Prior to the investment firm’s second annual Global Health Forum, we spoke with Ross Iverson, Brent Drever and Steve Young of Manna Tree for a trio of conversations about the urgency of making healthy and affordable food available to more people, why entrepreneurs are faced with shifting expectations for profitability and top line growth, their assessment of consumer confidence and spending and what emerging food trends are on their radar.

Taste Radio’s hosts discussed the value of attending CPG-centric community events, how Expo West 2023 exhibitors can best advise our editorial teams about their presence at the event, highlighted recent capital raises for two beverage brands and riffed on new and innovative products from two Mexican-inspired food brands and a trio of innovative energy drinks companies, among several others.

Jason Burke, founder and CEO of clean-ingredient meat snack and condiment brand The New Primal, discussed the demands of building a modern food brand, why he advises founders to embrace reliable business practices and a cautious retail strategy and how “the goalposts” have shifted when it comes to large CPG exits. He also stressed the importance of due diligence on potential investors and shared a moving story about his motivation to provide consumers with better food options.

Natalie Shmulik, the chief strategy and incubation officer of The Hatchery Chicago, spoke about the incubator’s origins, the most pressing needs and challenges facing small businesses and how she and her team are advising brands on scaling and investment. She also discussed the typical attributes of a company that has successfully scaled beyond The Hatchery and how high-profile strategic partners, including Pepsico and Mondelez International, are involved in its development.