#227 - Operations Ask-Me-Anything with Jamie Valenti-Jordan

The Startup CPG Podcast · 16 Dec 2025 · 34m · Episode 229

What this episode covers

Jamie Valenti-Jordan, CEO of Catapult Commercialization Services, explains how early-stage CPG brands can navigate product development, sourcing, and manufacturing partnerships. He details the high costs of direct-to-consumer frozen logistics, recommending retail channels or large basket orders to mitigate dry ice and packaging expenses, and advises sourcing ingredients through local distributors rather than big-box retailers. Valenti-Jordan also breaks down the operational realities of co-manufacturing, highlighting the conflict between low minimum order quantities and tunnel pasteurization, and emphasizes the importance of transparent, long-term relationships over rigid contract enforcement.

Mentioned

Companies
Catapult Commercialization Services, Food Finance Institute, Omaha Steaks, Institute of Food Technologists, Valley Baking, Restaurant Depot, Bev Source, Whole Foods, Celsius, Graza, EPG, Ilavi, Startup CPG

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