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Orders arriving by text at midnight. 

Quantities scribbled on receipts. 

Spreadsheets that don’t match the coolroom. 

The result? Wasted product, missed shelves, and supply chaos retailers simply won’t tolerate.

In Episode 140 of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford, I speak with Philip Fierlinger, co-founder of Upstock (and one of the brains behind Xero), about why running a modern food business on scraps of paper isn’t just inefficient - it’s a systemic roadblock costing brand owners money, credibility, and growth.

If scaling matters to you, this episode is a must-listen.

This Season of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford is brought to you by Chelsea Ford Co.’s tenth anniversary. Ten years in, I’m more committed than ever. The next decade is wide open for those ready to do things differently and back themselves to grow.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

1. Upstock website
2. Scale your FMCG brand on Upstock
3. Philip Fierlinger LinkedIn
4. EatKinda
5. Coaching Claire MacDonald, Episode #43 What to do When a Stockist Says ‘No’ or ‘No for Now’
6. Your Free Pitch Plan
7. Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
8. Chelsea Ford Co. website

Season 15

Season 15, out now, is 'Marketing Season' and is being presented by Foodpreneurs Festival.

The highly anticipated 2026 BiteBack Awards & Foodpreneurs Festival are both must-attend events dedicated to bringing consumer packaged goods food, drink (alc and non-alc), pet and supplements brand owners, buyers, media, industry specialists and distributors together under one roof.

You can't miss these events. Here’s why:

• Thousands of stockists looking for new products for their shelves.
• A chance to pitch for funding + mentorship to scale your brand.
• Workshops tailored to where you’re at - whether you’re just starting or scaling big (THIS IS NEW!)
• A NEW Marketing Clinic for hands-on brand strategy - you'll leave with five key messages ready to use.
• Opportunities to get recognised and get your brand in front of industry experts, media, buyers, distributors and fellow brand owners.
• If you’re an Industry Specialist, tap into a highly engaged, niche audience.
• And much, much more.

The full program drops early 2026. For now, block out May 21-22 and click this link to see how you can be part of it.