# #187- Expo West 2025 Debrief with S’NOODS and Whims

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2025-03-17
- Length: 52m
- Episode: 133
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-03-17-187-expo-west-2025-debrief-with-snoods-and-whims
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/2c833211

## Summary

Daniel Scharff, Caitlin Bricker, Lauryn Bodden (Founder of S'NOODS), and Leanne Viola (Founder of Whims Delights) debrief Expo West 2025, discussing the shift toward smaller, cost-effective booths and the debate over whether the show lacked innovation. They highlight that true innovation is often found in emerging brands' business models and personal product stories rather than just new ingredients. The founders share tactical advice on managing logistics, sample inventory, and the critical importance of post-show follow-up processes for first-time exhibitors.

## Outline

1. Introduction and Show Impressions
2. Booth Strategy and Costs
3. The Innovation Debate
4. Startup CPG Section Experience
5. S'NOODS Expo Experience
6. Whims Delights Expo Experience
7. Exhibitor Tips and Lessons Learned

## Topics

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

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- S'NOODS (product)
- Whims Delights (product)
- Startup CPG (company)
- New Hope (company)
- Figa Foods (company)
- Snack Wise (company)
- House of Kajana (company)
- Good Day LA (company)
- Target (company)
- Walmart (company)
- Albertsons (company)
- Central Market (company)

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- [Worktrips and Workspaces - Junket Jactation Jiltedness](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-11-27-worktrips-and-workspaces-junket-jactation-jiltedness) (The Amp Hour)
- [Your Guide to Trade Show Booth Success w/ Jon Franko & Matthew Sciannella](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-11-02-your-guide-to-trade-show-booth-success-w-jon-franko-matthew-sciannella) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [12: The Conference Racket](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2016-04-21-12-the-conference-racket) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [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)
- [Afterschool Podcast, Episode 9 - Rusty Meadows (10/21)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-05-afterschool-podcast-episode-9-rusty-meadows-10-21) (Core77 Podcast)

## Citing this page

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