Functional ingredients are everywhere, but adding a trending ingredient to a label doesn't guarantee a product that actually works—or one consumers will buy again.Philip Bromley, CEO and co-founder of Viron, and Sarah Fenn, Viron's Director of Marketing, explain the science that separates effective functional products from those that simply make functional claims. Drawing on decades of experience in formulation, ingredient stabilization, and delivery systems, they explain why bioavailability, stability, packaging, and format matter just as much as the ingredient itself.You'll learn:Why bioavailability matters more than adding another functional ingredientHow formulation and packaging affect ingredient stability and efficacyWhich delivery formats work best for different functional ingredientsThe biggest formulation mistakes brands make—and how to avoid themHow to evaluate ingredient quality, sourcing, and clinical supportWhy taste and consumer experience drive repeat purchasesWhat separates functional products that consumers try from the ones they come back for
July 7, 202648 mins
Founders are constantly told they need to build in public - but is it actually the best way to grow?In this episode of the Nombase Podcast, Nick Elliott, Founder of Esprizio, joins Sara Brooks, Co-Founder of Goldilocks, to discuss the role of founder-led content, social media, PR, and brand strategy in building a successful CPG business.You Will Learn:When building in public makes sense—and when it doesn'tHow to develop a repeatable social strategy instead of posting randomlyLow-cost ways to build awareness and generate PRHow to create content that builds community instead of just chasing viewsWhy consistency matters more than posting frequencyHow to decide where founders should spend their limited marketing resources
June 30, 202644 mins
Getting onto retail shelves can feel like a big accomplishment—but what happens when strong velocity, national distribution, and real sales still don't add up to a profitable business?Lauren Chew of Love + Chew Superfood Cookies shares the story behind her decision to exit 2,500 retail doors through UNFI and KeHE—even with velocities buyers were happy with. Abby June Richards of The CPG CFO breaks down where the P&L falls apart for emerging brands and what founders need to understand about cash conversion cycles, trade spend, and channel-level profitability before signing a retailer contract. And Liana Krasnow of Noodo, a premium bone broth pasta sauce just 21 doors in, asks the questions every early-stage brand should be asking right now. You Will Learn:Why a brand can have great velocity and still be losing money on every caseThe hidden cash conversion cycle that can turn a modest monthly loss into a $3M cash problemHow to evaluate whether a specific retailer is actually a fit—before you sign anythingWhat trade spend really is, why it's not an operating expense, and how misreporting it can hurt you in due diligenceThe factors Lauren would weigh differently with her next brand, including shelf facings, direct shipping, and which retailers to avoid entirelyWhy regional, direct, and foodservice channels may deliver more profit than national distribution—and how to know when you're ready to scale
June 22, 202646 mins
As brands grow, it's easy to focus on the next retailer, the next marketing initiative, or the next distribution opportunity. But sustainable growth starts with a deeper understanding of your brand identity, who it's for, and what makes it truly different.In this episode, Eric Ramstad of Farmwell Drinks, Shaakira DeLoach of Ginja Snap, and brand strategist Kelly Criswell of Mudge to discuss how emerging brands can build around a niche, attract the right consumers, and create a foundation for long-term growth.From rebrands and packaging decisions to demos, consumer feedback, and community building, the conversation explores the questions founders should be asking as they refine their positioning and prepare to scale.You will learn:• How to identify the consumers most likely to become loyal customers• Why simplifying your messaging can strengthen your brand and improve consumer understanding• How to use demos and direct customer feedback to refine positioning and packaging• What creates meaningful differentiation when competitors can copy your ingredients or category• How to evaluate whether your current positioning can support future growth and expansion
June 16, 202639 mins
