# #82 Expo West 2023 Recap: Mushrooms, Mocktails, Mochi, and More

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2023-03-16
- Length: 53m
- Episode: 59
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-03-16-82-expo-west-2023-recap-mushrooms-mocktails-mochi-and-more
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/8fe5ed1c

## Summary

Host Jesse Freitag is joined by Monica Watrous of Food Business News, Patricia Menegoto of Startup CPG, and Jenna Movsowitz of Startup CPG Spotlight to recap Expo West 2023, highlighting trends like mushrooms, mocktails, and mochi. The panel discusses specific brands such as Medase, Climax, and Meati, noting innovations in plant-based seafood, functional beverages, and upcycled ingredients. They also cover the success of the Startup CPG Mic Alley Rally and the 'Backpack Brands' competition, which supports early-stage founders with booth space and exposure.

## Chapters

- [0:03](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-03-16-82-expo-west-2023-recap-mushrooms-mocktails-mochi-and-more#t=3) Introduction: Expo West 2023 Overview and Attendees
- [4:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-03-16-82-expo-west-2023-recap-mushrooms-mocktails-mochi-and-more#t=241) Show Attendance and Buyer Energy
- [7:54](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-03-16-82-expo-west-2023-recap-mushrooms-mocktails-mochi-and-more#t=474) Key Trends: Mushrooms, Mocktails, and Mochi
- [15:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-03-16-82-expo-west-2023-recap-mushrooms-mocktails-mochi-and-more#t=953) Best Bites and Sips: Medase, Climax, and Meati
- [28:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-03-16-82-expo-west-2023-recap-mushrooms-mocktails-mochi-and-more#t=1711) Swag Highlights: Yumi Bags and Braggs Pins
- [38:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-03-16-82-expo-west-2023-recap-mushrooms-mocktails-mochi-and-more#t=2336) Mic Alley Rally and Backpack Brands Winners
- [49:35](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2023-03-16-82-expo-west-2023-recap-mushrooms-mocktails-mochi-and-more#t=2975) Shelfies and Final Thoughts on the Industry

## Topics

- [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)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Sipwell Wine (product)
- Medase (company)
- Climax (company)
- Meati (company)
- Wundereggs (product)
- Agua Bonita (company)
- Conscious Foods (company)
- Healthy Hippo (company)
- Sweet Haven (company)
- JINKA (company)
- SOMOS (company)
- Renewal Mill (company)
- Bolani (company)
- Amazi (company)
- Liquid Death (company)
- PATH Water (company)
- Yumi (company)
- Pocket Chocolates (company)
- Braggs (company)
- Mezcla (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Magic Spoon & Exo: Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-02-12-magic-spoon-exo-gabi-lewis-and-greg-sewitz) (How I Built This)
- [345 - Beyond the Dieline - The secret success behind Junebar! Tom Seymour and Keith McCullough](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-04-17-345-beyond-the-dieline-the-secret-success-behind-junebar-tom-seymour-and-keith-m) (People of Packaging)
- [7 - Interact Boulder Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2019-09-16-7-interact-boulder-forum) (People of Packaging)
- [(Almost) COAST TO COAST Tour Recap and Preview of Manufacturing Happy Hour's 10-Year Anniversary](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-12-13-almost-coast-to-coast-tour-recap-and-preview-of-manufacturing-happy-hours-10-yea) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [48 - Aimy Steadman, Co Founder and CGSDO at Future Proof](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2021-02-02-48-aimy-steadman-co-founder-and-cgsdo-at-future-proof) (People of Packaging)

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