We're bringing you the stories behind the people and products building a more just, healthy, and regenerative future for us all. Tune in weekly and together, we’ll learn about why these better products and brands were created, how they’re helping fix broken systems, and what you can do to support them. My hope is that you’ll discover some new brands to love, and get some sparks of inspiration that will help you live your best life. // Hosted by: Gage Mitchell, Founder of Modern Species, a sustainable brand design agency helping better brands grow to scale their impact.
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Farmers Are Entrepreneurs with Hayley and Stephanie Painter of Painterland Sisters
Épisode 172
jeudi 22 mai 2025 • Durée 01:07:04
In this conversation, Hayley and Stephanie Painter, co-founders of Painterland Sisters, share their journey as fourth-generation organic dairy farmers. They discuss their childhood experiences on the farm, the values instilled in them, and how these experiences shaped their approach to business and agriculture. The sisters emphasize the importance of community, integrity, and creating nutrient-dense products, like their Skyr yogurt. They reflect on the challenges and perceptions faced by farmers and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives their mission to connect consumers with quality food sourced from family farms. In this conversation, Hayley and Stephanie Painter discuss the importance of empowering farmers through education, community connection, and financial incentives. They emphasize the role of mentorship in agriculture, the power of storytelling to connect consumers with their food sources, and the impact of funding on their brand's future. They also share personal insights and advice, culminating in their vision for a better world through sustainable agriculture.
Takeaways:
Growing up on a farm instills deep-rooted values and work ethic.
Childhood experiences on the farm shape adult perspectives and business practices.
Traveling broadens horizons and influences business decisions.
Farmers are inherently entrepreneurs, learning business from family traditions.
Integrity in farming leads to better quality products.
The importance of community and relationships in agriculture.
Understanding the balance of nature is crucial for sustainable farming.
Education can challenge traditional farming practices and perceptions.
Creating nutrient-dense products is a priority.
The journey of building a business involves learning from failures.
Farmers are reacting a lot of times and doing the best they can with the situations that they're in.
It's all about the process and spectrum of betterment for the land.
There are many programs that provide financial incentives for farmers.
Our dream is to get all farmers more financially stable.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in agriculture.
Storytelling is powerful in connecting consumers to their food.
Funding helps us build credibility and stability for our brand.
A better world means diversity in agriculture and food supply chains that are thriving for future generations.
We need to keep farmers farming to ensure food security.
Sound Bites:
“Farming is literally our roots and our DNA."
"We grew up on hard work and community, love, family, and being connected to nature.”
"Farmers are entrepreneurs. We watched our parents and our grandparents run the farm, which is a business. It's was our first education.“
"We learned business isn't just transactional."
“Our goal is to provide the most nutrient dense product we can. So we choose to keep all those nutrients in there instead of extracting and selling them off as byproducts and replacing them with fillers.
"We like to give the credit back to the farmers.”
“There are a lot of programs with financial incentives out there right now, to help farmers make improvements they may not be able to financially afford otherwise. These grants have really helped them.”
“We can have all the information we want about regenerative organic agriculture and all these big concepts, but if you don't know how to like make that information digestible and fun, it's not going to hit the way it needs to.”
“A better world is a world with diversity, equity, and parity across the food supply chain.”
"Keep farmers farming first and foremost."
Chapters:
03:00 - Roots of Farming: A Family Legacy
05:59 - Childhood Adventures and Life Lessons on the Farm
09:00 - The Dual Nature of Farm Life: Balancing Tradition and Exploration
14:59 - Pride in Agriculture: Overcoming Societal Perceptions
21:08 - Education and Entrepreneurship: Building a Business from the Ground Up
27:00 - Creating Nutrient-Dense Products: The Journey to Skir Yogurt
32:51 - The Integrity of Farming: Maintaining Quality in Production
39:25 - Empowering Farmers Through Education and Connection
42:48 - Financial Incentives and Sustainable Practices
46:56 - Mentorship and Community in Agriculture
51:02 - The Power of Storytelling in Agriculture
53:53 - Funding and Future Vision for the Brand
57:56 - Personal Insights and Advice
62:59 - A Better World Through Agriculture
The Growth of Organic with Matthew Dillon of Organic Trade Association
Épisode 171
jeudi 15 mai 2025 • Durée 01:11:10
In this conversation, Matthew Dillon, co-CEO of the Organic Trade Association, discusses the growth and challenges of the organic industry. He highlights the importance of generational shifts in consumer behavior, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly committed to organic products. Dillon emphasizes the need for investment in infrastructure to support domestic organic production and the role of advocacy in shaping policies that benefit the organic sector. The conversation also touches on the evolution of organic quality and the economic impact of organic farming on rural communities. In this conversation, Matthew Dillon discusses the Organic Trade Association's (OTA) efforts to drive organic agriculture forward through legislative initiatives, transparency, and community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in the organic sector, the need for integrity in growth, and the role of vulnerability in building trust. Dillon also highlights the significance of investing in future generations and the power of community in overcoming challenges and fostering change.
Takeaways:
The OTA serves the organic sector from seed to shelf.
Organic industry growth is driven by generational shifts in consumer preferences.
Millennials and Gen Z are more committed to organic products than older generations.
Success in agriculture should be measured in succession, not just immediate returns.
The quality of organic products has significantly improved over the years.
Domestic organic production faces challenges due to reliance on imports.
Investment in infrastructure is crucial for the growth of the organic sector.
Organic farming can positively impact rural economies and biodiversity.
Advocacy for organic standards and funding is essential for the sector's future.
The return on investment for organic programs is significant for the economy. OTA is focused on driving organic agriculture forward through legislative efforts.
Transparency and trust are crucial for the organic sector's integrity.
Integrity in growth requires balancing desirability with feasibility.
Cultivating a culture of collaboration is essential for the organic movement.
Yerba Mate - A Magical Leaf with Jennifer Brush of Guayaki, now Yerba Madre
Épisode 170
mercredi 7 mai 2025 • Durée 01:05:16
In this conversation, Jen Brush, VP of Innovation and Product at Guayaki, discusses the origins and benefits of Yerba Mate, the evolution of Guayaki's product offerings, and the brand's commitment to sustainability and community. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating the beverage market, building brand loyalty, and the exciting transition to the new brand name, Yerba Madre, which reflects the company's mission and heritage. We touch on the brand’s commitment to shade-grown Yerba Mate, which takes more time and money but yields a better product and is better for the environment than sun-grown Yerba Mate. Jen also shares her personal journey with Lupus and how it influences her perspective on innovation and the food industry. We then wrap up by talking about the growing tea movement and the importance of a people-centric business model in creating a better world.
Takeaways:
Yerba Mate is a unique, naturally caffeinated leaf with health benefits.
Guayaki, now Yerba Madre, prioritizes sustainability and community relationships.
The brand aims to make Yerba Mate accessible to all consumers.
Product innovation is guided by consumer preferences and market trends.
Building brand loyalty is essential for success in a competitive market.
The convenience store channel presents new opportunities for growth.
Guayaki’s, now Yerba Madre’s, bright yellow branding helps it stand out on shelves.
The company has a strong community of brand ambassadors.
The transition to Yerba Madre reflects the brand's evolution and heritage, and aims to enhance brand recognition.
Focus on product quality is key to retaining customers.
Shade-grown Yerba Mate is better for the environment and flavor.
A people-first approach leads to positive business outcomes.
The tea industry is experiencing significant growth and innovation.
Personal health experiences can shape professional perspectives.
Collaboration and partnerships are key to impact initiatives.
Continuous improvement is essential in business practices.
Community engagement is vital for a better world.
Kindness and empathy can create a positive impact.
Healthy Snacks for the Family with Vilma Livas of Nature’s Bakery
Épisode 169
jeudi 1 mai 2025 • Durée 58:18
In this conversation, Vilma Livas, Chief Marketing Officer at Nature's Bakery, discusses the brand's purpose of providing healthier snack options for families and the importance of convenience, taste, and value in their product development process. We touch on the impact of the company's acquisition by Mars and how it has allowed for growth and innovation, particularly with new products like the Oatmeal Crumble and Hearty Bar. Vilma shares insights into her consumer-centric approach to product development and the importance of both consumer insights and retail partnerships in launching new products in the CPG industry. She shares the background behind the development of Nature's Bakery's newest innovation — the Hearty Bar. Then we wrap up by discussing Vilma’s involvement with Women on Boards, advocating for greater representation of women in leadership roles, and her vision of a better world which includes democratizing access to healthy food options for all consumers.
Takeaways:
Nature's Bakery aims to nourish families and make healthy snacking accessible.
The brand focuses on convenience, offering products that are easy to consume on the go.
Consumer research revealed a full family audience for their snack bars, from toddlers to grandparents.
The product design emphasizes great taste and better-for-you attributes.
The acquisition by Mars has provided resources for scaling and innovation.
Nature's Bakery maintains a commitment to its brand purpose despite ownership changes.
The product development process starts with identifying consumer needs and iterating ideas.
Collaboration with diverse teams enhances creativity in product development.
The Oatmeal Crumble was developed to address the need for convenient breakfast options.
A consumer-centric approach is crucial for successful product innovation. It's crucial to put personal bias aside for better outcomes.
Retailers have their own goals that must be understood.
Empathy in business relationships leads to better partnerships.
Involving retailers early in product development increases success.
Healthy snacks must appeal to both parents and children.
Women are underrepresented in board positions despite their influence.
Candy with Character with Michael Fisher of Rotten
Épisode 168
jeudi 24 avril 2025 • Durée 56:44
In this conversation, Michael Fisher, founder and CEO of Rotten, shares his journey of building a candy brand from scratch with zero experience in the industry. He talks about the initial trap that many startup CEOs fall into, himself included, of chasing the symbols of success instead of focusing on the business fundamentals. Michael then shares his personal connection to candy and the creative process behind building a brand narrative that emotionally resonates with consumers. During the conversation, we touch on the power of learning from advisors, the role of Kickstarter in validating his product concept, and his focus on healthier ingredients while maintaining great taste. Michael also shares insights on creative collaboration, the challenges of competing in the candy industry, including navigating legal issues with larger brands, and his vision for a better world through diverse product options.
Key points from this episode:
Transitioning from a startup CEO mindset to a real business is crucial.
Learning from advisors and networking is key to success.
Kickstarter served as a validation tool for Rotten's concept.
A personal connection to candy inspired the brand's focus.
Building a brand narrative is essential in a competitive market.
World-building with engaging characters enhances brand identity through rich and engaging storytelling.
The candy industry is brand-dominated, requiring strong branding to compete for loyalty.
A significant portion of consumers are purchasing less candy due to health concerns.
The brand aims to attract consumers who have never purchased better-for-you candy before.
Formulation challenges are common when creating healthier candy options.
The brand has undergone multiple reformulations to improve product quality.
Legal challenges from larger brands can be daunting, but also indicate market presence.
The goal is to provide consumers with better options that taste great.
A better world means offering diverse food options, including healthier choices.
Sound Bites:
"It's really hard to remember that there isn’t a playbook. What's going to work for your brand is going to be a unique path."
167 - Why We Should Eat Bugs with Dr. Aaron T. Dossey of All Things Bugs
Épisode 167
mercredi 16 avril 2025 • Durée 01:10:20
In this conversation, Dr. Aaron T. Dossey discusses the surprising amount of land clearing around the globe for agriculture and its detrimental effects on the environment, including biodiversity loss and climate change. The solution, according to our guest, is insect protein as a sustainable alternative to traditional livestock because of the efficiency and nutritional benefits of growing insects for food. Dr. Dossey shares his journey into the field of entomophagy, detailing how he transitioned from a passion for insects to founding All Things Bugs LLC where he focuses on the commercialization of insect-based food products. In this conversation, Dr. Aaron T. Dossey discusses the challenges of the insect protein market, the processing techniques he developed, the hurdles faced in scaling production, and the importance of consumer acceptance. Dr. Dossey emphasizes the need for collaboration within the industry and shares his vision for a sustainable future where insect protein becomes a mainstream food source.
Key points from this episode:
Land clearing contributes significantly to climate change.
Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation.
Insect protein is more sustainable than traditional livestock.
Insects require less water and resources for production.
Insects provide complete proteins and essential nutrients.
Funding opportunities can drive innovation in sustainable food sources.
Product development in insect protein is complex but necessary.
Scaling insect farming can address food security issues.
Serendipity plays a role in entrepreneurial success.
Innovative processing techniques can enhance the quality of insect protein.
Market challenges include competition from lower-quality products.
Consumer acceptance is crucial for scaling insect protein products.
Collaboration within the industry can lead to more efficient practices.
Raising awareness about the benefits of insect protein is essential.
Funding and investment are critical for growth in this sector.
Sustainable practices can make insect protein a viable alternative.
The ingredient price must be competitive for widespread adoption.
166 - Food-Focused Podcasts with RJ Bee of Heritage Radio Network
Épisode 166
mercredi 9 avril 2025 • Durée 51:01
In this conversation, RJ Bee, the executive director of Heritage Radio Network, shares the story of how the network was founded and how they transitioned from a local radio station to a diverse podcasting platform focused on food systems storytellers. We discuss the mission-driven initiatives of Heritage Radio Network, like the fellowship program that trains fellows in food storytelling and podcasting, and the importance of community support for the nonprofit. RJ and Gage then discuss the interconnectedness of food systems, the challenges faced by farmers, and the potential of technology to innovate sustainable practices. RJ shares his vision for a better world, emphasizing the need for responsible consumption and the role of businesses in creating positive change.
Key points from this episode:
Heritage Radio Network started as a pirate radio station in shipping containers.
The network has evolved from local radio to a national podcasting platform.
COVID-19 significantly changed recording practices, with a shift to remote recording.
Community engagement is crucial for the network's mission and growth.
The network categorizes its podcasts into food industry and business, food culture and systems, and food news and trends.
In-person gatherings are being reintroduced to foster community connections.
The future of audio-only podcasting with platforms shifting towards prioritizing video content.
Heritage Radio Network has a mission-driven approach to podcasting.
The fellowship program trains individuals in food storytelling.
Community support is crucial for nonprofit organizations.
Farmers are facing significant challenges in the current climate.
The food system is interconnected with various social issues.
Innovations in food technology can lead to healthier eating.
Technology can play a role in improving food sustainability.
A better world involves responsible consumption and giving back.
165 - Ask Great Questions with Karin Hibma Cronan of Cronan
Épisode 165
mardi 27 août 2024 • Durée 01:21:03
What’s in a brand name? Everything, according to today’s guest, Karin Hibma Cronan, a renowned brand strategist, and co-founder of Cronan, as we explore the role of questions in the art of naming and branding. Cronan is known for creating iconic brand identities and names that resonate with audiences. Their work has helped shape the success of major corporations, non-profits, and startups alike, making them a trusted partner in the world of strategic design. In our conversation, we discuss how the name of a brand or product sets the tone of the experience, the common attributes of a good name, how Karin is the inspiration behind the names of many well-known brands, and the importance of asking great questions when forming strategy. Gain insights into her interactive approach to working with clients, what strategic intent is, how a brand’s identity can evolve, and more. Tune in to learn how you can harness the magic of a name and the power of great questions with Karin Hibma Cronan!
Key Points From This Episode:
The fundamentals of a name and her approach to finding a brand’s identity.
Explore the differences between brand identity and strategic identity.
Learn about the secret sauce to making a compelling brand name.
Challenges of designing a name and the limitations trademarks impose.
Hear about the common pitfalls to avoid when creating a brand name.
Discover why a holistic approach to branding and identity is vital.
Insights into the power a name has in communicating a brand experience.
How a brand name can evolve with a company’s product or service.
Asking good questions to identify problems and create solutions.
Karin shares her method of developing the right questions to ask.
Examine examples of bad questions and the impact they can have.
Uncover how to understand the ‘why’ behind a person’s answer.
164 - Mission Meets Retail with Alli Ball of Food Biz Wiz
Épisode 164
lundi 19 août 2024 • Durée 57:30
What does it take for a mission-driven brand to thrive in the competitive world of retail? In this episode, we explore the intersection of retail success and mission-driven branding with Alli Ball, the visionary founder and CEO of Food Biz Wiz. Food Biz Wiz is a consulting and coaching company dedicated to helping emerging food brands succeed in the competitive retail market. Known for her impact on the food industry, Alli has empowered countless emerging food brands through her Retail Ready® program and award-winning podcast. In our conversation, we dive into the critical elements consumers want in mission-driven brands, the potential pitfalls of over-investing in a company's mission, and how purpose-driven values can enhance brand loyalty. Discover why aligning packing, product, and purpose is essential for brand success, how to craft a successful sales pitch, why transparency is fundamental for consumers, and much more. Join us to learn how to transform your brand's mission into a powerful tool for growth and loyalty in the retail market with Alli Ball of Food Biz Wiz!
Key Points From This Episode:
How sustainable and innovative retail brands communicate their value.
Alli explains the omnichannel nature of the retail industry.
How mission-driven brands fit into the traditional retail space.
Attributes that are becoming a top priority for consumers.
Recommendations for learning about trends in the wholesale space.
Why you should never base a sales pitch on certifications.
Hear about the mission-driven red flags that retail buyers avoid.
The disconnect between what consumers value and buying behavior.
Differences between direct-to-consumer and direct-to-retailer sale pitches.
Common mistakes mission-driven brands make in marketing a product.
Core concepts of the Retail Ready® program and how it benefits brands.
Discover why product packaging is vital for convincing the consumer.
Background about Alli, the Retail Ready® course, and Food Biz Wiz’s mission.
What shifted her interest to working with brands and retailers.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
163 - Better Snack Options with Ashley Nickelson of B.T.R. Nation
Épisode 163
lundi 12 août 2024 • Durée 01:15:52
Vending machines might be convenient, but they are not exactly known for their nutritious, high-quality snacks, and it’s high time they got an upgrade! Today's guest is Ashley Nickelsen Founder, CEO, and Chief Snack Officer at B.T.R. Nation, a company on a mission to fix our broken food system, one snack at a time. Join us, as we dig into the problem with junk food in America, the reasons behind Ashley’s decision to build a healthier snack company, and what keeps her going in the face of each new entrepreneurial challenge. Learn about the rules that guide her product development process, the higher prices that accompany better ingredients, and the strategies that are helping Ashley keep her costs down. We also get into B.T.R.’s recent collaboration with Blue Bottle, the launch of their phenomenal co-branded chai spice bar, and much more. Tune in to hear all of Ashley’s fascinating insights and discover how B.T.R. Nation is reinventing the modern vending machine!
Key Points From This Episode:
Ashley’s mission to fix America's broken food system with healthier snacks.
Changes in American policies that would lead to a much-improved food system.
Why Ashley is determined to reinvent the modern vending machine, especially in hospitals.
Her parents’ cancer diagnoses: why it was foundational to the founding of B.T.R Nation.
Naming B.T.R. in honor of her parent’s mantra: to be ‘bold, tenacious, and resilient’.
The conscious decision to name B.T.R. Nation to sound like ‘better nation’.
B.T.R’s guiding principles: low sugar, simple ingredients, and their never-ever list.
Tackling the higher prices associated with quality ingredients.
How they are instituting product development rules that prioritize health over cost.
Why transparency is essential when it comes to ingredient lists.
Simplifying B.T.R.’s messaging to reflect the needs of consumers.
How they are building their own third-party logistics (3PLs).
The exciting outcomes from B.T.R.’s collaboration with Blue Bottle.
Ashley’s vision for a better world: why health should be a right, not a privilege.
Community and advocacy play a vital role in the success of organic businesses.
Investing in future generations is a responsibility of the organic sector.
Hopelessness can be transformed into action through community support.
Vulnerability is necessary for building trust in brands.
Continuous improvement is key to maintaining the integrity of organic standards.
The organic movement is about more than just farming; it's about creating a better world.
Sound Bites:
"Organic food in the U.S. grew to a $71.6 billion market in 2024."
"90 % of Millennials and Gen Z are either committed or highly aspirational organic consumers"
"Success has to be measured in succession."
"OTA is helping drive organic forward."
“If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.”
"Integrity requires vulnerability."
“That continuous improvement in integrity is essential to that consumer trust.”
“He said, it's time for us as an industry to re-embrace the movement. We didn't tell him to say it, but we were like, yes!That's the value of joining OTA. Come be part of a movement.”
“Every $1 invested in USDA National Organic Program staff and operations yields over $3,000 in retail value for the U.S. economy.”
"Raise the soil for all farms."
"Planting trees for future generations."
“A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.”
03:00 - Introduction to the Organic Trade Association (OTA)
05:26 - Growth of the Organic Industry
09:39 - Generational Shifts in Consumer Behavior
13:11 - The Evolution of Organic Quality
17:52 - Challenges and Opportunities in Domestic Organic Production
22:35 - Infrastructure Needs for Organic Growth
27:22 - The Role of Investment in Organic Infrastructure
31:20 - The Future of Organic Advocacy and Policy
34:29 - Driving Organic Forward: Legislative Efforts and Challenges
39:54 - The Importance of Transparency and Trust in Organic
44:13 - Integrity in Growth: Balancing Desirability and Feasibility
49:31 - Cultivating a Culture of Collaboration in Organic
55:34 - The Value of Community and Advocacy in Organic
61:38 - Investing in the Future: Intergenerational Responsibility
01:01:05 - Harnessing Hopelessness: Community as a Catalyst for Change
Sound Bites:
"Yerba Mate is a naturally caffeinated leaf."
"It has both caffeine and theobromine (found in chocolate), and offers a more smooth form of energy with less jitters and less crash. So it’s a magical leaf and tree."
“My goal is to create products that have a little bit for everyone. If we're going to drive awareness about our brand, our mission – the devotion we have to our people and our Yerba Mate – we want to meet people where they are, right?”
“Our Ambassadors are brand loyalties. They’ll tell you that Guayaki has changed their life. Not just the products, but the brand and what we’ve done and where’ve we’ve been.”
"Yerba Madre means mother herb in Spanish."
"The more the merrier in the Yerba Mate category. We want to build a category and we want more people to know about the magic of Yerba Mate.”
"She told me to always lead with yes. And she would say, yes is the answer.”
"I think a better world really puts people at the center of what you do and how you think. Be kind and empathetic. I think that that trickles down organically.”
03:00 - Introduction to Yerba Mate and Guayaki, now Yerba Madre
06:05 - The Unique Flavor and Health Benefits of Yerba Mate
08:55 - Guayaki's, now Yerba Madre’s, Product Evolution and Innovation Strategy
12:05 - Navigating the Beverage Market and Retail Challenges
15:12 - Building Brand Loyalty and Community Engagement
18:02 - The Future of Guayaki: New Branding (Yerba Madre) and Product Launches
35:05 - Rebranding and Heritage in Yerba Mate
38:31 - Sustainability and Impact Initiatives
42:07 - Regenerative Practices and Biodiversity
45:09 - People-Centric Business Models
52:25 - Personal Insights and Industry Trends
60:23 - Advice and Personal Favorites
Accessibility to healthy food is a significant issue.
Consumer demand drives the need for better food options.
Sound Bites:
“Everything we do is this balance of three things that we hold dear: 1 - great taste; 2 - better-for-you; and 3 - accessibility.”
“Start with the consumer. What's the job to be done? What is the problem we're trying to solve here?”
“Being owned by a much larger organization has allowed us to accelerate the rate at which we can scale.”
“Stay focused on the goal, not the path that we're taking to get there.”
"Retailers are gatekeepers to the shelf."
"Be empathic, show up and learn."
"Kids are very discerning about their snacks."
“If you think about the purchasing power of women, you would expect to see that they also influence the direction and course of companies, but they're not at the table.”
“A better world is one where we've democratized better for you food, by making it available and accessible to all.”
03:00 - Introduction to Nature's Bakery and Brand Purpose
06:03 - Understanding the Family Focus in Healthy Snacking
08:58 - The Importance of Convenience and Product Design
12:12 - Balancing Taste, Value, and Health in Product Development
14:55 - Navigating Brand Growth and Acquisition Challenges
18:07 - Leveraging Resources from Larger Corporations
21:08 - Innovations: Oatmeal Crumble and Hearty Bar
23:51 - The Product Development Process Explained
26:56 - Iterating Ideas and Consumer-Centric Design
32:30 - Consumer Insights and Retail Partnerships
38:12 - Innovating with the Hearty Bar
43:28 - Empowering Women on Boards
48:38 - Personal Favorites and Future Trends
53:47 - A Better World Through Accessible Food
"I stopped buying a lot of candy, actually, and I missed it. I missed the experience of eating candy.”
"I really wanted to have a focus on building a strong brand that people could love."
"We have worlds that haven't been explored, you know, Freektopia and all these fun places.”
“More than a third of consumers in our category, non-chocolate candy, reported purchasing less candy over the last year. And the number one reason they report that is health and diet concerns."
“We are showing that there is demand from people and people are willing to pay a premium for candy that still tastes incredible and gives them some of these health benefits.”
“We're gonna win here is if someone eats our candy and it's their favorite candy, regardless of the health benefits."
"So that was a fun time for me to play around in my kitchen, but I quickly learned that it's a very technical product to make."
06:09 The Transition from Startup CEO to Real Business
08:49 Learning the CPG Landscape
12:00 The Role of Advisors and Networking
14:59 Kickstarter: A Launchpad for Validation
18:11 Personal Connection to Non-Chocolate Candy
21:05 Building a Brand with a Narrative
23:55 World Building in Brand Development
28:31 Creative Collaboration in Candy Design
31:49 Building Emotional Connections with Consumers
33:01 Competing in the Candy Industry
39:05 Formulation Challenges and Product Development
47:42 Navigating Legal Challenges with Big Candy
53:39 A Vision for a Better World through Options
Consumer products can help normalize insect protein in diets.
A better world includes more wild spaces and equitable economic systems.
Sound Bites
“It appears that land clearing potentially is a bigger problem than climate change."
"We're losing species faster than we can track."
"Insects are really a no-brainer when you really look at their benefits, their efficiency, all the positive attributes and lack of negative – other than perception, there really aren't a lot of negative attributes."
"Insects use very little water compared to livestock. For example I see usually around 1% water use compared to beef, or something in that range.”
"Insects are complete proteins, unlike many plants."
"We need to scale up sustainable technologies quickly."
"We need to reduce beef and dairy consumption."
"We are the R&D labs for major food manufacturers."
Découvrez des podcasts liées à Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG). Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !
