# #240 - Introducing Startup CPG's R&D Radio with Adam Yee

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2026-03-17
- Length: 16m
- Episode: 268
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-03-17-240-introducing-startup-cpgs-r-d-radio-with-adam-yee
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/da5cc118

## Summary

Adam Yee, a food scientist and founder of UmaiWorks, joins Startup CPG to introduce R&D Radio, a new segment focused on product development. Yee discusses his background founding Better Meat Company and Sobo Foods, and his consultancy work helping brands move from 0-to-1 concept to commercialization. The episode highlights the launch of the Startup CPG Product Developer Directory, a tool designed to connect emerging brands with freelance formulators and co-packers. Key decisions discussed include the importance of finding formulators with specific 'passion ingredients' and the value of personality in technical collaborations.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Adam Yee and R&D Radio
2. Adam Yee's Background: Better Meat Company, Sobo Foods, and My Food Job Rocks
3. The Startup CPG Product Developer Directory: Building and Purpose
4. Types of Product Developers: From 0-to-1 Concept to Co-packer Navigation
5. Finding the Right Fit: Passion Ingredients and Personality in Formulation

## Topics

- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- UmaiWorks (company)
- Better Meat Company (company)
- Sobo Foods (company)
- My Food Job Rocks (other)
- Startup CPG Product Developer Directory (other)
- Just Egg (product)
- IFT (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The Pilot: Unveiling the Blueprint of "The Builder Circle"](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2023-05-13-the-pilot-unveiling-the-blueprint-of-the-builder-circle) (The Builder Circle)
- [345 - Beyond the Dieline - The secret success behind Junebar! Tom Seymour and Keith McCullough](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-04-17-345-beyond-the-dieline-the-secret-success-behind-junebar-tom-seymour-and-keith-m) (People of Packaging)
- [339 - Beyond the Dieline ep 1 with Tom Seymour and Jessica Kwon from Moka Energy!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-02-05-339-beyond-the-dieline-ep-1-with-tom-seymour-and-jessica-kwon-from-moka-energy) (People of Packaging)
- [244 - Jody Polishchuk from Sundays on how they made the first zero sugar creme cookie](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2024-02-16-244-jody-polishchuk-from-sundays-on-how-they-made-the-first-zero-sugar-creme-coo) (People of Packaging)
- [Advice Line with Eric Ryan of Method returns](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-04-23-advice-line-with-eric-ryan-of-method-returns) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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