Join Hayden Thomson as he hosts The Pack Heavy Podcast, a must-listen show for business owners and operators competing in the CPG and food processing industries. Featuring insightful interviews with industry leaders and special guests, this podcast shares valuable knowledge on the challenges, failures and successful strategies that have shaped their businesses. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, tune in weekly to help prioritize what matters most and take your business to the next level.
Episodes
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
Thursday Jun 17, 2021
Launched in 2019, Bro Dough is a vegan cookie dough that contains plant-based protein and natural sweeteners, and was created for consumers who prioritise their health and yet still want to enjoy a tasty treat, without sacrificing their health or fitness goals.
Erica first came onto my radar a few months ago on LinkedIn when one of her famous TikTok posts came up on my feed. I followed Erica and have honestly enjoyed watching her build her business and provide us with a ton of really insightful and genuine content.
On episode, 26 with Jenni Shaw from Social Wellness, Jenni and I both commented on Erica’s content - I reached out to Erica to see if we could hear first hand how she has developed her digital marketing strategy - particularly on TikTok and LinkedIn, how it has helped to develop her brand and drive her direct sales.
Erica did not disappoint and kindly provided us with some great insight into her startup operation, including her strategy to grow her audience organically on TikTok, the value that she has found in LinkedIn, and much more!
Please show your support - leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
With its Headquarters located in Burlington, ON - Canflexographics is currently celebrating its 35th year servicing the Canadian printing industry with it’s full range of state of the art and award winning print press and peripheral equipment. Proudly representing manufacturers such as the Bobst Group and Mark Andy, Canflexo can provide print press options ranging from Rotogravure, Flexographic and Digital print technology.
Some of you may remember episode 4 of the podcast when I sat down with Mikael Koltek, a colleague of mine here at FoodPak. We discussed the basic fundamentals of the two most common print methods in the flexible packaging space - Rotogravure and Digital.
We took the time to map out the strengths and limitations of each method through the lens of finish and quality, financial impacts to consider and advantages that you can leverage to reduce your costs, like economies of scale.
On this episode, Natalie generously goes deep into the details of the flexible printing industry through the lens of someone who is out there selling this equipment. We touch on the current state of the Canadian printing industry & marketplace, a little on what the market is demanding from printers & how they are accommodating these demands.
https://www.bobst.com/caen/products/ci-flexo-printing/ci-flexo-printing-presses/
https://www.markandy.com/equipment/digital-presses/
Please show your support - leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Based in Toronto, Ontario Switch is a proud Canadian startup online retailer of low carb food products from across the country and around the world.
Neha and her team have found a niche position as a trusted source for Diabetics, people on Keto and Paleo diets, and people who are looking for healthier food options for their families.
Neha is an absolute powerhouse and was so willing to share her startup story. As a first generation immigrant to Canada and a Chartered Accountant by trade, Neha has an incredible business mind that is balanced with the creativity required to get a startup business off the ground and into the air.
We cover a ridiculous amount of ground on this episode including the mechanics of the relationship between an online retailer and CPG supplier, the vetting process at Switch, digital / online marketing strategy, shipping strategy for your online store and how to prepare your business for funding.
https://www.switchgrocery.com/
Please show your support - leave a review and rate the show, and If you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Thursday May 27, 2021
Thursday May 27, 2021
Founded in the summer of 2019, Hunter Browns is an innovative food startup company with their first product being brown butter cubes.
Brown butter is known for its rich, hazelnutty taste and aroma. It can be tedious and intimidating to make - but is now easily accessible for both home cooks and chefs to use as an ingredient to instantly elevate dishes.
Lanna and I have a great chat about her early startup story and approach to getting her idea off the ground and onto the retail shelves.
Among many things, Lanna discusses her launch strategy of leveraging industry experts to gain product credibility, and how being nominated for and awarded with industry accolades positively impacted her early reputation with retail partners.
If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Thursday May 20, 2021
Thursday May 20, 2021
Founded in 2019, Social Wellness Co. is a small-scale boutique social media and content management company located in Sarnia, Ontario that specialises in digital content for health brands, wellness entrepreneurs and business coaches.
With a focus on social media and digital marketing strategies, campaign planning, recipe development, food photography and copywriting.
On this episode Jennifer provides us with the inside scoop to digital marketing and some insight into how a small scale and startup CPG business can build their social media presence and the optimal point to start working with an agency like Social Wellness.
We also cover the new world of TikTok, walking through the customer journey, content pillars & themes, content calendars and the importance of reviewing your analytics to discover what is building engagement & driving conversions.
If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Thursday May 13, 2021
Thursday May 13, 2021
Ben is an independent graphic designer and illustrator based in Vancouver, BC who established his business, Pretty / Ugly design in 2006.
Ben specialises in branding, packaging and print projects with a focus on illustration, lettering and custom typography.
Ben and I primarily walk through the mechanics involved in his design process and key components that help to create a successful design outcome. Ben shares stories from some of his most well known projects, where he looks for inspiration and much more on this highly informative episode.
https://www.instagram.com/prettyuglydsgn/
https://dribbble.com/prettyuglydesign
If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Thursday May 06, 2021
Thursday May 06, 2021
Based in Toronto, Ontario and founded by Sarah 11 months ago, More Granola is a hot off the press CPG startup venture that has seen some impressive early growth. With Four Plant based, gluten free and all natural flavours to choose from, More Granola can be found both online and in over 30 retailers across Ontario.
On this episode Sarah generously gives us great insight into some early wins, lessons learned, iterations made and corners turned at More Granola. We discuss Sarah's approach to the development and early investment into her packaging and brand, production process, pricing strategy and so much more in this inspiring startup phase story.
If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Friday Apr 30, 2021
Friday Apr 30, 2021
Founded in 1990 by Tom Chin & located in Richmond, BC, Organika is a family-led Canadian company with over 140 employees that is dedicated to being the go-to guide to everything wellness - from nutrition to movement to self-care.
Since assuming leadership of Organika in 2015, Aaron has played a key role in the continued growth of the company into an award-winning, globally recognised brand with a huge focus on innovation.
The vertically integrated company distributes a growing catalogue of natural health and beauty products from coast to coast and in more than 25 countries worldwide.
On this episode Aaron provides an incredible amount of insight into the inner workings of Organika. We touch on leadership, the benefits of operating a business that is vertically integrated, building a trusted brand, balancing work and family life, mental health and much more!
If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Thursday Apr 22, 2021
Thursday Apr 22, 2021
It’s not every day that you’re drawn to an item on the retail shelf because of a beautiful aesthetic and brand identity. This was definitely the case when I came across Jordan Hocking's hot sauce in a gift shop and purchased it for a good friend back in 2018. This memory stuck with me, which is why I was so excited to have Jordan on the show.
Jordan generously shares her story and gives great insight into the value that spending time upfront on brand development has brought to her business, especially in its most formative years.
If you're in the process of developing your CPG brand, this episode is for you!
https://www.sriracharevolver.com/
If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Thursday Apr 15, 2021
Thursday Apr 15, 2021
Andrea started in the natural and organic food industry more than 25 years ago and over that time has built a specialised resume of positions & experience, including time at Yves Veggie Cuisine and Imagine Foods, VP of Sales and Marketing at Happy Planet Foods and Owner of Tarragon Foods.
As well as being the founder and CEO at Good to Grow, Andrea plays an active role in the business as the Sales, Marketing and Operations Specialist.
Good to Grow has helped literally hundreds of companies launch, grow and expand their products and brands both physically and geographically, and engage with clients through business courses, coaching, mentoring and financial advisory services.
More recently Andrea founded BC Local Root; an online platform for delivery or curb side pick up of locally processed products that was built in response to the COVID crisis and in support of local processors who have lost significant sales due to market slow-down and restaurant closures.
https://goodtogrowproducts.com/
If you have any questions, comments or feedback from today's episode please reach out : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com