From Corporate Supply Chain to CPG Founder: Building Nomie in 60 Days | TRENCHES with Milan Terez
How do you go from supply chain roles at Apple, Microsoft, and Peloton — to launching a shelf-stable organic meal brand for kids in just 60 days? In this episode of TRENCHES with MTN, host Milan Terez sits down with Roopa Annadatha, founder of Nomie, to break down exactly how she did it. From freeze-drying technology and R&D pilot testing to retail pricing strategy, certified organic certification, and trade show execution — this is the behind-the-scenes CPG playbook most founders never get access to. If you're building a consumer product brand, thinking about food entrepreneurship, or trying to get a physical product to market fast, this episode is for you.
Episode Topics
Product development and formulation processSupply chain and manufacturing challenges in CPGBranding and marketing strategies for launchLessons learned from early R&D and pilot testingGo-to-market planning and channel strategy
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:15 Roopa's Journey: From Corporate to Solopreneur02:29 Working at Apple, Microsoft, Peloton04:21 The Birth of Nomie: A Solution for Busy Parents07:30 How to Use the Freeze-Drying Process10:01 How To Start the Research & Development Process13:04 Go-to-Market Strategy: Navigating Launch Challenges17:11 Retail Strategy and Pricing Strategies for a CPG Brand21:02 The Importance of Weight in Product Design23:33 Shelf Stability vs. Freezing: A Strategic Choice27:41 How to Be A Certified Organic CPG Brand30:39 Lessons Learned About CPG From a CPG Founder32:43 Innovative Packaging: Design and Functionality37:36 Flavor Development: Balancing Taste and Nutrition40:59 Community Engagement: How to Validate Your Product Ideas With Real Consumers43:06 Maximizing Opportunities at Trade Shows44:36 How to Build a Vendor Booth46:34 Finding Press Opportunities as a Pre-launch Founder49:54 60 Days to Launch Strategy51:48 The Myth of Balance: A Mom's Perspective53:12 Emma Grede and 3 Hour Mom57:33 Building Generational Wealth and Community59:03 Becoming a Female Angel Investor01:01:00 Finding Your Unique Path as a Founder01:03:14 See You Next Episode
ResourcesStartup CPG Community - https://startupcpg.com [https://startupcpg.com]Shelfmade Community - https://shelfmade.com [https://shelfmade.com]Winter Fancy Food Show - https://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/winter-fancy-food/ [https://www.specialtyfood.com/shows-events/winter-fancy-food/]
Connect With Us:Our Guest - Roopa Annadatha
Guest Brand - NomieInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/getnomie/ [https://www.instagram.com/getnomie/]Nomie Official Website - https://www.getnomie.com/ [https://www.getnomie.com/]
Our Host: Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/ [https://www.instagram.com/milanterez/] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/milanterez
TRENCHES with Milan TerezInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/trenchesthepodcast/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/trenchesthepodcast]
CPG, product development, shelf-stable, organic, startup, entrepreneurship, supply chain, branding, go-to-market, founder journey
