In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff welcomes back Eric Skae, CEO of Carbone Fine Food, to discuss the brand’s rapid ascent in the premium pasta sauce category. Eric shares how Carbone scaled from launch to more than 25,000 retail doors in under five years, while maintaining strong velocities and brand integrity.

They explore Carbone’s distribution-first strategy, disciplined approach to innovation, and the importance of product quality in building consumer trust. Eric also provides insights into team building, co-packer management, capital efficiency, and sustainable scaling.

This episode offers valuable lessons for emerging food and beverage brands navigating growth and category disruption.

Don’t miss this valuable episode. Tune in now!

Listen in as they share about:

• Carbone Brand Growth
• Go-to-Market & Strategy
• Product Innovation
• Operations & Quality Control
• Team & Hiring
• Funding & Capital Efficiency
• Sales & Retail Relationships
• Advice for Early-Stage Brands

Episode Links:
Website: https://carbonefinefood.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-skae-7712b017/ 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Daniel's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics
  
  

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, our Editor, Caitlin Bricker, is joined by Bilal Othman, founder of Huwa, a premium olive oil brand with deep Palestinian roots. Bilal shares the compelling journey of how a multi-generational family tradition—olive farming in Palestine—evolved into a thoughtfully designed, U.S.-based brand that is as much about heritage and connection as it is about quality.

Gain insight into the cultural and agricultural significance of Huwa's olive oil, including its authentic single-origin sourcing, cold-pressing methods, and unique production process. Bilal also delves into the meaning behind the brand’s name, the intentional and nostalgic design of its packaging, and how Huwa serves as a bridge between generations, continents, and communities.

Whether you're a consumer, retailer, or entrepreneur, this episode offers a refreshing look at building a mission-driven business steeped in heritage and community.

Listen now!

Listen in as they share about:

• Origins and Family History of Huwa
• Brand Identity and Design
• Legacy and Cultural Connection
• Olive Oil Production Process
• Differentiation from Mainstream Olive Oils
• Appeal to Retailers and Consumers
• Discovery and Role of Startup CPG

Episode Links:

Website: https://huwatasty.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilal-othman-43245788/ 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Caitlin's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics
  
  

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with Hector Saldivar, founder and CEO of Tia Lupita Foods, about his journey from sharing his mother’s hot sauce recipe to building a nationally recognized, better-for-you Mexican-inspired brand.

Hector shares how he grew Tia Lupita from kitchen batches to retail shelves, the challenges of competing in the crowded hot sauce category, and the strategies he used to stand out with authentic branding and premium positioning. He opens up about his SharkTank experience (and the realities of renegotiating after the cameras stop rolling), lessons learned from fundraising and retail expansion, and the pivotal moments that led to Tia Lupita’s acquisition by Vilore Foods.

They also dive deep into entrepreneurship, resilience, and the balance between seizing opportunities and pacing growth. 

 Tune in to gain valuable perspective on building and scaling a food brand!

Listen in as they share about:

• 
  Founding Story of Tia Lupita Foods
• SharkTank Experience
• Early Growth and Retail Expansion
• Differentiation in the Hot Sauce Market
• Trends in Hot Sauce & Chili Crisp
• Fundraising and Acquisition Journey
• Retailer & Distribution Strategy
• Advice to Entrepreneurs

Episode Links:
Website: https://tialupitafoods.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-sald%C3%ADvar-16a34a/ 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Daniel's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics
  
  

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 structuring effective fundraising strategies. Andrew also provides practical advice on evaluating investor–founder alignment, building momentum during a raise, and navigating long-term partnerships.

Listen to gain actionable insights on positioning your brand for growth, attracting the right capital, and fostering relationships that support your vision.

Listen in as they share about:

• Andrew’s Career Background
• Collaborative Fund’s Investment Philosophy
• Investment Criteria & Evaluation Process
• Traits of Strong Founders
• Trends, Categories & Theses
• Fundraising Timing & Strategy
• Advice for Founders Seeking Investment

Episode Links:

Website: https://collabfund.com/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewwmontgomery/ 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Hannah's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics
  
  

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 cake mixes.

Alyssa opens up about the challenges of being a first-time CPG founder, what it took to formulate her products using ancient grains, and how her brand’s Wild West-inspired aesthetic helps tell a deeper story. From branding decisions to startup strategies and overcoming gluten’s villainized reputation, this episode dives into the intersection of food, culture, and inclusivity.

If you're curious about elevating your pantry, embracing better grains, or launching your own CPG venture, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen in as they share about:

• Product Philosophy and Development
• Branding and Design
• Positioning Gluten as a Positive Ingredient
• Market Positioning & Consumer Behavior
• Go-to-market milestone
• Retail Launch and Future Plans

Episode Links:

Instagram: @ollinyall
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ffernandezalyssa/ 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Caitlin's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics
  
  

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 potential of walnuts, from selecting the right varietals to facilitating prototyping and sourcing. Kartik discusses how this partnership enabled the successful development of Dusra’s newest snack mix — a modern take on Indian flavors featuring skinless California walnuts, chickpea puffs, and vegan dark chocolate.

This episode is a must-listen for founders looking to leverage underutilized industry resources, enhance product development, and build thoughtful partnerships that fuel growth. 

Tune in now!

The California Walnut Board would love to hear from anyone out there interested in their resources or education, you can email them at [email protected]

Listen in as they share about:

• Commodity Boards and Their Role
• California Walnuts in Product Innovation
• Dusra’s Product Development Journey
• Partnership Between Dusra & the California Walnut Board
• Product Development and Strategy
• Trends in Walnuts and Nuts in General
• Strategic Growth and Go-To-Market Planning
• Advice to Other Founders

Episode Links:
Website: http://walnuts.org 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithseiz/
Website: https://eatdoosra.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daskartik/ 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Daniel's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics
  
  

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 a decade of operational and investment experience, he offers a candid look at what founders need to know to succeed in this unique category.

Gain valuable insights into identifying the right markets, avoiding costly expansion mistakes, and understanding the key metrics that matter most to investors, such as velocity, retention, and operational efficiency. Jason explains why many alcohol industry exits occur earlier than in other CPG sectors, shares practical fundraising strategies, and outlines how to effectively position a brand for acquisition. He also discusses what differentiates Top Shelf Ventures in a competitive funding landscape and how his team works closely with founders to support growth.

Tune in to learn how to stand out to investors, grow strategically, and set your brand on the path to a profitable exit. 

Listen in as they share about:

• Top Shelf Ventures Overview
• Defining “Vice” & Category Boundaries
• Stage, Check Size, and Metrics
• Distribution Strategy
• Examples of Successful Approaches
• Margins & Profitability
• Fundraising Guidance
• First Investor Meeting Best Practices
• Exit Strategies & Acquisition Dynamics

Episode Links:

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/topshelfventures/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondsherman/ 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Hannah's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics
  
  

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 importance of retailer and consumer feedback in building a sustainable brand. Steph also discusses merchandising strategies, scaling challenges, and her vision for high-profile collaborations that could further elevate the brand.

This episode offers valuable lessons in customer-centric product development and the realities of bringing a health-focused consumer product to market.

Listen now to learn how Steph transformed a simple dental tool into a growing brand with national recognition — and why truly listening to customers is key to lasting success.

Listen in as they share about:

• Customer Feedback & Development
• Funding & Business Growth
• Manufacturing & Operations
• Retail Strategy & Merchandising
• Sustainability & Industry Perspective
• Community & Networking

Episode Links:

Website: https://www.shopstimmie.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-nightingale-899b6118/?originalSubdomain=ca 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Caitlin's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics
  
  

In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, Daniel Scharff speaks with Ryan 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 brands face when contracts go sideways.

Whether you’re dealing with a first-time co-man, evaluating DSD distributors, or navigating tricky termination fees, this episode is packed with expert legal insights that can help founders avoid costly mistakes and ensure operational agreements support long-term growth and optionality.

Don’t miss this valuable episode – Tune in now!

If you want legal guidance tailored to your CPG brand, reach out to [email protected]  or [email protected]  directly or visit gllaw.us to learn more.

Listen in as they share about:

• Co-Manufacturing (CoMan) Agreements
• Supply and Distribution Contracts
• Intellectual Property (IP) Protections
• 3PL (Third-Party Logistics) & Warehousing Agreements
• Distribution Agreements
• Pricing and Cost Management
• Contract Negotiation Strategy
• General Legal and Operational Strategy

Episode Links:
Website: https://gllaw.us/ 

Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected] 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Daniel's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics

If you’re ready for the new standard for business banking,
Head to www.rho.co/startupcpgto learn more.

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 expanding from direct-to-consumer into retail. Todd also offers valuable insights on supply chain strategy, co-manufacturer relationships, inventory planning, and when to implement infrastructure such as 3PLs or ERP systems.

Whether you're a founder entering grocery for the first time or an operator looking to build scalable processes, this episode delivers practical guidance and candid reflections from an industry leader.

Listen in as they share about:

• Overview of Brightland
• Role of COO & Operations in CPG
• Operations & Supply Chain Best Practices
• Retail Strategy & Grocery Channel Expansion
• Product Development Insights
• Co-Manufacturing Relationships & Contracts
• Scaling Strategy & Infrastructure
• Lessons from Operations

Episode Links:

Website:  https://brightland.co/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-hoffman-97aa6a4/ 

Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Hannah's Linkedin 
• Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
• Episode music by Super Fantastics