DFW CPG has added a new feature to our website, Brand Profiles, that we think everyone will enjoy – and it will help us all to get to know one another better. In our first Brand Profile, you can learn about DFW CPG member, Jan Olavarri, and her spice brand, Behrnes’ Pepper Salts. From popular Habanero to Green Jalapeno, she’s got a flavor for every palate. Read all about Jan and her salty adventures here.
Another local gal who’s been getting some cheesy attention lately, and rightly so, is Paula Lambert and her Dallas-based business, The Mozzarella Company. Forty years after founding her business, Ms. Lambert is being honored with a Grand Dame Lifetime Achievement Award from Les Dames d’Escoffier International, a philanthropic organization of women leaders in the food, beverage and hospitality industries.
Thanks to Chi Nguyen, founder of Purpose Tea, and Richard Riccardi for hosting last month’s huddle on all things co-packing. Their different perspectives offered great insight into how you can improve your co-packing relationship. Click Here to see their written presentation.
Congrats to Alvaro Luque, president & CEO, Avocados From Mexico, who was a recent honoree from the Dallas Business Journal’s search for the Most Admired CEO’s in the area. Read more here. FYI, if you have not seen Avacados from Mexico’s most recent Superbowl ad, it’s worth a quick minute!
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DFW CPG Partner News:
Want to learn more about venture capital? SMU is offering a course that may help, Venture Finance Certificate Course: Fundraising for Startups. This course will provide some of the knowledge and skills required to pursue venture capital, particularly the process of identifying and securing the opportunity to help raise funds to grow and scale your businesses. The course fee as been reduced to $495, thanks to a generous underwriter. Class starts July 21, 2022. For more information, contact Nancy J. Hong.
Also brought to us by SMU as well as the Dallas Entrepreneur Center and DFW CPG, Dallas Startup Week brings together entrepreneurs and change-makers for a week-long experience, described as the largest entrepreneurial event in North Texas, where they exchange ideas, collaborate, and grow. This year, Dallas Startup Week is going hybrid from August 7-11, offering both in-person events at the SMU Cox School of Business and also live-streamed.
As part of Dallas Startup Week, our very own Kathy Guzman Galloway will be presenting “Retail Presence + Brand Purpose” on Monday August 8th from 1-2 p.m. This one hour session brings together keen and practical insights around defining your brand’s purpose while considering the highly-competitive retail environment and your brand’s shelf placement.
Learn more here. Also check out the DEC: Entrepreneurship Programs | Startup Business Investment | The DEC Network.
Mentors Needed:
Are you a top executive in the industry, a successful founder or an investor? Are you a leading expert on such topics such as e-commerce or branding? SKU is currently recruiting mentors for SKU Dallas, which will take place from August 23rd – November 15th. You need not be based in Dallas to mentor for this hybrid program. If you are interested in learning more about being a SKU mentor, we would love to talk with you. Email Michelle Breyer.
Impact Ventures/Santander Food Business Accelerator Program is also seeking food and CPG industry mentors for their fall program. Time commitment is only 3 hours – but your involvement could make a world of difference for an eager entrepreneur. Interested mentors can reach out to Lauren Thompson.
Last Minute Alert: Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is accepting applications for two grant programs, from $5,000-$40,000, under the Marketing Enhancement Grant Assistance (MEGA) Program. The GO TEXAN – Event Grant Program (GTEG), deadline July 12. Applicants must already be Tier 2 or above GO TEXAN members. For more info, please email GO TEXAN.
Mark Your Calendar: Natural Products Expo East is in Philadephia September 28 – October 1, 2022. Register now to get discount travel deals!