Podcast · 146 episodes
Emerging Brands Podcast, page 6
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 6
JoniJoni, a verjus-based beverage, and how founder Claire Matern built the brand by educating consumers about verjus (pre-harvest green grape pressing) and scaling from home experimentation to wholesale…15 Sep 2025 · 26 min · 13 chapters
BrandjectoryBrandjectory’s founder Tom Malingo explains how emerging CPG brands should differentiate in a crowded “natural vs conventional” market, think like investors, and build toward profitability (not just…15 Sep 2025 · 35 min · 12 chapters
Plum MarketMark Jonah, co-founder of Plum Market, explains how his third-generation grocery background shaped Plum Market’s approach to championing emerging CPG brands—what it takes to get on shelves, how…2 Sep 2025 · 33 min · 10 chapters
PremePreem, a gut-building hydration brand designed for IBS/FODMAP-sensitive consumers, and how founder Ziba Zari built it from her own health crisis into a premium CPG/supplement-style business.2 Sep 2025 · 25 min · 10 chapters
Cocky VenturesBehind-the-scenes of raising capital for emerging CPG brands via “time for equity”/SAFE-style agreements, using Cocky Ventures as a venture studio/marketing partner model.2 Sep 2025 · 34 min · 12 chapters
Denimrush ExperienceDenim Rush Experience discusses “tangible marketing” for emerging CPG brands, focusing on merch strategy (not generic logo swag), PR mailers, and on-site customization.18 Aug 2025 · 27 min · 9 chapters
GeléeGelee founder Zoe Messenger explains how she reimagined gelatin as a sugar-free, wellness-oriented “Jell-O for the body, brain, and spirit,” using grass-fed pasture-raised beef gelatin, apple cider…18 Aug 2025 · 30 min · 11 chapters
GoodPopGoodPop’s origin and growth as a social-enterprise popsicle brand, including founder Daniel Goetz’s “product that makes people happy” idea, scaling without outside capital, and future plans to reduce…18 Aug 2025 · 32 min · 15 chapters
A Peek Inside Brand StrategyHow Kelly builds brand strategy for emerging CPG food/beverage brands before launch—covering brand differentiation, defining the buyer, and creating “buzz” (events, sampling, partnerships, content).12 Aug 2025 · 38 min · 18 chapters
KifKif founder Caroline Brain explains how a gut-health beverage brand built around kefir soda/probiotic water evolved from a DIY fermentation hobby into a retail-ready CPG, including a recent June…8 Aug 2025 · 25 min · 14 chapters
Sababa FoodsSababa Foods’ founder story and go-to-market for its Middle Eastern pantry line, starting with Saturday sauce—a tomato-based sauce used for shakshuka, dips, spreads, marinades, and more.8 Aug 2025 · 28 min · 11 chapters
Launch Grow ExitHow an emerging CPG founder can “launch, grow, exit” via corporate gifting, bootstrapping, and building for a future acquisition.2 Aug 2025 · 29 min · 12 chapters
It's All HappeningDanielle Calabrese, founder of It’s All Happening Agency, explains how to launch and scale CPG brands with fewer rookie mistakes. She emphasizes choosing a long-term end goal (acquisition vs.2 Aug 2025 · 35 min · 19 chapters
Eat SenzaEat Senza’s launch and growth of gluten-free pastina/pasta designed to make allergen-free food feel fun and not “scary” or segregated in the dining experience.2 Aug 2025 · 33 min · 14 chapters
CadenceCadence founder Steph Hahn explains how her brand solves the problem of traveling with skincare, supplements, and personal-care routines using a magnetic, refillable capsule/container system.27 Jul 2025 · 27 min · 10 chapters
DateWorthyDateWorthy, a frozen date-based dessert brand. Haley Yaffa explains her personal recovery-from-disordered-eating story and how it shaped the brand’s mission (“you are worthy” and choosing nourishing…27 Jul 2025 · 26 min · 14 chapters
Peepal PeoplePeople People, a South Asian pantry brand making three hot sauces that use Pakistan/India-style fermentation to lower sodium.27 Jul 2025 · 30 min · 8 chapters
Cure HydrationCure Hydration’s science-backed electrolyte drink mix and how founder Lauren Picasso built the brand from a side hustle into broad retail distribution, including go-to-market, fundraising, and…22 Jul 2025 · 22 min · 8 chapters
FancypantsMaura Duggan, founder of Fancy Pants, explains how a 20-year fresh-bakery cookie business evolved into a CPG packaged cookie brand (about 14–15 months old), including recipe development, retailer…22 Jul 2025 · 24 min · 9 chapters
PlantChiFounder Jessica Hamill explains Plant Chi (Plant G/“plant sheet” in transcript), a vegan “seasoning with benefits” made by blending super seeds with craveable ingredients, positioned as an easy…22 Jul 2025 · 26 min · 11 chapters
Cien ChilesFounder story and go-to-market strategy for Cien Chiles, a Mexican-inspired bottled salsa/sauce brand.13 Jul 2025 · 36 min · 10 chapters
ChunkFounder Amos Golan explains Chunk, a plant-based “center of plate” whole-cut meat product made via fermentation.13 Jul 2025 · 30 min · 18 chapters
Fresh Thyme MarketFresh Time Market’s approach to poultry, seafood, and “value add” (ready-to-cook marinated/breaded proteins and meal-solution formats), plus trends in protein merchandising and advice for emerging…13 Jul 2025 · 31 min · 13 chapters
Kind LaundryKind Laundry’s approach to making laundry detergent more sustainable and “better for you,” using detergent sheets and recyclable packaging, plus messaging around sensitive skin, performance, and…9 Jul 2025 · 23 min · 7 chapters