Hardware Podcasts

Operator Spotlight: R&D Insights with Matt Craighead, R&D Manager Trubar

The Startup CPG Podcast · 27 Dec 2025 · 38m · Episode 238

What this episode covers

Matt Craighead, R&D Manager at Trubar, explains the end-to-end product development process for their vegan, gluten-free, soy-free protein bars, emphasizing that manufacturability often outweighs pure flavor perfection. He details how small decisions regarding mixing order, line speed, and ingredient supplier specifications can make or break a production run, advising that formula changes should be the last resort when troubleshooting. Craighead highlights the importance of project briefs, clear timelines, and communication with co-manufacturers to navigate the 2-4 month formulation phase and the 1-2 year commercialization timeline successfully.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Trubar
Also
Monk fruit, Stevia, Erythritol

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