#88 - Marieke Hammes - The Canned Wine Group [Head of Operations & Sustainability]

Today's guest is Marieke Hammes - Head of Operations and Sustainability at The Canned Wine Group.They have two brilliant sub-brands, Canned Wine Co and The Copper Crew - both showcasing how incredibly delicious and sustainable canned wine can be.Marieke was employee number 1 after the founders and has been there nearly 6 years. I loved getting to know her backgroup, move into operations, and why she loves what she does.Today they officially re-launch 2 new wines into Waitrose so go and check them out.Marieke is lovely - and I know you're going to love this one... Enjoy!If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Meet Marieke Hammes and Canned Wine Group04:21 The Journey of Canned Wine Group06:47 The Launch of Waitrose and New Products09:40 Understanding Canned Wine and Its Benefits12:14 Operations and Challenges in the Wine Industry14:57 Personal Growth and Sustainability Focus17:35 Family Background and Sustainability Passion19:54 Memorable Experiences and Events22:19 Learning Curves and Operational Challenges25:19 Future Plans and New Varieties27:50 Advice for Aspiring FMCG Professionals29:26 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

This weeks guest is the effervescent Zoe Fox - Head of Business Development at The Coconut Collab and host of brilliant consumer brand podcast Getting to Grow.Well versed in brilliant conversations, it was nice to dig into all things Zoe, her motivations, passions, career history and of course all about her podcast.Zoe is full of energy, and equally full of wisdom.You're gonna love it!If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup01:33 Zoe Fox's Journey to Coconut Collaborative06:00 Growth and Team Dynamics at Coconut Collaborative08:31 Product Development and New Launches09:47 Passion for Coconut Collaborative and Team Culture10:53 Key Partnerships and Business Growth13:01 Modeling Career Reflections15:07 Starting the Podcast and Its Evolution18:52 Themes from Conversations with Founders20:05 Balancing Work and Personal Life23:06 Embracing Chaos and Productivity25:02 Motivation and Inspiration from Upbringing28:23 Navigating Highs and Lows in Life31:56 Future Aspirations and Goals34:49 Advice for Aspiring Founders

Today's guest is Lawrence Moore - Commercial Director at OatoLawrence shares insights from his extensive career in FMCG, from Belvoir Farms to Red Bull, and the innovative approach behind Oato's fresh oat milk. Discover lessons on brand building, manufacturing, and leadership in the competitive food and drink industry.If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:40 Transition to Retail and Unique Selling Proposition15:27 Challenges and Successes in the Retail Space22:11 Starting a Career in Sales28:01 Growth and Management in the Drinks Industry33:13 Building a Brand and Company Culture43:15 Finding Balance and Personal Growth

This weeks guest is the brilliant Charlie Pugh Cordero - Growth Lead at Foreva Farmers.They are making quintessentially British drinks, crafted with 100% natural ingredients straight from their Herefordshire farm. The farm operates on renewable energy, ensuring that every can of Foreva Farmers' you enjoy leaves a minimal environmental footprint.I loved getting to hear about the brand from Charlie, and all about his career.He's a lovely guy - and this episode is a beauty, ENJOY!If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Introduction to Foreva Farmers and Charlie Pugh Cordero03:39 Sustainability in Beverage Production06:14 Charlie’s Journey to Foreva Farmers08:59 Growth Strategies and Market Presence11:55 Product Range and Innovations14:21 Sales Challenges and Successes17:11 Future Aspirations and Partnerships19:59 Advice for Aspiring Sales Professionals22:31 Closing Thoughts and Personal Reflections

Today's guest is Lucy Williamson, brand manager at STOCKEDNow STOCKED make innovative meals in block format, with a passionate community of 'blockheads' and over 16,000 subscribers.I loved chatting to Lucy, you're gonna love it too!If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Introduction to Stocked and Lucy's Role04:00 The Unique Concept of Stocked Meals06:47 Lucy’s Journey to Stocked09:36 The Growth of Stocked and Team Dynamics12:17 Out of Home Campaign: 'Nothing Cooler Than Frozen'15:16 The Evolution of Frozen Food Perception17:42 Lucy's Marketing Insights and Unilever Experience20:29 Advice for Aspiring Marketers29:10 Introduction to Challenger Brands and Team Impact29:48 The Excitement of Shaping a Growing Brand30:39 Challenges of Working in a Startup Environment31:45 Balancing Multiple Roles and Overcoming Overwhelm33:14 Team Bonding and Social Activities34:55 Activities to Celebrate Wins and Team Insights36:00 Deepening Role Understanding and Team Collaboration36:58 Music as a Workday Companion37:12 Upcoming Product Collaborations and Future Plans38:45 Connecting with Stocks and Final Thoughts

Today's guest is my good friend Louis Bedwell. Louis has spent 10+ years on the inside of the food industry - running innovation programmes with major retailers, backing early-stage brands through an investment fund, and leading a senior membership community focused on climate and health strategy. His job is all about helping brands, retailers, and investors make better decisions about food, and he regularly posts great hot takes on LinkedIn.It's a slightly different one today - but super insightful, you're gonna love it!If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Introduction to Louis Bedwell and His Work02:54 The Responsibility of the Food Industry07:14 Building Relationships in the Food Sector07:35 Early Influences and Career Path09:53 The Power of Challenger Brands11:51 Success Stories from Challenger Brands14:27 Insights from Big Brands on Challenger Brands17:11 Responsibility in the Food Industry17:36 Collaborative Solutions in the Food Industry18:57 Retailers and Challenger Brands: A Supportive Ecosystem22:08 Emerging Trends in Food: Protein and Authenticity26:25 Maximizing Brand Impact: Focus on What Matters29:37 Resilience in the Food Sector: Navigating Challenges33:08 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs36:07 Future Goals: Funding and Innovation in Food

This weeks guest is Ellen Whysall, Business Development Manager at Pukpip.A brand revolutionising frozen banana desserts. Discover insights on brand growth, product innovation, and navigating the food industry, perfect for aspiring food entrepreneurs and FMCG enthusiasts.If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Introduction to Ellen Whysall and Pukpip02:39 The Origin Story of Pukpip and Zara Godfrey03:34 Saving Bananas: Sustainability and Food Waste Reduction04:46 Ellen's Journey into Food and Drink Industry06:20 Team Structure and Remote Work at Pukpip07:58 Industry Events and Networking in Food Sector08:46 Growing Up Around Family Business and Entrepreneurial Inspiration10:02 Early Career and Passion for Food and Events11:47 Transition from Events to Food and Drink Entrepreneurship12:42 Starting at Pukpip and Early Achievements14:14 Lessons from Family and Entrepreneurial Role Models15:24 Skills from Event Management Applied to Food Business16:57 Market Trends in Frozen Snacking and Product Range18:01 Favorite Pukpip Products and Flavours19:32 Impact of Frozen Products on Dietary Inclusion20:51 A Typical Week at Pukpip and Summer Plans22:23 Upcoming Events, Sampling, and Trade Shows23:47 Where to Find Pukpip products24:18 Highlights and Proud Moments at Pukpip26:55 Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned28:32 Advice for Aspiring Food and Drink Entrepreneurs30:15 The Power of Personal Branding and Industry Engagement32:11 Future Plans and Exciting Developments for Pukpip33:42 Recommended Brands and Innovations in Food Sector34:54 Music as a Reflection of Career and Personality35:09 Connecting with Ellen and Final Thoughts

This weeks guest is Jess Wright - Sales and Marketing Director at Carvan Coffee Roasters.Jess has a fantastic career history, working for brands inlcuding Coca Cola, Emily Crisps, Camden Town Brewery, &Soda and many more!She now leads a team looking after the coffee side of the brilliant Caravan hospitality business.There's so much in this, Jess is full of energy and personality - I know you're gonna love it.Enjoy!If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Meet Jess Wright: Career Journey and Role at Caravan Coffee Roasters05:07 The Unique Culture at Caravan11:36 Discovering Caravan and the Coffee Industry13:37 A Day in the Life of a Sales and Marketing Director16:14 Implementing Deep Work and Productivity Strategies19:35 Early Aspirations and Career Beginnings21:04 Educational Background and Initial Career Steps22:42 Sales Experience at Coca-Cola24:38 Transitioning to Startups and Unique Experiences27:07 Working with Innovative Brands30:51 Navigating Corporate Structures32:42 Building Connections in the FMCG Community36:30 Key Lessons from Career Experiences38:25 Memorable Challenges and Resilience41:05 Career Reflections and Future Outlook

This week's guest is the brilliant Aidan Conry, Head of Sales at Fearne & Rosie - A jam brand proud to produce a range using double the fruit (70%) and half the sugar compared to most jam's in the market! Aidan shares insights into building a successful food brand, navigating retail partnerships, and the importance of authenticity and persistence in FMCG. From early days of being a buyer, to working for brands ever since - there's plenty of words of wisdom in this episode, enjoy!If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Introduction to Aidan Conry and Fearn & Rosie03:07 The Story Behind Fearn & Rosie04:25 Aidan's Journey to Fearn & Rosie06:47 The Team and Work Culture at Fearn & Rosie09:41 Aidan's Early Aspirations and Career Path12:20 Training and Development at ASDA14:42 Transitioning to the Plant-Based Sector17:20 The Disruption of Oato and Mighty20:09 Key Highlights and Success Stories22:38 Challenges and Setbacks in the Industry25:29 Future Plans for Fearn & Rosie28:01 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs30:29 Reflections on Career Progression33:18 Aidan's Musical Anthem and Closing Thoughts

This week I speak to industry titan - Mike Hemming, The Commercial Director of LoveSum DumplingsWe discuss Mike's extensive background in the food industry, including his time at Cadbury, Green & Black's, Mars Pet Care and Peter's Yard.Mike shares the founding story of LoveSum Dumplings, their vision for fresh dumplings in the UK, and the challenges they face in the retail market. There's insights on working in both corporate and SME environments, and advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs. There's SO much to dig into - ENJOY! If you want to build a brand consumers love, you NEED to speak with my incredible sponsor ⁠Against Ordinary⁠ - the masterminds behind my gorgeous brand.They have a 5-Minute Brand Test to help you uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and where your untapped potential lies. Give the ⁠Brand Scorecard⁠ a go today!Don't forget to check out the ever growing ⁠⁠Unfounders Song Selection ⁠⁠playlist on Spotify.... it's WILD.Ps - Have you got a guest you'd love to hear from? Submit a guest request form on our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Intro by Free Flowin' from ⁠⁠⁠Uppbeat⁠⁠Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/nod-your-headChapters00:00 Introduction to LoveSum Dumplings01:15 The Founding Story of LoveSum Dumplings03:25 Mike's Journey to LoveSum Dumplings05:56 Retail Success and Brand Growth07:55 Lunar New Year and Sales Insights11:29 Building a Factory and Overcoming Challenges15:17 Career Path and Early Influences18:27 Lessons from Cadbury's Experience19:57 Lessons from Cadbury: Leadership and Culture21:13 Transitioning to Green and Blacks: Authenticity and Innovation23:44 The Unique Environment at Mars: People Management and Leadership25:14 Scaling Peter's Yard: From Niche to Mainstream29:52 Navigating Premium Markets: Strategies for Success32:59 Focus on Core Products: Building a Strong Brand37:02 Advice for Aspiring Food Entrepreneurs: Passion and Experience