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
