Ryan Emmons, co-founder of Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, shares how to build a successful CPG brand with a triple bottom line. This episode is a must-listen for ecommerce operators looking to differentiate their brand through authentic sustainability and strategic distribution in competitive markets, even without prior industry experience.
Key takeaways
Focus on a triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) to create a defensible and impactful brand in the CPG space.
Leverage consignment to build trust and gain initial traction with retailers when entering new markets.
Utilize self-distribution in the early stages to understand customer needs and refine your market approach before scaling.
Thoroughly research market trends and consumer preferences, especially through academic resources, to validate your business idea and identify growth opportunities.
Embrace 'naiveté' as a strength when entering a challenging industry; a willingness to learn and adapt can overcome a lack of initial experience, as long as accompanied by diligent market research.
Themes
brand strategydistribution channelsmarket entrysustainable business
On this episode of Honest Ecommerce, we have Ryan Emmons, co-founder and CEO of Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages.
We talk about building a business from a class project, starting without industry experience, building trust through consignment, and so much more!
Focus on a triple bottom line (people, planet, profit) to create a defensible and impactful brand in the CPG space.
What does this episode say about distribution channels?
Leverage consignment to build trust and gain initial traction with retailers when entering new markets.
What does this episode say about market entry?
Utilize self-distribution in the early stages to understand customer needs and refine your market approach before scaling.
What does this episode say about sustainable business?
Thoroughly research market trends and consumer preferences, especially through academic resources, to validate your business idea and identify growth opportunities.
What does this episode say about brand strategy?
Embrace 'naiveté' as a strength when entering a challenging industry; a willingness to learn and adapt can overcome a lack of initial experience, as long as accompanied by diligent market research.
