# Founder Feature: Ariel Altman and Ronny Berger of Figa Foods

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2025-08-01
- Length: 44m
- Episode: 176
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-08-01-founder-feature-ariel-altman-and-ronny-berger-of-figa-foods
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b4da6c4b

## Summary

Ariel Altman and Ronny Berger, co-founders of Figa Foods, explain how they are introducing cupuaçu, a Brazilian superfruit seed, as a sustainable alternative to cacao in their chocolate bars. They detail the journey of overcoming skepticism from industry experts to develop a three-ingredient product with Louisa Abram, a chocolate maker in Brazil, while navigating the global cocoa crisis. The founders discuss their supply chain partnerships with agroforest farmers, their launch at Fancy Food, and advice for first-time CPG founders on product development and legal guidance.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Figa Foods and Cupuaçu Overview
2. Product Development and Formulation with Louisa Abram
3. Founders' Backgrounds and Partnership Dynamics
4. Market Validation and Fancy Food Launch
5. The Cocoa Crisis and Cupuaçu as an Alternative
6. Supply Chain and Agroforest Farming Partnerships
7. Retail Distribution and Direct-to-Consumer Strategy
8. Advice for First-Time Founders on Product and Legal Matters

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Figa Foods (company)
- cupuaçu (other)
- Louisa Abram (other)
- Erewhon (company)
- Baccio D Latte (company)
- Eleven Madison Park (company)
- Google (company)
- José Andrés (company)
- Food Network (company)
- Bon Appetit (company)
- Fancy Food Show (other)
- Pop Up Grocer (company)
- 16 Mil (company)
- Electric Beach (company)
- Deponyure (company)
- Local Provisions (company)
- Sound Body (company)
- Berryville General (company)
- Siete (company)
- Freestyle Olives (company)
- Healy Bieber (other)
- Sol de Janeiro (company)

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- [HIBT Lab! Yolélé: Pierre Thiam](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-08-25-hibt-lab-yolele-pierre-thiam) (How I Built This)
- [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)
- [nutpods: Madeline Haydon](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-05-13-nutpods-madeline-haydon) (How I Built This)
- [Catalina Crunch: Krishna Kaliannan. From Homemade Keto Cocoa Puffs to Breakfast Aisle Breakthrough](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-07-06-catalina-crunch-krishna-kaliannan-from-homemade-keto-cocoa-puffs-to-breakfast-ai) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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