#158 - SupplySide West 101 with Jon Benninger and Kantha Shelke

The Startup CPG Podcast

In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Kantha Shelke, a certified food scientist, and Jon Benninger, VP at Informa, to delve into an overview of SupplySide West—the best known supply chain trade show for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. This event covers a wide array of sectors including food, beverage, dietary supplements, personal care, and animal nutrition.

Daniel, Kantha, and Jon discuss how SupplySide West helps brands looking to connect with suppliers, discover new ingredients, explore packaging and co-packing solutions, and learn how to bring products from concept to market. They emphasize the significance of in-person networking, insights from panels on trends, compliance, and innovation, and strategies for making the most of the trade show experience, and talk about the overall importance of creating your supply chain network.

From tips on setting clear goals and identifying key contacts to balancing scheduled meetings with spontaneous networking, they offer practical advice for both startups and established companies. They also share success stories, personal experiences, and insights on how to turn unexpected opportunities into valuable industry relationships.

Tune in to hear how to maximize your SupplySide West experience and gain actionable advice for building and leveraging industry connections!

Use code CPG50 for $50 off your Expo Pass registration

SupplySide West Registration > https://utm.io/registerhere

Startup CPG Happy Hour @ SupplySide West Signup: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-cpg-meets-supply-side-west-happy-hour-tickets-1001755707287

Listen in as they share about:

• SupplySide West Overview
• How to Navigate SupplySide West
• Types of Exhibitors
• Networking and Collaboration
• Importance of In-Person Interaction:
• Target Audience and Attendees
• Value of the Event
• The Role of the Event in Business Growth
• Practical Advice for Attending

Episode Links:

Informa Markets LinkedIn
Jon Benninger LinkedIn
Kantha Shelke LinkedIn

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Show Links:

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• Episode music by Super Fantastics