After immigrating to Canada from Nigeria to continue her education at University, Lola established herself in the IT consulting world before identifying a gap in the retail market with a lack of authentic, ready to eat African foods.
Lola and I cover the full spectrum of the It’s Souper startup story, including the challenge of selling what is typically considered a seasonal product, selling into her first retail locations and how she approaches competing against established brands.
Other key takeaways include the value of in store demos (now that they are back in play) and how she focused on brand building and marketing exercises when they weren’t an option.
Lola provides great insight into the grants that have been available to her and leveraged to assist in scaling her business - and what she considered the most critical components to focus on when working through the application process.
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Launched in 2018 and located in Toronto, Ontario Lola’s Afro-Fusion gourmet soup and sauce line was inspired by the fusion of cultures that exists in Canada, a yearning for authentic flavours from Africa, and a desire to share it with her community.
Their mission is to produce delicious tasting soups, meals, and sauces made with high quality ingredients and exotic flavours that meet the demands of today's diverse world, and ultimately to inspire a new found love for food.
Lola’s soups can be found in over 50+ retailers in and around the GTA and Quebec and online at itssouper.com
For 10% off online orders use the promo code: PackH10
https://itssouper.com/
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Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsor
FoodPak: https://www.foodpak.com/
Leave a review, rate the show and if you have any questions or feedback I would love to hear from you : hayden@thepackheavypodcast.com
130. A Conversation with Alice Grey - Founder and CEO of iHeart Fat Fudge Foods Inc.
129. A Conversation with Melinda Divers, CEO & Founder of Moonshine Mama’s Elixirs & Tonics
128. Mastering your COGS for Optimal Profitability with Dominica Bay of PLNT LIFE Brand Accelerators
127. Revolutionizing Gluten-Free Delicacies: A Candid Conversation with Chae and Jim Kim, Co-Founders of Earthling Foods
126. Year 1 in the books with Miki Talebi, Founder and CEO of oomé
125. CPG Distribution: Tips, Tales and Triumphs with Randy Sihota, Director of Nationwide Natural Foods
124. Creator Spotlight: A conversation with Doaa Jamal on CPG product photography
123. Funding mechanics and a technical build: Insights from Shawn Leggett, President & Founder of GroundUP Eco-Ventures
122. Unleashing the Power of PR for your CPG brand: Insights from BeCurious PR Founder Natasha Compton
121. Planting the Seeds for a Successful CPG Brand launch: Insights from Dominica Bay of PLNT LIFE Brand Accelerators
120. Crafting a Product Market Fit with Mitch Cobb, Co-Founder and CEO of Libra Non-Alcoholic Beer
119. Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Wins: Insights from a CPG Co-founder, Austin Calladine - CMO at Sweet Nutrition
118. LIVE episode from the CHFA NOW conference feat. Lindsay O’Donnell, Founder and Marketing Director of Piquant Marketing
117. Navigating the High Seas of Food Production and Business Ownership with Brian Chin and Jade McConnell from Morgan’s Harbour
116. Growing a Business in the Health and Wellness Industry: Lessons from Pulp & Press GM Devin Powell
115. Closing the loop : Jennifer Henry, Founder & CEO of Perk.eco on the Future of Recycling and End-of-Life Solutions for Packaging in the CPG Industry
114. From Local Farms to the Canadian Shelves: A Conversation with Sheena Russell, Founder & CEO of Made with Local
113. Fueling Your Business with Healthy Habits: A Conversation with Yoggu! Founder and CEO Jade Herrmann
112. A hyper focused approach to Marketing & Ecommerce with Nima Sotoadeh - Founder & CEO at Broya
111. Bringing Back Heritage Chocolates & Leveraging Trade Marks with Crystal Westergard - Founder of Canadian Candy Nostalgia
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