# Nature’s Path: Arran and Ratana Stephens

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2022-05-23
- Length: 1h 17m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens

## Summary

Arran and Ratana Stephens, founders of Nature's Path, recount building an independent organic food company from a Vancouver health food store to a global brand. They detail the critical failure of a $6 million turnkey cereal factory that could not produce cornflakes, forcing them to fake the launch and eventually settle with the manufacturer. The episode highlights their strategic decision to remain independent despite acquisition offers from giants like Kellogg's and Kraft, focusing instead on product innovation and retail distribution.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=0) Introduction: U.S. Bank Sponsor Read
- [1:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=88) The Factory Failure: April 6, 1990
- [2:10](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=130) Early Life and Spiritual Journey
- [5:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=342) Golden Lotus Restaurant and Early Business
- [12:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=756) Meeting Ratana and Marriage
- [22:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=1327) Lifestream Store and Manna Bread
- [35:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=2143) Woodlands Restaurant and Cereal Pivot
- [46:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=2816) Building the Factory and Equipment Failure
- [55:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=3337) Retail Distribution and Packaging Strategy
- [1:12:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens#t=4346) Refusing Acquisition and Remaining Independent

## Topics

- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Growth, exits & acquisitions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/growth-exits-and-acquisitions)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Nature's Path (company)
- Kellogg's (company)
- General Mills (company)
- Kraft (company)
- Whole Foods (company)
- Safeway (company)
- Costco (company)
- Kroger (company)
- Manna bread (product)
- Guerrilla Munch (product)
- Koala Crisps (product)
- Love Crunch (product)

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- [#100 Toasting to 100 Episodes of The Startup CPG Podcast with Our Favorite Moments](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-07-25-100-toasting-to-100-episodes-of-the-startup-cpg-podcast-with-our-favorite-moment) (The Startup CPG Podcast)
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