From Ugly Fruit to Beautiful Snacks: A Conversation with Ben Moore, Founder of The Ugly Company

In this episode of SolPods Studio, host Katie Lockwood sits down with Ben Moore, a Central Valley farmer and founder of The Ugly Company, to talk about food waste, farming, and what sustainability looks like in practice. Ben shares how years spent hauling and dumping unmarketable fruit led him to start a company that transforms imperfect fruit into clean, simple snacks while preventing millions of pounds of food from going to waste.The conversation explores why perfectly good fruit gets thrown out, how consumer expectations shape food systems, and the contradictions built into modern agriculture. Ben also reflects on sustainability beyond the buzzwords, emphasizing practicality, meeting people where they are, and building solutions that farmers and consumers can realistically support. From farming traditions to real-world problem solving, this episode offers a grounded look at how small, practical decisions can create meaningful impact.Perfect for listeners interested in food systems, sustainability, agriculture, or anyone curious about how everyday choices connect to larger environmental challenges.Visit the The Ugly Company website or follow The Ugly Company on Instagram to learn more. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.orgFollow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth Follow us on LinkedinFollow us on YouTubeFor questions, email us at: [email protected]