PODCAST · arts
Dear Citrus Diaries
by Lauren Hodgen
Each episode, I'll sit down with inspiring founders + creatives who are making waves in the CPG food and beverage world. From innovative entrepreneurs to trailblazing executives to game changing creatives, we delve into their stories and who they are outside of their title. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and equipped with the insights you need to succeed in the kitchen and your [email protected] | citrusdiaries.com | [email protected]
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Anabel González of Good Bacteria
Good Bacteria was born out of founder Anabel Gonzalez’s transformative post-partum journey. Following the birth of her son she suffered from post-partum depression, isolation and paranoia.Good Bacteria is a first-of-its kind rotating symbiotic system, created by scientists, designed to rewild the gut. Inspired by the diverse microbial inputs of nature, the system introduces a new formulation each week — clinically studied probiotic strains paired with three types of diverse prebiotic fibers and a postbiotic — designed to expand microbial diversity, strengthen gut barrier integrity, and build resilience across the whole body. IG itsgoodbacteria | itsgoodbacteria.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Jane Ablaza, Director of Marketing Communications and Brand Partnerships at Once Upon a Farm
As the Director of Marketing Communications and Brand Partnerships at Once Upon a Farm, Jane leads the brand’s storytelling and public outreach initiatives with vision and heart — overseeing, brand partnerships, cause marketing, influencer programs, and events. Over her seven-year journey at Once Upon a Farm, she has played a pivotal role in elevating the brand’s presence as a purpose-driven powerhouse through creative campaigns, IRL brand experiences and mission-led collaborations that champion and celebrate better nutrition and wellness for all families.IG onceuponafarm | onceuponafarmorganics.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Sarela Herrada of SIMPLi
In 2020, Sarela co-founded SIMPLi with her husband, Matt Cohen, introducing some of the first Regenerative Organic Certified® ingredients from South America to the U.S. market. Through a vertically integrated model, SIMPLi partners directly with farmers to improve livelihoods, expand market access, and support long-term regenerative transitions. Today, the brand is equally known for its sourcing integrity, its vibrant flavors, nutrient density, and modern approach to pantry staples designed for real family life.IG eatsimpli | eatsimpli.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Max Luthy of Plink!
Max is the co-founder and CEO of Plink! and based out of Burlington, VT where he lives with his wife and three kids. Before co-founding Plink!, Max spent a decade at global trend firm TrendWatching, where he helped companies like Google, PepsiCo, Disney, and Target innovate for the future. As Director of Trends & Insights, he led a global team across three continents and co-authored the book Trend-Driven Innovation (Wiley). He's also started a record label and a VR company.Plink! is reimagining hydration with fizzy, flavorful tablets made by two dads who wanted something better for their families and the planet. Designed for everyday wellbeing, Plink! delivers just-right electrolytes with only 1g of sugar, no artificial ingredients, and zero plastic waste. The brand’s joyful approach to hydration has earned recognition — including BevNET’s New Beverage Showdown win — and distribution in 1,100 CVS stores, GNC, Bristol Farms and more.IG drinkplink | drinkplink.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Dr. Erin Stokes, ND of Wishgarden Herbs
Dr. Erin Stokes, ND believes that transformation begins when we reconnect with the healing power of nature. As a Naturopathic Doctor for 20+ years, Erin has dedicated her career to translating complex health concepts into actionable insights that empower people on their healing journey. Dr. Erin Stokes earned her Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University in 2001, and worked with individuals in her private practice, Lotus Naturopathic Clinic for over a decade.At WishGarden Herbs, we believe in the profound power of plants and herbs to maintain healthy lives. Our mission is to help empower people to own their health by formulating fast-acting legendary herbal tinctures for everyday life. Our herbal remedies are crafted for those real-life moments when you need a simple swift kick of nature to rebalance and revitalize.Find Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Alyse Borkan of Rocco Fridge
Alyse Borkan has been one of the brains behind building some of the fastest-growing startups in recent years including Billie, Casper, and SoulCycle, and now Rocco. Rocco was founded in New York by startup vets Alyse Borkan and Sam Naparstek after realizing just how outdated the home appliance space really was, especially when it came to fridges. At the same time, drinks were getting more interesting at home: think canned cocktails, non-alcoholic aperitivos, and sparkling everything. So they launched The Super Smart Fridge just more than a year ago, and basically created a whole new category: a design-forward, tech-powered drinks fridge made for hosting.IG roccofridge | roccofridge.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Hannah Habes of Matchaful
When Hannah was first introduced to matcha by a friend who had spent time in Japan, it was love at first sip. The energy she felt was unlike anything she’d experienced before: alert, yet calm. As she did more research, she found that most matcha companies at the time offered little-to-no visibility into their matcha’s origin. This matcha was often blended at a distributor using leaves from various farms, making it near-impossible to identify the original source.Matchaful is a female-founded purveyor of sustainable botanical nutrition that nourishes mind, body and spirit. Inspired by ancient Japanese principles, Matchaful’s intentional and creative menu seeks to nourish, restore and delight. We exist to ground you in the moment and empower you with every sip and bite.IG chiefmatchaofficer , matchaful | matchaful.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Arshdeep Toor of Stesh Butter
Intro: Ed Schultz, President and CEO of Hawaiian Host GroupEd Schultz has been President of Hawaiian Host Group since 2018 and became President and CEO in 2020. For more than 50 years, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nuts has been serving up macadamia-powered paradise by the handful to consumers across the U.S., Canada and beyond. Founded in Kea’au on Hawai’i Island and now headquartered in Honolulu, Mauna Loa is the nation’s leading macadamia nut brand.IG maunaloamacnut | hawaiianhost.com/pages/maunaloaArshdeep Toor transitioned from a career in investment banking to creating a better-for-you pistachio butter brand.Stesh Butter is committed to transforming the nut butter category and making pistachio butter better. They are on a mission to offer a perfect blend of nutrition and flavor - a healthy and delicious pistachio butter that you can indulge freely by the spoonful and feel good about! Their pistachio butter is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and palm/seed oil-free; it’s made of all-natural ingredients and packed with 6g of protein in each serving.IG getstesh | steshbutter.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Teddy Kim of Last Call
Teddy Kim is a writer and founder based in Los Angeles. He is the co-founder of Last Call, an alcohol wellness startup inspired by products in Korea and Japan.He writes an entertainment column for Emily Sundberg’s Feed Me newsletter, focusing on the intersection of entertainment and technology, and also writes his own newsletter, first Derivative.Last Call is an alcohol wellness startup founded in Los Angeles, offering a dietary supplement to aid recovery after drinking. Inspired by Korean wellness practices, its product features dihydromyricetin (DHM), a natural extract from the Japanese raisin tree, alongside theanine, prickly pear, milk thistle, and B vitamins to boost alcohol metabolism, reduce hangover symptoms, and support liver health.IG try_lastcall | trylastcall.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Francesca Salac, Head of Brand Marketing North America of Minor Figures
Intro: Theo Terris, CEO of Uncle ArniesUncle Arnie’s is a California-born beverage company redefining the way people enjoy THC. Launched in 2020 with a mission to make cannabis approachable, affordable, and undeniably fun, Uncle Arnie’s has quickly become one of the best-selling cannabis beverage brands in the U.S. IG unclearnies | unclearnies.comFrancesca Salac, Head of Brand Marketing North America of Minor FiguresMinor Figures is a global brand developing best-in-class plant-based beverages designed to take you on a taste trip. Founded by coffee-loving friends and baristas for a better planet, Minor Figures is creating a future worth saving — crafting tomorrow’s beverage innovations with the biggest impact and smallest environmental footprint. IG minorfigures | us.minorfigures.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Mark & Megan Overbay of Big Spoon Roasters
Big Spoon Roasters was founded by husband-and-wife team Mark and Megan Overbay. The duo shared a love for nut butter: Mark, having spent time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zimbabwe, originally learned how to hand-make his favorite food, peanut butter, while living abroad, and Megan's experience as an endurance athlete led her to craft her own nutrient-dense nut butter bars that both tasted good and fueled her training.Big Spoon Roasters is a small-batch food company handcrafting innovative, wholesome nut butters and bars with thoughtfully sourced ingredients in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Operating since 2011, Big Spoon Roasters is proudly independently owned and operated.IG bigspoonroasters | bigspoonroasters.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Jane Coxwell of OKO
Jane Coxwell is a globally trained chef and the founder of OKO, with a career that spans cooking in the South of France and Southeast Asia to more than a decade as Diane von Furstenberg’s private chef and head chef aboard the super yacht Eos. Known for her elegant, vibrant approach to real food, Jane began creating fresh vegetable blends to help a close friend nourish herself through health challenges. Those recipes became the foundation of OKO. Today, Jane brings her deep culinary expertise to crafting organic, chef-developed vegetable blends that make eating more vegetables effortless, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.OKO is a chef-founded food company dedicated to making healthy, plant-based eating effortless and delicious. Its fresh, organic vegetable blends are crafted to be vibrantly flavorful and endlessly versatile—ready to scoop, sauce, dip, or stir into meals with no prep required.IG okofoodco | okofood.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Haylee Jordan of FABRIC + Alex Whitmore of Taza Chocolate
Intro: Importance of fair sourcing + ethical pay in the coca industry as we ramp up for Valentine's DayTaza co-founder and CEO Alex Whitmore took his first bite of stone ground chocolate while traveling in Oaxaca, Mexico. Inspired by its rustic intensity, he learned to hand-carve granite millstones and built the Taza Chocolate factory back home in Somerville, Massachusetts with his wife, co-founder Kathleen Fulton in 2005.IG tazachocolate | tazachocolate.comHaylee Jordan of FABRICFABRIC is a premium, THC-infused Aussie Hop Fizz. We’re here to spark creativity, bring people together, and create meaningful social impact where we can. We like to say we’re on a mission to unf*ck tomorrow, because the world’s on fire. We give 2% to mental health initiatives and work to marry profit and purpose.Haylee brings over a decade of brand strategy and identity design to her newest venture: co-founding a CPG brand with two fellow founders that marries profit and purpose.IG drinkfabric | drinkfabric.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Jessica Hamel of PlantChi
Jessica Hamel has never played by the rules—whether running ultramarathons, racing sailboats, or shaking up the food world. Now, with PlantChi, she’s ditching the wellness fuss and making nutrition effortless, rebellious, and straight-up good.PlantChi is a middle finger to complicated wellness trends, a love letter to nature, and an open invitation to embrace what’s real. PlantChi is a line of seasonings with benefits. We take nutrient-dense superseeds and pair them with craveable ingredients like nutritional yeast and seaweed to create toppings that let you sprinkle in a little wellness without turning your life upside down.what we chat about:You’ve gone from ultramarathons and sailboat racing to building food brands—what through-line connects all of those chapters, and how did that mindset shape PlantChi?PlantChi leans into “ritual over routine.” What does that distinction mean to you, and how can food rituals help people actually stick with healthier habits?IG plantchi.life | plantchi.lifeFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Ben Jacobsen of Jacobsen Salt
Ben Jacobsen is the founder of Jacobsen Salt Co., the Oregon-based artisan salt company he started in 2011 to bring world-class sea salt to American kitchens. After studying and working in Scandinavia, where he first discovered the transformative impact of high-quality finishing salts, Ben returned to Oregon and spent years experimenting with sea water from dozens of Pacific Northwest sites before settling on Netarts Bay for its uniquely bright salinity.Under his leadership, Jacobsen Salt Co. became the first company in the Pacific Northwest to revive traditional salt harvesting, combining meticulous sourcing and small-batch techniques to create salts noted for their delicate crunch and pure briny flavor.IG jacobsensaltco | jacobsensalt.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Amy Guittard, CMO of Guittard Chocolate
Guittard Chocolate Company is a historic American chocolate maker founded in 1868 by French immigrant Étienne Guittard during the California Gold Rush. What began as a small San Francisco shop quickly grew into a respected confectionery business, and today Guittard stands as the oldest continuously family-owned and operated chocolate company in the United States, now based in Burlingame, California and led by fourth and fifth-generation family members.what we chat about:As CMO, you oversee both marketing and brand development. How do you balance honoring Guittard’s long history with innovating to stay relevant in today’s chocolate market?Guittard is known for working closely with both professional chefs and home bakers. How does this dual focus influence your marketing strategies and product development?IG guittard.chocolate | guittard.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Vincent Ricchiuti of Enzo’s Table & Clara Sieg of Loonen
Vincent Ricchiuti of Enzo’s TableAs the fourth generation of his Italian-American farming family, Vincent Ricchiuti was naturally drawn to the family business. A native of Fresno, CA, he spent his formative years working alongside his father and grandfather in the family’s diversified agricultural business.For more than a century, the Ricchiuti Family has diligently worked the land in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley with a goal to sustainably grow, produce, and harvest premium fruit, nuts, and more recently, estate grown award-winning ENZO Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil.IG enzos.table | enzostable.comIntro Segment: Loonen’s Launch 💧Meet Loonen. The cleanest, most transparent bottled water on earth. The brand comes from Clara Sieg, a venture investor turned founder who spent years backing category-defining consumer brands and realized water, the most basic product in our lives, was still the least transparent. She built Loonen with operator David Kimmell (ex-Spindrift) to bring accountability and design integrity to the category.Learn more in my chat with Clara!Find Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Jeni Britton of Floura & Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Floura (Co-Founder + CEO); Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Founder) Jeni Britton is an American entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author. She founded Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in an Ohio farmers' market in 2002, transforming it from a small shop into a beloved national brand. Underscoring her commitment to wellbeing and sustainability, Jeni's latest venture, Floura., reinvents fresh produce trimmings as delicious nutrient-dense food with the intent to help close the dietary fiber gap in America.Kemma Kefalas, Yahoo’s Creative Lab DirectorJust in time for the holidays, Yahoo & cult-favorite olive oil brand Graza are teaming up on a drop that gives a nod to the ultimate keyboard warriors in our lives: loud typers.They debuted “Sssshhhhizzle” Keyboard Oil, a tongue-in-cheek holiday gift set celebrating the quirks of modern office culture—and the people who make the most noise while getting things done. Hear more in my chat with Kemma!Find Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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PJ Monte of Monte’s Fine Foods
PJ Monte is the founder of Monte’s Fine Foods and the creator behind Monte’s Fine Sauces. Five years ago, he began bottling and hand-labeling his family’s 120-year-old red sauce recipe for local New York restaurants and specialty stores, quickly gaining a following and earning the nickname “Sauce Boss.” what we chat about:Your family’s culinary story runs deep from Monte’s Venetian Room in Brooklyn toGurney’s Inn in Montauk. How have those early family traditions shaped the way you approach food and hospitality today through Monte’s?What was it that made you realize it was time to bottle and share it with the world?Monte’s is rooted in legacy but clearly embraces modern culture and creativity. How do you balance honoring your family’s heritage with keeping the brand fresh, relevant, and forward-thinking?IG montes.sauce | montessauce.comThe Goods Report Vol 6Jordan & I are back this week chatting about the most exciting happenings in the food & beverage world! Hear our chat at the beginning of the episode. Find Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Wendy Pickett of RationAle Brewing
Wendy Pickett, Co-Founder & EVP of Sales, RationAle Brewing. Bringing 25 years of consumer goods experience to the non-alcoholic craft brewing brand, Wendy has a long history of building legacy brands in the grocery/mass, natural, and specialty channels. As one of the few female leaders in the male-dominated alcohol space, she’s helping reshape the future of NA craft beer, tapping into the surging demand for NA options driven by wellness-minded consumers.what we chat about:RationAle’s mission is to “crush society’s drinking rules.” How do you see mindful drinking reshaping not just the NA beer industry, but drinking culture at large?As a woman co-founder in the beer industry—an industry historically dominated by men—what challenges and opportunities have you experienced in carving out space for both yourself and RationAle?The Crush the Crisis initiative ties RationAle directly to mental health and wellness. Can you share more about the impact of that program and why it was important to bake into the brand’s DNA from the start?IG rationalebrewing.com | rationalebrewingFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher of Juliet Wine
Founded in 2021 by longtime friends Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, Juliet is redefining boxed wine through premium quality, thoughtful design, and sustainability. Juliet’s proprietary Eco-Magnum™ packaging uses over 50% less carbon than glass and holds the equivalent of two bottles. The founders also created the Alternative Packaging Alliance, uniting fellow high-end boxed wine brands to champion sustainable innovation across the industry.what we chat about:How did you balance the often conflicting priorities of taste, design and environmental impact?Boxed wine has traditionally carried a stigma of cheap, disposable, & even low-quality. How have you approached shifting that perception, and what tactics have proven most effective in elevating Juliet’s image?Walk us through the design process of your Eco-Magnum packaging. How did you land on a look and feel that communicates both sustainability and luxury?IG drinkjuliet_ | drinkjuliet.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Dr. Sandra Carter of Om Mushrooms
Dr. Sandra Carter is a trailblazer in the health & wellness industry with over 35 years of experience in community health, corporate wellness, research, & hospital administration. Om Mushrooms offers a range of certified organic, science-backed mushroom products—from supplements and powders to beverages and gummies. Grown in an eco-friendly indoor farm in Carlsbad, California, Om ensures maximum potency and purity while staying free from toxins, pesticides, and heavy metals.As the Co-Founder of Om Mushrooms, she brings extensive expertise in preventative medicine, integrative health, & nutrition to develop innovative, whole-food mushroom formulations that promote optimal wellness.IG ommushrooms | ommushrooms.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Kayvon Jahanbakhsh & Mike Lombardo of Halfday Iced Tea
Halfday was founded after Kayvon Jahanbakhsh was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when he was a freshman in college. Losing over 80 pounds, he was forced to dramatically change his diet to focus on his gut health. Kayvon enlisted the help of classmate & best-friend Mike Lombardo to develop a gut-healthy iced tea that reminded them of the classics they grew up with. Each can of Halfday has 6g of prebiotic fiber, with only 3-5g of sugar.IG drinkhalfday | drinkhalfday.comPlus Hear from Josh at the beginning of today’s episode as we chat through how he developed Hereafter + his philosophy on beer at Threes!IG threesbrewing | threesbrewing.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Kate Greer of Cheerie Lane
Kate Greer is the co-founder of Cheerie Lane, an innovative popcorn brand that developed the first all-in-one ‘popcorn pod’. Growing up in the Midwest close to her family’s farm, a warm bowl of popcorn was always part of Kate’s family gatherings. Her expertise as a creative and an entrepreneur shows up in the innovative and artistic spirit of the brand.Cheerie Lane is reimagining the way people enjoy popcorn with gourmet all-in-one ‘popcorn pods’. Thoughtfully crafted using heirloom kernels from a fifth-generation family farm in Iowa and cacao butter, each pod melts into a warm, evenly seasoned bowl of popcorn. IG cheerielane | cheerielanepopcorn.comThe Goods Report Vol 5Jordan & I are back this week chatting about the most exciting happenings in the food & beverage world! Here’s a sneak peak of our convo:Design: Beak Brewery Beer books & Lil Bucks brand refreshStrategy: “Your Dog Eats Better than You” & Ghia + Diaspora cookbooksFood: Beans beans beans! & Algae CC x Nara SmithFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Aishwarya Iyer of Brightland
Founded in 2018 by Aishwarya Iyer, Brightland is a California-based premium pantry staples brand crafting artfully designed and consciously-made olive oils, vinegars, and honeys that elevate everyday moments. what we chat about:A personal health scare sparked the idea for Brightland; Can you walk us through how that moment transformed into building a brand that has become a household name?Spirituality and meditation play a big role in your life, how do they influence the way you lead Brightland, both publicly and behind the scenes?You’ve mentioned drawing creative inspiration from unexpected places, like high fashion or European magazines. How does that influence show up in the way you’ve built Brightland’s brand identity?What’s next for Brightland!IG wearebrightland | brightland.coFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Gita Vellanki of Neeshi
Neeshi is a women’s wellness brand using real food to ease hormonal symptoms from menstruation through menopause. Founded by Gita Vellanki to help her daughter avoid the side effects of prescription meds, Neeshi offers delicious, functional products—like their Dark Cacao Spread—to support daily hormonal health naturally. The brand’s mission is to help women feel empowered and unburdened by their cycles.IG shopneeshi | neeshi.comThe Goods Report Vol 4:Design: PepsiCo refreshes Lay’s & Starburst redesignStrategy: Rice Krispie gifting runners & SaladSprinkles!Food: Ballerina Farm Hydration launch content & elevated warm drinksFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Krishna Kaliannan of Catalina Crunch
Krishna Kaliannan is the founder of Catalina Crunch, a better-for-you cereal and snack company he launched after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.what we chat about:Catalina Crunch has been ahead of the curve in the high-protein, low-sugar movement. Looking back, what inspired you to create a brand centered on functionality before it became such a dominant trend in the grocery aisle?What does it take to build that kind of trust and consistency with consumers in such a competitive category?With the launch of Catalina Crunch Protein Granola, what excites you most about this product, and how does it reflect where you see the future of functional foods heading?IG catalinacrunch | us.catalinacrunch.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Saira Malhotra & Chandni Prasad of Dancing Elephant
Dancing Elephant was founded by Saira Malhotra, an internationally trained chef and TV personality, and Chandni Prasad, an Ayurvedic wellness advocate with deep roots in public service and global policy.Rooted in tradition but reimagined for today, Dancing Elephant brings this beloved Indian staple to the American market with a fresh, vibrant perspective. what we chat about:The roots of kitchari + why it’s such comforting meal in South Asian homesHow Dancing Elephant reimagined kitchari for today’s busy, wellness-conscious eaters without losing its soulSaira & Chandni’s third-culture experienceIG dancingelephant_ayurveda | thedancingelephant.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Olly Dixon of Something & Nothing
CPG News: Something & Nothing OOH campaignHear from Olly Dixon, co-founder of Something & Nothing, about their bold new out-of-home campaign in Chicago. Something & Nothing, the premium soda brand inspired by travel, has debuted its first out-of-home campaign in the U.S. – “Not Pop.” – to challenge consumers to rethink what modern soda can be in a category commonly saturated by nostalgia, bright colors, and functional benefits. IG wearesomethingandnothing | us.somethingandnothing.coShazia Bee of EnjoyThyFoodGrowing up surrounded by talented chefs, Shazia learned early on that the best food is rooted in simplicity—fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love. Inspired by her childhood on the farm, she created EnjoyThyFood as a way to share nourishing snacks made with organic, plant-based ingredients.what we chat about:Shazia shares how she brings ancient food wisdom into everyday baking, making nutrient-rich cake mixes that fit today’s busy lifestylesEnjoyThyFood proves desserts can be both delicious and wholesome, with gluten-free, paleo, and sugar-conscious ingredientsFeedback from consumers inspire new flavors, products, and ideas, keeping EnjoyThyFood evolving with its communityIG enjoythyfood_ | enjoythyfood.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Courtney McHugh of amplifyeP24
Courtney McHugh is a seasoned senior executive with over a decade of experience in incubating, launching, and scaling venture-backed consumer product businesses.amplifyeP24’s mission is to amplify the nutritional impact of food while contributing to a more sustainable future. Amplifye is a pioneering biotechnology company that applies computational enzyme discovery and the power of precision fermentation. what we chat about:Courtney explains how amplifyeP24 helps your body get more out of the protein you eat and why protein feels so “trendy” right nowDiscover how precision fermentation is transforming everyday foods into more powerful, health-supporting mealsAmplifye’s approach not only supports personal health but also contributes to a more sustainable food system.IG amplifye_me | amplifyeme.comCPG News: 1-855-TURN-OFF to Celebrate AGZ LaunchHear from Paulie Dery, CMO at AG1, about their newest hotline campaign to celebrate the launch of AGZ. Called 1-855-TURN-OFF, AG1’s new hotline (1-855-TURN-OFF or 1855turnoff.com) flips the script on the infamous 1-900 numbers of the ’90s. Instead of turning callers on, AG1 dares them to stay awake as scientists lull them to sleep with pre-recorded scripts on the science behind AGZ.IG drinkag1 | drinkag1.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Patrick Coyne of Laoban
Laoban Dumplings started as a humble dumpling shop in Washington, DC in 2017. While living and teaching in China, co-founder Patrick Coyne frequently found himself in the dumpling shop near his school. He loved spending time in the shop—developing a special appreciation for the care and craftsmanship shown by the shop's boss or "laoban." Once back stateside, Patrick sought to honor that tradition, and Laoban Dumplings was born.what we chat about:How Patrick took the concept from just an idea to a DC restaurant to a CPG lineThe importance of bringing Chef Tim Ma onto the teamExpanding from dumplings to bao to the new crispy lineHow to hold steady to the ethos of high quality ingredients when expanding IG laobandumplings | laobandumplings.comThe Goods Report Vol 3:Design: Bachan’s refreshStrategy: the trend cycle of pistachios & “Dudeslop” (ManCereal & Dogfood)Food: Carnation’s jalapeño milk ft. Tini (130M+ views) & cinnamon rolls having a moment (Spiral & Losers)Find Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Lily Geiger of Figlia
Hear from Camilla Marcus, founder of west~bourne, about her newest collaboration with YUZUCO at the beginning of this week’s episode!Lily Geiger is a born and bred New Yorker and the founder and CEO of Figlia, a modern, non-alcoholic aperitivo brand focusing on changing the conversation around alcohol consumption.what we chat about:How Lily’s family history of alcoholism influenced the creation of the brandFiglia drawing on Italian aperitivo cultureThe aperitivos don’t try to mimic alcohol, they stand on their own with complex, botanical flavors. What was the process like developing Figlia’s signature blends, and what experience did you want people to have when drinking them?Next steps in an ever-evolving NA RTD spaceIG drinkfiglia | drinkfiglia.com IG camilla.marcus | westbourne.com | theyuzu.coFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Daniel Goetz of GoodPop
Since their humble beginnings at the farmers markets of Austin, TX in 2009, GoodPop has become known for producing some of the cleanest, most innovative and most delicious frozen treats available on the market. what we chat about:what were the early days of Good Pop like and how did its grassroots beginning shape the company’s values and growth?Scaling a brand with clean ingredients, organic sourcing, and no added sugarThe mission behind the Good Food CollectiveHow to navigate building a values-driven business while operating in the competitive world of CPG and large-scale retailIG goodpop | goodpop.com | Good Food CollectiveJordan & I are back this week chatting about the most exciting happenings in the food & beverage world! Here’s a sneak peak of our convo:Design: Cracker Barrel rebrand & Billie x Chia PetStrategy: YSL gifting influencers cherry pies & Blondery closing in publicFood: Vermouth spritz & She’s the Sauce protein-ificationFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Rodrigo Hernandez of Angel Margarita
Angel Margarita is co-founded by Academy Award-nominated actress, multi-platinum recording artist, and producer Hailee Steinfeld in partnership with Rodrigo Hernandez of Premium Beers Group, a leader within the alcohol industry in Mexico.what we chat about:Consumer taste evolving in the spirits and RTD space, particularly with tequila-based cocktailsProcess for developing Angel Margarita’s initial flavors + how do youapproach product innovation as you look to expand the lineup?How Rodrigo’s experience at Premium Beers Group influenced your approach tolaunching and growing Angel MargaritaIG angelmargarita | angelmargarita.comPlus, hear from Caryn Johnson of BOND and their recent launch of women’s hormonal health products into Whole Foods!IG _bondlife | bond.lifeFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Emily Steele of Hummingbirds
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!Emily Steele is the CEO and cofounder of Hummingbirds, a venture-backed platform that connects brands with hyperlocal content creators. Hummingbirds is a first of its kind platform that connects cpg brands with hyperlocal creators to share their favorite products found in their backyard.what we chat about:The role creators have helping CPG brands move product, gain awareness, and drive trial/raving fansLearning about consumer behavior through hyper-local marketingTheir approach to building a tech company that serves both brands & consumersThe inspiration behind Hummingbirds & the journey to bring it to it’s current formIG hummingbirdshq | hummingbirds.comPlus, a brand new, recurring segment with Jordan of Salad Sprinkles where we're talking all things CPG news + trends. Find Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Chelsea Kim of Ribbon Kitchen
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!Ribbon was created to bring a sense of calm and softness to everyday routines—for the moms doing everything and the little ones learning everything. Made from premium, platinum-cured silicone, Ribbon’s thoughtfully designed tableware is non-toxic, unbreakable, and built to last through every meal, mess, and moment. Founder-vetted and crafted in Korea, each piece is dishwasher, microwave, and oven-safe, with a soft feel and clean aesthetic that fits beautifully into modern family life. Whether you're feeding a toddler or setting the table for yourself, Ribbon helps make mealtime a little simpler—and a little more serene.what we chat about:What inspired the use of non-toxic, premium siliconeHow to strike a balance between being beautifully designed and deeply practicalFavorite ways to use Ribbon products (e.g. hosting, lunchtime, baking)Go-to recipesIG ribbonkitchen.co | ribbonkitchen.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Angela Vranich of Little Spoon
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!As co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Angela drives Little Spoon's insights-driven product innovation strategy. She started her career working in food-related television production, where she was involved in creative planning and execution. An avid chef and boutique fitness junkie, Angela is passionate about health, wellness, design and the future of food. Angela grew up in Pittsburgh, PA and received her BS in Marketing from St. Joseph’s University. She lives in New York City.Little Spoon is on a mission to make parents' lives easier and kids healthier. Pioneering a new era of kids food, Little Spoon was built to meet the needs and standards of the modern parent by delivering uncompromising quality and time-saving convenience. From first bites to big kid years, Little Spoon’s rigorous ingredient sourcing, product testing, and format innovation take the stress away from fueling your kids without sacrificing peace of mind.what we chat about:Success of the brand via DTC only for first 7 yearsRigorous testing standards — first & only US baby food brand to meet EU standards & why this mattersWhy parenting is thriving in DTC spaceThe brand’s mission of making parent's lives easier while respecting their full identitiesWhat's next for Little Spoon (collabs, innovation, etc)IG littlespoon | littlespoon.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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John Thorp of Aerflo
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!Aerflo is transforming the $40B+ sparkling water market with a first-of-its-kind, zero-waste carbonation system built for a more sustainable (and affordable) future. Founded by John Thorp and Buzz Wiggins, Aerflo is a case study in circular design done right. Their flagship product, the Aer1 System, is a portable, PFAS- and BPA-free sparkling water maker powered by refillable capsule. With a seamless mail-back exchange program (via USPS), no single-use waste, and a price point that's lowered in the face of rising inflation and tariffs, Aerflo proves that sustainable design can be both accessible and scalable.Backed by a fully automated, 5,000 sq. ft. capsule facility in New Jersey and proprietary, patent-protected tech, Aerflo isn’t just a product; it’s a new infrastructure for sparkling water consumption.what we chat about:building Aerflo’s circular refill systemhow Aerflo thinks about scaling their impact as the brand growsstrategic partnership (e.g. Hydroflask) & how they fit into the vision for expanding the brandfavorite beverages to make with Aerflo IG aerflo.co | aerflo.coFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Kathryn Shah of Spring & Mulberry
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!Spring & Mulberry, the original date-sweetened chocolate company, is dedicated to exploring a world of sweet beyond sugar.On a travel pitstop in Dubai on her way to visit her husband's family in India, Kathryn discovered the pleasure and beauty of dates. Jammy, sweet, and bursting with flavor, it was there that she witnessed how dates were savored, not merely consigned to the bulk bins of American grocery stores. A few years later, Kathryn received a cancer diagnosis. In her recovery, she decided to quit refined sugar. While searching for new ways to satisfy her sweet tooth, she began experimenting with dates, fruits, nuts, and cacao—harkening back to her memory of Dubai and the flavor she discovered there. In these ingredients, she unearthed an exquisite depth of flavor and satisfying of range sweetness that forms the base of every Spring & Mulberry product. what we chat about:taking a radically different approach to a traditional product categoryhow a personal health diagnosis shaped the brandintentional design and flavor formulationfavorite ways to pair the different chocolate barsIG spring.mulberry | springandmulberry.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Jordan Wannemacher & Blakely Bar Lev of Salad Sprinkles
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!Salad Sprinkles are Flavorful, Sprinkle-Sized Rice Puffs That Put Crunch In Every Bite!Jordan is an award-winning graphic designer and entrepreneur. For over 12 years, her eye for design has made products pop on shelves and screens alike. Our clever TikTok’s and metallic labels are her pride and joy. Blakely has run creative operations at one of the world’s best ad agencies for 13 years. She has seen countless business-transforming campaigns come to life and has kept the company’s engine running smoothly.what we chat about:Taking the concept for Salad Sprinkles from ideation to shelfThe journey of landing on rice for the base of the product & developing the 3 initial flavorsAll of the fun uses of Salad Sprinkles in both savory & sweet applicationsHow design played such a large roll in the identity of the brandIG eatsaladsprinkles | eatsaladsprinkles.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Guilherme Maia Silva of MILKish
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!MILKish is smooth, creamy (kind of like almond milk), delicious, and totally allergen-friendly, with 0g sugar and 99% less water use than almonds. They offer two unsweetened flavors: Original and Vanilla, and are launching now in coffee shops and specialty retail + Amazon, and it’s already catching attention in the fast-growing alt-milk category.what we chat about:why watermelon seeds were chosen as the star ingredientgaps seen in the alt-milk market the importance of sustainability & inclusivity in MILKish product developmentexciting & unexpected moments during launchIG drinkmilkish | forcafoods.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Xeba Zareie of Preme
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!After being diagnosed with an array of chronic gut illnesses, and being fortunate to work with a functional medicine doctor, Xeba learned about the power of supplements and nutrition. While on a restricted diet, she searched snack aisles and couldn't find BFY snacks that actually tasted indulgent and catered to modern day, root cause, gut health research. She is on a mission to provide support and indulgent opportunities for the growing number of people suffering from mysterious gut issues.Preme (pronounced like /pream/) is a gut health brand made with sensitive stomachs top of mind. Preme combines premium ingredients with fodmap friendly prebiotics, offering gut-skin axis targeted hydration beverage powders.IG drinkpreme | premefoods.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Jen Liao of MìLà
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!Jennifer Liao is the President and Co-Founder of modern Chinese food brand MìLà. A dynamic leader who wears many hats, she’s involved in everything from supplier relationships to brand storytelling. Born in 2018 as a brick-and-mortar shop in Bellevue, Washington, MìLà has evolved into a culinary force that brings restaurant-caliber Chinese delicacies into homes across America. The brand's thoughtfully-crafted soup dumplings, noodles, sauces, and desserts honor traditional techniques while embracing contemporary tastes and quality ingredients. IG eat.mila | eatmila.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Matt Mclean of Uncle Matt’s Organic
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!Matt McLean is the fourth-generation Floridian and the real-life “Uncle Matt” who founded Uncle Matt’s Organic in June 1999, motivated by a lifelong passion for healthy living and his family’s century‑long tradition of citrus farming. Driven by a philosophy of enriching soil health and eliminating synthetic pesticides or flavor packets, his vision grew the brand into the top-selling organic orange and grapefruit juice in the U.S., available in over 15,000 stores nationwide. Through family-led innovation and a deep commitment to sustainable farming, using natural pest controls like tamarixia wasps and leading research on citrus greening, McLean has built Uncle Matt’s into a pioneering organic juice company with unwavering roots and purpose.IG unclemattsorganic | unclematts.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Marshall Lebovits
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!With over 35 years of experience in the secured financing industry, Marshall’s passion is helping growing companies obtain non-dilutive, asset-backed financing solutions.Working capital and cash flow solutions for growing companies using a variety of non-dilutive, debt financing solutions including purchase order finance, factoring, asset-based lines of credit, inventory financing and equipment leasing for growing businesses that have assets to offer as collateral.Connect: LinkedInFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Berk Bahceci of Heraclea
This episode is sponsored by Hummingbirds, learn more by booking a call with their team!Berk Bahceci is the co-founder and CEO of Heraclea, a proudly Turkish American olive oil company. Launched by him and his wife Sena Bachceci in 2023, Berk’s mission is to grow and produce Heraclea’s high-quality olive oil using sustainable agricultural practices and fair-trade labor on his family groves in Turkey. Heraclea is known for its range of rich-in-flavor, beautifully designed, ethically-made olive oils rooted in Turkish tradition.Berk was inspired to launch Heraclea as he realized the lack of approachable yet premium Turkish olive oil when grocery shopping in America during law school. He quit being a lawyer to turn his 200-acre family grove into a full-fledged olive oil business, spending a year completing a master olive oil consultant program in Spain at Escuela Superior Del Aceite de Oliva. Berk became a master miller and certified olive oil sommelier, where he learned olive grove management as part of his formal education to run Heraclea. He is responsible for running the brand's day-to-day operations.Berk grew up in Istanbul, Turkey and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, where Heraclea is headquartered.IG weareheraclea | heraclea.coFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Ben Branson of Seedlip & Pollen Projects
Ben Branson is a British entrepreneur best known for founding Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, and later Pollen Projects, a studio focused on reimagining moderation. Inspired by his 300-year farming heritage and a 17th-century book on herbal remedies, Branson began experimenting with distilling botanicals in his kitchen. Seedlip launched in 2015 and quickly gained acclaim for offering a sophisticated, alcohol-free alternative.In 2023, Branson launched Pollen Projects to drive the next wave of non-alcoholic innovation. The studio’s creations include seasn, a 0.0% ABV bitters range, and Sylva, the world’s first aged non-alcoholic spirit made from wood. A passionate advocate for neurodiversity, Branson also hosts The Hidden 20% podcast, shining a light on the experiences of neurodivergent individuals.seedlip_ben | seedlipdrinks | seasnyourdrinks | sylva.labs | hidden20podcastFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Jana Goodbaum of Happy Wolf
Jana Goodbaum, a former fast-food marketer turned health-conscious mom, knew there had to be a better option — so she took to her own chaotic kitchen to build it. After endless recipe testing (while momming), she finally landed on Happy Wolf: nut-free snack bars made only with only whole ingredients you can find in your own kitchen.Today, Happy Wolf can be found in the refrigerated section of 120 retailers—including Wegman’s—and will be in 450 stores by the end of 2024 with a major retailer launch around the corner. In a market saturated with "clean" labels and health claims, Happy Wolf's approach is resonating with a growing demographic of parents who are steering clear of ultra-processed foods.IG happywolfsnacks | happywolf.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Sri Kalapala of Kailo
Sri Kalapala is a snack lover turned founder with a background in healthcare technology, business strategy, and operations. Frustrated with “healthy” protein bars filled with artificial additives, Sri spent years perfecting his recipes before sharing them with the world. With Kailo, he’s on a mission to make clean eating effortless and enjoyable.Kailo is a protein bar crafted for those who value real ingredients—no fillers and no artificial additives. Made with high-quality organic ingredients (that you’ll recognize), no added sugar, and 14g of plant-based protein, Kailo bars make clean eating effortless and enjoyable, because nourishing your body should feel good.IG kailo_bar | kailobar.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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Lauren Corugedo, Head of Marketing at Chef Merito
Lauren Corugedo is the Head of Marketing at Chef Merito. Chef Merito has been a trusted name in authentic Latin American flavors, crafting high-quality seasonings, spices, and blends that celebrate the rich culinary traditions of Hispanic cuisine. Rooted in family recipes and time-honored techniques, each Chef Merito seasoning is expertly designed to enhance the flavors of Latin American, Mexican, and Spanish dishes. Whether in home kitchens, top restaurants, or major retailers across the U.S. and Mexico, Chef Merito continues to bring bold, authentic taste to every meal.IG chef_merito | chefmerito.comFind Me:IG + TikTok citrusdiaries.studiocitrusdiaries.com | [email protected] your podcast today! #madeonzencastr
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Each episode, I'll sit down with inspiring founders + creatives who are making waves in the CPG food and beverage world. From innovative entrepreneurs to trailblazing executives to game changing creatives, we delve into their stories and who they are outside of their title. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and equipped with the insights you need to succeed in the kitchen and your [email protected] | citrusdiaries.com | [email protected]
HOSTED BY
Lauren Hodgen
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