# Founder Feature: Ehime Eigbe-Akindele of Sweet Kiwi

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2025-02-07
- Length: 31m
- Episode: 118
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-02-07-founder-feature-ehime-eigbe-akindele-of-sweet-kiwi
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/040a235f

## Summary

Ehime Eigbe-Akindele, founder of Sweet Kiwi, explains how she transitioned from bankruptcy litigation at Citigroup to creating a frozen whipped Greek yogurt brand that launched into Whole Foods. She details the challenges of scaling a frozen product, including an initial rejection due to non-standard packaging and the strategic pivot to a rebrand that highlights the 'Greek yogurt' and 'sweet/tart' profile based on customer feedback. Ehime also discusses managing retail partnerships, avoiding slotting fees through relationship building, and expanding brand awareness via food service channels like hospitals and universities.

## Outline

1. Introduction and Origin Story
2. From Kitchen to Retail: Packaging Lessons
3. Rebranding and Customer Insights
4. Retail Strategy and Partnership Dynamics
5. Scaling Operations and Team Management
6. Founder Advice and Future Vision

## Topics

- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Packaging design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/packaging-design)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Sweet Kiwi (product)
- Whole Foods (company)
- Citigroup (company)
- Penn State ice cream program (other)
- Busuto (company)
- Genghis Grill (company)
- Albatsons (company)
- Smurfs (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Yasso: Amanda Klane and Drew Harrington](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-09-25-yasso-amanda-klane-and-drew-harrington) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Sarah Kauss of S'well](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-06-20-advice-line-with-sarah-kauss-of-swell) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Jeni Britton of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2025-03-27-advice-line-with-jeni-britton-of-jenis-splendid-ice-creams) (How I Built This)
- [MadeGood: Salma and Nima Fotovat Lost Their First Business. They Grew Their Next One Into a Snack Giant.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-10-madegood-salma-and-nima-fotovat-lost-their-first-business-they-grew-their-next-o) (How I Built This)
- [Noosa Yoghurt: Koel Thomae](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-11-25-noosa-yoghurt-koel-thomae) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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