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PODCAST

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.

business entrepreneurship

All Episodes

49:41

Investor Spotlight: Andrew Montgomery, Partner at...

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/23

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman speaks with Andrew Montgomery, Partner at Collaborative Fund, about building successful brands at the intersection of for-profit and for-good. Andrew shares his career journey across operations, brand building, and investing on his path to Collaborative Fund.He outlines the firm’s investment philosophy, including their “villain test,” and offers detailed guidance on pitching to investors, identifying enduring consumer trends, and

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31:31

Founder Feature: Alyssa Fernandez of Ollin

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/22

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, our Editor, Caitlin Bricker, is joined by Alyssa Fernandez, founder of Ollin, a bold new baking brand that’s flipping the script on how we think about gluten. Alyssa shares her journey from data journalism to the baking aisle, revealing how a personal health journey and a DIY wedding cake sparked the inspiration for Ollin. Gain insight into how Ollin leverages traditional milling methods and Texas-grown grains to create thoughtful, flavor-forward

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51:02

#210 - Commodity Boards 101 with California Walnut...

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/19

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff is joined by Keith Seiz of the California Walnut Board and Kartik Das, founder of the emerging snack brand Dusra.The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how commodity boards can play a critical role in supporting food and beverage startups — not just through marketing, but via product innovation, R&D resources, and industry connections. Keith shares how the California Walnut Board helps brands unlock the full

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52:50

Investor Spotlight: Alcohol & Vice Investing with...

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/16

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Hannah Dittman speaks with Jason Sherman, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Top Shelf Ventures, an early-stage fund specializing in alcohol and vice brands. Jason shares his journey from Harvard Law to leading billion-dollar investments at AB InBev, to building and selling one of the fastest-growing alcohol companies in the United States, and ultimately launching Top Shelf Ventures to back the next generation of disruptive brands. Drawing on over

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36:10

Founder Feature: Steph Nightingale of Stimmie

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/15

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker interviews Steph Nightingale, founder of Stimmie, a premium, reusable toothpick designed to address the gaps traditional floss and toothbrushes leave behind. Drawing on over 13 years of experience in dental care, Steph shares how personal recovery, patient insights, and a commitment to quality led to the creation of Stimmie.The conversation explores product innovation, early-stage funding, manufacturing partnerships, and the

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64:44

#209 - Operations Law 101: Co-Mans & Distribution Deals

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/12

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with Ryn Hall and Anthony Iuzzolino from the boutique CPG law firm Giannuzzi Lewendon, to dive deep into the legal backbone of operations in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) world. They explore the critical components of co-manufacturing, supply, and distribution agreements—covering everything from pricing structures and exclusivity to intellectual property, volume commitments, termination clauses, and the real-world risks

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56:14

Ops Spotlight: Todd Hoffman, COO at Brightland

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/09

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Operations and Finance Contributor Hannah Dittman sits down with Todd Hoffman, Chief Operating Officer at Brightland, to discuss the strategic and operational challenges of scaling a modern CPG brand.Todd shares his unique transition from a decade in investment banking to leading operations at Chloe’s and now Brightland. The conversation explores the evolving role of the COO, key considerations for omnichannel growth, and the tactical realities of

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46:29

Founder Feature: Jesrina Arshad of PurelyB

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/08

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker speaks with Jesrina Arshad, founder and CEO of PurelyB, a wellness company rooted in Malaysia’s ancient herbal traditions. Jesrina shares how her personal health challenges inspired the creation of a brand that bridges centuries-old remedies with modern-day convenience—offering functional herbal blends in a unique "Pixie Stick" format.Together, they explore the science and story behind the rare Tiger Milk Mushroom and Pegaga, and

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73:11

#208 - Fundraising Reflections with David Fudge...

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/05

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff speaks with David Fudge, Co-Founder and CEO of Aplós, and Amanda Amos, Investor at Collaborative Fund, for a comprehensive discussion on the current fundraising landscape in consumer packaged goods.Together, they break down what has — and hasn’t — changed in the early-stage fundraising environment, with actionable advice for founders from both an operator’s and investor’s perspective. Amanda shares how Collaborative Fund

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50:21

Investor Spotlight: Greer Tessler and Luke Goldstein...

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/02

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, our Operations and Finance Correspondent Hannah Dittman speaks with Greer Tessler and Luke Goldstein, Managing Partners at Simple Food Ventures. They explore the firm’s strategic approach to early-stage CPG investing, with a focus on “better-for-you” grocery staples and their unique partnership with Albertsons to help brands scale through retail distribution.Greer and Luke share valuable insights into what they look for in founders, the importance

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47:21

Founder Feature: Ariel Altman and Ronny Berger of...

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/08/01

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Editor Caitlin Bricker speaks with Ariel Altman and Ronny Berger, co-founders of Figa Foods, a company introducing cupuaçu—a Brazilian superfruit seed—as a sustainable and innovative alternative to traditional chocolate. Ariel and Ronny share their journey of discovering cupuaçu, building a supply chain from Brazil, and navigating the challenges of bringing a novel ingredient to the U.S. market.They also explore the global cocoa crisis, the

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58:12

#207 - FFUPs' Shutdown: Post-Mortem & Lessons for Brands

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/07/29

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with Sam Tichnor, founder of FFUPs, a uniquely branded puff snack company that was focused on flavor innovation over health claims. Sam candidly shares the full arc of his entrepreneurial journey—from conceptualizing and launching the brand during the pandemic, to navigating DTC and retail channels, and the complex challenges that ultimately led to winding down the business.The conversation covers critical lessons on brand

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32:58

Founder Feature: Sam Lejfer of Lucky Day

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/07/25

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Caitlin Bricker speaks with Sam Lejfer, founder of Lucky Day, a brand in the frozen dessert category unlike you've ever seen. Lucky Day produces organic, dairy-free ice cream made without common allergens, refined sugars, gums, or seed oils—offering a thoughtful alternative for health-conscious and ingredient-aware consumers.Sam shares the personal health journey that inspired the creation of Lucky Day, detailing how severe food allergies and a

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50:58

#206 - Exit Interview: The Sale of Aura Bora

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/07/22

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Paul Voge of Aura Bora, who returns to share the full story behind the recent sale of his sparkling water brand. Paul takes us through the founding of Aura Bora, its rapid growth, and the hard financial truths of operating in the beverage industry. He dives deep into the reasons for selling, what the sale process looked like, and how changing investor expectations in CPG shaped their outcome.From fundraising strategies

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39:35

Founder Feature: Amna Mettmann of Brause

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/07/18

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Editor Caitlin Bricker sits down with Amna Mettmann, founder of Brause — a modern beverage brand inspired by health-conscious, traditional German craft sodas. Amna shares her entrepreneurial journey, from a career in investment banking and tech to launching a clean-label soda brand rooted in nostalgia, transparency, and flavor.Learn about Brause’s commitment to whole food ingredients, the brand’s thoughtful approach to avoiding added sugars and

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54:16

#205 - CPG Brokers 101 with Matt Merson

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/07/15

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with Matt Merson, Head of Strategy and Sales at Once Upon a Coconut, and a veteran executive with over three decades of experience in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. This in-depth conversation offers a comprehensive guide to navigating sales broker relationships for emerging CPG brands.Matt provides practical guidance on when and how to find and engage a broker, how to evaluate broker performance, and what

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46:47

Bonus: Summer Fancy Food Show Recap

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/07/14

In this bonus episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Editor Caitlin Bricker is joined by Startup CPG founder Daniel Scharff and Head of Marketing & Community Patricia Menegoto to recap their experience at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.Together, they highlight key takeaways from the event, including curated buyer meetings, panel discussions, evening networking events, and the vibrant energy of the River Pavilion where 25 emerging brands showcased their innovations in the

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29:04

Founder Feature: Jenn Ko of DIME

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/07/11

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, our Editor and host of the Founder Feature series, Caitlin Bricker, sits down with Jenn Ko, founder of DIME — a bold and flavorful MSG-based seasoning brand on a mission to challenge misconceptions and celebrate Asian heritage. Jenn shares her journey from being an MSG skeptic to becoming a passionate advocate, fueled by cultural pride and a desire to reclaim the narrative around this misunderstood ingredient.Together, Caitlin and Jenn explore the

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47:39

#204 - Investor Spotlight: Habitat Partners with...

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/07/08

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff is joined by Daniel Faierman, Partner at Habitat Partners, an early-stage venture firm spun out of the renowned creative agency Red Antler. With experience at major CPG companies such as PepsiCo, Danone, and AB InBev, Daniel brings a well-rounded perspective on brand building, strategic investment, and evaluating emerging consumer brands.They explore what Habitat Partners looks for in early-stage investments, with a focus on strong

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40:50

Founder Feature: Sue Delegan and Kim Hehir of Brutus...

The Startup CPG Podcast ·

2025/07/04

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy speaks with Sue Delegan and Kim Hehir, the co-founders of Brutus Bone Broth, a leading brand in the emerging category of functional pet food toppers. As sisters and entrepreneurs, Sue and Kim share the journey of building a mission-driven company that started in their home kitchens and scaled to national distribution with major retailers like Target.They explore how Brutus Bone Broth was born out of a personal need and quickly gained

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356 results

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