Market To Shelf Mastery

MonkeyPants Productions

Market to Shelf Mastery is a podcast for ambitious food and drink founders working towards their first retail listing who want to hear from founders who have already made the leap. Every episode is a conversation with someone who has gone from market stall to retail shelf. We break down the real process behind their first "yes" — who they approached, how they pitched, how they followed up, the knock-backs they faced and the persistence that paid off. And we talk about the moment — walking into a store and seeing their product on the shelf for the very first time: the pride, the relief, the quiet "we did it" feeling. You'll gain practical insight you can apply to your own retail outreach, honest lessons from founders who've been in your shoes, and the belief that your shelf moment is possible too.

Episodes

  1. Sep 29

    Episode #9: Helen Davies from The Lovely Gift Group.

    In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Helen, the founder of The Lovely Gift Company, as she shares her unique journey from market stall to retail shelf. Helen recounts the inspiring story behind her brand, which was born out of her personal experiences with her premature twins and her desire to create keepsakes that cherish special memories. She discusses how her background in marketing and PR has played a vital role in presenting her products to the market and how she has successfully navigated the transition from selling online to securing retail placements. Listeners will gain insights into the diverse range of products offered by The Lovely Gift Company, including innovative keepsake boxes, pet memorials, and personalised gifts that resonate emotionally with consumers. Helen emphasises the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting to market trends, sharing anecdotes about her experiences at artisan fairs and the lessons learned from face-to-face interactions with customers. The conversation delves into the complexities of entering retail, including the challenges of building relationships with retailers and the significance of effective marketing strategies. Helen highlights the ongoing need for persistence and creativity in reaching key decision-makers and the importance of aligning products with the values and needs of retailers. Join us for an engaging discussion filled with practical advice and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of the industry, as Helen encourages everyone to pursue their dreams and never give up.    (00:00) Introduction  (01:00) The Origin of The Lovely Gift Company  (10:00) Product Overview and Emotional Connections  (20:00) Transitioning from Online to Retail  (30:00) Meeting Customers Face-to-Face  (40:00) The Challenges of Retail Relationships  (50:00) Future Aspirations for The Lovely Gift Company    Connect with Leisa here:  https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/   Helen can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-davies-%F0%9F%8E%81-25999030/   Follow The Lovely Gift Company here: https://www.thelovelygiftgroup.co.uk/    Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

  2. Sep 15

    Episode #8: Laura Peill from Tired Mum's Coffee

    In this episode we are excited to feature Laura Peill, the founder of Tired Mum's Coffee. Laura shares her unique journey from being a new mum in need of caffeine to creating a coffee brand that truly understands the needs of parents. She discusses how her love for coffee evolved from a simple pick-me-up to a cherished daily ritual, leading to the conception of her brand. Listeners will learn about the playful names of Tired Mum's Coffee blends, including the 'Party All Night Blend' and 'Nobody's Listening to Me Blend', which resonate with the everyday experiences of tired parents. Laura explains the importance of packaging and branding in retail, sharing how feedback from stockists guided her to improve her product presentation for better shelf appeal. Throughout the episode, Laura discusses the challenges and successes of transitioning from direct-to-consumer sales at local markets to securing retail listings. She provides valuable insights on the importance of building relationships with retailers, the significance of follow-ups, and how to adapt to feedback from both consumers and stockists. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to navigate the complexities of the retail landscape.   (00:00) Introduction  (01:00) The Birth of Tired Mum's Coffee  (10:00) Product Range Overview and Fun Blend Names  (20:00) Transitioning from Direct Sales to Retail  (30:00) The Importance of Packaging and Branding  (40:00) Building Relationships with Retailers  (50:00) Future Plans and Aspirations for Tired Mum's Coffee   Connect with Leisa here:  https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/    Laura can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-peill-84338658/  Follow Tired Mum's Coffee here:  https://www.tiredmumcoffee.com/  https://www.instagram.com/tiredmumscoffee/  **********************************  Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

  3. Sep 1

    Episode #7: Abi Adefisan from Yumchop Foods Limited

    In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Abi Adefisan co-founder of Yumchop Foods. Abi shares her inspiring journey of making African flavours accessible to the mainstream, starting from a grassroots initiative to now being stocked in Tesco.  Listeners will discover how Yumchop Food was born from a passion to bring traditional African meals to everyday consumers, particularly in universities and hospitals. Abi discusses the evolution of their product line, which includes a variety of ready-to-eat frozen meals that cater to vegan, gluten-free, and meat-loving customers alike.  Abi also shares the challenges of navigating the retail landscape, including the rigorous processes of securing listings with major retailers like Sainsbury's and Tesco. She highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience, especially when faced with the unexpected challenges of the pandemic.  Throughout the episode, Abi emphasises the significance of effective marketing, building relationships with retailers, and the ongoing need to pivot in response to market demands. Tune in for a wealth of insights from a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to expanding the reach of African cuisine. (00:00) Introduction (01:00) The Birth of Yum Chop Food (10:00) Product Range Overview (20:00) Transitioning from Local Sales to Universities (30:00) The NHS Experience (40:00) Securing Listings with Supermarkets (50:00) The Importance of Marketing and Brand Story (60:00) Future Plans for Yum Chop Food Connect with Leisa here: https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/   Abi can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abi-adefisan-45991248/ Follow Yum Chop Foods here: https://www.yumchop.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/yumchopfoods/ ********************************** Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

  4. Aug 18

    Episode #6: Sanda Condratiuc from Deukes

    In this episode we are excited to welcome Sanda Condratiuc, owner of Deuke's Honey, who shares her fascinating journey from a third-generation beekeeper to launching a premium monofloral honey brand in the UK. Sanda delves into the rich history of her family's beekeeping legacy and how her upbringing shaped her approach to the honey industry today. Listeners will gain insights into the unique characteristics of Deuke's Honey, including its commitment to quality and traceability. Sanda explains the importance of monofloral honey and how Deuke's stands out in a market saturated with generic products. She also discusses the challenges of navigating the retail landscape, including securing listings with prestigious retailers like Selfridges and the strategies she employed to maintain those relationships. Throughout the episode, Sanda highlights the significance of customer feedback and the value of face-to-face interactions during tastings, which she believes are crucial for understanding consumer preferences and improving product offerings. She shares her thoughts on resilience in the face of rejection and the importance of adapting to feedback to ensure continued growth. Join us for an enlightening conversation that not only showcases the art of beekeeping but also offers valuable lessons for aspiring food entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the retail world. (00:00) Introduction (01:00) Sandas Background in Beekeeping (10:00) The Concept of Deuke's Honey (20:00) Understanding Monofloral Honey (30:00) Securing Listings with Retailers (40:00) The Importance of Customer Feedback (50:00) Future Plans and Opportunities for Deuke's Honey Connect with Leisa here: https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/ Sanda can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandacondratiuc/ Follow Deuke's Honey here: https://deukes.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/deukes.honey/   Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

  5. Aug 4

    Episode #5: Kathryn Bumby from The Yorkshire Pasta Company

    In this episode of Market to Shelf Mastery, we are thrilled to feature Kathryn Bumby, Founder of The Yorkshire Pasta Company. Kathryn shares her inspiring story of launching a British pasta brand that aims to rival the premium Italian offerings, all while navigating the challenges of starting a business during the pandemic.   Listeners will learn about Kathryn's journey from the initial idea sparked during a family holiday in the Lake District to creating a range of five unique pasta shapes, all produced sustainably in North Yorkshire. She discusses her commitment to using plastic-free packaging and locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the importance of sustainability in today's market.   Kathryn also delves into her innovative approach to launching her products, including pre-sales and the pivotal role of farm shops and delis in her distribution strategy. She shares valuable insights on building relationships with retailers, the significance of social media in connecting with both customers and stockists, and her ambitious plans for future growth, including expanding into food service. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from a passionate entrepreneur who has turned her pasta dreams into a thriving reality.   Connect with Leisa here: https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/ Kathryn and The Yorkshire Pasta Company can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-bumby-192ba4a7/ https://www.yorkshirepasta.co.uk/ https://www.instagram.com/yorkshirepasta/ Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

  6. Jul 21

    Episode #4: Mike Crozier from Angels Dare Cocktails

    In this episode of Market to Shelf Mastery, we are excited to welcome Mike Crozier, the founder of Angels Dare Cocktails. Mike shares his inspiring journey from a 25-year career in hospitality to launching his own line of premium ready-to-drink cocktails during the pandemic. Listeners will discover how Mike transformed a lockdown passion project into a thriving brand, emphasising the importance of creativity and bold branding in a competitive market. He details the challenges he faced in securing retail listings, navigating the sales landscape, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. Mike also discusses the significance of building relationships with retailers and the evolving cocktail scene, as well as his ambitious plans for Angels Dare Cocktails, including expanding into travel and hospitality sectors. Tune in to learn how he turned a difficult time into an opportunity for growth and innovation. (00:00) Introduction (01:00) The Origin of Angels Dare Cocktails (10:00) Transition from Hospitality to Entrepreneurship (20:00) The Importance of Branding (30:00) Securing Retail Listings (40:00) Navigating Sales Challenges (50:00) Future Plans for Angels Dare Cocktails Connect with Leisa here: https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/    Mike can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-crozier/ https://www.angelsdarecocktails.com/ https://www.instagram.com/angelsdarecocktails/ Angles Dare 1st retail listing - Blair Drummond Smiddy Farm Shop Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

    Episode #4: Mike Crozier from Angels Dare Cocktails
  7. Jul 7

    Episode #3: Rosie Bulwer from Botivo Drinks

    In this episode of Market to Shelf Mastery, we are delighted to feature Rosie Bulwer, the Sales and Marketing Executive at Botivo Drinks. Rosie shares her unique journey from university graduate to a pivotal player in a burgeoning drinks brand, revealing how her passion for food and drink led her to secure a role at Botivo after a serendipitous encounter at a farming festival. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the importance of personal branding and creativity in securing job opportunities, as Rosie recounts how she crafted a compelling pitch deck to impress her future employers. She also discusses the nuances of building relationships with retailers and the challenges of navigating the sales landscape as a newcomer. Rosie's story highlights the significance of resilience and adaptability in the fast-paced world of food and drink, as she shares her experiences of landing her first customers and the strategies she employed to overcome obstacles. Tune in to discover how she turned her initial setbacks into stepping stones for success and her ambitious plans for the future of Botivo Drinks.  (00:00) Introduction  (01:00) Rosie's Journey to Botivo  (10:30) The Importance of Personal Branding  (20:00) Building Relationships with Retailers  (30:00) Securing the First Customers  (40:00) Overcoming Challenges in Sales  (50:00) Future Plans for Botivo Drinks Connect with Leisa here: https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/      Rosie can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosie-bulwer/   Follow Botivo here: https://www.botivodrinks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/botivodrinks/ Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

  8. Jun 23

    Episode #2: Paul Turner from Alf Turner

    In this episode of Market to Shelf Mastery, we are excited to welcome Paul Turner, the founder and owner of Alf Turner, to share his remarkable journey from a family butcher to a successful entrepreneur in the food industry. Paul recounts the origins of his business, inspired by his grandfather's legacy, and the challenges he faced when launching his award-winning sausages into the competitive supermarket landscape.  Listeners will gain insights into the creative strategies Paul used to secure listings, including a memorable pitch to a Tesco buyer that involved a unique presentation at the military academy. He also discusses the importance of resilience and tenacity, especially after experiencing setbacks, including being delisted from major retailers.  Paul's story highlights the power of storytelling and connection in business, as well as his commitment to giving back through his partnership with Help for Heroes. Tune in to discover how he navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and his exciting new ventures, including a range of innovative products like the Dragon Egg Scotch egg and Hero IPA. (00:00) Introduction  (01:00) The Origin of Alf Turner (10:30) Launching into Supermarkets (20:00) The Importance of Presentation (30:00) Facing Challenges and Resilience (40:00) The Role of Cherie Tu in Business (50:00) Future Plans and New Products    Connect with Leisa here:  https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/    Paul can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-turner-21115252/ https://www.alfturner.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alfturnerbutchers/ Here's Paul's nervy appearance on Dragon's Den: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3o3pVsnn2k

About

Market to Shelf Mastery is a podcast for ambitious food and drink founders working towards their first retail listing who want to hear from founders who have already made the leap. Every episode is a conversation with someone who has gone from market stall to retail shelf. We break down the real process behind their first "yes" — who they approached, how they pitched, how they followed up, the knock-backs they faced and the persistence that paid off. And we talk about the moment — walking into a store and seeing their product on the shelf for the very first time: the pride, the relief, the quiet "we did it" feeling. You'll gain practical insight you can apply to your own retail outreach, honest lessons from founders who've been in your shoes, and the belief that your shelf moment is possible too.