Вміст надано Kelly Bennett. Весь вміст подкастів, включаючи епізоди, графіку та описи подкастів, завантажується та надається безпосередньо компанією Kelly Bennett або його партнером по платформі подкастів. Якщо ви вважаєте, що хтось використовує ваш захищений авторським правом твір без вашого дозволу, ви можете виконати процедуру, описану тут https://uk.player.fm/legal.
Player FM - додаток Podcast
Переходьте в офлайн за допомогою програми Player FM !
Переходьте в офлайн за допомогою програми Player FM !
Emerging Brands Podcast
Відзначити всі (не)відтворені ...
Manage series 3558049
Вміст надано Kelly Bennett. Весь вміст подкастів, включаючи епізоди, графіку та описи подкастів, завантажується та надається безпосередньо компанією Kelly Bennett або його партнером по платформі подкастів. Якщо ви вважаєте, що хтось використовує ваш захищений авторським правом твір без вашого дозволу, ви можете виконати процедуру, описану тут https://uk.player.fm/legal.
Industry conversations with people building the coolest CPG brands. Hosted by Kelly Bennett
…
continue reading
161 епізодів
Відзначити всі (не)відтворені ...
Manage series 3558049
Вміст надано Kelly Bennett. Весь вміст подкастів, включаючи епізоди, графіку та описи подкастів, завантажується та надається безпосередньо компанією Kelly Bennett або його партнером по платформі подкастів. Якщо ви вважаєте, що хтось використовує ваш захищений авторським правом твір без вашого дозволу, ви можете виконати процедуру, описану тут https://uk.player.fm/legal.
Industry conversations with people building the coolest CPG brands. Hosted by Kelly Bennett
…
continue reading
161 епізодів
Усі епізоди
×E
Emerging Brands Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Regina Trillo, founder of Nemi Snacks —a boldly flavored snack brand rooted in Mexican heritage with clean ingredients. Originally from Mexico City and now based in Chicago, Regina launched Nemi Snacks after feeling unrepresented in the grocery aisle. She saw Mexican culture reduced to stereotypes and products packed with artificial ingredients—and knew there was a better way. Before building her brand, Regina spent her legal career advocating for human rights, providing legal services to immigrants, and leading global initiatives across Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and the U.S. That same spirit of advocacy now fuels Nemi Snacks—a brand that honors tradition, elevates representation, and brings something truly different to the snack aisle. Inside the Episode: How Regina’s personal journey and human rights background shaped the mission behind Nemi Snacks The strategy behind launching a culturally rooted brand centered around a hero ingredient: nopal Advice for founders navigating representation, authenticity, and innovation in the better-for-you space This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
Meet Gloria Chou—award-winning PR strategist and host of the Small Business PR Podcast , known for helping resourceful founders land top-tier press without a publicist, agency, or insider connections. Her untraditional (but proven) pitch strategies have helped thousands of small businesses earn over a billion organic views and secure features in The New York Times , Oprah’s Favorite Things , Vogue , Forbes , and more—all without pay-to-play. This episode is like a quick PR masterclass. Gloria shares straightforward, actionable advice to help you start pitching your CPG brand today—no media list or press kit required. If you're launching or scaling and want to land press that drives awareness and trust, this conversation is for you. This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
E
Emerging Brands Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Jamie Han, founder of Hamkke —a modern tableware brand rooted in tradition, intentional design, and the joy of gathering. With over 17 years of experience in marketing, Jamie brings a thoughtful, community-first approach to brand building. Her goal with Hamkke? To turn everyday meals into meaningful rituals. Inside the Episode: How Jamie’s heritage and background in marketing shaped the vision behind Hamkke Jamie’s vision to bridge culture, craftsmanship, and modern life The design philosophy behind turning routine into ritual This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
In this episode, I’m joined by Brock Giles, founder of High Mesa Chile Co. —a modern Southwest kitchen crafting small-batch sauces, condiments, and cocktail mixers inspired by the bold flavor of flame-roasted chiles. Brock’s brand is rooted in a deep love for flame-roasted chiles and a passion for turning regional ingredients into shelf-worthy staples that elevate everyday meals. Inside the Episode How Brock turned his obsession with flame-roasted chiles into a growing line of Southwest-inspired pantry staples How the brand has evolved to cocktail mixers, hot sauces, braising sauces, mustards, pickled items, and other spicy condiments Advice for makers transitioning from farmers markets into wholesale and retail This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
E
Emerging Brands Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Cornish, founder of Froot Thief —the bold, better-for-you fruit snack brand, now one of the fastest-growing fruit snack brands across the United States. With over 20 years in the food industry, Jonathan has developed products for major retailers—but launched Froot Thief to shake up the fruit snack aisle with clean ingredients, a playful identity, and a mission to win over both kids and parents. Inside the Episode How Jonathan’s background in food product development shaped Froot Thief The strategy behind building a snack brand that’s fun for kids, trusted by parents, and built to scale Advice for CPG founders launching in competitive categories This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
E
Emerging Brands Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Victor Guardiola, founder of Bawi —a better-for-you sparkling agua fresca brand inspired by his Mexican roots. Victor grew up drinking aguas frescas made with fresh fruit and a lot of sugar. When he couldn’t find a version that honored the tradition but felt better for the body, he created one himself. Bawi is a love letter to culture and community—crafted with real ingredients, bold flavor, and a fresh take on a nostalgic classic. Through the brand, Victor is not only sharing a drink he grew up loving—he’s helping reshape the narrative around what Latino-inspired beverages can be in today’s market. Inside the episode How Victor’s upbringing and heritage inspired him to launch a better-for-you version of a beloved drink The strategy behind balancing authenticity and health while bringing aguas frescas to a broader audience Advice for founders navigating identity, storytelling, and product innovation This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
With so many new listeners joining the Emerging Brands Podcast® lately, I thought now was the perfect time to reintroduce myself and share more about the work I do behind the scenes. I’m Kelly Bennett—a Brooklyn-based brand strategist with a front-row seat to what makes early-stage CPG food & beverage brands stand out. I’ve advised over 1,000 founders and stay tapped into what’s working in the industry through my client work, this podcast, and collaborations like Bread & Butter® —a trademark law firm protecting emerging CPG brands. Inside the Episode: How I went from bootstrapping a plant-based restaurant in Downtown Las Vegas building national buzz and a multi-location brand— and career pivot to CPG food & beverage The strategy framework I use to help first-time founders launch standout brands that belongs on retail shelves What you’ll walk away with when we work together—and why story, strategy, and execution matter from day one I also share more about my newest project, At Home with Kelly Bennett —a Substack where I bring you inside my home, lifestyle, and the food, beverage, and wellness brands I’m loving right now. Thank you so much for catching up with me! Bringing a new product to market? Let’s talk! withkellybennett.com This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
E
Emerging Brands Podcast

Saman and Maha are the mother-daughter duo behind Seenaya , a skincare brand born from a deep love of their Pakistani heritage and a desire to share its generational beauty rituals with the world. Inspired by family’s remedies and the natural ingredients they grew up with, they created Seenaya to preserve and celebrate the power of ancestral skincare—blending traditions with modern science. With each product, they’re not just offering results-driven skincare—they’re building a bridge between generations and creating a global community rooted in authenticity, culture, and nature. Inside the Episode: How Seenaya grew from family rituals into a purpose-driven brand honoring Pakistani beauty traditions The intentional blend of heritage ingredients and modern formulation strategy that sets Seenaya apart Advice for founders building a brand rooted in cultural storytelling and international markets This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
E
Emerging Brands Podcast

Erica Bonelli is the founder of Philo —a full-service event planning and art direction studio inspired by Philoxenia , the ancient Greek art of hospitality. With a background in tech and food media, Erica launched Philo to help brands tell their story through intentional, in-person experiences that create lasting emotional impact. Today, Philo specializes in brand launch events, experiential activations, and visual storytelling for emerging CPG, food, and beverage brands—blending aesthetic magic with strategic thinking to build connection and drive growth. For the launch of Bread & Butter (a trademark law firm protecting CPG food & beverage brands), Erica curated a standout dinner that seamlessly wove together brand messaging, client offers, and meaningful partnerships—while sourcing the best local vendors to bring the vision to life. I recommend Erica to all my clients. Inside the Episode: How Erica’s upbringing in a first-generation Greek household—and her background in tech and food styling—shaped the ethos behind Philo Her approach to creating brand activations that go beyond aesthetics to spark genuine connection, loyalty, and emotional resonance Advice for founders planning their first event or launch experience, and what to prioritize to make it truly memorableListen here This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
Jason B James is a photographer and graphic artist celebrated for his bold, surreal, and concept-driven style. He transforms unconventional subjects into vivid, imaginative visuals that resonate with both local and global audiences. With a signature blend of creativity and practicality, Jason approaches every project—whether a product campaign, hospitality rebrand, CPG shoot, or food editorial—as a chance to tell a story, push creative boundaries, and keep the process collaborative and fun. Inside the episode How Jason carved out a niche photographing standout visuals for CPG food brands His strategy for creating scroll-stopping, story-driven brand imagery Expert advice for emerging founders preparing for their first professional photoshoot This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
Lauren Hodgen is a passionate food enthusiast and the creative force behind Citrus Diaries Studio —a design and social media agency dedicated to elevating food and beverage brands. Since launching her platform in 2018, Lauren has blended her personal wellness journey with creative strategy, building a business rooted in storytelling, authenticity, and visual impact. Today, she helps emerging brands show up with clarity and consistency across digital channels. Inside the episode How Lauren’s personal journey with wellness and food led to launching Citrus Diaries Studio Her approach to creating brand visuals and content that connects Advice for food & beverage founders trying to stand out online and grow community organically This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
Morgan Murdock is a digestive health dietitian turned founder on a mission to make gut-friendly foods more joyful, accessible, and delicious. Through her brand, Unbothered Foods , she’s reimagining snack time with sourdough crackers designed specifically for the GI community. With deep expertise in nutrition and a passion for people, Morgan is creating products that support digestive health and a positive relationship with food—without compromising flavor or fun. Inside the episode How Morgan’s work as a digestive health dietitian led to the creation of Unbothered Foods The strategy behind formulating a cracker that’s both gut-friendly and delicious Practical advice for first-time founders bringing a health-forward product to market This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
E
Emerging Brands Podcast

In a recent episode, I talked with Joe Rotondo, Founder & CEO of Smearcase, shared the story behind launching FroCo—the world’s first frozen cottage cheese dessert. The idea was born during marathon training when Joe couldn't find a high-protein ice cream option. This led him to experiment with cottage cheese and eventually developing a product that offers 40 grams of protein per pint. Smearcase quickly scaled from a kitchen experiment to being stocked in over 100 stores, including Whole Foods and Sprouts, within a year. The brand's name, "Smearcase," is derived from the German word "schmierkäse," meaning cottage cheese, reflecting its roots and mission to redefine healthy indulgence. This is a great episode for an emerging brand founder (especially in frozen)! Inside the episode The Origin Story: How a post-run craving during marathon training sparked the idea for a high-protein frozen treat made with cottage cheese From Kitchen to Shelves: The rapid journey of Smearcase—from homemade experiments to landing in 100+ stores, including Whole Foods and Sprouts, in under a year Retail Breakthrough: The tradeshow that catapulted Smearcase into retail distribution Advice for Founders: Joe’s unfiltered insights for emerging CPG founders—especially those navigating the complexities of launching a frozen product This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
E
Emerging Brands Podcast

I sat down with Aaron Gatti, a first-generation Italian American and the founder of Brami, a brand that’s reinventing Italian slow-food traditions for the modern consumer. Aaron’s passion for heritage, health, and innovation shows up in every part of Brami—from their Lupini Bean Snacks to their Italian Protein Pasta, both made in Italy and packed with plant-based protein. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to bring something new (and meaningful) to shelf, how Brami balances authenticity with convenience, and the power of staying true to your roots while building a brand that resonates with today’s shoppers. If you're creating a better-for-you product or trying to bring a cultural twist to the CPG space, you’ll want to hear this one. Inside the episode Aaron’s story of being first-generation Italian American with a deep connection to Italian food culture Brami’s mission to modernize Italy’s ancient food wisdom for today’s health-conscious consumer Why they focuse on nutrient density + cultural authenticity as a unique positioning in the crowded snack and pasta categories Aaron’s advice to an emerging brand founder This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
In this episode, I chatted with Esther Levy, a powerhouse in the natural and organic food & beverage space. With a BS in Food Science and an MBA, Esther brings deep industry knowledge and strategic insight—helping brands streamline operations and increase profitability. As the founder of Evolve Food Consultants, Esther supports CPG brands across every operational touchpoint: from co-manufacturer searches and food safety to product development, supply chain management, and third-party certifications. Her approach helps early-stage and growing brands avoid costly missteps and build a foundation for long-term success. Esther has worked with standout brands like: Good Girl Snacks – creators of the cult-favorite Hot Girl Picklers HomemadeISH – elegant, delicious, and easy-to-make cookies Tatsu Tea – performance matcha tea for energy and refreshment Popped Republic (Chesapeake Bay Snacks) – indulgent popcorn done right Craize – Latin-inspired non-GMO snack crackers Yough – the original yogurt pizza: more protein, fewer calories Miami Twist Hummus – clean-label hummus with bold flavor CoAqua – the coconut water people swear is the best they’ve ever tasted If you’re a CPG founder navigating operations, scaling production, or searching for the right partners, this episode is a must-listen! Inside the episode Esther’s journey into the natural & organic CPG world—and how she became a behind-the-scenes powerhouse The story behind launching Evolve Food Consultants How she helps early-stage brands avoid costly mistakes and scale with confidence Esther’s top advice for emerging food & beverage founders navigating growth This podcast episode was made possible by Hummingbirds Hummingbirds is a platform that connects everyday, smaller creators with brands to share in-store user-generated content, drive brand awareness in specific retailers, and capture competitive market share. They’re an awesome platform that I recommend to all my clients that you should absolutely check out. Go to hummingbirds.com for all the details.…
Ласкаво просимо до Player FM!
Player FM сканує Інтернет для отримання високоякісних подкастів, щоб ви могли насолоджуватися ними зараз. Це найкращий додаток для подкастів, який працює на Android, iPhone і веб-сторінці. Реєстрація для синхронізації підписок між пристроями.