The Startup CPG Podcast

Startup CPG
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The Startup CPG Podcast

The top CPG podcast in the world, highlighting stories from founders, buyer spotlights, highly practical industry insights - all to give you a better chance at success.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Buyer Spotlight: John Lane, Category Manager at Raley's

    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 legacy brands with emerging market entrants. Discover actionable advice for startups on standing out in the crowded grocery market, the importance of passion and planning in brand pitches, and how Raley's is shaping the future of healthy snacking. Don’t miss this insightful conversation—tune in now and follow the Startup CPG podcast for more episodes like this! Listen in as they share about: Overview of Raley’sHealth and Wellness InitiativesIndustry Trends and Snack InnovationsBalancing Legacy and Emerging BrandsSupporting Brands at Raley'sSuccess Stories in Product LaunchesNetworking and Trade Shows Episode Links: Website: https://www.raleys.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlane-raleys/  Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com. Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

    45 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    Founder Feature: Brian Bethke of BEAR Maple Farms

    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 to deliver a refreshing, caffeine-free energy boost. Brian opens up about the challenges and triumphs of launching a CPG brand, the pivotal moments that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, and how critical feedback led to a transformative rebrand. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply a fan of innovative beverages, this episode is packed with insights on building a team, navigating the CPG industry, and creating a product that’s good for the mind, body, and planet. Tune in to hear Brian’s story and learn how BEAR Maple is expanding nationally in 2025! Listen in as they share about: BEAR Maple Farms Origin StoryProduct DevelopmentBranding and MarketingSales and Distribution StrategyMentorship and NetworkingCommunity and SupportAdvice to EntrepreneursPlans for 2025 Episode Links: Website: https://drinkbearmaple.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bethke/  Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com. Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

    38 min

  3. JAN 28

    #180 - Meet the Startup CPG Editor: Caitlin Bricker

    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 Startup CPG, her commitment to highlighting innovative brands, and her favorite discoveries like Jubilee’s no sugar added, kid-friendly milk. From community events to virtual mixers and upcoming initiatives like the Grocery Run series, Caitlin reveals what makes Startup CPG’s ecosystem such a vibrant space for emerging brands. Whether you're a founder, a buyer, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of the CPG world, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways. Listen now! 📣 Want to get involved? Join the Startup CPG Slack community, explore free resources, and connect with like-minded innovators. Visit startupcpg.com and follow us for updates on upcoming events and initiatives. Don't miss this chance to level up your CPG journey! Listen in as they share about: Caitlin’s Role at Startup CPGDaily Work and ObservationsPersonal and Professional JourneyCPG Ecosystem and PhilosophyCPG Community and MissionEvents and Community EngagementFavorite Brands and TrendsTeam Dynamics and OutlookAdvice for Brands and Community MembersEpisode Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlinbricker/  Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com. Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

    39 min

  4. JAN 24

    Founder Feature: Jana Goodbaum of Happy Wolf

    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 the perfect co-packer, and educating consumers about their innovative refrigerated snack bars. Jana also dives into the importance of strategic branding, leveraging influencers, building a passionate community, and their milestone launch in Whole Foods. Tune in to hear how Happy Wolf is reshaping the kids' snack market, the trends driving clean eating innovation, and Jana's insights for startups entering retail and trade shows like Expo West. Don’t miss this inspiring episode. Tune in now! Listen in as they share about: Happy Wolf Overview and Founding StoryProduct DevelopmentBranding and MarketingRetail and DistributionCommunity and Social MediaAdvertising and PromotionsFuture Goals Episode Links: Website: https://happywolf.com/ Instagram: @happywolfsnacks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janagoodbaum/?originalSubdomain=ca  Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com. Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

    39 min

  5. JAN 21

    #179 - Bootstrap Heroes: Hazard's Hop Water, SWAIR, Gourmend Foods

    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 enthusiasts with her innovative showerless shampoo, all while navigating co-founder dynamics and scaling with strategic funding choices. Ketan Vakil, founder of Gourmend Foods, discusses his mission to revolutionize gut-friendly gourmet products and shares lessons on building a loyal customer base and staying lean through production challenges. These founders share valuable insights on navigating the challenges of bootstrapping, scaling effectively, and staying true to their vision. Listen now to learn the secrets behind their success and get inspired to tackle your next big idea! To submit your brand for a future call-in episode: https://bit.ly/cpgstories Listen in as they share about: Ryan Hansen - Hazards Hop Water- Hazards Hop Water Overview -Bootstrapping Strategy - Revenue and Sales - Future Plans Carrie Sporer - Swear Hair- Swear Hair Overview - Bootstrapping Strategy - Funding Experience - Future Plans Ketan Vakil - Gourmend Foods- Gourmand Foods Overview - Bootstrapping Approach - Challenges & Key Strategies - Achievements - Future Plans Episode Links: RyanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-hansen-mba-72795a56/ Website: https://hazardshopwater.com/ CarrieLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriesporer/ Website: https://www.swairhair.com KetanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ketanvakil/ Website: https://www.gourmendfoods.com Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com. Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

    33 min

  6. JAN 17

    Founder Feature: Becca Wright of Piedmont Pennies

    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 manufacturing processes, scaling while maintaining quality, and finding unique retail opportunities that align with the brand's identity. Becca also opens up about the joys of building a team, creating meaningful connections with employees, and staying true to her vision despite the pressures of the industry. Whether you’re curious about the ins and outs of manufacturing, retail expansion strategies, or the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, this episode offers a candid, inspiring look at the hustle behind Piedmont Pennies. Plus, don’t miss Becca’s tips on staying grounded and building a business with heart. Join us for this conversation, and don’t forget to check out Piedmont Pennies at piedmontpennies.com. Use code STARTUPCPG for 15% off your order and support small businesses! Listen in as they share about: Inspiration and Founding Story of Piedmont PenniesManufacturing ProcessRetail Expansion and MarketingBootstrapping and FundingCompany ValuesCustomer EngagementCommunity and SupportFuture Goals Episode Links: Website: https://piedmontpennies.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beccajordanwright/  Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com. Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

    36 min

  7. JAN 14

    #178 - Buyer Spotlight: Sean Goldsmith, The Zero Proof (DTC Non-Alc Retail)

    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 driving growth in the space, the unique appeal of non-alcoholic beers, wines, and spirits, and the occasions that make these drinks a special choice. Sean also dives into The Zero Proof’s journey, from its humble beginnings as a blog to becoming a dominant platform in the industry, and how the company collaborates with brands to bring exceptional products to consumers. Tune in to hear Sean’s bold predictions for the future of non-alcoholic beverages, practical advice for brands looking to partner with The Zero Proof, and his personal vision for making non-alcoholic options a staple in every consumer’s life! STARTUPCPG15 for 15% off at thezeroproof.com Listen in as they share about: The Zero Proof Business ModelWorking with Zero ProofDry January and Market TrendsConsumer BehaviorBusiness Trends and GrowthCultural ObservationsConsumer MotivationsEvent Participation and Industry PresenceFuture Predictions Episode Links: Website: https://thezeroproof.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-goldsmith-480b184/  Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com. Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

    38 min

  8. JAN 10

    Founder Feature: Nikki Seaman of Freestyle Snacks

    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 at building a CPG brand from the ground up. Discover how her data-driven approach, innovative packaging, and strategic focus on diverse channels like grocery, hospitality, and even Delta Air Lines snack boxes have contributed to the brand’s success. If you’re curious about the intricacies of product design, scaling into retail, and creating a snack that stands out in a crowded market, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Listen in as they share about: Introduction to Freestyle SnacksChallenges in Early DevelopmentProduct DevelopmentGo-to-Market StrategyUnique Brand PositioningExpansion and Key ChannelsTrends and Market Fit Episode Links: Website: https://www.freestylesnacking.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-seaman/  Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com. Show Links: Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)Follow @startupcpgVisit host Daniel's Linkedin Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.comEpisode music by Super Fantastics

    30 min
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4.9
out of 5
359 Ratings

About

The top CPG podcast in the world, highlighting stories from founders, buyer spotlights, highly practical industry insights - all to give you a better chance at success.

Information

  • Creator
    Startup CPG
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    248
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Startup CPG
  • Show Website
    The Startup CPG Podcast

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