Podcast · 146 episodes
Emerging Brands Podcast, page 5
by Kelly Bennett · English
Welcome to Emerging Brands Podcast® with Kelly Bennett This is the podcast where you'll discover the stories behind your new favorite CPG brands. Each episode dives into the brand and founder journey—how they launched, what sets them apart, and the strategy behind going to market. We talk plans for growth, practical advice for emerging founders, and where to shop the products making waves in food, beverage, wellness, and beyond. You'll also hear from industry experts—brand builders, investors, and operators—who should absolutely be on your radar if you're growing a CPG brand today. Whether you're building something of your own or love supporting what's next, you're in the right place.
All episodes, page 5
The Angel GroupAlyssa Arnold explains The Angel Group and related early-CPG investing models, plus practical fundraising steps for pre-launch founders (velocity, tastemaker accounts, prioritization, investor fit,…17 Nov 2025 · 27 min · 13 chapters
VeritiRetail media and shopper marketing for emerging CPG brands—how to drive in-store and digital sales without relying on discounts, how to budget/measure ROAS, and when to bring in shopper marketing…10 Nov 2025 · 36 min · 16 chapters
She's the SauceNicole Gladman, founder of She’s the Sauce, explains how she built a “clean ingredient” protein-and-fiber condiment brand designed to make sauces feel indulgent without “empty calories,” rooted in…10 Nov 2025 · 44 min · 20 chapters
NomieNomi, a “just-add water” kids meal brand launching Q1 2026. The episode explains the white space in toddler meals: convenient, shelf-stable, travel-friendly pouches that still deliver age-appropriate…7 Nov 2025 · 25 min · 16 chapters
OKOJane Coxwell, founder/CEO of Oko Food, explains how her beet-and-ginger vegetable puree dip became a fully organic, non-GMO, vegan, dye-free CPG product, and how she’s marketing it to make “good…3 Nov 2025 · 28 min · 6 chapters
The Libi ProjectCarly Gordon, founder of The Libby Project, explains a mission-driven culinary community and studio that supports early-stage culinary entrepreneurs, creatives, and farmers through industry…3 Nov 2025 · 28 min · 9 chapters
Phoenicia DinerMike Siafi, owner of Phoenicia Diner, explains how the iconic Catskills diner (built in 1962, moved from Long Island in the 1980s) was restored and relaunched, then extended into CPG with pancake mix…3 Nov 2025 · 36 min · 18 chapters
Nice CansNice Cans’ mission to make “boldly delicious” canned seafood—especially tin fish/tin fish-style meals—while prioritizing ingredient quality and MSC-certified sustainable sourcing; how founder…27 Oct 2025 · 27 min · 11 chapters
GlonutsGlow Nuts, a “donut thing” brand positioned as clean-ingredient, low-sugar, better-for-you sweets.27 Oct 2025 · 28 min · 16 chapters
Snacks & DesignHow designer/retailer Andrew Bly uses a small shop, tastings, and shelf-level feedback to help better-for-you CPG brands win in retail—plus what’s trending for snacks (clean label, fiber, global…20 Oct 2025 · 30 min · 12 chapters
Society De La RassiSociety de la Rossi’s approach to premium non-alcoholic sparkling wine, positioned as “luxury first, non-alc second,” built around celebration, inclusion, and storytelling (especially for holidays,…20 Oct 2025 · 32 min · 13 chapters
LaobanLaoban’s journey from a Washington, D.C. dumpling restaurant to frozen dumplings in major retail, and how they refreshed the “dusty” frozen aisle with chef-crafted quality.20 Oct 2025 · 22 min · 7 chapters
How I Build Pre-Launch Brand Strategies for CPG Food & Beverage FoundersSolo episode where host Kelly Bennett explains her week-one process for building pre-launch brand strategies for better-for-you CPG food & beverage founders, including market research, founder…13 Oct 2025 · 25 min · 10 chapters
OdeleOdell, a hair care brand built to simplify shopping by matching performance and “clean” standards to hair type at an affordable price; launched with Target and expanded to major retailers.13 Oct 2025 · 29 min · 14 chapters
Figa FoodsFiga Foods’ launch story and strategy for a “chocolate-like” bar made from cupuaçu seeds (Brazilian cousin of cacao) to offer a dark-chocolate-like nutrition profile that’s naturally caffeine-free,…6 Oct 2025 · 39 min · 14 chapters
QuincyQuincy, a Brooklyn-based mixer-and-garnish brand redefining cocktail prep.6 Oct 2025 · 22 min · 12 chapters
TomonotomoTomo no Tomo, an agave-based non-alcoholic spirits brand built to match the quality and hospitality of real tequila/mezcal—especially smoky mezcal notes—rather than just being a “substitute.” Founder…6 Oct 2025 · 24 min · 10 chapters
Ola SolOla Soul’s founder story and go-to-market strategy for a premium low-ABV agave wine positioned as a tequila alternative, with claims around smoother taste, lower burn, and fewer calories; also…29 Sep 2025 · 27 min · 12 chapters
PikoraFounder story and go-to-market strategy for Pecora, a bone broth brand.29 Sep 2025 · 27 min · 9 chapters
PastazertsPastaserts is a CPG brand making chocolate ravioli and pasta-based desserts.29 Sep 2025 · 21 min · 9 chapters
The Hampton GrocerSamantha Sherman, founder/CEO of The Hampton Grocer, explains how her granola brand started accidentally during the pandemic, how she grew from gifting and farmer’s markets into retail, and how she’s…22 Sep 2025 · 36 min · 21 chapters
Date Smarter!Grace Feinerman, founder of Date Smarter, explains how her date-caramel snack brand launched from DIY recipes to retail expansion, what differentiated the product (caramel-like taste and unique…22 Sep 2025 · 22 min · 10 chapters
KailoKylo (Kailo) protein bars—why founder Sri Kalapala created them, how he differentiated in a crowded category, and his go-to-market strategy. Guests: Sri Kalapala, founder of Kylo protein bars.22 Sep 2025 · 23 min · 12 chapters
Soft RowsSoftRose’s founder story and go-to-market for a new textured-hair brand blending “science in the salon.” The episode covers why textured-hair innovation was historically underfunded, how Kwani built…15 Sep 2025 · 32 min · 10 chapters