In this episode, I sit down with Nina Penning, the founder of GoMatcha, to explore how a personal love for matcha sparked a bold leap into the beverage industry. From launching her brand to creating a ready-to-drink matcha latte, Nina shares the real behind-the-scenes of building a product that’s as meaningful as it is delicious.

Topics:

• From Idea to Infusion – How Nina turned her passion for matcha into a brand
• Building GoMatcha – Lessons from launching a DTC wellness brand
• Creating the RTD Matcha Latte – Diving into the process of creating their newest RTD product launch
• Sustainability & Sourcing – The importance of quality in Matcha
• Nina’s Founder Journey – The highs, lows, and surprises along the way
• What’s Next for GoMatcha? – Innovation, community, and growing the brand
• Final Thoughts – Advice for aspiring founders

Connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104

GoMatcha

Website - https://drinkgomatcha.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drink_gomatcha/

In this episode I talk to Lars Gierveld who is the founder of Kumasi, a drink made from the pulp of the cacao fruit that would otherwise be discarded as a by product of chocolate production. Kumasi is about so much more than product innovation and their story showcases how there is still space for mission-led businesses to thrive within FMCG.

Topics:

• ​Introduction to Lars
• ​The making of the documentary
• ​Working with Nestle
• ​Discovering cocoa juice
• ​Kumasi business model
• ​Sourcing locations
• ​The challenge of being first to market
• ​The A to Z of making Kumasi
• ​Branding, sampling and partnerships

Connect with me on LinkedIn - ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104⁠

Kumasi

Documentary - https://vimeo.com/525553590/4ca705804b

Website - https://www.kumasi-drinks.nl/[⁠](https://www.fhirst.com/en-uk)

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kumasi_drinks/?hl=en[⁠](https://www.instagram.com/drinkfhirst/)

In this episode I talk to Steven van Middelem who is the founder of FHIRST, a pioneering living soda with pre and probiotics. FHIRST is a true example of how science and taste have come together to create a product that is both delicious and improves your gut and immune health.

Topics:

Connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104

FHIRST

Website - https://www.fhirst.com/en-uk

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drinkfhirst/

In this episode I talk to Lydia and Dave, owners of The Tofoo Co, who have been on a mission to turn tofu from drab to fab. The Tofoo Co creates one of the best selling tofus in the UK, using an age old method established by it’s original owner in 1999. Their unique journey into business ownership shows how you can turn a pre-existing business into a national success when you combine quality product with effective branding and positioning.

Topics:

Connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104

The Tofoo Co

Website - https://tofoo.co.uk/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tofoo/?hl=en

In this episode I talk to Alex Brassill, the co-founder of Jnck Bakery who are creating indulgent freshly baked goods that carry zero guilt. Jnck Bakery are fusing age-old baking techniques with cutting-edge technology to create a cookie that has 90% less sugar than your average retail product, 10g of fibre and 8g of protein but still provides all the same comfort.

Topics:

Connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104

Jnck Bakery

Website - https://jnckbakery.co.uk/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jnckbakery/?hl=en

In this episode I talk to Will Little, the managing director of Little’s Coffee, who are seeking to disrupt supermarket shelves with their flavoured coffee. Their product development journey explains why there are very few disruptor brands in the monopoly that is the instant coffee market, and why doing less, but better, is a winning strategy for a strong product line.

Topics:

Connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104

Little’s Coffee

Website - https://wearelittles.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wearelittles/?hl=en

In this episode I talk to Max Kohn, one of the three brothers behind The Jolly Hog, a staple brand on UK retail shelves with their British, award-winning meat products. Their product development journey showcases how instinct, taste and a strong core identity can lay the foundations for a successful food business.

Topics:

The Jolly Hog

Website - https://thejollyhog.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thejollyhog/?hl=en

Do you love food? Are you curious about how food products are made? Do you ever wonder what your favourite food brands will launch next?

Those are all questions we'll be exploring on Cooking Up Innovation. Stay tuned and stay curious.