Cooking Up Innovation

GoMatcha: 90 recipes, 2 years, 1 perfected matcha latte

In this episode, I sit down with Nina Penning, the founder of GoMatcha, to explore how a personal love for matcha sparked a bold leap into the beverage industry. From launching her brand to creating a ready-to-drink matcha latte, Nina shares the real behind-the-scenes of building a product that’s as meaningful as it is delicious. Topics: * From Idea to Infusion – How Nina turned her passion for matcha into a brand * Building GoMatcha – Lessons from launching a DTC wellness brand * Creating the RTD Matcha Latte – Diving into the process of creating their newest RTD product launch * Sustainability & Sourcing – The importance of quality in Matcha * Nina’s Founder Journey – The highs, lows, and surprises along the way * What’s Next for GoMatcha? – Innovation, community, and growing the brand * Final Thoughts – Advice for aspiring founders Connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104] GoMatcha Website - https://drinkgomatcha.com/ [https://drinkgomatcha.com/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drink_gomatcha/ [https://www.instagram.com/drink_gomatcha/]

Kumasi Drinks: Refreshing the cacao industry one squeeze at a time

In this episode I talk to Lars Gierveld who is the founder of Kumasi, a drink made from the pulp of the cacao fruit that would otherwise be discarded as a by product of chocolate production. Kumasi is about so much more than product innovation and their story showcases how there is still space for mission-led businesses to thrive within FMCG. Topics: * Introduction to Lars * The making of the documentary * Working with Nestle * Discovering cocoa juice * Kumasi business model * Sourcing locations * The challenge of being first to market * The A to Z of making Kumasi * Branding, sampling and partnerships Connect with me on LinkedIn - ⁠www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104⁠ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104] Kumasi Documentary - https://vimeo.com/525553590/4ca705804b Website - https://www.kumasi-drinks.nl/[⁠](https://www.fhirst.com/en-uk) [https://www.kumasi-drinks.nl/%5B%E2%81%A0%5D(https://www.fhirst.com/en-uk)] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kumasi_drinks/?hl=en[⁠](https://www.instagram.com/drinkfhirst/) [https://www.instagram.com/kumasi_drinks/?hl=en%5B%E2%81%A0%5D(https://www.instagram.com/drinkfhirst/)]

FHIRST: The art and science behind bottling billions of cultures

In this episode I talk to Steven van Middelem who is the founder of FHIRST, a pioneering living soda with pre and probiotics. FHIRST is a true example of how science and taste have come together to create a product that is both delicious and improves your gut and immune health. Topics: * Stevens’ career background * Creating the FHIRST soda * Why gut health is so popular * Why kombucha isn't necessarily the healthiest for your gut * The trials and errors of developing a first to market product * What are microorganisms and how do they work * How FHIRST ensure their soda remains active * The truth behind plant fibres * What all natural actually means * Choosing the right flavours for launch * Creating an impact with on-shelf packaging * Advice from a life-long career in the beverage industry Connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104] FHIRST Website - https://www.fhirst.com/en-uk [https://www.fhirst.com/en-uk] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drinkfhirst/ [https://www.instagram.com/drinkfhirst/]

The Tofoo Co: What the rainy day test says about your product

In this episode I talk to Lydia and Dave, owners of The Tofoo Co, who have been on a mission to turn tofu from drab to fab. The Tofoo Co creates one of the best selling tofus in the UK, using an age old method established by it’s original owner in 1999. Their unique journey into business ownership shows how you can turn a pre-existing business into a national success when you combine quality product with effective branding and positioning. Topics: * How The Tofoo Co came to be * Consumer attitudes towards tofu * Why branding was critical * How to embrace tofu as a staple ingredient * Learning how to make handmade tofu * Manufacturing: Understanding the process and keeping it under control * Their approach to NPD & gathering consumer insight * How they have responded to a changing market Connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104] The Tofoo Co Website - https://tofoo.co.uk/ [https://tofoo.co.uk/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tofoo/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/tofoo/?hl=en]

Jnck Bakery: Baking the future of healthy snacking

In this episode I talk to Alex Brassill, the co-founder of Jnck Bakery who are creating indulgent freshly baked goods that carry zero guilt. Jnck Bakery are fusing age-old baking techniques with cutting-edge technology to create a cookie that has 90% less sugar than your average retail product, 10g of fibre and 8g of protein but still provides all the same comfort. Topics: * From sports nutrition to cookies: The story behind Jnck Bakery * Making the UK happier and healthier: Their mission * How Jnck Bakery set themselves apart from other brands * The art of creating a cookie: How the Jnck cookie was created * How they ensure freshly baked and the benefits of a frozen supply chain * Inspiration behind the four flavours * How to approach product development in a start up environment * How their cookies are truly de-junked * Validating the product with consumers * Whats next for Jnck Bakery & where to find them Connect with me on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104 [http://www.linkedin.com/in/valentina-funaro-233688104] Jnck Bakery Website - https://jnckbakery.co.uk/ [https://jnckbakery.co.uk/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jnckbakery/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/jnckbakery/?hl=en]