The Startup CPG Podcast · 23 Dec 2025 · 31m · Episode 232
Amna Mettmann of Brause and Jocelyn Ramirez of Todo Verde discuss leveraging Startup CPG's Grocery Run events to accelerate retail growth. Amna explains how Brause used its first Grocery Run as a B2B launchpad, closing deals with retailers like Woodland Markets and Good Stuff Distributor while receiving critical feedback that led to can redesigns. Jocelyn shares her experience winning the pitch slam at the Chicago Grocery Run with Fresh Thyme Market, highlighting the importance of authentic storytelling and treating buyers as humans to overcome the challenges of cold outreach.
early-stage companies
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S'well founder Sarah Kauss joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders on positioning and growth. She helps Chiara Moonzi of Chigi navigate grocery placement for a chickpea-based hot cereal, Jesús Rualcaba of Paper Tacos expand his Latino-inspired greeting cards beyond specialty stores, and Adam Barker of Bolt Skin and Shave determine his growth strategy for a razor brand targeting men who shave their legs.
Pete Maldonado, co-founder and co-CEO of Chomps, advises three founders on scaling their physical product businesses. He counsels Jennifer Ballin of Badass Bagels on navigating the complexities of CPG retail, including slotting fees and trade spend, while advising Brandi Shelton of Just Add Honey Tea Company to leverage its premium story and target Whole Foods before big-box retailers. Finally, he encourages Jake Meyer of Annie Alaska to prioritize direct-to-consumer sales through relentless door-knocking and authentic storytelling to build a stable customer base for his wild salmon business.
Sir Kensington's co-founder Mark Ramadan joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders on business challenges. He helps Pat of Dripsy LLC navigate the complexities of getting a single-product sink strainer into major retail chains, Lucas of Taco Shop on how to differentiate from an impending Chipotle competitor, and Beth Benneke of Busy Baby on managing cash flow and operational costs while scaling from DTC to mass retail.
Jeni Britton, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and her new fiber company Floura, advises three early-stage founders on marketing, fundraising, and PR. Jesse Koenig of Jesse & Ben’s discusses how to market his healthy frozen fries to grocery buyers without relying solely on the 'seed oil' narrative. Casey White of Jaju Pierogi asks how to sustainably grow her dumpling brand to big-box retailers like Costco without losing control to outside venture capital. Callie Zeher of Ube.co seeks guidance on hiring a PR firm for her purple sweet potato pet treats while balancing her full-time science career.
Serial entrepreneur Marcia Kilgore, founder of Beauty Pie, Soap & Glory, and Bliss, joins Guy Raz to answer questions from three early-stage founders. She advises Victor Garcia of Sol Dias on balancing brick-and-mortar and wholesale channels for his Mexican sweets brand, Lydia Welsh of Clērstory Skincare on overcoming fear of failure and testing packaging via Meta ads, and Jack Boland of Wompy Bikes on reducing friction in his custom bike bag ordering process.
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