Hardware Podcasts

Founder Feature: Marilyn Yang of Popadelics

The Startup CPG Podcast · 11 Apr 2025 · 35m · Episode 138

What this episode covers

Marilyn Yang, co-founder and CEO of Popadelics, explains how she and her husband pivoted their pandemic-era shiitake mushroom chip brand from a DTC model to a retail-focused business, now present in over 3,000 stores including Whole Foods and CVS. Yang details the rigorous product development process with R&D consultants, the strategic decision to hire a branding agency to create an edgy identity, and the operational challenges of reformulating the product for retail shelf life and natural market certifications. She also discusses the company's self-funded origins, the decision to seek outside capital only after proving traction, and the difficulties of managing the 'hot and cold' timeline of securing major retail placements.

Most relevant to

companies scaling up

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Whole Foods, Urban Outfitters, CVS, KEHE, UNFI, Sprouts, Amazon
Products
Popadelics
Also
Summer Fancy Food Show, Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch

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