There are thousands of success stories over the past couple of decades of CPG brands finding lucrative “exits” from their startups.
The prospect of these exits at multiples of growth fuels a good portion of the fundraising machine that keeps the innovation pipeline flowing…this is a good thing.
It is also a good thing that successful brand founders can be rewarded for years of hard work, cash in, and take their experience into serial entrepreneurship.
On the other hand…
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been able to meet with several brand founders who have built profitable, scalable, innovative food businesses, and have NO intention of “exiting” at all.
I think we need to celebrate this more than we do.
When I first started with Whole Foods 24 years ago it was much more common to see brands which were founded by folks who were 100% mission driven to make “product X” better and healthier, with no “exit” in sight.
Through the 90s and 00s, it was these “Culture Warriors” that formed the bedrock of the natural foods industry…we are all standing on their shoulders today in some way.
There is more than enough room for those brands to flourish in todays market also, and become the bedrock of the next generation.
This is one of the pillars of our “speed to shelf” value proposition, to help early stage brands reach “escape velocity”…whether they are looking for an “exit” or not.
By show of hands, how many brands do we have out there that have no “exit strategy” right now?
Pod FoodsErrol Schweizer#innovation#foodretail#grocery
Building Partners for AI Pricing Technologies | Entrepreneur Retail Tech | Data Scientist at Heart | Ex - Google | Louis Vuitton | Target | Bed Bath & Beyond (Now BEYOND)
Hold the phone, foodies! Beloved gourmet market Foxtrot just unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving everyone wondering what went wrong. But the real impact goes beyond disappointed shoppers.
Small brands like Spring & Mulberry are devastated! This chocolate startup spent a ton of time and resources getting into Foxtrot, only to have their inventory sit idle after the closure. This isn't just a sad story – it's a wake-up call for emerging brands relying on trendy retailers to launch.
Is the "cool factor" expiring? Several trendy stores like Foxtrot have shut down recently. Does this mean brick-and-mortar is doomed?
But wait, there's a glimmer of hope! Specialty stores like Erewhon and Pop Up Grocer can still be launchpads for new brands. And that Foxtrot experience can be valuable when pitching to bigger chains.
The future of retail is a recipe in progress. What are your thoughts on the Foxtrot fallout? Is there a place for trendy stores in today's market? Sound off in the comments!
#retail#startup#startups#foxtrot#erewhon#popupgrocer
Let's prepare for a delicious discovery! Explore the assortment! Ideal as a dip, simmering base, or sauce. Join us on Founders Day!
🍲 Super Greens Saag
Flavor Profile: Earthy, roasted, and tangy.
Inspiration: Based on a traditional recipe from Delhi and Punjab, this dip brings the essence of Northern Indian warm greens to the American palate.
Usage: Ideal as a drizzle on toasts, added to salad bowls, or served with rice and beans.
Attributes: Gluten-free, dairy-free, and contains no added oils.
🍲Sweet Potato Bhaji
Flavor Profile: Decadent, buttery, and saucy.
Inspiration: A modern twist on India’s street food classic, typically found from New Delhi to Mumbai.
Ingredients: Made using sweet potatoes from California and cauliflower from Colorado.
Usage: Perfect for any time of the day, offering a rich, dairy-free experience.
🍲Tandoori Masala
Flavor Profile: Smoky and spicy, this is the boldest flavor in their lineup.
Inspiration: Captures the essence of dishes cooked in a traditional Indian tandoor, known for producing exceptionally delicious food.
Ingredients: Made with tomatoes, beets, cashews, and spices, offering a rich texture suitable for both dipping and cooking.
Company Ethos:
Founder’s Vision: Mehek Khera founded Niramaya to promote health through Indian foods, addressing the growing need for convenient, globally inspired flavors among busy adults.
Cultural Connection: Niramaya, meaning "Wellness" in Sanskrit, is a minority, women-owned brand that celebrates heritage through its product offerings.
Product Versatility: These dips can be used as spreads, simmer sauces, or enjoyed straight from the jar, providing both nutritional value and convenience.
#NiramayaFoods#IndianInspired#GlobalFlavors#HealthyEating#WellnessInFood#MinorityOwned#WomenOwned#PlantBased#GlutenFree#DairyFree
Remarkable to witness Marc Lore the visionary behind Diapers and Jet (eventually sold to Walmart) embark on yet another transformative journey! While many see food delivery as a lucrative market, Lore envisions something much bigger than just profit. He's on a mission to build a brand that stands the test of time, revolutionizing the way we experience dinner. With his latest venture, Wonder, Lore is not just aiming for quick success but rather for lasting impact. By addressing the frustrations of slow and disappointing food deliveries, he's reshaping the landscape with innovation and efficiency. Wonder's approach isn't just about convenience; it's about democratizing gourmet food, making it accessible to all. Through partnerships with renowned chefs like Bobby Flay and Michael Symon, Wonder brings iconic dishes straight to your doorstep. And it doesn't stop there. With $700 million in funding and plans to expand to 35 locations by year-end, Wonder is poised for exponential growth. Lore's dedication to research and development, including the exploration of automated kitchens, ensures that Wonder stays at the forefront of the industry.
As a serial entrepreneur with a track record of success, Lore's vision for Wonder goes beyond the ordinary.
#FoodTech#Innovation#usa#retail#efood#egrocery#fooddelivery#entrepreneurship#onamission
Startup CPG is headed to Newtopia Now this August, and we're doing what we do best - throwing a party! Introducing ✨️DISCOTOPIA🕺🏻🪩✨️
Stop by to meet special guests including buyers from Wegmans, Kroger, Earth Fare, Bristol Farms, and more!
Discotopia is the flagship event hosted by Startup CPG, the biggest CPG community on the planet (20k+ members), along with our friends at NIQ. Don’t miss some of the most exciting up-and-comer brands who will be sampling live at the event. Grab your tickets today!
Ready to boogie with us? Head to the link in the comments to get your tickets now! And just a heads up, our parties ALWAYS sell out, so get your ticket soon.
Big thanks to our amazing partner NielsenIQ for helping to make it happen! 🤩
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#cpg#community#newtopianow#startupsNew Hope Network
Tony Owen ’97 MBA leads firms investing in #foodstartups and digital brands — a calling that combines his family's legacy in the #foodindustry and his own passion for innovation.
His best advice? Develop listening skills to absorb "not just to what you hear but what you see and feel" when working with partners. Owen tells Kellogg students today that confidence and perseverance are key to navigating the highs and lows of the #startup journey: "Follow your intuitions. You know that if you’re here at Kellogg, you have the capabilities."
Learn more about Tony in the latest issue of Kellogg magazine. https://kell.gg/yp0d#KelloggLeader
Starting your Supermarket Journey
Navigating an increasingly complex landscape.
14 November 2024
Hosted by The FoodBowl
This workshop is aimed at startups and SMEs who are planning to work with supermarkets in FMCG, or those who are just starting to get their products into stores. This is the ideal workshop if you want to gain a better understanding of the structure of the market, routes to market, and what you can do to increase your chances of successfully presenting your products for sale on retail shelves.
#thefoodbowl#newzealandbeveragecouncil#sme#startups#FMCG
For more details and to register
https://lnkd.in/ghtBetH6
