Nosh Notables 2025: Shaping the Present and Future
It takes more than a good product to stand out in the packaged food business: It takes a combination of purpose, passion and a willingness to take risks. But at a time when popularity can be measured by the minute in likes and smiley faces, there’s a divide between being known, and being notable.
The individuals featured on this year’s Nosh Notables list transcend empty popularity: They are the trailblazers, tastemakers and truth-tellers transforming how America eats.
From platform builders amplifying underrepresented founders, to mission-driven crusaders pushing for cleaner labels, this diverse roster spans founders, investors, regulators, creatives, and culture-shapers. Some on the list – the unsung service providers and behind-the-scenes builders – are quietly powering the next generation of consumer packaged goods successes, while others are using their voices and influence to change the narrative — and the market.
These are the people making moves, making waves and, above all, making a difference in the food world. Whether you’ve seen them on store shelves, social feeds or Senate floors – or if you’re just now meeting them – one thing is clear: They’re not just part of the dynamic packaged food industry — they’re shaping its future.
️THE PLATFORMERS
Mindy Zemrak, Lead Casting Supervisor, “Shark Tank”
Kyle Fitzpatrick, Founder, Paperboy Ventures
Victoria Ho, Founding Member, :Included CPG
Yuka, Nutrition App
Mike Lee, Food Futurist and Author, “Mise: On the Future of Food”
THE CRUSADERS
Jim Jones, Former Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, FDA
Megan Westgate, Founder and CEO, The Non-GMO Project
Trish Thomas and Nichole Wilson, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Every Body Eat
THE TRENDSPOTTERS
Melissa Facchina, Co-Founder and General Partner, Siddhi Capital
Alejandro Gonzalez, Managing Partner, Santatera Capital
Lauren Abda, Founder, Branchfood
THE SISTERS
Hayley Painter and Stephanie Painter, Co-Founders, Painterland Sisters
Yasameen Sajady and Sheilla Sajady, Co-Founders, Maazah
Amy Zitelman, Shelby Zitelman and Jaclyn Horvitz, Co-Founders, Soom Foods
THE TRENDSETTERS
Mike Kurtz, Founder, Mike’s Hot Honey
Khloe Kardashian, Co-Founder, Khloud Protein Popcorn
Becca Millstein, Co-Founder and CEO, Fishwife
Katie Wilson, Co-Founder and CEO, BelliWelli
THE ARCHAEOLOGISTS
Jen Zeszut, Co-Founder and CEO, Goodles
Daniel Goetz, Founder and CEO, GoodPop
Laurel Orley, Co-Founder and CEO, Daily Crunch Snacks
Alec Jaffe, Founder and CEO, Alec’s Ice Cream
Jason Burke, Co-Founder and CEO, New Primal
THE CLEANUP CREW
Stephen Williamson, Founder and CEO, Forager Project
Dr. Lior Lewensztain, Founder, That’s it. Nutrition
Hailey Swartz, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Actual Veggies
Tyler Merrick, Founder, Joyride
Chris Kirby, Founder and CEO, Ithaca Hummus
THE CAN-DO KIDS
Eleanor Hayden, Founder and CEO, Hayden Consultancy
Noah Bremen, Founder and CEO, PLTFRM
Greg Wank, Partner, Anchin Block & Anchin LLP
Jeremy Isenberg, President, Chex Finer Foods
Rion Harmon, Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director, Day Job
About Nosh
A product of BevNET.com, Inc., Nosh is your go-to resource for comprehensive coverage of the dynamic world of packaged food. Through daily reporting, expert interviews, Q&A sessions, and live events, Nosh offers food industry news, insights, and education for the CPG community.
Our community encompasses entrepreneurs, brand leaders, suppliers, distributors, retailers, investors, and service providers looking to learn, network, and stay updated on the evolving trends shaping the packaged food industry.