# Expo West 2022 Recap - Spring break vibes, best bites, buyers aplenty, cheeky swag, and more

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2022-03-22
- Length: 35m
- Episode: 14
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2022-03-22-expo-west-2022-recap-spring-break-vibes-best-bites-buyers-aplenty-cheeky-swag-an
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/62389a0c

## Summary

Host Jesse Freitag recaps Expo West 2022 with perspectives from Startup CPG founder Daniel Scharff (CEO of Machu Picchu Energy), Jenna Movsowitz, and Monica Watrous (Managing Editor of Food Business News). First-time exhibitors like Renee Dunn of Amazi Foods, Kim Biddle of Sow Good, and Emily Griffith of Lil Bucks share their experiences securing buyer meetings and navigating the massive event. The group highlights the strong community spirit, the success of the Startup CPG Alley Rally for smaller brands, and key industry trends such as plant-based innovation and celebrity presence.

## Chapters

- [0:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2022-03-22-expo-west-2022-recap-spring-break-vibes-best-bites-buyers-aplenty-cheeky-swag-an#t=3) Introduction and First-Time Exhibitor Stories
- [5:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2022-03-22-expo-west-2022-recap-spring-break-vibes-best-bites-buyers-aplenty-cheeky-swag-an#t=339) The Importance of Distributors and Community
- [9:28](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2022-03-22-expo-west-2022-recap-spring-break-vibes-best-bites-buyers-aplenty-cheeky-swag-an#t=568) Startup CPG Alley Rally and Backpack Brands
- [11:39](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2022-03-22-expo-west-2022-recap-spring-break-vibes-best-bites-buyers-aplenty-cheeky-swag-an#t=699) Human Connection and ROI for New Brands
- [20:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2022-03-22-expo-west-2022-recap-spring-break-vibes-best-bites-buyers-aplenty-cheeky-swag-an#t=1219) Press Opportunities and Celebrity Sightings
- [24:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2022-03-22-expo-west-2022-recap-spring-break-vibes-best-bites-buyers-aplenty-cheeky-swag-an#t=1485) Best Bites: Plant-Based Innovations and Snacks
- [30:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2022-03-22-expo-west-2022-recap-spring-break-vibes-best-bites-buyers-aplenty-cheeky-swag-an#t=1807) Best Booths, Swag, and Industry Trends

## Topics

- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Amazi Foods (company)
- Sow Good (company)
- Lil Bucks (company)
- Mezcla (company)
- SpiceWell (company)
- Grounded Foods (company)
- UNiTE Food (company)
- Twrl Milk Tea (company)
- Machu Picchu Energy (company)
- Food Business News (company)
- Food Entrepreneur (company)
- Startup CPG (company)
- Midday Squares (company)
- Dope (company)
- Dream Pops (company)
- Sparrow Food (company)
- Snacklands (company)
- Rowdy Mermaid (company)
- Uproot Teas (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [290 - Taylor Foxman is the master connector for CPG's!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-09-26-290-taylor-foxman-is-the-master-connector-for-cpgs) (People of Packaging)
- [Advice Line with Ben Goodwin of Olipop](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-03-advice-line-with-ben-goodwin-of-olipop) (How I Built This)
- [Sharing the 2023 HIBT Lab Highlight Reel](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-01-04-sharing-the-2023-hibt-lab-highlight-reel) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Andy Dunn of Bonobos](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2025-04-17-advice-line-with-andy-dunn-of-bonobos) (How I Built This)
- [75 - Talking PackExpo 2021 with Laura Thompson, VP of Trade Shows at PMMI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-09-20-75-talking-packexpo-2021-with-laura-thompson-vp-of-trade-shows-at-pmmi) (People of Packaging)

## Citing this page

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