Nosh Staff

This week we’re joined by Nick Guillen and Nick Ajluni, founders of TRUFF, a fast-growing brand of upscale, truffle-infused hot sauces. Guillen and Ajluni spoke about how their shared backgrounds in digital media and streetwear fashion inspired the creation of TRUFF, how Instagram factored into the brand’s design and why they are trying to “influence the influencer” on social media.

Ruth Elnekave is the Founder & CEO of Joya, a company focused on bringing consumers moments of pure, everyday joy through superfoods and functional foods that are just as decadent as they are nourishing and effective. Joya’s three lines of products include functional elixirs and loose leaf teas that utilize adaptogenic herbs and medicinal mushrooms, as well as handcrafted chocolates that feature simple ingredients.

Miyoko Schinner, founder and CEO of fast-growing vegan cheese and butter company Miyoko’s Creamery, spoke about why she describes her business “a mission with a company,” the importance of empowering employees and ensuring they align with the brand’s ethos and why investors “have to love you for who you really are.”

At last week’s Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, brands continued to innovate, offering plant-based and vegan options to classic dairy favorites, from spreads and sauces to chocolate and cheeses. Check out the gallery for the new plant-based products spotted on the show floor, including the latest launches from Miyoko’s and a sweet new release from The Coconut Collaborative.

John Sorial, founder of Mediterranean-inspired food brand TaDah Foods, spoke about how he navigated the company through a period of constant challenges, why finding a co-packing partner is like “getting married,” preparing for his pitch on “Shark Tank” and what it was like to turn down an offer from Mark Cuban.

As seen at the 2020 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco this week, ice cream brands continue to innovate with vegan and lactose-free ingredients, internationally inspired flavors and sustainable packaging. Check out the gallery to see what ice cream and frozen dessert products were seen on the show floor, including a new line from Alden’s Organic and new flavors from NOSH Pitch Slam 7 Winner Beckon.

Rachel Joseph is the Founder and CEO of Rachel’s Brand, an emerging company that’s stirring things up in the oatmeal category with overnight oat mixes. Rachel’s aims to serve millennial consumers with a premium version of the classic oatmeal breakfast, using superfood ingredients like organic rolled oats, chia seeds, hemp and flax for a better-for-you option that can easily be prepared the night before.

In a presentation at NOSH Live Winter 2019, Abe Minkara, Founding Partner/CIO of investment firm Legacy Knight Multi Family Office (and former managing director at Mark Cuban Companies), explained how entrepreneurs should prepare to leverage investors.

Robert Petrarca is the CEO and co-founder of Maxine’s Heavenly, a sweet snacking company that crafts cookies with better-for-you ingredients. Inspired by a beloved family recipe, Maxine’s aims to deliver a homemade taste for consumers seeking healthier options.

Gail Becker, founder & CEO of Caulipower, discussed the swift rise of her vegetable-forward frozen food brand, including why she left a successful career behind to start the company, the value of taking risks, how she identified and partnered with early-stage investors and why humility is critical for success.