Emerging Brands Podcast

Kelly Bennett
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Welcome to Emerging Brands Podcast® with Kelly Bennett This is the podcast where you'll discover the stories behind your new favorite CPG brands. Each episode dives into the brand and founder journey—how they launched, what sets them apart, and the strategy behind going to market. We talk plans for growth, practical advice for emerging founders, and where to shop the products making waves in food, beverage, wellness, and beyond. You'll also hear from industry experts—brand builders, investors, and operators—who should absolutely be on your radar if you're growing a CPG brand today. Whether you're building something of your own or love supporting what's next, you're in the right place.

  1. 32 MINS AGO

    Expo West Recap: Part 1 - The Power of Community

    This week on Emerging Brands Podcast®, I am kicking off a high-energy, 3-part recap of Natural Products Expo West 2026. To dive into the highlights, I'm joined by my friend and co-host Danielle Calabrese, founder of It's All Happening, to pull back the curtain on the community moments that defined the show. In Part 1, we're recapping the activations we helped bring to life in Anaheim—from high-stakes pitch competitions to the return of our favorite community tradition. We explore how 75+ women showed up for a networking activation at the Innovation Summit with only 12 hours of notice and why the energy behind this year's events is proof that the CPG industry is hungrier than ever for real, human connection. Inside the Episode: How a last-minute networking activation for women in CPG turned into a massive community win, proving that the desire for connection outweighs the need for long lead times. Behind the scenes of emceeing the Expo West Pitch Slam and the emerging brands that caught our eye, including Folkland Foods, Good Wolf, pi00a, Farmwell Drinks, Ulu Foods, Sweeter Collective, Blueshift Nutrition, and Better Together Foods. Highlights from our panel of experts—Jamie Borteck, Lauren Ressel Castro (CVS Health), and Jessie Kimsey (Misfits Market)—on what it takes to stand out in a crowded market. Recapping our pizza happy hour with 500+ RSVPs, featuring a La Rossi Pizza topping bar with Fishwife, Cotto, and Showoff, plus treats from Wobble and Cravings by Chrissy Teigen. A look at the beverage partners who fueled our community moments, including the sophisticated flavors of Ghia and Esprizio. I hope you enjoy this first look into the best of Expo West! Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3. This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

    37 min

  2. 32 MINS AGO

    Expo West Recap: Part 2 - Strategy on the Floor

    In Part 2 of this week's recap of Expo West, I'm back with Danielle Calabrese, founder of It's All Happening, to take you directly onto the show floor. While Part 1 was about the massive community events, this episode explores the strategic reality for early-stage brands navigating the world's largest natural products trade show. We're going behind the scenes of what it looks like when emerging brands step into the spotlight for the first time. Using real-time examples from my clients Cotto and Wobble, who sampled their products throughout the week, Danielle and I break down how founders can build genuine awareness and "meaningful buzz" long before they hit retail shelves. Inside the Episode: Insights from the sampling activations for Cotto and Wobble and how early-stage brands can maximize their presence at the show. Why the way you share your product matters just as much as the product itself, and how to turn a quick taste into a lasting industry connection. A breakdown of the vital discussions happening both on and off the floor with buyers, investors, and fellow founders. Practical advice for early-journey founders on how to navigate the overwhelming scale of Expo West without losing sight of your specific goals. How to leverage the show's energy to create a foundation for your upcoming retail launch. I hope these lessons from the floor help you map out your own brand's future. Stay tuned for Part 3! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

    21 min

  3. 32 MINS AGO

    Expo West Recap: Part 3 - Trends & Discoveries

    In Part 3 of this week's recap of Expo West, I'm joined one last time by Danielle Calabrese, founder of It's All Happening, to close out our coverage of the industry's biggest event. After diving into community and strategy, we're shifting our focus to the "what"—the actual products, ingredients, and innovations that defined the show floor in 2026. In this final episode, we break down the most impactful trends we spotted and what these shifts mean for the future of food and beverage. From category reinventions to the emerging ingredients poised to take over retail shelves, Danielle and I share the brands that caught our attention and a sneak peek at the client projects we're currently developing that align with these movements. Inside the Episode: A deep dive into the biggest shifts at Expo West 2026, from innovative ingredient profiles to the new formats changing how we eat and drink. Highlights of our favorite brand discoveries from the show floor and why these specific founders are poised to win with both consumers and retailers. How established categories are being reimagined for a new generation of shoppers looking for both functionality and flavor. A sneak peek at the upcoming client brands we're working on that are perfectly positioned to lead the trends we saw in Anaheim. Our final thoughts on what this year's energy says about the state of the CPG industry heading into the rest of 2026. This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

    32 min

  4. 6D AGO

    Something & Nothing

    After noticing the soft drink category had remained stagnant and uninspired for decades, Olly Dixon co-founded Something & Nothing to disrupt the status quo. He saw a landscape filled with sugar-heavy, over-processed options and realized people were craving something more elevated. By blending high-end design with cleaner ingredients, Olly set out to prove that a soda could be both a sophisticated lifestyle choice and a win for the environment. Something & Nothing is a B-Corp Certified premium soda brand that ditches added sugars and sweeteners in favor of real fruit juices, extracts, and botanicals. With award-winning flavors like Yuzu and Mango & Thai Basil, Olly has successfully navigated the brand's journey from its 2020 U.K. launch to its 2023 U.S. debut. By utilizing solar-powered production and low-carbon deliveries, Something & Nothing offers a "feel-good" experience that transports you from desk to dinner party. Inside the Episode: Why Olly felt the soda aisle was stuck in the past and how he reimagined it for the modern, curious consumer. The strategic hurdles and triumphs of expanding a British sensation into the competitive U.S. beverage market. The reason Olly purposefully ignored the beverage category and instead drew inspiration from the worlds of fashion, photography, and art to build the brand's identity. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

    24 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Specialty Food Association

    From her early days as a pastry chef to her two decades at Whole Foods Market, Holly Long has spent her career championing the people behind the products. As the former Principal Forager for Whole Foods, Holly became a legendary advocate for local and emerging brands, guiding them through the complexities of market entry. Today, she brings that same passion for community to her role as the Director of Community Engagement at the Specialty Food Association (SFA). In this episode, Holly shares how she bridges the gap between small producers and major industry players. At SFA, she leads the charge in fostering meaningful connections between members and buyers, ensuring that the specialty food community remains a space where innovation and tradition thrive together. Whether she's mentoring founders or curating spaces for collaboration, Holly's work is rooted in a lifelong commitment to building thriving, diverse food ecosystems. Inside the Episode: How Holly's background as a chef and R&D specialist at Whole Foods shaped her "founder-first" approach to community building.  Why Holly believes mastering both in-person and online networking is the most critical tool for a new founder's survival and growth. How the Specialty Food Association is evolving to elevate diverse voices and create networking opportunities for the next generation of makers. Learn more about SFA & membership benefits! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

    28 min

  6. MAR 9

    Cravings by Chrissy Teigen

    I'm coming to you live from Natural Products Expo West with Chrissy Teigen, inside the Cravings by Chrissy Teigen booth! Over the past year, Cravings has become one of the fastest-growing pantry brands in the category. Its non-GMO baking mixes have emerged as a major growth engine, expanding into national retailers like Kroger and Thrive Market, along with regional leaders including HEB and Raley's. The brand now reaches more than 3,000 stores nationwide, with additional retail expansion on the horizon. Inside the Episode: Chrissy and I talk about the brand's recent rebrand Following your gut as a CPG founder The realities of starting and scaling a CPG food brand Cravings' newest launch, the Sweet & Sticky Carrot Cake Kit, inspired by Chrissy and John's wedding cake Shop here!

    17 min

  7. MAR 2

    Alaffia

    Born in Togo, Olowo-n'djo Tchala founded Alaffia in 2004 to bridge the gap between West African traditional knowledge and the global beauty market. Driven by his upbringing and a commitment to gender equality, Olowo-n'djo has spent over twenty years using ethical business as a tool to alleviate poverty and empower the communities he calls home. Alaffia is a clean, fair-trade beauty brand that partners with women's cooperatives in West Africa to produce unrefined shea butter and African black soap. Beyond skincare, the brand reinvests its proceeds into maternal healthcare, education, and reforestation, proving that personal care can create a true state of "Alaffia"—peace, health, and well-being—for both the consumer and the creator. Inside the Episode: How Olowo-n'djo's roots in Togo shaped the brand's philosophy of collective well-being. Why Alaffia prioritizes maternal health and education as the primary drivers for community growth. Lessons from twenty years of maintaining a mission-first, fair-trade business model in the competitive beauty space. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

    27 min

  8. MAR 2

    Bleume

    Sam Niemann has been a gardener for as long as he can remember. From sneaking out as a teenager to ride his bike to the local garden center to working in horticulture ever since, Sam's life has been defined by the joy of growing things. He founded Bleume with a singular, heartfelt goal: to inspire others to experience that same joy by making plant care simpler and more connected. Based in Chicago, Bleume is a houseplant care brand that strips away the confusion of indoor gardening. Their signature balanced 7-7-7 liquid fertilizer is designed for consistent use, combining a high-quality formula with design-forward packaging that looks beautiful on any shelf. By making the "science" of feeding plants approachable and aesthetic, Sam is giving every plant parent the tools to grow something great. Inside the Episode: Sam's journey from a backyard hobbyist to a horticulture professional and why he's on a mission to share the joy of growing. Why a balanced liquid fertilizer is the "easy button" for plant owners who are tired of overthinking their feeding schedules. How Bleume's design-forward approach encourages consistent care by making plant food something you actually want to display. Shop here! This podcast episode was made possible by Glimpse — the AI-powered deduction management tool helping CPG brands recover lost revenue from invalid retail deductions. With in-house experts and custom-built AI, Glimpse saves founders time, money, and countless hours so they can focus on scaling. Try it free for 30 days at tryglimpse.com/trial.

    20 min
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About

Welcome to Emerging Brands Podcast® with Kelly Bennett This is the podcast where you'll discover the stories behind your new favorite CPG brands. Each episode dives into the brand and founder journey—how they launched, what sets them apart, and the strategy behind going to market. We talk plans for growth, practical advice for emerging founders, and where to shop the products making waves in food, beverage, wellness, and beyond. You'll also hear from industry experts—brand builders, investors, and operators—who should absolutely be on your radar if you're growing a CPG brand today. Whether you're building something of your own or love supporting what's next, you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly Bennett
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    266
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Emerging Brands Podcast

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