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Caitlin

@soilandspirit

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📍new england mom
💀 death companion + (end of) life long learner 🪦
🛒 managing editor + podcast host @startupcpg
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No CPG experience. No big budget. So how do you build a cult-favorite brand? 👀 In this Startup CPG founder feature, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Gabriella Labi and Tonya Reznikovich, co-founders of Gato Dates, to talk about what happens when the best dessert at a dinner party becomes a full-blown luxury confection brand. From gut health struggles and culinary school pivots to Shabbat dinners that sparked a business idea, this is the real story behind a product people can’t stop eating. Gato Dates are dark chocolate covered, nut butter stuffed Medjool dates—crafted to feel indulgent, but actually better for you. They also get into what it really takes to scale: co-packing challenges, managing COGS, landing retail accounts, and why going all in in January 2025 changed everything. Whether you’re building your first product, testing at farmers markets, or figuring out how to grow without a big budget, this episode is packed with honest, tactical insights. Link in bio for the full episode. #FoundersandFunders #StartupFunding #ConsumerBrands #CPGFounders #StartupPodcast
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day 2 of trying to make Gato go viral 🎙️ podcasts felt like the right move - less selling, more storytelling the goal is simple: get Gato in front of more people, share why we’re building this, and hopefully turn listeners into customers 🤩 thanks for having us @soilandspirit @startupcpg @ninapaldixon @chaiteawithninad #gatodates #podcast #smallbusiness #founder #founderlife
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Just a girl trying to improve the food industry and the POV on nourishment with seeds—like the real weirdo she is. Thank you @startupcpg and @soilandspirit for the chat and for platforming emerging brands.
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Q1 had your girls TIRED… and this wasn’t even half of it 😅 Not included: all the nighttime events the Startup CPG team hosted at Winter FancyFaire* and Expo West, plus UNFI West, and the Miami and Philly Grocery Runs other team members traveled to — it’s been high-travel energy all quarter long 🚌✈️ And we’re just getting started this year. Drop your favorite Q1 event moment below 👇
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When your Managing Editor can’t make it to Expo West, you shop for her instead 🛍️✨ Any excuse for extra time on the show floor, honestly. Here’s what we picked up for Caitlin from the floor and the Startup CPG section: •Smolbol — Brazilian snack Pati insisted Caitlin has to try 🇧🇷 • HUEZ— she’s going to ❤️ these new women’s health essentials • HOL Health Club — startup CPG and one of Caitlin’s favorites • Lasso — Caitlin will LOVE the orange vanilla flavor 🍊 • BonBon — because sour gummies are her weakness • Fiber Bliss — fiber support for all the startup CPG travel ✈️ • PWR^UP — one of Caitlin’s favorite community brands, and she’s going to love the new cinnamon flavor Expo West always delivers the best discoveries and we loved bringing a little taste of the show back for Caitlin 💛 Which product should Caitlin try first? 👇 . . . #ExpoWest #CPG #StartupCPG #NaturalProducts #BetterForYou
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some takeaways from week 3 of building an oatmeal company from scratch🥣🤍join the SHUFU waitlist in bio!!!
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Q1 travel got the best of Caitlin… she’s sick😢 Follow along for our events this week and BTS of the Startup CPG team adventures #expowest #expowest2026 #startupcpg #cpg
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The Startup CPG team is SO ready for tonight! 🛒🏃
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What happens when you combine 150+ of the best brands in CPG with the top 50 consumer investors in one beautiful room? Magic! Plus networking, deal-making, and snacks galore. Philo planned, design & produced this event for @startupcpg 's incredible inaugural Founders & Funders event. An incredible team with a big mission!
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Check out our episode of the @startupcpg podcast 🤩 I loved chatting with Caitlin (also one of our favorite customers 💕) about my journey so far— even @darrenoza & @rigatonithewestie get shoutouts 😜 #cpg #podcast #unicornbites
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Alley Rally just got an upgrade! 🎳🛒
 For five years, Alley Rally has been a must-attend during Expo West. This year, we’re making it even more valuable by integrating the proven Grocery Run format—designed to drive real connections between brands and buyers.
 We’re expanding Breakout Brands in a big way, selecting 40 brands to sample during the event. Attendees will vote for their favorite brand, and the brand with the most votes will earn a FREE booth in our section at Expo West 2027.
 🍸 3-hour open bar
🎯 Bowling, arcade, pool & games
🤝 Structured buyer interactions with VIP buyers from Target, Whole Foods, KeHE, UNFI, Meijer, and more
📍 Bowlero Anaheim — 10 minutes from Expo
 Last year we sold out with 1,300+ attendees, so don’t wait to grab your tickets.
 Apply to be a Breakout Brand or grab your tickets at the link in bio.
 #ExpoWest #StartupCPG #CPGEvents #FoodAndBeverage #CPG AlleyRally
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We take helping brands very seriously.
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