Episode 206: [Is It Worth It, Charlie?] Where They're at Now: Co-Packing with Kathrin Henon

Download the Food Biz Wiz Listener Guide and make the most out of our 250 episode library! Get our curated playlists of top episodes on sales pitches, wholesale buyers, founder mindset, marketing, and more. Fast track your learning by downloading our free Listener Guide HERE.

If you're wondering how other brands' journeys with co-packers or co-manufacturers are going, then this is the episode for you! In this "Is It Worth It, Charlie?" episode, Charlie checks back in with Kathrin Henon, the CEO and Founder of Planet Bake, around how her search for a co-packer has gone over the past year. Charlie and Kathrin first discussed whether co-packing was "worth it" for her in the August of 2022, in episode 158 of the Food Biz Wiz podcast.
Planet Bake makes vegan, gluten-free, better-for-you donuts. In this episode, you'll hear more about...

🤝 What challenges Kathrin faced along her co-packer search

🤝 Why your co-packer or co-manufacturer journey isn’t always linear

🤝 How she pivoted to find what works for her biz

🤝 And the lessons she learned in moving forward and what she recommends!

You’ll hear all this in more around the co-packing journey, so tune in above or on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! If you want a refresher on Charlie and Kathrin’s first episode, episode 158 of the Food Biz Wiz Podcast, then find it here! You can also find the resource Kathrin mentioned for help with finding a co-packer at the site here.

📨 Send us a DM on Instagram or on LinkedIn so that we can walk through the conversion calculations in our DMs.

⬅️ PS. Find the podcasts on Apple Podcasts or Spotify in the banner on the left!

MEET KATHRIN HENON:

Kathrin Henon is the CEO and founder of Planet Bake. She made a career switch from fashion to the food industry and has trail-blazed her way as founder of Planet Bake. Planet Bake provides healthy, low-carb, gluten-free donuts that are plant-based and free of artificial ingredients and added sugar. The niche product was developed during the pandemic and is addressing many dietary restrictions while tasting moist and delicious. Most people are surprised by its texture and flavor while being gluten-free, keto, sugar free and vegan. 

You can find them at their site here, their Instagram page, and their TikTok!

MEET CHARLIE BERKINSHAW:

Charlie Berkinshaw is our VP of Student Success here at Food Biz Wiz, as well as the Founder of Element Shrub, a RTD and concentrate beverage line, and a Founding Partner of The Fountain Inn, a spirits tasting room in Washington, D.C. Charlie supports our students day in and day out, answering questions and providing support for our Retail Ready® student community and on our bi-weekly coaching calls.

SPONSORED BY: OUR REORDER CHECKLIST!

This episode is sponsored by our mini Reorder Checklist! This checklist is a list of ways to onboard a new retailer so that you’re more likely to sell off those shelves and receive reorders. If you’re thinking about how you can ensure that your sales in existing doors increase, then this is the perfect resource for you. You can find our simplified version at the link here OR, if you’re a Retail Ready® student, you can find the longform version and training directly within our course platform!