The Startup CPG Podcast

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Matt Craighead, R&D Manager at Trubar, to explore the real product development process—from initial concept and benchtop formulation to scaled production and everything in between. Matt brings a rare blend of technical depth, operator empathy, and practical insights to what is often the most misunderstood part of th...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Stephanie McGregor, founder of Ringa—a moringa and apple cider vinegar infused beverage with no added sugar, no sugar substitutes, and no natural flavors. After 20 years as an operator in food and beverage working on brands like Red Bull, Glacéau Vitaminwater, and others, Stephanie was ready to leave the industry until...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with two founders who've leveraged Startup CPG's Grocery Run events to accelerate their retail growth: Amna Mettmann of Brause and Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde. The conversation provides an inside look at how these curated retailer events create high-ROI opportunities for emerging brands to close deals, build relationships...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Alex Borschow, Managing Partner at Rocana Ventures, to explore what Series A investors actually look for in consumer brands. The conversation dives deep into defining product-market fit, understanding traction metrics across channels, and why thoughtful, mission-driven capital matters for building sustainable CPG brands...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker speaks with Amie Kesler, founder of Carolyn’s Krisps—a rapidly growing, better-for-you snack brand reinventing a cherished family recipe into a modern, dairy-free and gluten-free product line. What began as a nostalgic cheddar crisp made by Amie’s grandmother has evolved into a differentiated portfolio of sweet and savory snacks defined b...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with Jamie Valenti-Jordan, CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services, a leader in food and beverage product development, scale-up, and manufacturing strategy. Jamie brings decades of experience guiding brands from concept to commercialization, and a mission-driven focus on helping innovators build sustainable food systems for a rap...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman speaks with Nick Giannuzzi, founder and managing partner of Humble Growth—an investment firm intentionally designed to shift the traditional power dynamic between founders and investors. Nick traces his career from representing Vitaminwater in its early days to building a leading CPG-focused law firm, and eventually launching a $312M growt...

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In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker interviews Liv Truesdell , founder of FROST Buttercream, an emerging brand bringing bakery-quality, meringue-based buttercream to retail shelves with fewer ingredients, less sugar, and a noticeably elevated taste profile. Liv shares her journey from investment banking to building a family-run food business, working alongside her mother as...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with the Hungryroot team for an exclusive inside look at how the fast-growing food tech platform curates products, personalizes grocery shopping through its innovative Smart Cart technology, and simplifies meal planning for millions of customers. The Hungryroot buyers reveal exactly how they evaluate new products, source cle...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Karl Franz Williams, founder of Uncle Waithley's—a small-batch, real-ingredient Caribbean-inspired ginger beer redefining what a classic mixer can be. Karl shares his unique journey from electrical engineering at Yale to brand management at Procter & Gamble and Pepsi (working on Sunny Delight, Hawaiian Punch, and Mo...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker sits down with Erica Groussman, founder of Trubar—a vegan protein bar brand in nearly 25,000 retail locations doing close to $100 million in gross revenue. Erica shares her journey from going door-to-door with laminated signs and brown boxes to building a brand focused on what women actually want: high protein and fiber without sugar alco...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff moderates a friendly debate between two ecommerce experts: Rugved Nakadi from Daybreak Agency (Amazon specialists) and Kevin Gawronski from Gawronski Media (DTC paid media). The conversation explores the critical question every emerging brand faces: should you prioritize building your own Shopify website or launching on Amazon first—a...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Jaxon Stuart, Investor at Spacestation Investments, to explore a unique intersection of venture capital, influencer marketing, and creator-led brands. The conversation reveals how Spacestation evolved from a corporate angel arm founded by a top YouTuber into a full-fledged investment fund—and why their model of strategi...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker is joined by Linda Xu, founder of Huā Wellness—a wellness brand dedicated to stress relief through natural, clinically backed ingredients. Linda shares her journey from a demanding career in health tech to launching Huā Wellness, driven by a deeply personal experience with burnout and a passion for holistic health. They dive into the scie...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with Kent Yoshimura, co-founder and CEO of Neuro Gum, to explore how a rejected Shark Tank pitch turned into a nine-figure functional supplement brand pioneering the chewable energy category. Kent shares the journey of scaling Neuro from $3 million to over $100 million in revenue while competing against legacy giants like Ma...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Alex Malamatinas, founder and managing partner of Melitas Ventures, to explore the realities of early-stage consumer brand investing. The conversation dives deep into what investors actually look for in CPG founders, how to navigate the fundraising process, and why understanding your financials—especially the difference...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker speaks with Lucy Dana, founder of One Trick Pony, the peanut butter brand revolutionizing a pantry staple with innovative packaging. Lucy shares her journey from tech and coffee operations to launching a two-ingredient peanut butter made with Argentinian peanuts, offering practical insights on product development, retail growth, and the p...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff takes listeners inside the UNFI Selling Shows, highlighting how Startup CPG’s first-ever Innovation Sections are expanding access, visibility, and retail opportunities for emerging CPG brands. Daniel is joined by Ashley Waldman of Jubilee’s and Damiano Messineo of Loopini Pizza, two founders who used the shows to unlock meaningful dis...

Turn every BFCM QR code scan into sales—get the free report now: www.uniqode.com/bfcmcpg In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Aaron Garcia at Main Post Partners to explore the world of private equity and how it shapes the future of consumer brands. The conversation dives deep into the dynamics of founder-led businesses, highlighting how thoughtful partners...

Turn every BFCM QR code scan into sales—get the free report now: www.uniqode.com/bfcmcpg In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast , Caitlin Bricker speaks with Tabi and Meena Hoshmand, co-founders of Tursh , a bold, Afghan-inspired green chutney born from a treasured family recipe. The sisters share their journey from idea to shelf, discussing the cultural significance behind the word Tursh , th...

Turn every BFCM QR code scan into sales—get the free report now: www.uniqode.com/bfcmcpg In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Brooke Gil, Category Merchant for Pastas, Pasta Sauces, Oils, and Vinegars at Whole Foods Market. Brooke shares her career journey from fashion retail to leading some of the most dynamic grocery categories in the natural products space....

Turn every BFCM QR code scan into sales—get the free report now: www.uniqode.com/bfcmcpg In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman interviews Deborah Benton, Founder and Managing Partner of Willow Growth Partners, to discuss the realities of building and investing in high-growth consumer brands. Deborah shares insights from her extensive career leading and scaling brands such as N...

Turn every BFCM QR code scan into sales—get the free report now: www.uniqode.com/bfcmcpg In this episode of The Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker welcomes Elan Halpern and Kiki Couchman, co-founders of Sourmilk, a Greek yogurt brand designed to revolutionize consumer gut health. Elan and Kiki share their journey from Stanford classmates to entrepreneurs transforming the yogurt industry by combi...

Turn every BFCM QR code scan into sales—get the free report now: www.uniqode.com/bfcmcpg In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff explores the ins and outs of selling on QVC with two founders who have recently gone through the experience — Maxi Heidenblut, Founder & CEO of Häppy Candy, and Nikki Seaman, Founder & CEO of Freestyle Snacks. Maxi and Nikki share an in-depth l...