[Sweets And Snacks Show] Innovating The Snack Game

The Firebelly Social Show

Mika Shino is the Founder and CEO of Issei, a brand that has reimagined the gummy candy world with a heartfelt mission. Of Japanese heritage, Mika ventured into entrepreneurship to offer her children healthier candy options inspired by her native mochi. Her innovative product, the world’s first shelf-stable mochi gummies, has earned acclaim as the most innovative among thousands. With a profound background at the UN, Mika embeds a message of cultural inclusivity and the celebration of immigrant voices in her confections. Her journey from kitchen experiments to retail success embodies passion, heritage, and the power of a mother's love.

Luis Ubanda is the Marketing Director of Wicked Cutz Jerky, a Dallas-based snack company specializing in high-quality, nutritious jerky products. Committed to offering better-for-you products, Luis and his team at Wicked Cutz emphasize that their snacks are gluten-free and free from the top seven allergens, highlighting their nutritional profile. Their innovation has led to the creation of breakfast sticks, a unique product launched at a major industry show. Luis is proud of Wicked Cutz's success, including being the number-one-selling bacon on Amazon.

Lisa King is the Founder of Brownie Points, a company renowned for producing an unparalleled variety of brownies. With a dynamic menu of 33 to 35 flavors rotating every two months, Lisa has solidified Brownie Points' reputation as the leading innovator in the brownie industry. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by a passionate commitment to delivering quality and creativity, evident in the unique layering of chocolate that encompasses each of her fresh-baked brownies. Under Lisa's leadership, Brownie Points has achieved tremendous success and recognition.

Robert (Bob) Zender is the Director of Marketing of Uglies Kettle Chips, a brand that has carved a niche in the snack industry by being the only upcycled certified kettle chips in the marketplace. With seven years of dedicated service, Uglies has transformed "imperfect" potatoes into premium small-batch kettle chips. Bob and the Dieffenbach family have been working with agricultural communities for over 60 years, pivoting in the last seven to focus on the upcycled potato chip brand Uglies. He is passionate about creating high-quality snacks without compromising taste, texture, or environmental responsibility.

Kari Guhl is the Co-owner of Sally's Nuts. Continuing her mother's 30-year tradition of making delicious sweet and salty nuts, she turned this beloved family recipe into a thriving business in 2017. Kari infuses the company with a passionate blend of family legacy and innovative entrepreneurship. She stepped up to market her mother's famous nuts, which had already gained a local following through yearly holiday gifting. Kari proudly upholds the title of Sally 2.0 by introducing these cherished nuts to a broader audience and expanding the business.

Erika Peterson and Andrea Chase are the Co-founders of Nerdy Nuts, a whimsical peanut butter company that has made a splash in the snack industry. Starting with a focus on basic spreads, they listened to their customers and bravely ventured into creating peanut butter treats by infusing traditional spreads with consumer-favorite cookies and candies. Their innovative approach has earned prestigious awards and cemented the brand's presence amidst more established giant snack companies. Despite being newcomers to the industry scene, Erika and Andrea's product was not only nominated but also won a valuable award in their first year, shocking even themselves.

Paul Brown is the Co-founder of Nomad Snacks, a company that's quickly making a name for itself in the snack industry. With just five months on the market, their innovative approach to flavor has already garnered them an award for the most innovative salty snack. Paul's vision for Nomad was baked over two years of dedication to perfect their popcorn seasoning, striving to create globally inspired flavors. At the core of his job, 85% revolves around innovation, ensuring that every product release meets his high standards for taste and quality.

Cherie Jackson is the CEO of Frooze Balls, a New Zealand-born healthy snack brand. She oversees operations and spreads the joy of their fruit and nut fusion snacks. Seven years ago, Cherie teamed up with a friend in New Zealand,the creator of these nutritious bites, to introduce them to the US market. Under her leadership, Frooze Balls have found their way into major retailers such as Trader Joe's, Amazon, Kroger, and Walmart. Cherie's passion for real food for real people is evident in the delicious and innovative offerings of Frooze Balls.

James Lindsay is the Founder and CEO of Rap Snacks, a snack brand that blends hip-hop culture with flavorful treats. With a vision to create the official snack of hip-hop, James has worked tirelessly for 30 years to bring his brand from the underground scene to the shelves of major retailers. His dedication to quality and outside-the-box thinking has made Rap Snacks a talk-of-the-show success. James prides himself on offering a product that provides an unparalleled taste experience.

In this episode…

Are you seeking healthier snack options for your family? Embracing traditions and family recipes could hold the key to better snacking. By infusing a mission-driven approach into product innovation, brands can revolutionize the future of food aisles.

Picture savoring a delectable snack that melds sweet and savory flavors, all while supporting a meaningful cause. Founders of different snack brands believe that snacks could share a tale of cultural heritage, unwavering passion, and a strong sense of purpose. They also say that successfully growing a snack brand involves more than creating delicious products. By intertwining thedelectable flavors of tradition, the ingenuity of innovation, and the impact of a meaningful cause to leave an indelible mark on the snack industry, these founders say that entrepreneurs can build snack brands that resonate with people.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney interviews different founders in the Sweets & Snacks event. They talk about the intersection of culture, personal narratives, and innovative food entrepreneurship, highlighting their creative processes, market insights, and the heartfelt missions behind their delicious offerings.