SKUFood Recipes for Success

Peter Chapman
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  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago

    S01 E41 - From Farm to Freezer: Reinventing Hydration with Real Ingredients, with April Glavine

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we explore how a new generation of brands is rethinking hydration through ingredient integrity, format innovation, and clear positioning. As the electrolyte category continues to evolve, standing out requires more than functionality, it demands a differentiated product and a brand consumers can trust. We dive into what it takes to build a real ingredient electrolyte product, from sourcing directly with farmers to formulation and creating a clean label offering without added sugars, dyes, or artificial flavours. This conversation also unpacks the strategic decision to innovate beyond traditional formats, introducing a freezer based approach that challenges how and where consumers engage with hydration. By combining fruit first ingredients with functional electrolytes, this model highlights how format can become a powerful lever for differentiation in a crowded market, while navigating the real trials and tribulations of building a business from the ground up. We also explore how brands can scale while staying true to their core product and positioning, particularly outside of traditional beverage aisles. From maintaining quality and consistency to making thoughtful, detail driven decisions at every stage of growth, this episode highlights the discipline required to build something new in an emerging format. It’s a look at how strong foundations and attention to detail can support long term success in a highly competitive category. Website: https://sumgood.ca/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sumgoodfreezies  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sumgood_electrolytes/  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!

    S01 E41 - From Farm to Freezer: Reinventing Hydration with Real Ingredients, with April Glavine

  2. Jun 25

    S01 E40 - Brewing Innovation: Building a Coffee Brand with an Ocean Air Advantage

    Episode Summary In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with the co-founders of Saltwinds Coffee, Laura Richard and Brad Rideout, to explore how innovation, science, and entrepreneurship have come together to create one of Canada's most unique coffee brands. From their roots in New Brunswick to expanding into retail markets. Saltwinds has built their business by being different through its proprietary Ocean Air infusion process that brings a distinctive maritime element to every roast. Laura and Brad share the story behind building Saltwinds Coffee, combining expertise in chemistry, product development, technology, and business growth to create a brand that stands out in a crowded category. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of bringing an innovative product to market, the importance of differentiation, and how they've translated a unique concept into an award-winning brand with national reach. We also explore the balance between innovation and commercialization, the role of storytelling in building consumer connection, and what it takes to scale a premium food and beverage brand.  Connect with Laura & Brad: https://saltwindscoffee.com/ https://www.facebook.com/saltwindscoffee  https://www.instagram.com/saltwindscoffee  https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwindscoffee  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!

    S01 E40 - Brewing Innovation: Building a Coffee Brand with an Ocean Air Advantage

  3. Jun 4

    S01 E39 From Concept to Commercialization: Turning Food Innovation into CPG Products

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, Peter is joined by Amy Proulx of Niagara College Food and Beverage Innovation Centre. They explore what it really takes to move from concept to commercialization in today’s competitive food and beverage landscape. From formulation to scale-up, the journey from idea to shelf requires more than a great concept, it demands technical expertise, regulatory understanding, and a clear path to market. We dive into the critical role of food science in building products that are not only innovative, but also safe, consistent, and commercially viable. From ingredient functionality and shelf-life stability to navigating regulatory requirements and label compliance, this conversation unpacks the often unseen work that underpins successful CPG products.  This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how founders and brands can better leverage technical resources to de-risk innovation and accelerate growth. Whether you’re refining a formulation or preparing for scale, the insights shared highlight how disciplined development and strong science can turn great ideas into products that succeed in market. Learn more here: https://www.ncinnovation.ca/innovation-centres/food-and-beverage 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!

    S01 E39 From Concept to Commercialization: Turning Food Innovation into CPG Products

  4. May 22

    S01 E38 Evolving a Snack Portfolio: How Rebranding Fuels Growth

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Kirk Homenick, President of Naturally Homegrown Foods, to explore how rebranding and innovation are driving growth and reshaping the snack category. Under his leadership, the business has evolved from a niche brand into a national and international player, with brands like Hardbite and the newly launched Poptastic. Kirk shares how evolving a portfolio is essential to staying relevant in today’s competitive CPG landscape. Kirk unpacks the strategic decisions behind rebranding Hardbite, from refining positioning to aligning with shifting consumer preferences around ingredients, quality, and sourcing. He also shares the thinking behind launching Poptastic, entering a relatively stagnant popcorn category with a fresh perspective and a focus on differentiation. From product innovation like root veg chips and avocado oil chips to expanding into new formats, this conversation highlights what it takes to lead category growth, not just participate in it. We also explore how brands can balance legacy with innovation, and the role of disciplined strategy in scaling across multiple product lines. Kirk offers practical insights on portfolio management, brand evolution, and building products that resonate with today’s consumer, while setting the foundation for long-term growth. Connect with Kirk: Website: https://naturallyhomegrownfoods.com/ Hardbite: https://hardbitechips.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hardbite/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardbitechips/  Poptastic: https://poptasticpop.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptasticpop/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poptastic_pop  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!

    S01 E38 Evolving a Snack Portfolio: How Rebranding Fuels Growth

  5. May 8

    S01 E37 Comeback Season: Building a Brand Rooted in Redemption

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Emily O’Brien, founder of Comeback Snacks, whose journey from incarceration to building a purpose driven brand is redefining what it means to make a comeback. Her story is a powerful example that your past does not define your future, and that resilience can be the foundation for something much bigger. Emily shares how she transformed adversity into opportunity, starting Comeback Snacks from her favourite snack, popcorn, while in prison and building it from the ground up. Rooted in a mission of redemption, her work extends beyond her own story by creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with criminal backgrounds. From early challenges to gaining traction in the competitive CPG space, she offers an honest look at what it takes to start over and build a brand with purpose. We also explore the intersection of purpose and profitability, and how businesses can create real change while scaling. Emily’s story is a reminder that second chances aren’t just personal, they can be a powerful driver of innovation, connection, and long-term success. Connect with Emily: Website: https://comebacksnacks.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comebacksnacks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comebacksnacks/ 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!

    S01 E37 Comeback Season: Building a Brand Rooted in Redemption

  6. Apr 23

    S01 E36: Bites of Wisdom: Building a Brand That Sees Ahead

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Cathline James, founder of Wise Bites, a purpose driven snack brand redefining what it means to be truly inclusive in food. Built on the belief that everyone deserves access to safe, nutritious options, Wise Bites has carved out a unique space in the better for you category with products that are free from the top 11 allergens while still delivering on taste and function. What started as a personal mission has grown into a forward thinking brand focused on long term health, accessibility, and innovation. Wise Bites isn’t just reacting to trends, it’s anticipating them, creating products designed for a more inclusive future of food where functionality and flavour go hand in hand. From early product development to scaling into retail and food service, the brand has stayed rooted in its core purpose: allergen free snacks that make you feel good and taste good. Cathline shares how seeing what others don’t has shaped her approach to building Wise Bites, from identifying gaps in the market to creating products that meet real, underserved needs. This conversation explores what it takes to lead with purpose while building a scalable business, and how Wise Bites is proving that the future of snacking isn’t just better for you, it’s smarter, more inclusive, and built to last. Website: https://wise-bites.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisebitescollectionsinc/ Pinterest: https://ca.pinterest.com/wisebites0565/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WiseBitesInc 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!

    S01 E36: Bites of Wisdom: Building a Brand That Sees Ahead

  7. Apr 16

    S01 E35: Layered Success: Building a Crave-Worthy Brand Without Cutting Corners

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Carolyne McIntyre Jackson, co-founder of Crave Cupcakes, a nationally recognized, award-winning bakery brand that has grown from a single neighbourhood shop into a multi-channel business across Western Canada. What started with a simple goal, serve really good cake made from real ingredients and a commitment to from-scratch baking has evolved into a beloved brand known for quality, consistency, and connection. Today, Crave Cupcakes has seven bakery locations, café extensions under CeCe’s Coffee Shop, and a growing CPG presence in major retailers, while still using the same recipes and real ingredients it started with.  Carolyne shares how Crave has scaled thoughtfully, layer by layer, without compromising on product integrity, brand values, or customer experience. This conversation dives into what it really takes to scale a food brand without compromise. From staying hands-on as you grow to translating a fresh bakery experience into packaged products, Carolyne shares how Crave has built a brand that’s not only crave-worthy but built to last. Website: https://www.cravecupcakes.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cravecupcakes/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cravecupcakes TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cravecupcakes Pinterest: https://www.tiktok.com/@cravecupcakes LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crave-cookies-cupcakes/  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!

    S01 E35: Layered Success: Building a Crave-Worthy Brand Without Cutting Corners

  8. Mar 26

    S01 E34 Beyond Borders: The Art of Global Brand Expansion

    In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Jennifer Frame, a marketing and innovation strategist with more than 18 years of experience across retail, FMCG, luxury, and technology in both Canada and Europe. Originally from Nova Scotia and now based in Geneva, Switzerland, Jennifer has built a career helping brands sharpen their positioning, clarify their growth strategy, and expand with confidence. Her experience spans global leaders like Procter & Gamble and Manor AG, as well as high-growth startups, giving her a unique perspective on what it truly takes to scale across markets. As Co-Founder of Seajai Collective, Jennifer now helps Canadian companies enter the European market while supporting European businesses in expanding internationally. Her work focuses on strengthening brand, marketing, and commercial fundamentals before chasing growth. In our conversation, we explore what brands often overlook when entering new regions, the cultural and commercial nuances of European markets, and why successful expansion starts with strategic clarity, not just ambition. This episode is a must-listen for founders and food brands considering export, international partnerships, or scaling beyond their home market — and for anyone who believes growth should be intentional, strategic, and built to last. If you’d like to connect with Jennifer, reach out via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-frame-327b273b/, or at jennifer@jenniferframe.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!

    S01 E34 Beyond Borders: The Art of Global Brand Expansion
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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
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SKUFood Recipes for Success
  • Show Website
    SKUFood Recipes for Success

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