What's it like to build out a new section at the grocery store? We saw Perfect Bar create a refrigerated bar section, so why not a refrigerated, delicious, easy-squeezy sauce section? That's what Haven's Kitchen is bringing to a store near you - fresh sauces that help home cooks feel like a champion in their kitchen. I became a Haven's Kitchen fan through our Startup CPG partner Social Nature and can attest that it's leveled up my home cooking significantly and even inspired me to cook more and feel more confident prepping food at home that isn't bland (thank you Chimichurri sauce). I'm so excited that today we're joined by the delightful Founder & CEO of Haven's Kitchen Alison Cayne, who you may also know from her podcast, In the Sauce.

Listen in to hear from Ali: 

• How Haven's Kitchen got started and where they are right now (which includes being in Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Target) 
• Important lessons from their early days of just a few employees (when they now have over 10 employees)
• What it's been like to launch at Target and the difference between a Target and natural channel store launch
• How they used Social Nature to drive trial during the pandemic and why they aren't going back to traditional demos
• Ali's framework for tough decisions as a founder
• And more!

This episode was sponsored by Mondelēz International - applications for the 2023 SnackFutures CoLab program are open now! Go to applycolab.com

Episode Links:

• Haven’s Kitchen website & IG @havenskitchen
• Ali’s LinkedIn
• Ali’s podcast In The Sauce
• 1-800-DTC article mentioned: “Under The Hood: Alison from Haven's Kitchen”
• Brands mentioned: Oat Haus, Sweet Nothings, Aura Bora, Social Nature

Mondelēz International‘s SnackFutures CoLab program:

• Apply for the 2023 cohort here (open as of 9/20/22)
• Podcast episode #54 sharing the CoLab experience of alumni Pan's Mushroom Jerky and GoNanas
• Podcast episode #59 with CoLab alum Ali Bonar at Oat Haus
• Podcast episode with the Mondelēz International team about CoLab
• SnackFutures website
• Mondelēz International website

Show Links:

• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (9K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Jessi's Linkedin or website
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Jessi at [email protected]