# Founder Feature: Stephanie McGregor of RINGA

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2025-12-26
- Length: 31m
- Episode: 235
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-12-26-founder-feature-stephanie-mcgregor-of-ringa
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/922828c9

## Summary

Stephanie McGregor, founder of Ringa, discusses her journey from a 20-year career at companies like Red Bull and Glacéau Vitaminwater to launching a moringa and apple cider vinegar beverage brand. She explains the formulation philosophy of using real ingredients like organic cucumber juice instead of 'natural flavors' to ensure transparency and taste. McGregor details the strategic decision to keep the product 'unapologetically tart' without added sugar or substitutes, aiming to educate consumers on long-term health benefits over immediate sweetness. She also highlights the importance of attending Startup CPG Grocery Run events to accelerate retailer discovery and the value of playing the long game to build extreme customer loyalty.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Stephanie McGregor and Ringa's Core Philosophy
2. Ingredient Transparency: Real Juice vs. Natural Flavors
3. The Origin Story: Moringa Inspiration in Baja Mexico
4. Formulation Strategy: Microdosing Moringa and Tartness
5. Market Validation: Whole Foods Trend Report and Vinegar
6. Retail Strategy: Startup CPG Grocery Runs and Discovery
7. Founder Advice: Playing the Long Game and Saying No

## Topics

- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Ringa (product)
- Red Bull (company)
- Glacéau Vitaminwater (company)
- Whole Foods (company)
- True Moringa (company)
- Kuli Kuli (company)
- Startup CPG (company)
- Mother's Market (company)
- Earth Fair (company)
- Fresh Time (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [How I Built Resilience: Kara Goldin of Hint](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-04-01-how-i-built-resilience-kara-goldin-of-hint) (How I Built This)
- [McBride Sisters Wine (Part 2 of 2): Robin McBride and Andréa McBride John](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-10-26-mcbride-sisters-wine-part-2-of-2-robin-mcbride-and-andrea-mcbride-john) (How I Built This)
- [Health-Ade Kombucha: Daina Trout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2020-09-28-health-ade-kombucha-daina-trout) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Jamie Siminoff of Ring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-08-22-advice-line-with-jamie-siminoff-of-ring) (How I Built This)
- [Nature’s Path: Arran and Ratana Stephens](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-05-23-natures-path-arran-and-ratana-stephens) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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