The Startup CPG Podcast

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Editor Caitlin Bricker sits down with Suzannah Raff, the founder of Cleo+Coco, a clean personal care brand that's thinking about what it means to be truly "natural."  Suzannah shares her journey from frustrated deodorant shopper to launching a brand that prioritizes ingredient efficacy, transparency, and eliminating synthetic fragrances—often overlooked...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff welcomes three distinguished guests shaping the future of cognitive health and wellness: Kelley Bridenbaugh, Marketing Manager at Karma Water ; Katie Emerson, MS, RD, CISSN, Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs at Kyowa Hakko USA ; and Kaitlyn White, Director of Scientific Affairs at Radicle Science . Together, they explore the rapidly evo...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman sits down with Liz Myslik, Managing Partner at Loft Growth Partners, to dive deep into what it really takes to build, fund, and scale purpose-driven consumer brands. With over 25 years of experience across marketing, manufacturing, operations, and investing, Liz shares her comprehensive perspective on what truly drives sustainable growth i...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker is joined by Arif Khan and Sabeen Hasan, co-founders of Chikka Chikka, a modern reinterpretation of  a traditional Indian digestive - made from maple-roasted fennel seeds. Arif and Sabeen discuss how their product blends cultural heritage with local ingredients, their decision to use maple syrup as a natural sweetener, and the role of sup...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff welcomes Seth Goldman, co-founder of JUST Ice Tea, co-founder of Eat the Change, and the visionary entrepreneur behind Honest Tea and PLNT Burger.  Seth discusses how the new venture has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing iced tea brands in the United States, powered by a mission-driven approach that balances purpose, sustainability...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman welcomes Ben Zises, Founder and General Partner at SuperAngel. Fund, for a deep dive into his journey from entrepreneur to seasoned early-stage investor. Ben shares the story behind his transition from real estate and prop-tech to leading one of the most dynamic consumer-focused venture funds in the industry. The discussion covers Ben’s un...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker speaks with Haylee Jordan and Tom Eddleston, co-founders of FABRIC—a purpose-driven beverage brand redefining what it means to drink consciously. Haylee and Tom share their journey from concept to launch, reflecting on the whirlwind experience of bringing FABRIC to market in less than a year. They discuss how purpose and sustainability ha...

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 is joined by Austin Gardner-Smith, Co-Founder and CEO of Drivepoint, and David Sooch, Senior Director of Finance at Graza, to unpack the art and science of forecasting for consumer brands. They discuss why forecasting is one of the most critical proces...

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 speaks with Laura Romano, Director of Operations at Graza, the olive oil brand redefining a pantry staple. Laura shares her journey from scaling Blue Marble Ice Cream to leading operations at Graza, offering practical lessons on managing growth, stren...

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 interviews Ollie & Sophie Spring, the co-founders of OOSO Sparkling Tea. Born out of their own search for elevated non-alcoholic options, OOSO combines the ritual and complexity of tea with clean ingredients and organic honey—creating a refreshing...

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 is joined by Janice Greenwald, CPG marketing consultant fractional CMO for emerging food and beverage brands, and Kat Karpati, co-founder of Flock Creative, to explore how brands and agencies can work together more effectively through the briefing pro...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman speaks with Tyler Morgan, Principal at BFG Partners, about the firm’s approach to early-stage investing in consumer brands. Tyler discusses his career path into venture capital and BFG’s investment focus across food, beverage, supplements, beauty, and pet. The conversation covers BFG’s investment criteria, deal sourcing methods, diligence...

Turn every BFCM QR code scan into sales—get the free report now: www.uniqode.com/bfcmcpg In this episode of Startup CPG, Caitlin Bricker speaks with Joe Cassinelli, founder of El Nacho, a premium tortilla chip brand bringing restaurant-quality taste and craftsmanship to the snack aisle. Drawing on nearly 35 years in the restaurant industry, Joe shares the journey of building a manufacturing facili...

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 is joined by Lauren Handel, founder of Handel Food Law and one of the leading experts on food labeling and advertising compliance. Together, they break down the essential rules and risks of food labeling that every brand needs to know. Lauren shares h...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman welcomes Ryan Springer, Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Midnight Venture Partners, for an in-depth conversation on the evolving world of CPG investing. Ryan shares his path into venture capital, insights gained from his early experiences in retail strategy, and the vision behind building Midnight Venture Partners. The discussion covers...

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 interviews Sarah Hartmann, founder of Vêsucré, a zero-waste, plant-based dessert company based in Oneonta, New York. Sarah shares how Vêsucré—short for “vegan sweets”—evolved from a home kitchen experiment into a fast-scaling brand now featured in ove...

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 is joined by Matt Merson, Head of Strategy and Sales at Once Upon a Coconut, and a veteran executive with more than 30 years of experience in the CPG industry. Together, they dive into the most pressing sales questions from the Startup CPG community. M...

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 interviews BJ Howard, founder of Wild West Chocolate, a chocolate brand revolutionizing the confectionery space with fruit-sweetened, no-added-sugar products. BJ shares the company’s journey from concept to launch, including the challenges of navigati...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Startup CPG Operations and Finance Correspondent Hannah Dittman, and Simon Solis-Cohen, Founder of Huxley,to discuss Founders & Funders — Startup CPG’s largest event to date. They explore how the event was created to connect the most active early-stage investors with top emerging brands through curated one-on-one meetings,...

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 Greg Cahn, co-founder of Tamar Date Coffee, a brand bringing innovation to the coffee category through a unique blend of coffee and dates. Greg shares the inspiration behind Tamar, including his personal experience managing acid reflux and...

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 welcomes Laurel Orley , Co-Founder of Daily Crunch , and Tim Richards , Founder of Philosopher Foods , to discuss how they are redefining the almond snacking category through innovation, quality sourcing, and functional nutrition.  Laurel shares the or...

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, our Editor, Caitlin Bricker, is joined by Daniele Orellana, co-founder of MITTS, a design-forward brand who's rethinking the everyday kitchen sponge. Daniele shares how MITTS was born out of a practical need to care for delicate glassware—specifically high-end wine g...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff welcomes back Eric Skae, CEO of Carbone Fine Food, to discuss the brand’s rapid ascent in the premium pasta sauce category. Eric shares how Carbone scaled from launch to more than 25,000 retail doors in under five years, while maintaining strong velocities and brand integrity. They explore Carbone’s distribution-first strategy, disciplined...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, our Editor, Caitlin Bricker, is joined by Bilal Othman, founder of Huwa, a premium olive oil brand with deep Palestinian roots. Bilal shares the compelling journey of how a multi-generational family tradition—olive farming in Palestine—evolved into a thoughtfully designed, U.S.-based brand that is as much about heritage and connection as it is about qual...

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with Hector Saldivar, founder and CEO of Tia Lupita Foods, about his journey from sharing his mother’s hot sauce recipe to building a nationally recognized, better-for-you Mexican-inspired brand. Hector shares how he grew Tia Lupita from kitchen batches to retail shelves, the challenges of competing in the crowded hot sauce category...