In the Sauce artwork

In the Sauce

236 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 73 ratings

A podcast about building consumer product (CPG) startups. When Haven's Kitchen launched its fresh sauces in grocery stores across the U.S., founder Alison Cayne knew they were jumping into something crazy. In her effort to get educated, she started meeting with everyone she knew and respected who could advise her - from operations and supply chain gurus to brand marketing and social media mavens. Then she started having those conversations as a podcast so that other entrepreneurs can learn from them as well. This is the story of building Haven’s Kitchen. But it’s also the story of every growing business. Because we’re all In the Sauce.

Careers Business Society & Culture products grocery retail hrn education consumer packaged goods how-to business in the sauce alison cayne
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Episodes

Building After the GoGo Years

March 24, 2024 17:00 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MB

Anna Whiteman is a Principal at Coefficient Capital, a multi-stage investment fund focused on consumer and technology investments. On this episode of ITS, Anna and Ali talk about what they saw at Expo West, beyond the brands and booths. They discuss the state of CPG today, how VC's are thinking about emerging brands, and why a return to pragmatism is a good thing for companies building in 2024. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building the AIOLI

March 07, 2024 17:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

This episode is a little different. Adam Brown is the Founder and President of Sircle Media, a social media agency that specializes in helping CPG and Beverage brands win online and in-store. On this episode of ITS, Adam interviews Ali all about Haven's Kitchen's new product line: AIOLI! They go through innovation, sales, marketing - and the WHY and HOW of the new line. Ali shares an Amazon discount code toward the end, so listen up! In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building a Daily Crunch

March 01, 2024 16:00 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MB

Laurel Orley is the Co-Founder and CEO of Daily Crunch, the company that makes sprouted nut snacks with flavors like Nashville Hot, Dill Pickle and Cherry Berry. On this episode of ITS, Laurel tells Ali how she launched the company with a framework she learned during her career as a marketer at brands including #Dove #LiptonTea, #Suave and #Hellman’s. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building an Excellent Expo

February 22, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

Maddie Kennedy is Senior Brand Manager at Haven’s Kitchen, and on this episode of ITS, she and Ali talk EXPO WEST. Maddie shares how she's planning on getting the most out of the biggest trade show in the industry: from brand collaborations, to evergreen collateral, to team happiness tips. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Foodservice

February 01, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MB

Ray Goulbourne is a foodservice expert with experience at high growth CPG brands including Banza, Simulate, Mason Dixie, and Sir Kensington's. On this episode of ITS, Ray breaks the channel down for Ali: From defining objectives and choosing a segment, to execution and scale. There's even a cheat code in the last few minutes, where brands looking into foodservice can start their research. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building a Thing

January 25, 2024 17:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MB

Melissa Seligmann is the COO at Thingtesting, a review and discovery platform built to help people discover and share their candid reviews of brands. On this episode of ITS, Melissa and Ali talk about what's hot, what's not, and how Thingtesting's new growth tools are helping brands showcase foot traffic, analyze basket data, and expose their products to a new, engaged consumer. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Retail Media

January 18, 2024 18:00 - 1 hour - 59.4 MB

Eleanor Hayden is the founder of Hayden Consultancy - a shopper marketing consulting firm that works with brands like Olipop, Magic Spoon, Dream Pops, Catalina Crunch, Purely Elizabeth, Haven's Kitchen, and more. On this episode (Eleanor's 2nd!) of ITS, Eleanor walks Ali through all the ways brands can spend on digital marketing with retailers (and Instacart)...Sharpen your pencils! In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Social in 2024

January 11, 2024 19:00 - 54 minutes - 49.8 MB

Lia Haberman is a marketing consultant for brands including AT&T, Robert Half, Riot Games, Viral Nation, and more. She is also an instructor of Influencer Marketing and Social Media Marketing at UCLA Extension, and writes a weekly Creator Economy newsletter called ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) to help over 15K industry pros stay up to date on platform news, social trends, and brand campaigns. On this episode of ITS, it's all about the algorithms and how brands can optimize their social media...

Building on Shrooms

December 21, 2023 18:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MB

Parker Olson is the founder of Forij, the naturally sweetened, low sugar granola and granola bars, packed with superfood ingredients and concentrated mushroom extracts. On this episode of ITS, Parker and Ali talk about the state of CPG, Parker's next move, and also, a little bit about mushrooms. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Like a Sales Hero

December 14, 2023 15:10 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MB

Adria Campbell is the Chief Revenue Officer at Malk Organics, the premium, plant-based milk company known for it's celebrity-created Erewhon smoothies. On this episode of ITS, Adria walks Ali through the way she runs sales, the KPI's she's established for her team, how she hires, and what her secret is with buyers. They also talk the perils of seasonal sku's and why Social Nature is the demo of the future. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.  

Building Socially

November 22, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 56.4 MB

Kendall Dickieson is the social media and influencer marketing consultant helping brands like Graza, Canopy, and immi become best friends with their consumer. On this episode of ITS, Kendall talks all things social, content, and how to make community more than a buzzword. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building on a Family Recipe

November 16, 2023 19:00 - 1 hour - 57.4 MB

Crystal Ung is the Founder and CEO of Bowlcut, the sauce brand named after everyone’s favorite 80s haircut, building next generation Asian-American flavor. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Crystal talk about Operating Principles, leadership, and how Bowlcut is the culmination of Crystal's life and career. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building with a Strategic Creative

November 09, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 53.1 MB

Taja Dockendorf is the Founder and Chief Creative Director of Pulp+Wire, an award-winning consumer packaging, branding, and digital agency that's worked with brands like Petco, Magnolia Bakery, Bob’s Red Mill, and Vermont Creamery. On this episode of ITS, Taja breaks down what makes branding, digital content, and packaging both visually compelling and rooted in functionality and effectiveness. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building with Cows

November 02, 2023 17:30 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MB

Hayley Painter is the co-CEO and co-Founder of Painterland Sisters, an organic skyr yogurt company a mission to connect consumers with family farmers. On this episode of ITS, Hayley tells Ali why she and her sister Stephanie began packaging their thick, creamy yogurt, how they're changing the narrative on dairy farming, and what the future holds for the sisters and their community. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building a Newsletter

October 26, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MB

Nate Rosen is the founder of Express Checkout, a newsletter dedicated to the latest news and trends across CPG, retail, eCommerce, and supply chain. On this episode of ITS, Nate and Ali talk economic recovery, c-stores, and best practices for developing, writing, and building subscribers for newsletters. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building a Good Time

October 19, 2023 16:30 - 1 hour - 58.2 MB

Marissa Hohner is the CEO & founder of Good Time Creative, the agency best known for creating trade show exhibits, experiential installations, influencer kits, and custom merch for brands like Chomps, Belgian Boys, Culture Pop, Ulta, Gatsby, Celsius, and Imperfect Foods. On this episode of ITS, Marissa and Ali talk about best ways to express your brand without spending more than you should, and what some brands may be missing without realizing it. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building on a Mission

October 12, 2023 16:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

Patrick Schwarzenegger is the CEO of Mosh, the brand on a mission to educate consumers about brain health. On this episode of ITS, Patrick shares how his experience as an angel investor has shaped MOSH, how brain health is evolving as a category, and why fixing your "leaky buckets" is critical to profitable growth. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building with a Creator

October 05, 2023 16:00 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MB

Chris Gallant is the CEO of Chamberlain Coffee, the brainchild of YouTube phenomenon Emma Chamberlain. On this episode of ITS, Chris and Ali talk about creator-founded brands, how they can pull apart from the personality that started them, the persistence of retail, and why "cans in hands" is a must for a coffee brand. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building for Humans

September 28, 2023 16:00 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MB

Beatrice Dixon is the co-founder, Chief Innovation Officer, and CEO of the Honey Pot Company, a plant-derived hygiene powerhouse for humans with vaginas. On this episode of ITS, Beatrice and Ali talk about the origins of Honey Pot (it started with a dream), and the realities of the CPG business: from community management, to investor issues, to working with retailers focused on a "simplify to amplify" environment. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Build. Test. Learn. Wow!

September 21, 2023 16:30 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

Sabeena Ladha is the founder and CEO of Deux, the good-for-you cookie dough company. On this episode of ITS, Sabeena walks Ali through the processes she's honed after her years at Lays, Diamond Foods, McKinsey and M13. Hint: It's all about testing and learning. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Staying Power

September 14, 2023 16:00 - 47 minutes - 43.4 MB

Lauryn Chun is the founder of Mother-in-Law’s, the crowd favorite brand that started the fermented foods craze way back in 2009. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Lauryn compare the economic environment today with 2010-2012, and discuss the creativity, scrappiness, and innovation that emerged from challenges. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building with the BIG One

September 07, 2023 16:30 - 1 hour - 66.7 MB

Grant Thomas is Chief Service Officer at Arc Retail Group, and has successfully launched over 100 items across 7 Walmart departments in 38 categories. On this episode of ITS, Grant breaks down Walmart for Ali: From the distribution and fulfillment details brands have to nail, to the velocity expectations and consumer profiles (that may surprise you). In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Farm to Can

August 03, 2023 17:00 - 59 minutes - 54.1 MB

Taylor Lanzet and Maddy Rotman are the co-founders of Anytime Spritz, the new "farm-to-can" cocktail created with 100% regenerative wheat and fruit directly sourced from small-scale farmers. On this episode of ITS, Taylor and Maddy break down the opportunity and challenges of launching an RTD spirit and how important community is in the process. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building to Build a Moat

July 27, 2023 17:00 - 58 minutes - 53.4 MB

Katie Wilson is the founder and CEO of BelliWelli, the wellness brand known for its gut health-focused snack bar. On this episode of ITS, Katie tells Ali how Facebook groups, billboards, humor, and empathy built the brand we know today. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building DTC Makes a Lot of Sense (Sometimes)

July 20, 2023 17:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MB

Angela Vranich is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Little Spoon, the baby to big kid food subscription company making healthy, nutritionally optimized food for every eating stage. On this episode of ITS, Angela tells Ali the story of Little Spoon, and how they've grown exclusively on DTC by focusing on serving the needs of their growing community, both with new product innovation and through educational content for new parents. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Your Media Budget

July 13, 2023 16:00 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MB

Stacey Hartnett is VP of E-Commerce and Marketing at Chomps, the better-for-you meat snack inspiring a healthier way of high-protein snacking. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Ashly (Haven's Content Director) chat with Stacey about the ever-evolving role of marketing, which channels support awareness vs. retention, and how Chomps grew from a DTC brand to one with 20k national grocery doors. Photo courtesy of Chomps. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building with Content Creators

July 06, 2023 16:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MB

Lisa Poe is the founder of LGPR, a talent management and brand marketing company. On this episode of ITS, Lisa and Ali talk about how brands can work with content creators and influencers to create meaningful partnerships and content that drive new consumers to said brands, and build loyalty with those who've already connected. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Books

June 30, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MB

Anthony Domenici is the co-founder of BASECAMP Consulting Group, a fractional CFO and bookkeeping team that offers a full-service suite of financial services for emerging brands. On today's episode of ITS, we get back into financials: What data every founder needs to know, more on why cashflow is key, and how to manage your burn. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Like it's Forever

June 22, 2023 17:00 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MB

Janica Lane is Managing Director of Food & Beverage Investment Banking and Co-head of Consumer Investment Banking at Piper Sandler. On this episode of ITS, Janica and Ali talk about acquisition: from what strategics are looking for (hint, it's what we should all be doing anyway), to how they consider innovation, to how to respond when they start looking. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building a Hero

June 15, 2023 19:00 - 51 minutes - 47.5 MB

Ju Rhyu is the Co-Founder and CEO Hero Cosmetics, the incredible skincare brand that launched in 2017 with one product, and sold in 2022 for over $600m. On this episode of ITS, Ju describes how she built a high growth, omnichannel, profitable company that is deeply loved by an engaged audience. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building and Saving the World

June 08, 2023 18:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MB

Gary Hirshberg is the CEO of the Hirshberg Entrepreneurship Institute and Co-Founder and Chief Organic Optimist of Stonyfield Farm, the company he grew from a small organic farming school in New Hampshire in 1983 to the world’s largest organic yogurt company. On the 200th episode of ITS, Gary shares his wisdom about product, sales, sustainability, and the entrepreneurship journey. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building in the Shower

June 01, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MB

Will Nitze is the founder and CEO of IQ Bar, the plant based protein company for your brain and body. On this episode of ITS, Will and Ali talk about his "shower thoughts" on Linkedin, how IQBAR built on e-commerce first, why they skipped straight to conventional, and the pros and cons of platforming. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building, Compounding

May 27, 2023 19:41 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

Dan Bubniak is the Chief Growth Officer at Dirty Hands, the field sales, merchandising, and brokerage partner on a mission to support better for you food brands. On this episode of ITS, Dan and Ali talk about winning at retail and how it's a hands-on, point of sale, compounding game. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Food Service First

May 18, 2023 16:00 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MB

Amy Zitelman is the co-founder and CEO of Soom Foods, the tahini brand known by every restaurant chef – and now more and more consumers- across the US. On this episode of ITS, Amy and Ali talk about building what you know with what you have, which means taking a real inventory of your resources, skill-sets, and tolerance, then keeping disciplined to scaling that before launching into other categories, channels or products. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Small to Grow Big

May 11, 2023 19:00 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MB

Ashley Rouse is the founder of Trade Street Jam Co., the cheffy, small batch jams made without pectin, thickeners or extra sugar. On this episode of ITS, Ali and Ashley talk about the journey, the wins, and the lessons along the path to scale. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building a Better Cash Cycle

May 04, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MB

Greg Wank is a partner at and the leader of Anchin's Food and Beverage and Branded CPG Practices. On this episode of ITS, Greg and Ali talk margins, working capital, cash, and taxes. As Greg says, it's not just that the game has changed in 2023, it's that playing field is completely different. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Personally

April 27, 2023 20:30 - 1 hour - 55.7 MB

Erica Rankin is the founder and Chief Everything Officer at Bro Dough; a functional cookie dough available in Canada soon to launch a new line in the USA. On this episode of ITS, Erica tells Ali how she built her massive (60k+) Linkedin community and TikTok following (200k+) and how vulnerability and honesty have helped her grow and pivot her business. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building with the Whole Oat (and Family)

April 20, 2023 21:00 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MB

Christina Dorr Drake is the CEO and co-founder of Willa's, the only oat milk that uses whole, organic oats. On this episode of ITS, Christina and Ali talk about the alt-milk landscape, the resurgence of real sustainability, and how Christina managed launching mid pandemic and mid cancer diagnosis. In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building the Building Muscle

April 13, 2023 16:00 - 39 minutes - 36 MB

Michelle Cordeiro Grant is the founder and CEO of Gorgie, the first clean energy drink built by women, for everyone. Prior to building Gorgie, Michelle founded Lively, a "leisurée" brand that she grew from concept to an $105M acquisition three years later. On this episode of ITS, Michelle talks about the mental muscle of entrepreneurship, why she thinks of Red Bull as the Victoria's Secret of the energy drink market, and what it really means to crowd source a CPG product. In the Sauce is Po...

Building with a Broker

April 07, 2023 04:00 - 58 minutes - 53.7 MB

Kari Pedriana is Co-Founder and CEO of Green Spoon Sales, the national natural food and beverage sales broker, specializing in emerging CPG brands, including Primal Kitchen, Lesser Evil, Quinn Snacks, Smart Sweets, Chomps and Midday Squares. On this episode of ITS, Kari breaks down the broker role, how to best think of relationships with distributors, selling trade shows vs. marketing trade shows, and why Green Spoon launched its accelerator program, take root. In the Sauce is Powered by Si...

Building for Next Year

March 30, 2023 19:21 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MB

Monica Watrous is the managing editor of Food Business News, which covers the latest trends, innovations and developments in the food and beverage industry. On this episode of ITS, Monica and Ali talk Expo West: Trends, highlights and lowlights. They also talk about trade industry press and what shifts Monica is seeing in the natural food industry. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member! Photo courtesy of Sosland ...

Building a Flywheel

March 23, 2023 19:15 - 1 hour - 62 MB

Grace Clarke is a marketing all-star who helps companies translate their visions and values into high-growth marketing programs. On this episode of ITS, Grace and Ali talk about Grace's road (Allure, Town and Country, Madewell, Derris, Graza, Jones Road, Curology...), how she helps emerging brands ask themselves, "Why, Why, and then Why again," and what every brand should be doing early on to set the foundation for success. Photo courtesy of Spencer Kohn. Heritage Radio Network is a listen...

Building ButcherBox

March 16, 2023 17:00 - 57 minutes - 52.5 MB

Mike Salguero is the founder and CEO of ButcherBox, the incredible subscription service that delivers a variety of 100% grass-fed meat, wild-caught seafood, free-range poultry, and more, straight to your home. On this episode of ITS, Mike shares the story of how BB went from a 15k kickstarter to a $600m business, all without outside funding. On top of that, they've been profitable since day one. Ali may or may not get a little choked up when Mike talks about the loneliness that comes with be...

Building with Simplicity

March 02, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

Justin Gill is the Founder of Bachan’s, The Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce. On this episode of ITS, Justin and Ali talk Costco, building a team, and the simple principles that have lead Bachan's to grow into over 14,000 retail doors in 3 years. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Building Big Bets on Little Places

February 16, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MB

Greg Lorenzo is Head of Marketing at Stockeld Dreamery, and prior to that, led marketing at Super Coffee. On this episode of ITS, Greg shares lessons from over 15 years of experience strengthening brands through experiential marketing, behavior analysis, and insights. His secret weapon is gathering lots of data and creating action plans for the team. Lots of books and studies in this episode! Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by b...

Building on Klaviyo

February 02, 2023 18:30 - 1 hour - 59.6 MB

Val Geisler is the Customer Advocacy Lead at Klaviyo, an email and sms marketing automation platform. On this episode of ITS, Ali interviews Val and Haven's Kitchen Senior Brand Manager, Maddie Kennedy all about email marketing. They discuss everything from "Why email?," To opt-ins, segmentation, flows, and what metrics really show brand love and community. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member! In The Sauce is P...

Building Means Daring

January 19, 2023 21:00 - 1 hour - 62.2 MB

Ross Mackay is the CEO and founder of Daring, the leading plant-based chicken brand, on a mission to remove chicken from the global food system. On this episode of ITS, Ross and Ali talk about plant-based meat, highlighting its opportunities & the challenges. They also chat prioritization, leadership, and what it means to be a true partner. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member! In The Sauce is Powered by Simplec...

Building Channel by Channel

January 12, 2023 02:29 - 1 hour - 57.6 MB

Amber Bylund is the VP of Sales Strategy at Siddhi Capital Holdings ("Siddhi"). With 15 years of experience working in the CPG industry, first at General Mills and Danone, then at A Dozen Cousins, Amber is now a member of Siddhi's diligence and strategy team. On this episode of ITS, Amber breaks down sales channels as well as her best practices for building out a sales function at an early stage CPG company. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support I...

Building Clout

December 17, 2022 04:53 - 1 hour - 55.2 MB

Rachel Krupa is Founder of Krupa Consulting & The Goods Mart, a convenience store for a new generation. On this episode of ITS, Rachel and Ali talk about the different ways brands can use PR - from SEO strategy to thought leadership. They discuss driving momentum during moments of growth and moments of building, and how Rachel built the Goods Mart as a place to launch products into retail.    Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by b...

Building a Cult

December 09, 2022 07:24 - 1 hour - 59.2 MB

Ari Raz is the CEO of The Coconut Cult, the small-batch, coconut-based yogurt company. On this episode of ITS, Ari and Ali talk about the virtuous cycle of limited time DTC flavors and their impact on retail sales, how brands should think about 2023, and what it was like to go from Founder working with a CEO to a CEO working with Founders. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member! In The Sauce is Powered by Simpleca...

Twitter Mentions

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