C to C

Scaling Up with Frozen Desserts

From corporate finance to frozen dessert innovator, this episode explores the journey of Nicole Cardone, co-founder of Fruitful Brands, including Sorbabes and Fudgy Pop. Nicole shares her knowledge of entrepreneurship, sparked by a serendipitous encounter with overripe peaches at a farmers market. With a blend of adventurous spirit and business acumen, she and her co-founder, Chef Deborah Gorman, embarked on a mission to take on the frozen dessert category.
Discover the highs and lows of building a brand from scratch, from selling hand-packed mason jars at local markets to navigating a strategic partnership with a global ice cream manufacturer. Nicole candidly discusses the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining independence, including the pivotal decision to part ways with their corporate partner and weather the storm of COVID-19 disruptions.
In this interview-style podcast with Gary Nowacki, learn how Sorbabes bounced back from adversity, leveraging their experience to launch new brands and expand to nationwide distribution. Nicole offers advice from her hands-on experience into the intricacies of product innovation in the frozen dessert industry and the importance of strategic partnerships in driving growth. Watch this episode to gain entrepreneurial wisdom, actionable advice, and a glimpse into the innovative world of Fruitful Brands.

Brewing Innovation and Giving Back

Explore the impact of socially conscious coffee through conversations with visionary guest Rod Johnson, co-founder of BLK & Bold, a coffee company on a mission to brew impact through giving back. You’ll hear the inspiring journey of BLK & Bold, from its humble beginnings in a garage to becoming a symbol of change in the coffee industry. Rod shares his passion for giving back to youth in need, how they’ve partnered with major brands like the NBA and Marvel, and their innovative approach to making quality coffee accessible. In this episode, you’ll listen to why BLK & Bold are changing the coffee game and creating a space where every cup you enjoy contributes to a brighter future.
Experience this episode of the Conception to Consumption (C to C) Podcast to discuss the fulfillment of crafting meaningful coffee experiences, fostering community, and leaving a lasting mark on the world, one cup at a time. This episode is a blend of inspiration, innovation, and the belief that your daily coffee ritual can make a difference. So, grab your favorite brew and get ready to be inspired by the story of BLK & Bold, where coffee meets purpose.

Balancing Nature and Business: The Organic CEO’s Insights

Step into organic farming and entrepreneurship as Gary Nowacki engages with a visionary guest who shares the remarkable story of turning a family legacy into a pioneering organic endeavor. In this Conception to Consumption episode, you’ll hear why becoming the nation’s number-one-selling organic orange juice brand takes determination against the odds with guest Matt McLean, Founder and CEO of Uncle Matt’s Organic.
Tune in to explore the challenges of citrus greening, the power of differentiation in a bustling market, and the inspiring commitment to sustainable practices that define this unique journey. With decades of familial organic farming wisdom spanning decades, Matt McLean has led the brand to inspiring and hands-on support to aide fellow farmers in their transition to organic methods. As a Certified B Corp, Uncle Matt’s Organic continues to give back through their nutritious and organic products and various non-profits they support. You’ll leave the episode inspired and encouraged to pursue your passion despite the obstacles along the way.

Building a CPG Community One Startup at a Time

Having the grit to turn lemons into lemonade, or better yet, elderberries into syrup, upon being presented with a very personal challenge gave way to start on a CPG startup journey that eventually spread all over a small town. In this episode of Consumption to Conception (C to C), Erin Mann of namesake Erin’s Elderberries tells a story of turning a ‘no’ into an ignition that spared on a journey to create a product that would turn into a local favorite.
This episode highlights how determination, mission-driven values, and shared knowledge within a like-minded community can help turn a passion into a successful business for those just starting out with their CPG brand. Erin’s insights are relevant to all types of brands, whether it’s identifying a gap in the market and creating a product based on a family recipe, seeking guidance from mentors in your industry, or pursuing a completely different path to create a brand and product you’re passionate about. This episode covers a range of topics to assist you at any stage of your journey.

Growing CPG with Co-Mans & Omnichannel Sales

Ten years ago, tahini was a rarity on grocery store shelves. But after discovering the versatility of this ingredient, Amy Zitelman and her sisters decided to bring it to the masses here in the United States. Learn more about how they grew their brand Soom Foods through strategic partnerships, contract manufacturing, and omnichannel sales on this episode of the Conception to Consumption (C to C) podcast.

Can AI Predict the Next Big CPG Trend?

According to Founder and CEO Jason Cohen of Gastrograph AI, it can. Both faster and with more accuracy than traditional methods of testing consumer preferences for CPG brands. Find out how this tech works and what it means for the future of food and beverage innovation.

Creating Everyday Wonders

Creating products that consumers love requires innovation beyond just ingredients. Hear from wildwonder founder, Rosa Li on how the emerging gut-health brand applies a holistic approach to innovation that delivers true customer satisfaction.

The Secret to Supplier-Driven Sustainability

In this episode of CtoC, we sit down with the Chief Supply Chain Officer of Daily Harvest Ricky Silver, and talk about the real secrets to supplier-driven sustainability in food and CPG.

Flavor First Beats Big CPG

In the latest episode of CtoC, NoBaked Cookie Dough CO-Founder Jimmy Feeman shares tips on how focusing on flavor can help you out win the competition. 

Treat Your Co-Mans like You Treat Your Investors

CEO of OMSOM, Vanessa Pham sits down with CtoC podcast host, Gary Nowacki to share tips on how to build successful and profitable relationships with your Co-Mans.