# Founder Feature: Marc Brown of ONOIN

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2026-05-15
- Length: 30m
- Episode: 307
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2026-05-15-founder-feature-marc-brown-of-onoin
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/db48d4ba

## Summary

Marc Brown, founder of ONOIN, a shelf-stable pre-chopped onion brand, discusses his transition from food science roles at Danone, Clio Snacks, and Hain Celestial to building a consumer brand. He details the strategic naming of ONOIN to communicate product identity on shelf and outlines a critical three-part pricing transparency framework (raw, pack, toll) for co-manufacturer relationships. Brown also shares insights on early-stage distribution, emphasizing the importance of building a velocity story with supportive retailers and understanding ideal in-store placement to drive sales.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Marc Brown and ONOIN
2. Origin Story and Product Concept
3. Naming Strategy and Brand Identity
4. Professional Background at Danone, Clio Snacks, and Hain Celestial
5. Co-Manufacturer Selection and Pricing Transparency
6. Distribution Strategy and Retailer Relationships
7. Product Usage, Flavors, and Food Waste Reduction
8. Future Innovation and Closing

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- ONOIN (product)
- Danone (company)
- Clio Snacks (company)
- Hain Celestial (company)
- Drexel University (other)
- Erewhon (company)
- Central Market (company)
- Publix (company)

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- [Advice Line with Sarah Kauss of S'well](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-06-20-advice-line-with-sarah-kauss-of-swell) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Andy Dunn of Bonobos](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2025-04-17-advice-line-with-andy-dunn-of-bonobos) (How I Built This)
- [Advice Line with Daymond John of FUBU](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-27-advice-line-with-daymond-john-of-fubu) (How I Built This)
- [Live Episode! RXBAR: Peter Rahal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2018-08-13-live-episode-rxbar-peter-rahal) (How I Built This)
- [EO Products: Susan Griffin-Black & Brad Black](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2019-07-15-eo-products-susan-griffin-black-brad-black) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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