Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)

In this episode, Syed and Amer share how family tragedy, living around the world, and experience in the packaged good industry all led them to launch their own food brand, Auntie Rana’s. They share how their marketing strategy resulted in landing 300 influencers, 4-5 retail partners, and loads of press by the week of their official launch. The discussion covers their 100 year family history in bus...

In this conversation, Jordan Buckner, founder of Foodbevy, discusses the Foodbevy Insider Boxes, which deliver curated food and beverage products to food enthusiasts and CPG industry pros. He explains the process of selecting products, the themes behind each box, and the importance of community feedback in deciding which foods to feature. Buckner walks through some of the products you’ll find in t...

In this conversation, Doug Behrens, CEO of Catalina Crunch, shares the inspiring story of the brand's inception, rooted in founder Krishna Kaliannan’s personal journey with Type 1 Diabetes. The discussion delves into the early success, fast growth, and eventual plateau of the brand that warranted a new approach if they wanted to grow past $75 million. Doug highlights the need for profitability in...

In this conversation, Lex Evan ®, founder and CEO of Lexington Bakes, discusses the growth of his brand, focusing on the wildly successful launch of his new chilled oat bars and the strategic decisions made to optimize product offerings for retail. The conversation highlights the brand's commitment to organic ingredients and radical ingredient transparency, the challenges and successes in co-...

In this conversation, Whitney Douglas, Director of Sales at Living Alchemy, discusses the transformative power of fermentation in health supplements and its historical significance. She explains how Living Alchemy uses fermentation to enhance the potency and digestibility of their products, emphasizing a holistic approach to nutrition. The discussion also covers the launch of their new book, 'The...

In this conversation, Sara Stender Delaney, founder of Sarilla Beverage, shares her journey from her roots in Vermont, to her transformative experiences in Rwanda, and what inspired her to create a non-alcoholic organic tea spritzer company. She discusses the challenges of launching a beverage brand, the importance of regenerative agriculture, and her commitment to social impact and mental health....

In this conversation, Bryon White, co-founder of Yaupon Brothers, discusses the unique qualities and benefits of Yaupon, the only caffeine-containing plant native to North America. He shares insights into the history of Yaupon, its cultivation, and the innovative flavored blends that have emerged. The discussion also covers their recent influencer branded products and the importance of building au...

In this conversation, Simón Sacal, CEO and co-founder of Solely, shares his journey toward building a company focused on creating healthy fruit snacks made entirely from real fruit. He explains the challenges of using real fruit in manufacturing, the importance building a reliable supply chain, and how the patented innovations that unlocked their ability to make indulgent yet nutritious products....

In this conversation, Rona Williams, Senior Director of Strategic Innovation at Bragg Live Foods, shares insights into the company's rich legacy, innovative product development, and commitment to wellness. She discusses the importance of maintaining brand integrity while navigating market trends, the role of B Corp certification, and lessons learned from her previous experience in the toy industry...

In this conversation, Jason Burke, founder of New Primal, shares his journey of building a purpose-driven business from the ground up. He shares how growing up poor influenced his mindset, the importance of resilience, how he overcame his challenges with fundraising, and that authenticity wins in entrepreneurship. He also reflects on the evolution of his brand and the importance catering to an und...

In this conversation, Victoria Ho tell us about her a journey into food and wellness, and how that sense of purpose drove her to launch her new Ayurvedic cooking system brand, Khalo. She discusses the interconnectedness of food, health, and personal growth, and how cooking serves as a form of self-care. Victoria highlights the challenges of building a brand in the CPG landscape and how she’s bring...

Jade, the co-founder and CEO of Dr. Glitter, tell us about her innovative nutrient crystals, a unique product format that combines the fun of edible glitter with iron and gut health supplements. The discussion covers the challenges of modern diets, the importance of iron, fiber, and probiotics, and the need for educating consumers about nutrition. Jade shares insights on the patenting process, the...

Listen to 11 entrepreneurs from across the United States as they pitch their brands and products as part of the Naturally Rising pitch competition, hosted by Naturally Network, and in partnership with New Hope Network, Cambium Analytica, Beyond Brands, FoodBevy, NIQ, and us, Brands for a Better world! Each of these entrepreneurs won a regional competition for the chance to compete on the national...

Cynthia Duran, founder of Xinca Foods, shares her journey of creating the first Salvadorian frozen food brand in the U.S. She talked about her family’s love of food, their cultural roots, and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Cynthia emphasizes the significance of community support and feedback in building her brand, as well as her future plans for growth and product development. She reflects on...

In this conversation, Dr. Elizabeth Klodas, a preventive cardiologist and founder of Step One Foods, discusses the critical role of nutrition in managing heart disease and the challenges faced in integrating dietary changes into medical practice. She shares her journey from traditional medicine to creating a food company aimed at reducing reliance on medications through nutrition. The discussion h...

In this conversation, David Istier, founder and CEO of gutzy Organic, shares his journey from personal health struggles to creating a successful line of gut health snacks. He discusses his early stumbles with the brand that caused the need to reformulate the products to dial in taste and texture, the importance of organic ingredients, and the challenges he’s faced trying to grow a brand in the CPG...

In this conversation, Dan Frommer, founder and editor in chief of The New Consumer, discusses the complexities of consumer behavior, particularly in relation to food choices. He explores the dichotomy between what consumers say they want and what they actually purchase, emphasizing the influence of technology, marketing, and generational differences. The discussion also touches on the challenges p...

In this conversation, Dan Kurzrock, co-founder and CEO of Upcycled Foods, discusses the significant waste generated at each stage of the food manufacturing process, and the opportunities for upcycling the coproduces and byproducts into valuable ingredients and products. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing the whole crop, the economic and environmental impacts of food waste, and the role of c...

In this conversation, Ric Scalzo, founder of Kokora, shares his journey into the world of regenerative agriculture and herbal medicine. He discusses the healing power of herbs, the principles of rest, restore, and revitalize, and the importance of living in harmony with nature. Ric emphasizes the connection between soil health and human immunity, and how Kokora aims to demonstrate the benefits of...

In this conversation, Gage and Jonas discuss the innovative kitchenware product SAVWA, designed to promote water conservation by capturing and reusing gray water in households. Jonas shares his personal journey of awareness regarding water waste, the challenges faced during product and supply chain development, and the importance of sustainability in the materials design. The conversation also tou...

In this conversation, Rob Craven, founder of Scale Passion, shares his journey of discovering personal purpose and how it intertwines with business success. He discusses the importance of intentionality in leadership, the evolution of his company, and the significance of writing and reflection in understanding one's purpose. The dialogue emphasizes the need for personal happiness in business and t...

In this conversation, David Jacobowitz, founder of Nebula Snacks, shares his journey from a childhood filled with sweets to creating a line of luxurious, sugar-free chocolate bites. He discusses the challenges of managing his health, the experimentation process behind developing his products, and the ways in which customer feedback helps shape his brand and product line. David emphasizes the impor...

In this conversation, Jordan Buckner discusses the launch of the Food Bevy Insider Box, a curated quarterly subscription service designed to help CPG industry professionals discover and sample emerging brand’s products. Jordan explains how the products are selected, the importance of community feedback in the selection process, and the customizability of the boxes, including vegan and gluten-free...

In this conversation, Justin Ahrens and Gage discuss the profound impact of design on the human condition, emphasizing the importance of understanding the real problems that design can solve. They explore the shift from a shareholder to a stakeholder economy, the role of data in design, and the significance of design thinking in creating sustainable and measurable impact. Through real-world exampl...

In this conversation, Hayley and Stephanie Painter, co-founders of Painterland Sisters , share their journey as fourth-generation organic dairy farmers. They discuss their childhood experiences on the farm, the values instilled in them, and how these experiences shaped their approach to business and agriculture. The sisters emphasize the importance of community, integrity, and creating nutrient-de...