Episode Summary

In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with the co-founders of Saltwinds Coffee, Laura Richard and Brad Rideout, to explore how innovation, science, and entrepreneurship have come together to create one of Canada's most unique coffee brands. From their roots in New Brunswick to expanding into retail markets. Saltwinds has built their business by being different through its proprietary Ocean Air infusion process that brings a distinctive maritime element to every roast.

Laura and Brad share the story behind building Saltwinds Coffee, combining expertise in chemistry, product development, technology, and business growth to create a brand that stands out in a crowded category. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of bringing an innovative product to market, the importance of differentiation, and how they've translated a unique concept into an award-winning brand with national reach.

We also explore the balance between innovation and commercialization, the role of storytelling in building consumer connection, and what it takes to scale a premium food and beverage brand.

Connect with Laura & Brad:

https://saltwindscoffee.com/

https://www.facebook.com/saltwindscoffee

https://www.instagram.com/saltwindscoffee

https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwindscoffee

If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.

If you would like to be on the show, send us an email :

peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com

Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media:

• Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter
• Connect with Peter on LinkedIn
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Thanks for listening!

In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, Peter is joined by Amy Proulx of Niagara College Food and Beverage Innovation Centre. They explore what it really takes to move from concept to commercialization in today’s competitive food and beverage landscape. From formulation to scale-up, the journey from idea to shelf requires more than a great concept, it demands technical expertise, regulatory understanding, and a clear path to market.

We dive into the critical role of food science in building products that are not only innovative, but also safe, consistent, and commercially viable. From ingredient functionality and shelf-life stability to navigating regulatory requirements and label compliance, this conversation unpacks the often unseen work that underpins successful CPG products.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how founders and brands can better leverage technical resources to de-risk innovation and accelerate growth. Whether you’re refining a formulation or preparing for scale, the insights shared highlight how disciplined development and strong science can turn great ideas into products that succeed in market.

Learn more here:

https://www.ncinnovation.ca/innovation-centres/food-and-beverage

If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.

If you would like to be on the show, send us an email :

peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com

Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media:

• Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter
• Connect with Peter on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Thanks for listening!

In this episode of SKUFood Recipes for Success, we sit down with Kirk Homenick, President of Naturally Homegrown Foods, to explore how rebranding and innovation are driving growth and reshaping the snack category. Under his leadership, the business has evolved from a niche brand into a national and international player, with brands like Hardbite and the newly launched Poptastic. Kirk shares how evolving a portfolio is essential to staying relevant in today’s competitive CPG landscape.

Kirk unpacks the strategic decisions behind rebranding Hardbite, from refining positioning to aligning with shifting consumer preferences around ingredients, quality, and sourcing. He also shares the thinking behind launching Poptastic, entering a relatively stagnant popcorn category with a fresh perspective and a focus on differentiation. From product innovation like root veg chips and avocado oil chips to expanding into new formats, this conversation highlights what it takes to lead category growth, not just participate in it.

We also explore how brands can balance legacy with innovation, and the role of disciplined strategy in scaling across multiple product lines. Kirk offers practical insights on portfolio management, brand evolution, and building products that resonate with today’s consumer, while setting the foundation for long-term growth.

Connect with Kirk:

Website: https://naturallyhomegrownfoods.com/

Hardbite: https://hardbitechips.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hardbite/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardbitechips/

Poptastic: https://poptasticpop.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poptasticpop/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@poptastic_pop

If you like what you heard leave us a comment or a review and subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts.

If you would like to be on the show, send us an email :

peter@skufood.com or susan@skufood.com

Keep informed and up to date about the latest news in the food industry, and follow us on social media:

• Join our weekly SKUFood newsletter
• Connect with Peter on LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram

Thanks for listening!