Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford
Imagine a consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry where both small and large players coexist on a level playing field, consumers have choice, there’s integrity in what they’re buying and they experience innovative, sustainable products.
In this weekly podcast, hosted by founder, award-winning coach, consultant & small business advocate, Chelsea Ford, you'll hear interviews with incredible founders and hard-to-reach industry specialists as well as practical and actionable content that directly supports your CPG business to grow, become more profitable and thrive.
Learn more at www.chelseaford.com .
Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford
#123 How Brand Building and Pre-Launch Research Secured Kommunity Brew's Success
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Mason Bagios didn’t set out to transform Australia’s drinking culture - but that’s exactly what happened when he chose to quit alcohol and embrace cleaner living. This personal journey inspired Kommunity Brew, a brand he co-founded to offer mindful, substance-free options that resonate with a new generation of health-conscious Aussies. From the start, Mason knew that authenticity was key, creating kombuchas, probiotic waters, and botanical shots that were as genuine as his mission.
In Episode 123, Mason shares how he turned this vision into reality, touching on:
🥤 The importance of the “pub test” to ensure products align with the real reasons people are seeking non-alcoholic options.
🥤 How he used storytelling and core values to win over a diverse, health-focused community.
🥤 His $50M vision and why he’s focussing on in-store impact over social media.
🥤 The role of in-store demos and sampling in breaking down barriers and winning retailer support.
Mason also opens up about investor relationships, setting expectations, and celebrating the wins. Don’t miss Episode 123, and if you haven’t already, tune in to our other Brand Season episodes (119–122). Presented by Thrive Collective, the growth engine behind brands like Bae Juice, GYM BOD, and The Kimchi Company.
LINKS & RESOURCES:
- Kommunity Brew
- Mason’s LinkedIn
- Cold Matter
- Thrive Collective Website
- Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
- Your Free Pitch Plan
- Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
- Chelsea Ford Co. Industry Newsletter
Season 17 with NFTC
Season 17, out now, is brought to you by NFTC – The Natural Foods Trading Company.
If you're a growing food brand navigating that tricky middle phase—scaling up, maybe landing your first major retailer, figuring out how to buy smarter—NFTC is worth knowing about.
They're a mid-tier ingredient supplier specialising in natural wholefoods: nuts, dried fruits, herbs, spices, seeds, and more. Small enough to offer lower minimums and genuine flexibility, but backed by serious sourcing capability and a team that actually knows its range inside out.
Think of them as the ingredient partner that grows with you—not one you'll outgrow.
Check them out at nftc.com.au
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