The Startup CPG Podcast · 7 Jul 2026 · 39m · Episode 334
Dan Choi, founder of NA Beverage Company, and Stephanie McGregor, founder of Ringa, discuss their extensive experience attending Startup CPG Grocery Run events to secure retail distribution. They explain how these regional and retailer-specific events serve as low-barrier alternatives to large trade shows, allowing brands to meet buyers from retailers like Gelson's, Fresh Thyme, UNFI, and Whole Foods. The founders emphasize that success requires strategic selection of events, thorough preparation of samples and sales materials, and a long-term relationship-building approach rather than expecting immediate authorizations. They highlight how showing up in person, even without a sampling table, helps build the momentum and connections necessary to eventually get products onto shelves.
early-stage companies
Other shows on the same ground, closest first.
S'well founder Sarah Kauss joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders on positioning and growth. She helps Chiara Moonzi of Chigi navigate grocery placement for a chickpea-based hot cereal, Jesús Rualcaba of Paper Tacos expand his Latino-inspired greeting cards beyond specialty stores, and Adam Barker of Bolt Skin and Shave determine his growth strategy for a razor brand targeting men who shave their legs.
Jeni Britton, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and her new fiber company Floura, advises three early-stage founders on marketing, fundraising, and PR. Jesse Koenig of Jesse & Ben’s discusses how to market his healthy frozen fries to grocery buyers without relying solely on the 'seed oil' narrative. Casey White of Jaju Pierogi asks how to sustainably grow her dumpling brand to big-box retailers like Costco without losing control to outside venture capital. Callie Zeher of Ube.co seeks guidance on hiring a PR firm for her purple sweet potato pet treats while balancing her full-time science career.
Lara Merriken, founder of LÄRABAR and co-founder of Anther, joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders on scaling, retail strategy, and fundraising. Alison Rep of Joy Breeders seeks advice on maintaining brand authenticity while expanding into larger retail channels, with Lara and Guy suggesting she focus on product stability and specific retail placement rather than abstract brand values. Mariano Questam of Maax Brands struggles to enter major retail buyers' doors with his caffeinated gum, receiving advice to clarify his product's value proposition and target specific user tribes like athletes. Finally, Lauretta Nakocha of Lauretta British Ginger T asks how to fundraise as a solo founder, with suggestions to leverage her storytelling through crowdfunding and direct community asks.
Pete Maldonado, co-founder and co-CEO of Chomps, advises three founders on scaling their physical product businesses. He counsels Jennifer Ballin of Badass Bagels on navigating the complexities of CPG retail, including slotting fees and trade spend, while advising Brandi Shelton of Just Add Honey Tea Company to leverage its premium story and target Whole Foods before big-box retailers. Finally, he encourages Jake Meyer of Annie Alaska to prioritize direct-to-consumer sales through relentless door-knocking and authentic storytelling to build a stable customer base for his wild salmon business.
Taylor Foxman, founder of The Industry Collective, explains her unique business model of connecting 80 beverage and cannabis CEOs with investors, media, and partners without traditional marketing or a public-facing persona. She details her background in PR for brands like Jameson and Beyond Meat, and how she leverages this network to help underrepresented founders navigate fundraising and brand visibility. Foxman emphasizes the importance of creating 'good news' through consistent press releases and maintaining levity to support founders through the high-pressure CPG landscape.
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