Articles & Podcast Episodes

Betty Lu

Transforming Food Waste into Delicious Snacks with Betty Liu

In this episode of Talk Commerce, host Brent Peterson sits down with Betty Lu, the innovative founder and CEO of Confetti Snacks. This conversation unveils the remarkable journey of a Singapore-born entrepreneur who’s transforming food waste into colorful, nutritious snacks while building a rapidly expanding global brand. From supplying Netflix offices to securing nationwide distribution in Walmart, Betty shares insights into her mission to revolutionize the snacking industry with sustainability at its core.

Key Takeaways

  • Confetti Snacks has expanded to 4,000 supermarkets across nine countries
  • The company upcycles B-grade produce that would otherwise be discarded
  • Their innovative drying technology maintains nutritional integrity while creating crunchy textures
  • The brand has secured partnerships with major retailers including Walmart, Albertsons, and Safeway
  • Disney collaboration launching in Q1 of next year featuring Mickey Mouse themed products
  • The company operates with a hyper-localized production model to minimize carbon footprint
  • Each bag contains six servings of fruits and vegetables

About Betty Lu

Betty Lu exemplifies the modern sustainable entrepreneur. After retiring at 27, she embarked on a transformative four-year journey across 56 countries, which sparked her vision for Confetti Snacks. Her business acumen, developed through formal education in Singapore, combined with her passion for culinary excellence and sustainability, led to the creation of a brand that’s now recognized in the Michelin Guide. Betty’s leadership has attracted attention from major industry players, including recognition as a finalist in Cartier’s Women’s Initiative.

Sustainable Snack Innovation from Confetti Snacks

The conversation begins with Betty sharing her origin story, explaining how Singapore’s rich culinary heritage influenced her perspective on food innovation. She describes her extensive world travels, which opened her eyes to two critical global issues: food waste and hunger. These observations became the foundation for Confetti Snacks’ mission to upcycle imperfect produce into delicious, nutritious snacks.

Betty details the company’s innovative approach to product development, working with James Beard award-winning chefs and food technologists to create authentic, culturally-inspired flavors. The technical process involves carefully controlled temperature management at 86 degrees Celsius to preserve nutrients while achieving the perfect crunch.

The discussion reveals impressive market penetration, with Confetti Snacks securing placement in major retailers like Walmart without requiring traditional test market phases. Betty emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong sales velocities and implementing strategic promotional activities during peak snacking seasons.

Balancing Profit with Purpose

The podcast reveals how Confetti Snacks represents a new generation of food companies that successfully balance profit with purpose. Betty Lu’s approach to business demonstrates that sustainability and scalability aren’t mutually exclusive. Her strategy of hyper-localized production and distribution, combined with innovative product development, creates a compelling blueprint for future food entrepreneurs.

Memorable Quotes

“Nearly one third of edible produce are thrown away every year simply because they are ugly or due to a crop surplus.” – Betty Lu

“If we can seduce them with taste first… they are going to tell their friends about it and their family about it and they’ll keep coming back the next 1,000 times.” – Betty Lu

“Whatever you can imagine, you can make real.” – Walt Disney

Engaging the Audience

Listeners can experience Confetti Snacks’ innovative products by visiting their local Walmart, Albertsons, or Safeway stores. The brand is also available on Amazon and confettisnacks.com, delivering to every ZIP code in the US, including Alaska and Hawaii. Watch for their upcoming Mickey Mouse collaboration and new product launches in airports nationwide.

Final Thoughts

The conversation with Betty Lu illuminates how innovation in the snack industry can address global challenges while creating profitable business opportunities. As Confetti Snacks continues to expand its reach, it’s clear that the future of sustainable snacking is colorful, flavorful, and waste-conscious.

Listen to more episodes about what’s happening in the food industry

JAMBAR Organic Energy Bars Summit New Heights with Aspen Snowmass Partnership

JAMBAR®, created by PowerBar® inventor Jennifer Maxwell, partners with Aspen Snowmass as the official Energy Bar Affiliate Partner, bringing organic nutrition to four world-class mountain resorts.

Full Leaf Tea Company Lymphatic Cleanse

Tea Industry Transformation: Four Key Trends Reshaping the Market in 2025

The tea industry is experiencing significant transformation as sustainability, natural ingredients, and wellness-focused offerings drive market growth. Full Leaf Tea Company’s insights reveal how these trends are shaping the future of tea consumption.

Carolyn Lowe

Strategic Insights from ROI Swift’s CEO Carolyn Lowe for Mastering the Amazon Marketplace

In this episode of Talk Commerce, host Brent Peterson engaged in an enlightening conversation with Carolyn Lowe, CEO and founder of ROI Swift, about maximizing success on Amazon’s marketplace. The discussion revealed crucial insights for brands considering Amazon as a sales channel, along with practical strategies for optimizing their presence on the platform.

Key Takeaways

  • Brands should conduct thorough P&L analysis before entering Amazon
  • Products priced under $15 rarely generate profit after Amazon fees
  • 60-70% of Amazon searches are non-branded
  • Video content is increasingly important for product listings
  • FBA can increase conversion rates by 30-80%
  • Proper product page optimization should precede advertising efforts

About Carolyn Lowe

Carolyn Lowe’s journey to becoming an Amazon expert began at Dell Computer, where she worked in consumer marketing for six years. Her transition to entrepreneurship came through her experience helping a mom and baby company grow from a modest $10,000 monthly Amazon revenue to an impressive $400,000-$500,000. In 2015, she founded ROI Swift with the ambitious goal of helping 500 brands achieve profitable growth.

Detailed Episode Summary

The conversation began with Carolyn sharing her background in e-commerce, dating back 25 years when she moved from Boston to Austin for a role at Dell. Her expertise in digital marketing evolved through various positions, ultimately leading to the foundation of ROI Swift.

On the topic of Amazon presence, Carolyn emphasized the importance of strategic decision-making. She outlined specific scenarios where brands should consider Amazon:

“If you’re in retail or you’re sold through retail partners or other online partners, you’re going to end up on Amazon anyway, so you might as well make it the best experience,” Carolyn advised. However, she cautioned that brands with exclusive direct-to-consumer models might want to maintain their independence.

Regarding product pricing, Lowe shared crucial insights about margin considerations. She explained that successful Amazon products typically require:

  • 60-80% gross margins
  • Ability to absorb 15% Amazon fees
  • Additional 10% for shipping costs
  • 10-15% advertising budget

The discussion turned to product optimization, where Carolyn stressed the importance of proper page setup before advertising: “Don’t spend any more money on ads until you’ve got the best product page,” she emphasized, noting that conversion rates below 10-15% indicate need for improvement.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

The podcast reveals the complexity of Amazon marketplace success, highlighting how proper preparation and strategy are crucial for brands entering the platform. Carolyn’s emphasis on data-driven decision-making and thorough economic analysis before Amazon entry demonstrates the platform’s evolution from a simple marketplace to a sophisticated e-commerce ecosystem requiring expert navigation.

Memorable Quotes

“Amazon is the devil we know.” – Carolyn Lowe, discussing the predictability of Amazon compared to other platforms

“If your product needs a lot of education and it’s a disruptor, it will be difficult on Amazon.” – Carolyn Lowe, on product-market fit

“You don’t want to send good traffic to a bad web page.” – Carolyn Lowe, emphasizing the importance of product page optimization

Engaging the Audience

To learn more about optimizing your brand’s Amazon presence, connect with Carolyn Lowe on LinkedIn or visit ROI Swift’s website at roiswift.com. The full episode offers additional insights and practical tips for brands considering or currently selling on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Amazon marketplace continues to evolve, requiring brands to maintain agility and strategic focus. Success on the platform demands more than just listing products – it requires careful planning, proper pricing strategy, and ongoing optimization efforts.

Find more conversations about optimizing for Amazon Marketplace here

x-hoppers Unveils Next AI-Powered Retail Store Technology at NRF 2025

x-hoppers unveils its revolutionary AI-powered retail communication platform at NRF 2025, combining advanced theft prevention, team connectivity, and enhanced customer service capabilities in one integrated solution

O2 COmmerce Logo

O2 Commerce Pioneers Next-Gen Retail Solutions at NRF 2025

O2 Commerce showcases groundbreaking retail solutions at NRF 2025, emphasizing omnichannel innovation, hyper-personalization, and sustainable commerce practices through their enhanced capabilities following the ZaneRay merger.

Kyle Hency

Innovating ERP Solutions for Small Brands with Kyle Hency

Recently, I had the pleasure of tuning into an enlightening episode of the Talk Commerce podcast, where host Brent Peterson sat down with Kyle Hency, CEO of GoodDay Software. Their conversation shed light on the evolving landscape of e-commerce operations and the innovative solutions emerging to address these challenges.

From Chubbies to GoodDay: A Journey of Innovation

Kyle’s journey in the e-commerce space is nothing short of inspiring. As a co-founder of Chubbies, the wildly popular men’s apparel brand, he experienced firsthand the growing pains of scaling an online business. What started as a mission to create a brand that spoke authentically to young men soon turned into a crash course in operational complexity.

“We didn’t feel like the brands that were growing up around us were speaking authentically to us as men the way a beer brand might,” Kyle reflected, explaining the initial spark behind Chubbies. This focus on authenticity and community-building became a cornerstone of their success, but it also highlighted the operational challenges that come with rapid growth.

The Operational Hurdles of Modern E-commerce

As Chubbies expanded from a pure D2C model to include retail stores and wholesale partnerships, the team found themselves grappling with increasingly complex inventory management issues. Kyle shared how they eventually invested over a million dollars in custom software built on top of NetSuite to manage these challenges.

This experience was the catalyst for GoodDay Software. Kyle recognized that smaller brands faced similar hurdles but lacked the resources to build custom solutions. He set out to create an accessible, powerful ERP system that could grow with emerging brands.

The Changing Landscape of E-commerce Technology

One of the most striking takeaways from the podcast was Kyle’s insight into the rapidly evolving expectations for e-commerce technology. He emphasized that today’s software solutions need to deliver exponentially more value than their predecessors:

“The expectations of software and technology are way higher. So if you’re building a technology business today to support brands, you should assume you’re gonna need to drive 10 times more value than the same company five years before.”

This push for innovation is driven by the increasingly complex needs of modern brands. From managing multi-channel inventory to navigating the pressures of holiday season planning, e-commerce businesses need agile, powerful tools to stay competitive.

A New Approach to Software Development

What sets GoodDay Software apart is its collaborative approach to development. Rather than creating a one-size-fits-all solution, Kyle’s team works closely with their clients – or “co-design partners” as he calls them – to gather real-time feedback and iterate quickly.

This approach aligns with Kyle’s belief that “the most real solutions come from the people who are most closely operationally engaged with the details.” By maintaining this close connection with their users, GoodDay Software aims to stay ahead of the curve and provide truly relevant solutions.

The Rise of Austin as an E-commerce Hub

An interesting tangent in the conversation was the discussion of Austin, Texas, as a burgeoning center for e-commerce innovation. Kyle, having moved from San Francisco to Austin, praised the city’s outdoor-oriented lifestyle and its friendliness to innovation. He noted a growing concentration of high-performing CPG and apparel brands in the area, creating a vibrant ecosystem for collaboration and growth.

Looking to the Future

As we look ahead, it’s clear that the e-commerce landscape will continue to evolve rapidly. The increasing adoption of AI, changing consumer behaviors, and the ongoing need for operational efficiency will drive further innovation in the space.

For brands looking to stay ahead, Kyle’s insights offer a valuable roadmap:

  1. Focus on building authentic connections with your audience
  2. Don’t shy away from being polarizing – it’s okay not to appeal to everyone
  3. Invest in scalable, flexible operational systems early
  4. Collaborate with peers and technology partners to drive innovation
  5. Stay agile and ready to adapt to changing market conditions

Wrapping Up

The conversation between Brent and Kyle on the Talk Commerce podcast offers a wealth of insights for anyone in the e-commerce space. From startup brands to established players, there’s something to be learned from Kyle’s journey and the innovative approach of GoodDay Software.

As we navigate the complexities of modern e-commerce, it’s clear that the right technological tools, combined with a commitment to authenticity and community, can make all the difference. Here’s to many more ‘good days’ ahead for e-commerce entrepreneurs everywhere!

Have you faced similar operational challenges in your e-commerce business? How are you leveraging technology to overcome them? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

And don’t forget to subscribe to the Talk Commerce podcast for more insightful discussions on the future of e-commerce. You can find them on all major podcast platforms or visit their website at

Find more episodes about the latest innovations in E-commerce here

Jay Topper

The Digital First Revolution in Retail with Jay Topper

This episode of Talk Commerce brings us valuable insights from Jay Topper, Chief Customer Officer at Fabric, as he shares his expertise on E-commerce digital-first strategies, key metrics, and preparing for the holiday shopping season. Host Brent Peterson sits down with Jay Topper, the Chief Customer Officer of Fabric. With a diverse background spanning military service and over 27 years in retail technology leadership, Topper brings a wealth of experience to the table. His current role at Fabric focuses on customer relations, partnerships, and leveraging his retail expertise to benefit the brand.

Key Takeaways

  1. Digital-first is a mindset that goes beyond omnichannel, bringing brand promise to every customer touchpoint.
  2. Contribution margin is a critical metric for evaluating marketing effectiveness and overall business performance.
  3. Preparation and contingency planning are essential for a successful holiday shopping season.
  4. Natural tension within organizations can lead to better problem-solving and progress.
  5. The impact of Amazon on Black Friday and Cyber Monday presents challenges but also opportunities for retailers.

About Jay Topper

Jay Topper is the Chief Customer Officer at Fabric, a software platform company specializing in e-commerce solutions. With a background in the U.S. Coast Guard and nearly three decades of experience in retail technology leadership, Topper brings a unique perspective to the e-commerce industry. His passion for customer-centric approaches and his expertise in digital strategies make him a valuable voice in the world of online retail.

Detailed Episode Summary

The conversation kicks off with Topper explaining the concept of “digital-first,” which he describes as a mindset that replaces the traditional omnichannel approach. This strategy focuses on delivering a consistent brand promise across all customer touchpoints, regardless of the channel. Topper emphasizes that being digital-first is about failing fast, maintaining transparency, and raising the overall digital IQ of an organization.

Peterson and Topper discuss the importance of content generation for retailers. Topper stresses the critical nature of product detail pages (PDPs) in the e-commerce funnel, likening them to fitting rooms in physical stores. He highlights the need for relevant, channel-specific content that aligns with the brand’s overall promise.

The conversation then shifts to metrics, with Topper advocating for contribution margin as a key performance indicator. He explains how this metric provides a comprehensive view of marketing effectiveness, taking into account various costs associated with each order. Topper emphasizes the importance of aligning different departments around agreed-upon metrics to avoid conflicting data interpretations.

As the discussion moves towards preparing for the holiday shopping season, Topper shares valuable insights on strategy. He stresses the importance of solid merchandising as a foundation, followed by alignment between various teams such as marketing, site management, and analytics. Topper advises having contingency plans in place and emphasizes the need for fast, SEO-ready websites to capitalize on increased traffic during peak seasons.

Personal Commentary and Analysis

Topper’s emphasis on digital-first strategies and contribution margin as a key metric reflects the evolving nature of e-commerce. His insights highlight the need for retailers to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements. The focus on natural tension within organizations is particularly intriguing, as it suggests that healthy disagreement and debate can lead to better decision-making and innovation.

The discussion about Amazon’s impact on traditional shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday underscores the challenges faced by retailers in an increasingly competitive landscape. However, Topper’s optimistic outlook and emphasis on flexibility and adaptation provide a roadmap for success in this dynamic environment.

Memorable Quotes

“Digital first is… a replacement of the omnichannel concept… It’s more of a mindset than it is a channel.” – Jay Topper

“I’m a massive fan of contribution margin. I believe that is the top tier metric of all time.” – Jay Topper

“If you’re a retailer and you’re going into holiday season, there is nothing that takes the place of optimism.” – Jay Topper

Engaging the Audience

For listeners eager to dive deeper into the world of e-commerce strategies and digital-first approaches, this episode of Talk Commerce provides a wealth of insights. To hear more from Jay Topper and gain valuable knowledge about navigating the complexities of online retail, be sure to listen to the full episode. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Talk Commerce podcast for more expert discussions on the latest trends and strategies in e-commerce.

Final Thoughts

As we approach the holiday shopping season, Jay Topper’s insights serve as a valuable guide for retailers looking to optimize their digital strategies. By embracing a digital-first mindset, focusing on key metrics like contribution margin, and maintaining flexibility in the face of challenges, e-commerce businesses can position themselves for success. As the retail landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that those who can adapt and innovate will be best equipped to thrive in the digital marketplace. In the end, it’s not just about being online, but about weaving digital strategies into the very Fabric of your business.

Find more episodes about digital strategy here

Person sitting with a computer amid many wrapped gifts

Expert Insights on Protecting Yourself from AI-Powered Scams

As AI-powered scams threaten holiday shoppers, experts provide insights on staying safe. Learn to identify and avoid sophisticated online frauds this festive season.

Caroline D'Amore

From Pizza Kid to Entrepreneur: Caroline D’Amore’s Pink Journey

On a this episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of chatting with Caroline D’Amore, the dynamic founder of Pizza Girl. This isn’t just another food story; it’s a masterclass in entrepreneurial grit, brand building, and navigating the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Caroline’s journey, from overcoming family business hurdles to creating a nationally recognized brand, is both inspiring and insightful. In this post, we’ll feature the key takeaways from our conversation, highlighting Caroline’s unique strategies and her powerful message for aspiring entrepreneurs.

From “Pizza Kid” to Pizza Girl: Embracing Your Identity

Caroline’s story begins with a childhood spent assisting her father in their family’s pizza catering business. The memorable, and somewhat embarrassing, “Pizza Kid” shirts she wore as a child became a surprising springboard for her future. She initially tried to distance herself from this past, but eventually, she brilliantly recognized the inherent value of her experience. This realization was a turning point – it’s a lesson I found incredibly powerful. So many entrepreneurs are trying to reinvent the wheel, when the wheel they have is perfectly good, maybe just needs a little polish!

Identifying Market Gaps: The Sauce and Oven Story

Caroline didn’t just create another food brand; she identified and filled significant market gaps. Her dissatisfaction with the quality of commercially available pasta sauces led her to develop her own unique recipe – a testament to the importance of understanding and responding to consumer needs. This was followed by the equally brilliant development of her pizza ovens. Solving the problem of inaccessible, high-priced home pizza ovens was pure genius! It reminded me of how often innovation comes from identifying what’s missing rather than what already exists. This concept resonated deeply with me. I think many of us get bogged down in what everyone else is already doing.

Multi-Channel Magic: The Power of Direct-to-Consumer

Caroline’s success isn’t solely reliant on one distribution channel. She masterfully blends direct-to-consumer sales with strategic partnerships in high-end supermarkets and online retailers. This multi-channel approach is crucial for maximizing market reach, building brand loyalty, and ensuring stability. It’s a testament to the power of a diversified business strategy, a point I’ve emphasized repeatedly on the show, and one that Caroline effectively executes.

High-Quality, Clean Ingredients: Catering to a Healthier Market

Caroline’s dedication to using high-quality, clean ingredients strongly resonates with current consumer trends. Her commitment to using organic, ethically sourced products speaks volumes about her values, creating a strong brand identity. I found her concern about the differences in food standards between the U.S. and other countries particularly poignant, illustrating a growing consumer awareness and demand for transparency and higher quality ingredients.

Breaking Barriers: Women in Entrepreneurship

Caroline’s journey highlights the ongoing challenges for women in entrepreneurship. She shared stories of investor meetings where her gender and the name “Pizza Girl” were perceived as drawbacks. She cleverly turned those objections into strengths, making her brand even more distinctive. This underscores a powerful lesson about turning perceived disadvantages into unique selling points – a valuable takeaway for all entrepreneurs, especially women. I couldn’t agree more with her message about owning your identity and using it to propel your business forward.

Final Thoughts

Caroline D’Amore’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her success with Pizza Girl isn’t just about delicious pizza; it’s about identifying and solving problems, embracing a unique identity, and building a strong brand across multiple channels. Her unwavering commitment to quality and her bold approach to the market makes her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Listen to the full episode of Talk Commerce to hear more of Caroline’s incredible story and gain further insights into her business strategies. And don’t forget to check out Pizza Girl—her products are as delicious as her story is compelling!

Click here to learn more stories about female founders and entrepreneurs.

Follow Caroline and Pizza Girl: Instagram – @pizzagirl, @carolinedamore

Talk Commerce
Talk Commerce

menu

Episodes

About

Blog

Contact

Listen

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Google Play

YouTube

© Copyright Content Basis LLC 2021-2024

Privacy Policy | Terms Of Service