In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host and managing editor Caitlin Bricker sits down with three emerging brands to unpack what Expo West really looks like on the ground — from first-time exhibiting to scrappy Alley Rally wins to landing a yes from a buyer on the spot.
First up is Taylor Blue, founder of Little Latke, the first shelf-stable potato crisp inspired by the crispy edges of a traditional potato latke. Taylor shares what it was like to exhibit at Expo West for the first time, why she chose the Startup CPG section, and how she used the show to launch not just a new and improved formula (now non-GMO and seed oil free), but two brand new flavors — Garlic Parmesan and Spicy Honey Dijon. She also opens up about what she'd tell any first-time exhibitor who's on the fence.
Next, Caitlin talks to Gabriella Labi and Tonya Reznikovich, co-founders of Gato Dates — dark chocolate covered, nut butter stuffed Medjool dates in four flavors. Gabriella shares the full emotional story of attending Alley Rally on a shoestring, including a broken washing machine, sample packs that wouldn't open, shirtless models with QR code tattoos at a Venice event the night before, and a vote count that first broke their hearts before ultimately delivering the news that they'd won a free booth at Expo West 2027.
Finally, Jesse Suarez, founder of Hola Mija Chips — one of the first tallow tortilla chips on the market, made with nixtamal corn and beef tallow — breaks down his experience with Startup CPG's one-on-one retailer meetings, including how a meeting at Winter Fancy Food in San Diego helped close a deal with Buy Rite a week later, and how a 10-minute conversation at Expo West ended with a buyer saying yes on the spot.
Listen in as they cover:
- What it's actually like to exhibit in the Startup CPG section for the first time, from sampling strategy to sample counts to the community energy on the floor
- How Gato Dates went from a washing machine disaster and second place to winning a free Expo West 2027 booth
- Why one-on-one retailer meetings are open to all Startup CPG community members, not just brands exhibiting in the section
- How Jesse's patience with Sprouts, Buy Rite, and Mother's Market paid off over months and multiple touch points
- Why showing up repeatedly — even when you hear no — is one of the most powerful things a founder can do
Whether you're a first-time exhibitor trying to figure out how to make Expo worth it, a brand who's never heard of Alley Rally, or a founder who keeps getting passed over for one-on-ones and is starting to lose hope, this episode is for you.
Episode Links:
Little Latke Website: https://www.littlelatke.com
Little Latke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/little-latke/
Taylor Blue LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-blue-91402199/
Gato Dates Website: http://www.gatodates.com
Gato Dates LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gato-dates/
Gabriella Labi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriella-labi-25a3079b/
Tonya Reznikovich LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonya-reznikovich/
Hola Mija Chips Website: http://www.holamijachips.com
Hola Mija Chips LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hola-mija-chips/
Jesse Suarez LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-suarez-796b55350/
Hola Mija on Faire: https://www.faire.com
Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.
Show Links:
- Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
- Join the Startup CPG Slack community (35K+ members and growing!)
- Follow @startupcpg
- Visit host Caitlin's Linkedin
- Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at podcast@startupcpg.com
- Episode music by Super Fantastics
