Hardware Podcasts

R&D RADIO: Rachel Zemser, Founder of A La Carte Connections

The Startup CPG Podcast · 19 Mar 2026 · 28m · Episode 279

What this episode covers

Rachel Zemser, founder of A La Carte Connections, advises CPG entrepreneurs to find a co-packer before starting R&D, arguing that manufacturing constraints dictate 60% of the product's viability. She illustrates this with the story of 'Island Vibe,' a cocktail mixer developed for musician Pretty Kenny, which required pasteurization and specific ingredient sourcing. Zemser also discusses the functional limitations of sweeteners like allulose and erythritol, noting a trend toward using small amounts of real sugar or date sugar to improve texture and browning.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
A La Carte Connections, Mondelez
Products
Island Vibe, Liquid I.V., David's Killer Bars

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