
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

Friday Apr 08, 2022
Friday Apr 08, 2022
On today’s episode, Andrew generously tells the Plantworthy story, going into great detail on the major mechanics involved when getting his startup CPG business off the ground and into the world. We discuss their Kickstarter campaign, initial production challenges and partnering with a co manufacturer among many things. If you're in the process of developing your side hustle CPG brand, this episode is for you!
Founded in 2018 and located in London, Ontario - Plantworthy Food produces cashew based products made from organic ingredients that are both gluten-free & dairy-free with no added preservatives, fillers or oils.
With 4 shelf stable Cheeze Sauce SKUs (Original, Smoky Cheddar, Chipotle & Pesto) available both online and in close to 50 retail locations from coast to coast, Plantworthy Food is making plant based food both a convenient and easy endeavour for their growing tribe of consumers.
To receive 20% off all orders of Plantworthy Cheeze Sauces, be sure to take advantage of the Promo Code “HEAVY20” at the checkout.
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Web: https://plantworthyfood.com/
LinkedIn: Andrew Zuk
Email : sales@plantworthyfood.com
IG: @plantworthyfood
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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 Apr 01, 2022
Friday Apr 01, 2022
On today’s episode, Margaret and I dig right into the mechanics of the NFC business - from the seed of the idea right through to their current expansion plan, points of differentiation in an ever growing and competitive landscape, the logistics of taking on funding, the value and importance of a meaningful company culture and so much more.
A great episode full of information for you all from one of the most well regarded, generous and articulate entrepreneurs in the industry.
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Based in London, Ontario - Nuts For Cheese is an award-winning manufacturer of organic, cashew-based dairy products. Available Canada wide in both large and independent retail banners, online and now in 44 locations down in the USA.
Margaret started Nuts For Cheese in 2015 with a simple goal: Use the highest quality ingredients to create the world’s best-tasting, gourmet vegan cheese. Their certified fair trade and organic, dairy-free, gluten-free cheeses are made with all Organic ingredients without cutting corners. That means no starches, no gums or fillers.
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Web: https://nutsforcheese.com/
LinkedIn: Margaret Coons
Email : info@nutsforcheese.com
IG: @nutsforcheese
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Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
Leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com

Friday Mar 25, 2022
Friday Mar 25, 2022
Heather and Haley, like many, spent a lot of time as children watching their grandparents cook. When it came to be that the recipe torch was passed down to them, they knew that they had to make some big changes in order to suit their vegan lifestyles.
Nonno's is Canada's first fully vegan pasta brand that provides authentic Italian flavours to both the plant-based and plant-curious community. Their products are inspired by generations of family recipes and can be found in a small variety of select retail and online retailers here
Today's episode digs right into the Nonno’s startup story with Heather, where she generously shares the many challenges encountered, wins celebrated and some insight into their future direction.
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Web: https://www.nonnospastashop.com/
LinkedIn: Heather Toffanello
Email : hello@nonnospastashop.com
IG: @nonnospastashop
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Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
Leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com

Friday Mar 18, 2022
Friday Mar 18, 2022
Having grown up in and exposed to every facet of the family business (Gulberg Restaurant) and in combination with the completion of his MBA in 2015, Rushd built the perfect foundation to take on the next family venture - Barakah Eats.
Today's episode takes a deep dive into the B.E. business model & covers some early wins and failures that has ultimately led to success in their current position, and primed them for some accelerated growth into strategic & key new markets and territories over the coming 12 months.
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Established in 2018 Barakah Eats manufactures frozen, gourmet, South Asian influenced, ready to eat meals. Their products are Certified Halal, preservative free and use local, antibiotic free & grass fed beef and chicken with a great selection of vegan and gluten free options - all produced in small batches in a HACCP certified facility.
Barakah Eats can be found in over 100 local grocery stores around BC, online and at Vancouver based weekend farmers markets.
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LinkedIn: Rushd Khan
Email : rushdk@barakaheats.com
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Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
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 Mar 10, 2022
Thursday Mar 10, 2022
Jared leads the team at The Think Tank - a full-service communications agency, providing brands with the strategic and creative tools to stand out from the crowd and connect with consumers where they consume > in-store, online and beyond.
By leveraging this specific skill set, Jared and partner (in life and business) Lyndsay created and launched Wander Nut Butters - Internationally spiced nut butters inspired by some of the most renowned food destinations & cuisines on earth and places that they have traveled to.
Today’s conversation covers the full gamut of the Wander startup story, with a particular focus on Jared's experience researching consumer and product trends to better understand how people think which helped to guide some early decisions made during the build out of their business model, and marketing & sales approach.
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LinkedIn: Jared Kligerman
Email : jared@tttmrktg.com
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Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
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 Mar 03, 2022
Thursday Mar 03, 2022
If you’ve ever completed or are about to prepare your CPG product packaging for the retail shelf, I’m sure that you would agree that provincial & federal labeling regulations and acts can be a daunting task and a maze to sift through.
Roger helps food processors and restaurant operators develop and prepare their products for success on the retail shelf. With a primary focus on nutrition fact & ingredient lists, barcodes, federal compliance for labeling standards and strong labeling copy - Roger is perfectly positioned to highlight the lay of the land on your packaging & labeling requirements for the Nth American market.
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LinkedIn: Roger LaRochelle
Email : RLRconsulting@outlook.com
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Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
Leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com

Friday Feb 25, 2022
Friday Feb 25, 2022
We all have unique motivations and drives in life. However, successful business founders are built differently to the average Joe. They are relentless in their pursuit of building a unique business model that thrives, no matter the ups and downs that are inevitable along the way.
Today's episode with Mellisa highlights the DNA that must be embedded in such a founder.
A conversation for anyone out there looking for light at the end of the tunnel, who has rolled up their sleeves with the Pack Heavy mentality and is getting it done.
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Founded in 2015, Spread’em Kitchen started in Mellisa's home kitchen as a weekend farmers market hustle. Just to earn some extra money so she could take some time off from her 9-5 to figure out what she really wanted to do with her life.
From home kitchen in 2015, commissary from 2016-2018, their first stand alone facility in 2019 and now to their new 20,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Richmond B.C.
Mellisa's plant-based dips and cheeses can be found nationwide in thousands of stores across Canada and soon in the USA.
For 15% off at the Spread’em checkout use the promo code: packheavy15
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Web: https://spreademkitchen.com/
LinkedIn: Mellisa Mills
Email : info@spreademkitchen.com
Trade Accelerator Program : https://www.boardoftrade.com/wtc/vancouver
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Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
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 Feb 17, 2022
Thursday Feb 17, 2022
I've had some incredibly important and valuable conversations on this podcast - yet this conversation may be the one that impacts you and your business the most.
When considering flexible packaging options, the vast majority of my podcast guests and clients at FoodPak value a sustainable solution for their brand and consumers.
Despite the material structure of the package, often times it's the end of life infrastructure available in the local municipalities that dictate what sustainable means, and the available options that you have for your product and business.
This episode lays it all out on the table - especially if you are frustrated with the lack of information and greenwash surrounding the recyclability or compostability of flexible packaging out in the world.
After listening to this discussion you will have a clear understanding of the current and future end of life systems for flexible plastic packaging in North America, and what that means for your business.
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Colin was the director of the Recycling Council of Ontario and executive director for the Pollution Probe Foundation from 1982 - 1989.
In 1989 Colin established CIAL Group - An independent environmental policy and program consulting firm with significant experience in the design and implementation of pollution prevention, lifecycle management, and Sustainable Development projects within the private sector. Clients include major corporations in the food, consumer products, energy and transportation sectors as well as trade associations and government departments.
Colin was the environmental columnist for the Financial Post from 1990 to 1994. He publishes and edits the Gallon Environment Letter, an electronic newsletter addressing environmental issues.
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Web: http://www.cialgroup.com/
LinkedIn: Colin Isaacs
Email : colin@cialgroup.com
https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/
https://recyclebc.ca/flexiblepackaging/
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Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
Leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com

Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
62. Climbing the CPG mountain with Jasmine Byrne, President of Big Mountain Foods
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
Wednesday Feb 09, 2022
On today's episode, Jasmine generously provides us with some great insight into the growing CPG machine that is Big Mountain Foods. Among many topics, we discuss their approach to product innovation, production, securing supply of raw ingredients and marketing & sales.
A great conversation for anyone in the throes of scaling their business, and looking for an inspirational story!
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Founded in 1987 by Kimberly Chamberland, Big Mountain Foods is a women owned and family operated business providing naturally vegan products free from many common allergens such as gluten, soy and nuts.
Their mission is to make food that they would proudly serve to their own family - in other words, real food that tastes good!
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Web: https://bigmountainfoods.com/
LinkedIn: Jasmine Byrne
Email : jasmine@bigmountainfoods.com
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Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
Leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com

Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Get out your pad and pencil, and be prepared to take notes - Lori is back to dig right into her equity crowdfunding campaign currently underway at FrontFundr.
A great episode for any of you currently looking to raise capital for your business, or for those of you who would like to learn more about the ins and outs of an equity crowdfunding campaign.
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Founded in 2016 and with 6 SKUs in the freezer, Betterwith Ice Cream is made the Old-World way - with full-fat cream and simple ingredients without tons of sugar or any gums.
The team at Betterwith is a small group of super-smart, ice cream obsessed, industry experts that were first introduced to Betterwith as customers. Today, collectively they’re on a mission to become Canada's premium ice cream company.
Betterwith Ice Cream can be found in the Western Canadian grocery market (Whole Foods, Safeway, Nesters, Choices and Thrifty’s to name but a few) - Post raise, their target is to reach 500+ locations by the end of 2022 and $1M in revenue.
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Web: https://www.betterwith.com/
LinkedIn: Lori Joyce
Email : lori@betterwith.com
Equity crowdfunding campaign @ FrontFundr : Invest here
Antique Bushells Tea Tin here
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Please support this podcast by checking out our show sponsors
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
Futurpreneur Canada : http://www.futurpreneur.ca/packheavy
Leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com