Daniel Lubetzky did not stop his CPG journey after founding, and selling, KIND Snacks, instead he’s continued on as an investor, entrepreneur, philanthropist and social activist working to push the industry, and humanity, forward. It's his impact on the food industry, and beyond, that makes him NOSH’s Person of The Year for 2023.
KIND began with the goal to make “better-for-you” fun and accessible, and the brand Lubetzky created has since expanded into a platform of snacks, protein bars, breakfast items and frozen treats. Lubetzky has also re-tuned his entrepreneurial efforts to focus on bringing flavors from his original home in Mexico to the American shopper with SOMOS Foods, which he co-founded alongside longtime collaborators Miguel Leal and Rodrigo Zuloaga in 2021.
Looking to pass his knowledge along, and perhaps bet on the next natural foods success story, Lubetzky has been an avid investor through his family office, which earlier this year rebranded and realigned itself to become Camino Partners. The vehicle has backed prominent brands including Belgian Boys, Gimme and Cava. Outside of his own firm, Lubetzky also regularly invests in startups via appearances on Shark Tank.
Rather than limit his efforts to only his own portfolio companies, Lubetzky routinely creates social media content and YouTube videos providing advice for entrepreneurs (not to mention sharing his take on House of Dragons and attempts to train his dog).
In his work outside of CPG, where Lubetzky has devoted much of his time in the past year, Lubetzky has advocated for peace and conflict resolution. He works to foster a greater appreciation for shared humanity, which has taken on new meaning amidst a backdrop of conflict overseas and a divisive political climate in the U.S.
Looking to bridge “extreme'' political and cultural divisions, his Starts With Us group offers resources via a newsletter and online platform for those looking to help create communities that foster “critical thinking and constructive communication.” Meanwhile, his 501(c)3 organization, Frontline Impact, continues to help companies support frontline workers by matching corporate donors and lending a hand to communities.
