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Spotting a gap in the market often sparks the creation of something truly innovative - and that’s exactly what happened for Tim and Liam from Bae Juice. They saw the need for a reliable hangover solution and turned it into a thriving business. Bae Juice - a Korean pear juice infused with a unique enzyme to tackle hangovers, launched in 2019, has become a go-to remedy, stocked in over 3,500 stores across Australia and now Brooklyn, New York!

Their approach is all about smart, intentional growth and in this podcast episode, they share:

🍐 The decision that boosted Woolies sales by 9.89%.

🍐 How focused pitching and a clear philosophy - "the most accessible hangover prevention drink on the market" - landed them shelves in Dan Murphy’s, Woolies, Coles Liquor, and more.

🍐 How they’re scaling strategically - from FDA approvals to expansion into the US market, how they’re building a business primed for global success and aiming for $100M in revenue.

🍐 Their exact processes on how they are building their brand across two different markets. 

Tim and Liam are authentic and open. True brand builders who are playing the long game (and are so far, smashing it!) Their philosophy? Grow slow, stay authentic, and always deliver.

Learn how Bae Juice is redefining what it means to scale with intention in this episode of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford, presented by Thrive Collective—the powerhouse behind brands like Welly, GYM BOD, and of course, Bae Juice. Tune in for tips, strategies, and a peek at what it takes to build a category-leading brand!

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Bae Juice Australian Website
• Bae Juice USA Website
• What Tim & Liam said about working with Thrive Collective
• Thrive Collective Website
• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.

Send us a text

When Roz White and her husband Michael started their first White’s IGA store 31 years ago, they weren’t just opening a business; they were planting roots. Fast forward to today, and they’ve grown into a Sunshine Coast icon with six stores, over 520 staff, and deep connections to their local community.

Roz’s formula for success? A steadfast commitment to people, relationships, and purpose-led retail. From choosing not to implement self-checkouts—valuing connection over convenience—to building partnerships with 200 local Sunshine Coast suppliers, Roz’s vision has always been about more than just groceries; it’s about community. 

If you want insights into the mind of a buyer, Roz’s story is packed with practical lessons on creating impact in retail, including:

🛒 Purpose before profit – Why staying local and supporting 200+ Sunshine Coast suppliers ensures her stores are truly for the community.

🛒 Mastering market shifts – Her insights into changing consumer behaviour, from the growing demand for private labels to shifts in promotional spending.

🛒 Stand out by knowing your niche – Why brands need to understand their position in the market and explore innovative ways to differentiate.

🛒 Retailtainment at its best – Why making shopping an experience, rather than a transaction, keeps customers coming back.

🛒 Building trust – How strong supplier relationships create mutual success and why every brand needs to do their homework.

This episode of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford is presented by Thrive Collective, the company helping driving growth for brands like Welly, Bae Juice, and The Kimchi Company. 

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Whites IGA Website
• Locavores Podcast
• Roz White LinkedIn
• Food Agri Network (F.A.N.) Website
• Woombye Cheese Website
• Maleny Dairies Website
• COYO Australia Website
• Thrive Collective Website
• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.

Send us a text

When Jarahad Valeri saw parents struggling to get kids to eat more fruits and veggies, he saw an opportunity. That spark led to Welly — a snack company that turns fruits and veg into kid-friendly, gut-healthy bites that parents can trust. Launching Welly Kids in 2022 and expanding to adults in early 2023, Jarahad set out to bring these health benefits to a wider audience. His formula for success? A powerful mix of internal data, direct consumer conversations, and retailer insights that shaped Welly’s path forward to where they are now - stocked in Coles and Woolies across the country as well as in 250 independent retailers.

In this episode, Jarahad reveals the core strategies that have helped Welly grow, including:

🍎 Real consumer insights – Why talking directly to parents was his key to understanding what they actually needed from healthy snacks.

🥕 Pitching with precision – His winning formula at Foodpreneurs Festival, where he used every second to create a tailored, impactful pitch for buyers.

🍎 Growing with intention – Why Welly focuses on specific retail partnerships over widespread distribution, ensuring each location supports steady sales.

🥕 Partnering for Success -  How Welly joined forces with this season’s presenting partner, Thrive Consulting, to achieve national distribution of their powders and bites in Coles, Woolworths, and Woolworths Metro.

Whether you’re building a brand or planning your next pitch, listen now as Jarahad’s journey offers practical advice for making an impact in retail! This season of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford podcast is presented by Thrive Collective, the growth engine behind brands like Bae Juice, GYM BOD, The Kimchi Company and Welly!

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Welly Website
• Welly Instagram
• Welly Kids Instagram
• What Jarahad says about working with Thrive Collective
• Thrive Collective Website
• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.

Send us a text

Mason Bagios didn’t set out to transform Australia’s drinking culture - but that’s exactly what happened when he chose to quit alcohol and embrace cleaner living. This personal journey inspired Kommunity Brew, a brand he co-founded to offer mindful, substance-free options that resonate with a new generation of health-conscious Aussies. From the start, Mason knew that authenticity was key, creating kombuchas, probiotic waters, and botanical shots that were as genuine as his mission.

In Episode 123, Mason shares how he turned this vision into reality, touching on:

🥤 The importance of the “pub test” to ensure products align with the real reasons people are seeking non-alcoholic options.
🥤 How he used storytelling and core values to win over a diverse, health-focused community.
🥤 His $50M vision and why he’s focussing on in-store impact over social media.
🥤 The role of in-store demos and sampling in breaking down barriers and winning retailer support.

Mason also opens up about investor relationships, setting expectations, and celebrating the wins. Don’t miss Episode 123, and if you haven’t already, tune in to our other Brand Season episodes (119–122). Presented by Thrive Collective, the growth engine behind brands like Bae Juice, GYM BOD, and The Kimchi Company.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Kommunity Brew
• Mason’s LinkedIn
• Cold Matter
• Thrive Collective Website
• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.

Send us a text

What began as her mum’s cherished muesli slice recipe, evolved into Springhill Farm, a brand house helmed by Fiona Whatley, bringing better-for-you, but equally delicious treats like Slice and Boodles to shelves across Australia. Together with her husband, James, Fiona has transformed a family recipe into a business that thrives on bold choices, from securing Woolworths’ support before products were even made, to shifting focus from product to powerful brand storytelling.

In Episode 122, Fiona shares her journey on:

🍫 Gaining early buy-in from retailers through pre-selling strategies (you’ve got to hear these!).

🍫 Why storytelling is the secret sauce behind Springhill Farm’s growth. 

🍫 Savvy budgeting lessons and what to prioritise in marketing.

🍫 How they created loyal brand advocates through genuine community-building.

Get ready for a conversation packed with insights on how tradition and smart risk-taking can fuel brand success.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Springhill Farm
• Thrive Collective Website
• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.

Send us a text

Ever felt the frustration of squeezing lemons every day, only to watch the waste pile up? That’s exactly what sparked the creation of Naked Rivals frozen lemon and lime juice. The brand’s co-founders Andrew and Kate Gordon combined a passion for sustainability, with a sharp commercial lens, to build a brand that’s catching waves in retail—and staying on top.

In this episode, Andrew reveals the journey behind a product that’s revolutionising kitchens across Australia. From the first squeeze to securing shelf space in Coles and Woolworths, Andrew shares how he and his partner, Kate, knew it was time to “take a swing” and lean into something big.

Listen now and walk away with:

🍋 The key steps for scaling a consumer brand, from branding to financial modelling and deep consumer research.

🍋‍🟩 How to sharpen your value proposition and communicate what makes your brand stand out in a crowded market.

🍋 The role of passion and commercial strategy in engaging investors and securing distribution partnerships.

🍋‍🟩 Why patience is critical when growing a brand and how it plays into long-term success.

Don't miss this insightful episode packed with strategies to take your brand from concept to retail success story.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Naked Rivals Website
• Thrive Collective Website
• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.

Send us a text

Grassroots marketing strategies can propel food, drink, and pet food brands from zero to hero, and this episode is all about actionable, boots-on-the-ground tactics to get you there!

Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your brand's approach, this episode will help you take the next step. I break down three real-life examples of how local, customer-centric efforts turned small unknown brands into household names, including:

✨ Fodbods: Their gut-friendly snack bars weren’t just products—they were solutions for those with digestive sensitivities. Discover how connecting directly with health-conscious customers and leveraging influencer marketing, helped them expand.

✨ Remedy Drinks: Now a beverage empire, also began at the grassroots. Offering free samples at farmers’ markets and health expos, they started by showing consumers what kombucha was all about. Discover how they didn’t just sell a drink; but a lifestyle rooted in health and sustainability.

✨ Lyka Pet Food: Stood out in the crowded pet food market by prioritising transparency. Hear how engaging with customers at local events and online, they built trust with pet owners who valued knowing exactly what went into their furry friends' meals.

So, whether you’re a fresh face or a seasoned pro in the industry, tune in now and learn how to take your brand from the kitchen to the national stage.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• FodBods
• Remedy Drinks
• Lyka Pet Food
• Oobli
• Thrive Collective Website
• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.

Send us a text

From brand identity to building customer loyalty, this week’s episode of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford is packed with insights for emerging and challenger brand owners. I sit down with Hannah Murphy from Tracksuit and Matt Kowal from Naked Life Group, two experts who have successfully helped brands cut through the noise in today’s crowded market.

We dive deep into the power of branding—what it truly means, how it can make or break your business, and why packaged food, drink or pet food owners must focus on more than just their products to thrive. With real-world examples and candid stories, Hannah and Matt break down the strategic thinking that helps brands stay top of mind and competitive, whether they’re launching a new range or scaling up.

Tune in to this week’s episode to discover:
✨ What makes a brand memorable and successful.
✨ The role of emotional connection in brand building.
✨ Key strategies to differentiate your brand in the marketplace.
✨ The balance between short-term performance marketing and long-term brand equity.
✨ How tracking brand performance helps you make smarter decisions.
✨ Why your brand matters just as much as your product.
✨ Insights into how Naked Life is carving out space in the non-alcoholic drinks market.

Ready to elevate your brand? Hit play now! 🎧 

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Naked Life Non-Alcoholic Spirits Website
• Naked Life Group Website
• Tracksuit Website
• Thrive Collective Website
• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.

Send us a text

For Foodpreneurs the countdown to Q4—the "Golden Quarter"—is officially on with just 16 weeks to go! This is the season with epic sales including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year periods; unsurprisingly, the time of year when brand owners make the most money.

In this episode I cover how to make every week, from now until then, count so that packaged food, drink and pet food founders make the most of it. 

Listen now to discover: 

✅ Exactly what you need to focus on during this period.
✅ Why you need to show value to your stockists, and how to do it.
✅ How to break down your Q4 goals into manageable steps.
✅ Why now is the perfect time to ‘follow up’ with potential opportunities.

Remember, busy doesn’t equal effective. It’s about smart strategies that deliver. Listen to Ep. 118 now and finish 2024 strong 💪

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.

Send us a text

From an aspiring entrepreneur to the CEO of Australia’s leading 'better for you' frozen dessert brand, Cass Spies’ journey is a testament to grit and determination. In this week’s episode of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford, I sit down with Cass, the powerhouse behind Twisted Healthy Treats.

Cass launched her dream business in 2009 after returning from the UK, inspired by Janine Allis’ Boost Juice franchise model. What started as a retail frozen yoghurt shop quickly evolved into a thriving wholesale business, landing Twisted’s treats in 2,500 supermarkets across Australia, 5,000 school canteens, and even Costco in Australia, China, and the US.

In this episode, Cass opens up about the highs and lows of running her own manufacturing facility, the importance of lean manufacturing, and how she’s built a brand that's both innovative and sustainable.

Tune in to this week’s episode to discover:

🍦Cass’s scaling journey and how she priorities what’s important.

🍦Navigating the challenges of owning a manufacturing facility.

🍦The balance between innovation and cashflow.

🍦Key pointers on what Cass would do differently if she started today (take note!)

🍦What it takes to land your product in thousands of stores and school canteens.

🍦 The power of a focused go-to-market strategy.

It’s an inspiring conversation filled with practical insights for anyone looking to scale their food business. Don’t miss it! And if you’re not already subscribed to my industry newsletter, you’re missing out on tips to land more accounts and get more products in consumers' hands. Grab the link in the show notes.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Twisted Healthy Treats
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter

Season 12, out now, is 'Brand Season' and is being presented by Thrive Collective, a boutique FMCG consultancy which has achieved significant growth with major retailers for Bae Juice, GYM BOD, Welly, The Kimchi Company and more.

Click this link to find out how they do it.