigated challenges like product development, sourcing allergen-free ingredients, finding t...
Jan 24, 2025•39 min•Ep 114•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff dives into the strategies and challenges of bootstrapping with three inspiring founders who have transformed bold ideas into thriving businesses—all without outside funding. Ryan Hansen, co-founder of Hazards Hop Water, shares how he scaled a six-figure non-alcoholic beverage brand by targeting unique markets and forging key partnerships. Carrie Sporer, co-founder of SWAIR Hair, reveals how she’s redefining hair care for fitness enthusia...
Jan 21, 2025•33 min•Ep 113•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Startup CPG Podcast , Grace Kennedy sits down with Becca Wright, the founder of Piedmont Pennies, to discuss the journey of turning a cherished family recipe into a thriving business. Becca shares the story behind her signature bite-sized cheesy biscuit crackers, inspired by her granddad’s recipe from North Carolina, and how she transitioned from corporate America to starting her own business. Learn about the challenges and success of bootstrapping a CPG brand, navigating ...
Jan 17, 2025•36 min•Ep 112•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Sean Goldsmith, co-founder of The Zero Proof, the largest online direct-to-consumer retailer of adult non-alcoholic beverages. Sean shares insights into the booming non-alcoholic beverage market, exploring trends like Dry January, the rise of wellness-driven consumer habits, and the intersection of non-alcoholic options with broader societal shifts such as Ozempic's impact on cravings. They discuss the key demographics dri...
Jan 14, 2025•38 min•Ep 111•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The Startup CPG Podcast, Grace Kennedy welcomes Nikki Seaman, founder and CEO of Freestyle Snacks, to discuss the journey behind reimagining olives as a premium, convenient snack. Nikki shares her inspiration for launching Freestyle Snacks during the pandemic, identifying a gap in the market for fresh, flavorful olives packaged for modern, on-the-go lifestyles. From early product development to navigating over 200 co-packer rejections, Nikki provides a behind-the-scenes look a...
Jan 10, 2025•30 min•Ep 110•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff and Lance Schwarzkopf take us behind the scenes of launching a food or beverage product. They break down the complexities of working with contract manufacturers, or "co-mans," to transform a concept into a market-ready product. Daniel and Lance share essential steps for emerging brands, from developing and protecting proprietary formulas to sourcing quality ingredients and securing critical documentation, like a process authority letter....
Jan 07, 2025•57 min•Ep 109•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast , Grace Kennedy sits down with Val Emanuel, the inspiring co-founder of Rif Care, a two-year-old feminine care brand that prioritizes sustainability and wellness. Val shares the journey behind Rif Care's creation, from identifying gaps in the market for elevated, eco-friendly period products to overcoming challenges in manufacturing and scaling the business. She opens up about her diverse career path, the importance of sustainability in product innovati...
Jan 03, 2025•37 min•Ep 108•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Patricia Menegoto, Head of Marketing and Community at Startup CPG, to reflect on a transformative year for the community and discuss ambitious plans for the future. Together, they recount the milestones of 2024, from hosting dedicated sections at trade shows, events in 17+ cities, building partnerships such as the GNC "Next Big Thing" initiative and the expansion of the Further platform supporting female-founded brands. Ke...
Dec 30, 2024•50 min•Ep 107•Transcript available on Metacast In this bonus episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Spencer Hoddeson, the CEO of Gay Water. They delve into the inspiration behind creating Gay Water, a mission-driven brand that is aiming to increase representation for the queer community in the alcohol space. With a rich background in media and tech, Spencer shares his journey of developing Gay Water, highlighting the personal experiences and meaningful conversations that shaped the brand. They explore the challenges...
Dec 27, 2024•40 min•Ep 103•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with David Fudge, co-founder of Aplós, to discuss the journey of building a premium non-alcoholic spirits brand. David shares insights from his time leading brand at Bonobos, where he helped pioneer the direct-to-consumer model, and how those experiences informed his approach to creating Aplós—a brand redefining the cocktail experience without compromise. They explore the growing non-alcoholic beverage market, the importance of...
Dec 24, 2024•58 min•Ep 106•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Joseph Rotondo, founder & CEO of Smearcase, the innovative brand behind the world’s first frozen cottage cheese. Joseph recounts his journey from a post-workout craving to the creation of a protein-packed dessert that’s disrupting the traditional ice cream market. Joseph shares his insights into building a category-defining product, the strategic importance of branding, and the lessons learned while navigating the chall...
Dec 20, 2024•38 min•Ep 105•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff chats with Heidi Traore, Supplier Relationship Development Manager, and Jeanette Bloss, Category Manager, from NCG (National Co+op Grocers). Together, they provide an in-depth look at NCG’s role as a powerful partner for natural channel brands and co-op grocery stores. Heidi breaks down what NCG is and how it functions as a secondary cooperative, helping hundreds of co-ops across the country thrive through centralized procurement, retail...
Dec 18, 2024•59 min•Ep 104•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy chats with Caroline Howard, one of the co-founders of Walker Brothers, a kombucha brand crafting both non-alcoholic and hard kombucha. Caroline shares the story behind Walker Brothers’ inception, including how a family scoby and a shared passion for beverages sparked the brand’s journey. She dives into the creative process behind their clean, modern branding, the challenges of scaling production, and the strategic decision to brew in-hous...
Dec 13, 2024•35 min•Ep 102•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by a distinguished panel of investors, including Greer Tessler (Founding Partner at Simple Food Ventures), Daniel Faierman (General Partner at Habitat Partners), Carolyn Simmons (Partner at Melitas Ventures), and Andrew Reynolds (Co-Founder & General Partner at RCV Frontline). Together, they provide an in-depth exploration of the current fundraising environment for CPG brands, discussing realistic valuations, funding strate...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 101•Transcript available on Metacast 
