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
Monday Nov 07, 2022
Monday Nov 07, 2022
During today's milestone episode and back for the second time (episode 24) Sarah Davies from More Granola comes onto the show to discuss:
- A More Granola business update!
- Outsourcing production
- National distribution with UNFI UpNext
- The pivot from a focused D2C to B2B strategy
- In store and event sampling
- Grants and funding
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Based in Toronto, Ontario and founded by Sarah in 2020, More Granola was born out of a simple desire: to snack on granola chunks.
Sarah was an avid granola eater from a young age and always struggled to find a brand producing fresh, chunky granola made of real ingredients. She finally decided to create the product that she was missing: a nutrition packed granola that tasted like a treat.
With four Plant based, gluten free and all natural flavours to choose from, More Granola can be found both online and in well over 200 retail locations across Canada.
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Find More Granola here:
- Web: https://moregranola.com/
- IG: @moregranola_
- LinkedIn: Sarah Davies
- Email: hello@moregranola.com
https://canada.unfi.ca/upnext-supplier/
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👉 Check out this episode on the following platforms : Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts or directly on Podbean
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
👉 A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
During todays episode we discuss:
- truLOCAL’s startup story and business model
- How they triggered the change of a Fedex shipping policy
- The 12 days of Phoenix > Rising from the ashes of a full system crash
- Customer experience / CX
- Building community
- truLOCAL’s 2020 acquisition ($16.7M)
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Founded in February 2016, and with its HQ located in Kitchener, Ontario. truLOCAL is an innovative online marketplace that connects health conscious consumers to local farms and suppliers, giving them a more convenient way to access clean, locally raised meat products.
Fully customizable and tailored to each individual’s personal lifestyle, all orders are placed online with the ability to select everything from box size to frequency of deliveries, including the contents of each box. Operating locally out of Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, truLOCAL is a game changer to the relatively slow moving meat industry.
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Find truLOCAL here:
- Web: https://trulocal.ca/
- IG: @trulocal
- LinkedIn: Irma (Brcanovic) Lafleur
- Email: irma@trulocal.ca
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👉 Check out this episode on the following platforms : Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts or directly on Podbean
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
👉 A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Saturday Oct 22, 2022
Saturday Oct 22, 2022
During todays episode we discuss:
- The Luv the Grub startup story
- Grants & resources available
- Business challenges
- Striking a work / life balance & prioritizing family above all else
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Founded in 2018 and located in Vancouver, BC. Luv The Grub is an emerging social enterprise that operates at a number of levels in the food system.
- It captures produce seconds at the farm and produce market level that would otherwise go to waste
- Hires newcomer refugees through a paid culinary training program
- They produce delicious spreads and chutneys for the local market.
To date they have hired 42 individuals, captured over 100,000 lbs of produce seconds and are carried in over 85 retailers in Canada and the U.S.
Alia and the team have been recipients of the Sustainable Innovation Grant from IRCC, the Investment Readiness Fund grant, City of Vancouver Greenist City Grant, Surrey Community Grant, Peace Arch Grant and shortlisted for the Vancity Envirofund Grant.
For 15% off your purchase, use the discount code PACKHEAVY15
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Find Luv The Grub here:
- Web: https://luvthegrub.com/
- IG: @luvthegrub
- LinkedIn: Alia Sunderji
- Email: alia@luvthegrub.com
Episode references, resources & tools:
👉 Episode 39. Leveraging grants, imperfect fruit and the luck in finding the yin to your yang with Isabelle Lam, Co-founder & COO at Remix Snacks
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👉 Check out this episode on the following platforms : Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts or directly on Podbean
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
👉 A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Sunday Oct 16, 2022
Sunday Oct 16, 2022
Back for the second time (episode 28) Neha Charnalia from Switch Grocery comes onto the show to chat about the current business climate (and looming recession..) for Ecomm retailers and CPG Food processors and brands.
During the episode we discussed the following topics:
👉 The decline in sales / new customers / metrics and what you can potentially do about it
👉Changes to consider that may assist in surviving the next 12 months
👉 The importance of building and leveraging your network / coaches / trusted advisors
👉 What has worked for SwitchGrocery and what has NOT worked at all
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Based in Toronto, Ontario, Switch is a Canadian online store that finds innovative and low carb food products from across the country and around the world and brings them to the tables of Canadians. They are a one stop online shop for Diabetics, people on Keto and Paleo diets, and people who are looking for healthier food options for their families.
Famous for being obsessed with their customers, Neha and the team at Switch build value-add partnerships with food companies and are playing their part in solving environmental issues caused by food.
As mentioned during episode 28, Neha is a proud first generation immigrant to Canada, a Chartered Accountant by trade and an incredible business mind that is evenly balanced with the creativity required to get a startup business off the ground and into the air.
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Web: switchgrocery.com
IG: @switchgrocery
FB : SwitchGrocery
LinkedIn: Neha Charnalia
Email: contact@switchgrocery.com
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👉 Check out this episode on the following platforms : Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts or directly on Podbean
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
👉 A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Sunday Oct 09, 2022
Sunday Oct 09, 2022
Back on the show for the second time (head to episode 37 for their full startup story) Justin Kopetzki generously gets us up to speed on the last12 months of the Justo’s operation.
To say it’s been a busy 12 months for the boys would be accurate, predominantly due to a recent transition of production to a new contract manufacturing partner located across the ditch in Vancouver. The process of finding a suitable partner wasn’t quick, and ultimately resulted in the requirement to trim their SKUs down to their strongest 3 - causing much debate and the cutting of some emotional ties when deciding to drop their Hummus dips, of which the business was launched and built.
We also cover the preparation of the business for a soon to be happening investment round, a little on branding, their 1% FTP & B-Corp certifications and future aspirations.
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With their HQ located in Victoria, BC and established in 2019 Justo’s is a business with a focus on creating delicious plant based dips, while on the mission to leave a positive impact on both people and the planet.
With well over 80 retailers & restaurants serving their shelf stable and delicious dips, I'm sure you would agree that the Justo’s team of four - Justin, Eric, Tyler & Adam are not only an inspiration to watch while building something big, but always a pleasure to see and chat with at trade shows & events.
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Web: https://justos.ca/
IG: @justos.ca
LinkedIn: Justin Kopetzki
Email: justin@justos.ca
Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)
Brand and packaging design by Hope Aylen @ https://www.designfulhope.com/
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👉 Check out this episode on the following platforms : Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts Or directly on Podbean
👉 Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor FoodPak : https://www.foodpak.com/
👉 A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Sunday Oct 02, 2022
Sunday Oct 02, 2022
There are an infinite amount of lessons that can be learned when talking to someone who has gone all in and executing on their vision, and today's conversation with Miki Talebi certainly doesn’t disappoint.
With less than a year under her belt in the operation of oomé, Miki’s startup story may ring true to a lot of you listening with some typical food production hurdles and crossroads encountered.
However, the real gold in today's conversation is in Miki’s approach to the oomé brand identity, packaging development and her willingness to share her personal “why” that is driving her and the business.
For anyone out there who is looking to take the leap from idea to operational reality - this episode will serve as incredible inspiration, showing just how far you can go in less than a year.
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Founded in May 2022 and located in Vancouver, BC - oomé embodies the values of great tasting food that is ethically produced, locally sourced, good for the planet and fun!
With 3 SKUs in the marketplace (Just Smoke, Maple Soy & Greek) and available in a growing number of retail locations, Miki is on a clear mission to celebrate family and great tasting food, while creating a brighter future for our planet and generations beyond us.
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Web: https://www.thisisoome.com/
IG: @thisisoome
LinkedIn: Miki Talebi
Email: miki@thisisoome.com
Brand and packaging design by Tyler Quarles @ https://www.quarles.studio/
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Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts
Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Sunday Sep 25, 2022
Sunday Sep 25, 2022
David has a strong background in Accounting (BA, Economics and an Accounting Master's Degree) and has multiple years of experience working for global professional service firms, Fortune 500 companies and a venture capital firm - setting the stage for a great co-founding partnership with Jose Hernandez at ChipMonk baking.
Today's conversation (as with all Pack Heavy episodes) revolves around the startup story of ChipMonk Baking and the highs and lows that entrepreneurship and startup life can bring - but with David's strong background in finance and analytical data crunching, among many things we discuss their approach to their social campaigns, eCommerce & website development and key resources required to keep the business ticking.
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ChipMonk is a specialty baking business that focuses on creating low-carb, no added sugar desserts. Located in Houston, Texas and founded in 2019 their mission is to empower people through mindful nutrition. They use gluten free ingredients, nut-based flours and sweeteners with a low glycemic impact and products that are perfect for anyone trying to cut sugar out of their life.
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Web: https://chipmonkbaking.com/
IG: @chipmonkbaking
Email: david@chipmonkbaking.com
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Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts
Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Friday Sep 16, 2022
Friday Sep 16, 2022
Many of you who play in the startup and food based CPG world and are active on LinkedIn will be very familiar with Erica (on for the second time - be sure to go back and listen to episode 30.) who has built a cult following on LinkedIn and TikTok largely due to her honest, raw and hilarious content revolving around her primary business, Bro Dough.
On today's episode Erica gets us up to speed on Bro Dough’s status - now working with a manufacturing partner and packer. We chat about her rebrand, the pros and cons of Entrepreneurship and some critical lessons that she has learned while scaling her business.
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Brough Dough was founded in 2019 and is Canada's first better-for-you edible cookie dough that is 100% vegan, contains plant-based protein and uses natural sweeteners.
Leveraging everything that she has learned on her social media marketing journey, Erica is now also teaching brands how to grow their social media organically via TikTok.
You can download her course, or sign up for more in-depth coaching where Erica will help you build a social media strategy here
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Web: https://brodough.ca/
Web: https://www.growwitherica.com/
IG: @brodoughcanada
TikTok: @brodoughcanada
Email: erica@brodough.ca
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Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts
Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Friday Sep 09, 2022
Friday Sep 09, 2022
Located in Port Coquitlam (soon to be Richmond, BC) and launched in 2016, House of Yee Fine Foods produces premium gluten free dumplings that can be found in close to 100 retail locations from the gulf islands to the Okanagan, Online & Farmers Markets.
Today's conversation with Christine covers so much ground from some critical early feedback that guided the decision to include a pack of sauce with every bag of dumplings, right through to scaling the business, production, marketing and outsourcing components of the business.
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Christine, herself was destined to be in the food business. Her love for food started at a young age while working in the family restaurant in Regina, Saskatchewan - House Of Yee Chinese Foods.
After moving to Vancouver she was inspired to start her own healthy Asian-inspired food line, which resulted in the creation of a frozen dumpling that's made with quality ingredients, has no MSG and is entirely gluten free. To pay homage to her parents and grandparents, Christine named her business House Of Yee Fine Foods.
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Email: christine@houseofyee.ca
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Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts
Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
Saturday Sep 03, 2022
Saturday Sep 03, 2022
Located in Surrey, BC the Real Patty Co is another tremendous start up business that first emerged to earn a quick buck at the start of the pandemic, and has since grown into a fully fledged business after an astounding amount of demand for their Jamaican Patties.
Today's conversation with Nic covers the zigs and zags that startup life is all about - from typical production challenges, increasing costs, the value and necessity of automation, marketing and sales (Nic’s bread and butter), right through to balancing home and work life.
The Real Patty Co embodies what it means to be Canadian by merging the flavours from their Caribbean roots with inspiration from all of the culinary diversity that surrounds us as Canadians.
You can stock your freezer with next-day delivery service from Abbotsford to West Vancouver and everywhere in between!
For $5 off your first order of patties, use the promo code - Pack Heavy
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Web: https://eattherealpatty.com/
IG: @therealpattyco
Email: nic@eattherealpatty.com
Pie Master - Equipment
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Listen on Apple, Spotify, Amazon & Google Podcasts
Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
A review and a positive rating will help to get this show into more business owners / operators ears - and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com