SKUFood Recipes for Success

Peter Chapman
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The food and beverage industry impacts everyone. There is always something happening that impacts producers, processors, distributors, retailers and consumers. SKUFood Recipes for Success podcast tells the story of what is happening and why.  Our guests will be people from one end of the value chain to the other.  We will discuss what they are working on and how it impacts the store shelf and what goes into the shopping cart. People want to know more about the food and beverage products they take home to share with family and friends.  Host Peter Chapman has worked in this industry for his entire career. A high school job in retail evolved into 20 years with Canada’s largest food retailer where Peter worked in marketing and advertising and merchandising. After leaving Loblaw, Peter has worked with producers and processors from coast to coast to get their products on the shelf and into the shopping cart.

  1. S01 E32: Growing Beyond the Field: Scaling Terra Beata from Farm to Global Markets

    FEB 12

    S01 E32: Growing Beyond the Field: Scaling Terra Beata from Farm to Global Markets

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with John Ernst, a next-generation leader from Terra Beata Farms, one of Atlantic Canada’s most recognized cranberry growers and processors. After graduating from the Smith School of Business with a passion for entrepreneurship, John stepped into the family business during a period of rapid growth and hasn’t looked back. Over the past six years, he has played a key role in expanding Terra Beata’s reach across retail, food service, and export markets, while also contributing to acquisitions and capital projects that continue to shape the company’s future. John’s perspective blends formal business training with hands-on experience in agriculture, manufacturing, and brand development within the agri-food space. In this conversation, we explore what it means to join a family business at a pivotal moment, how Terra Beata has evolved from a cranberry farm into a value-added food brand, and the realities of scaling operations while staying true to their roots. This episode highlights the balance between tradition and innovation, and what’s required to grow a legacy brand into its next chapter. Website: https://www.terrabeata.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TerraBeataCranberries  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrabeatagoodness/  Email: John.Ernst@TerraBeata.ca If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you would like to be on the show, send us an email : peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media: Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Thanks for listening!

    40 min
  2. S01 E31: Disrupting Snacking: How Mid-Day Squares Created a Community

    JAN 8

    S01 E31: Disrupting Snacking: How Mid-Day Squares Created a Community

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Jake Karls, the unapologetically authentic and refreshingly relatable Co-founder & Chief Rainmaker of Mid-Day Squares, the good-for-you chocolate brand that went from a Montreal condo kitchen to tens of millions of bars sold across thousands of retail stores. Jake brings a no-BS approach to brand building. For him, the real differentiator isn’t just product innovation—it’s human connection, consistent storytelling, and having the courage to be fully yourself in a crowded category. As Mid-Day Squares scaled from idea to retail reality, Jake played a pivotal role in building community first, leveraging radical transparency, and turning everyday snackers into loyal superfans. Widely recognized as a rising star in business, Jake has been a finalist for EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year, landed on Forbes 30 Under 30 (Food & Beverage, 2023), and has become a familiar voice in media across North America. In our conversation, Jake takes us through the creative and chaotic early days of the brand, how daily content evolved into a trust-building machine, and why vulnerability became their most powerful marketing strategy. We explore how the founders navigated rapid growth without compromising authenticity, how they intentionally built a movement rooted in empowerment and inclusivity, and what their journey reveals about the future of food brands that resonate on a human level. This episode offers an inside look at how Mid-Day Squares disrupted an entire category simply by showing up as themselves. Website: https://www.middaysquares.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/middaysquares/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidDaySquares/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mid-day-squares/  If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you would like to be on the show, send us an email : peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media: Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Thanks for listening!

    40 min
  3. S01 E30: The Future of Conscious Snacking: Lessons From Humble Chips

    12/11/2025

    S01 E30: The Future of Conscious Snacking: Lessons From Humble Chips

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Jeff Lahey, Co-Founder & COO of Humble Chips, the brand turning organic potatoes and a sustainability-first mindset into a movement in snack food. With more than 20 years of experience across Frito-Lay, Guru Organic Energy, and Amplify Snack Brands (SkinnyPop), Jeff brings deep industry insight and a mission to create snacks that are good for consumers and the planet. Jeff and his co-founder saw a major gap in the “better-for-you” space, plenty of snacks claimed clean ingredients, but almost none tackled the growing issue of packaging waste and plastic pollution. Their own shift toward natural and organic eating inspired the launch of Humble Chips: certified organic potato chips cooked with the skins on, seasoned with intention, and packaged in eco-friendly Plastic Neutral packaging. In our conversation, Jeff shares how they uncovered an unmet consumer need, the complexities of sourcing organic ingredients and sustainable packaging, and how they built early momentum through authenticity, purpose, and strong retail partnerships. We dive into the realities of scaling a mission-driven snack brand, why transparent storytelling matters, and how Humble continues to put purpose over profit. This episode goes beyond the crunch, it's a deep look at what it takes to build a brand that stands for something, leads with values, and resonates with the modern conscious consumer. Website: https://humblechips.ca/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humblepotatochips/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/humblepotatochips/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/humble-snacks/  If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you would like to be on the show, send us an email : peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media: Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Thanks for listening!

    42 min
  4. S01 E29: Mushroom Protein, Cultivated Ambition & The Better Butchers

    12/04/2025

    S01 E29: Mushroom Protein, Cultivated Ambition & The Better Butchers

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Mitchell Scott, co-founder & CEO of The Better Butchers, a Canadian brand building the next generation of meat alternatives.  Mitchell comes with deep experience in the food industry, he previously co-founded another major alternative-protein brand and now is on a mission to remove animals from the food chain while building purpose-driven CPG brands.  In our conversation, Mitchell shares how The Better Butchers uses mushroom-based proteins and mycelium technology to craft sustainable meat alternatives, how they plan to launch cultivated/fermented meat products, and how they’re positioning themselves in a rapidly evolving retail landscape.  We also dive into the lessons learned from scaling disruptive food brands, navigating investor and regulatory hurdles, and what it takes to build a brand that resonates with modern consumers who care about flavour and the planet. This episode is for entrepreneurs and food-brands looking to build with purpose, and make meaningful impact in the supermarket aisle. Website: https://www.thebetterbutchers.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebetterbutchersmeat/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Better-Butchers-100088953283487/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-the-scott/  If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you would like to be on the show, send us an email : peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media: Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Thanks for listening!

    36 min
  5. S01 E28: The SPICE Journey: Unlocking Under-represented Food Entrepreneurs

    11/26/2025

    S01 E28: The SPICE Journey: Unlocking Under-represented Food Entrepreneurs

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Natalie Frederick-Wilson, Business Advisor at the Centre for Women in Business and program lead for SPICE – the Specialized Program in Cooking Entrepreneurship. With a focus on empowering under-represented women—particularly Black Nova Scotian, Indigenous, immigrant, and newcomer entrepreneurs—Natalie shares how SPICE helps food founders turn their passion for cooking into sustainable, scalable businesses. From accessing commercial kitchens to understanding food safety regulations and navigating co-packing partnerships, she reveals the practical supports and community connections that help level the playing field in Canada’s food industry. Hear how SPICE is reshaping food entrepreneurship through hands-on business training, mentorship, and manufacturing readiness—and why inclusive support systems are key to building a stronger, more diverse food ecosystem. https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-frederick-wilson-338b1873?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app https://www.centreforwomeninbusiness.ca/about/our-team/natalie-frederick-wilson/ https://www.centreforwomeninbusiness.ca/learning/spice-specialized-program-in-cooking-entrepreneurship/ If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you would like to be on the show, send us an email : peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media: Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Thanks for listening!

    44 min
  6. S01 E27: Brand Stories That Sell: What Makes a Story Stick in CPG

    11/20/2025

    S01 E27: Brand Stories That Sell: What Makes a Story Stick in CPG

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Pedja Radjenović, a CPG strategist who helps founders transform their brand stories into strategies that actually sell. After building multi-million dollar brands at Molson Coors and Carlsberg, Pedja discovered that the difference between a good product and a great brand comes down to one thing, how well you tell your story. With experience leading brand growth across borders, he understands the nuances of positioning, messaging, and selling in different markets. Today, Pedja works with food and beverage founders to sharpen their positioning, clarify their message, and stand out in the crowd. In this conversation, he shares what makes a story stick, the kind that consumers connect with and retailers rally behind. This episode is a must-listen for founders ready to move beyond features and claims, and start building a brand narrative that opens doors and keeps shelves stocked. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedjaradjenovic/ Email: pr@wtnv.ca If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you would like to be on the show, send us an email : peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media: Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Thanks for listening!

    41 min
  7. S01 E26: From Healthcare to Healthy Crunch: The Story Behind OHME! Foods

    10/30/2025

    S01 E26: From Healthcare to Healthy Crunch: The Story Behind OHME! Foods

    In this episode of Recipes for Success, we sit down with Han Yue, co-founder of OHME! Foods. OHME! Foods is a Vancouver-based brand redefining what healthy snacking can be. With backgrounds in healthcare, Jenny and Han witnessed firsthand how small, daily habits can transform long-term well-being. As busy professionals and parents, they struggled to find snacks that were both nourishing and truly enjoyable, so they made their own. What began as a kitchen experiment with freeze-dried fruit quickly grew into a brand with a mission to make healthy snacking joyful, convenient, and delicious. Today, OHME!’s signature Yogurt Crunch snack, made simply with Greek yogurt and real fruit, are available in over 450 stores across Canada and the U.S. and have even earned recognition from Good Housekeeping. In this conversation, Han shares how they turned a family passion project into a fast-growing, award-winning brand. We discuss the power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship, the realities of scaling production while staying true to your values, and how OHME! continues to bring joy, health, and heart to every crunch. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohmefoods Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohmefoods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ohme-foods/ Website: https://www.ohmefoods.com/ If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you would like to be on the show, send us an email : peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media: Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Thanks for listening!

    37 min
  8. S01 E25: Handpies with Heart: Redefining Convenience from Island Ingredients to Grocery Freezers

    10/23/2025

    S01 E25: Handpies with Heart: Redefining Convenience from Island Ingredients to Grocery Freezers

    In this episode of Recipes for Success, we sit down with Red Seal Chef Sarah Bennetto O’Brien, founder of The Handpie Company, makers of chef-crafted, savory personal handpies that bring quality, local ingredients, and real flavor to Atlantic Canada’s frozen food aisles. Launched in 2017 with a mission to create grab-and-go meals that don’t compromise on taste or integrity, The Handpie Company uses real butter, Island beef, potatoes, and more. Every pie is chef-made in a CFIA-licensed production facility, ensuring consistent quality in every bite. Sarah shares how she turned a love of local ingredients into a thriving brand, navigating challenges like scaling artisan quality for the freezer aisle, maintaining local sourcing, and expanding into new retail channels. Today, their products are stocked in over 100 locations throughout the Maritimes, including grocery frozen food aisles, cafés, and taprooms. We also dive into the early “pie in the sky” idea, the leap from café menus to owning their name and space, and how the team has stayed true to their core values, chef-made, locally sourced, and convenience without compromise. This conversation is about more than pies, it’s about building a local food brand with community, blending taste and integrity, and pushing the boundaries of what a frozen product can be. Website: https://www.handpie.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehandpieco/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehandpieco/  If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. If you would like to be on the show, send us an email : peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media: Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter Connect with Peter on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Thanks for listening!

    43 min
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Trailer

About

The food and beverage industry impacts everyone. There is always something happening that impacts producers, processors, distributors, retailers and consumers. SKUFood Recipes for Success podcast tells the story of what is happening and why.  Our guests will be people from one end of the value chain to the other.  We will discuss what they are working on and how it impacts the store shelf and what goes into the shopping cart. People want to know more about the food and beverage products they take home to share with family and friends.  Host Peter Chapman has worked in this industry for his entire career. A high school job in retail evolved into 20 years with Canada’s largest food retailer where Peter worked in marketing and advertising and merchandising. After leaving Loblaw, Peter has worked with producers and processors from coast to coast to get their products on the shelf and into the shopping cart.

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Chapman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SKUFood Recipes for Success
  • Show Website
    SKUFood Recipes for Success