You think you know what your customer wants… but do you really?
Turns out, most of us get it wrong.
In Episode 139 of the Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford podcast, I’m joined by Angela Beswick from Stickybeak - the rapid consumer testing platform - and Bonnie Slade, founder of NaturKidz, whose last-minute product testing changed the trajectory of her pitch to a major retailer.
This one’s a must-listen if you’re launching a new product, updating your packaging, or prepping for a retailer meeting that needs to go right.
Why you’ll love this episode:
💡 Discover why your own preferences can be your biggest blind spot - and how to avoid being fooled by unconscious bias.
💡 Learn the packaging tweak that helped Bonnie confidently leave the skin on the feijoa (and why her customers are glad she did).
💡 Why “test early and test often” is smarter (and faster) than perfecting it all at the end.
💡 How Stickybeak’s quick turnaround gives you real-time data that can validate your ideas or help you pivot - even at the last minute.
This episode proves you don’t have to go with your gut or guess anymore. You can know. And that makes all the difference.
This Season of Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford is brought to you by Chelsea Ford Co.’s tenth anniversary. Ten years in, I’m more committed than ever. The next decade is wide open for those ready to do things differently and back themselves to grow.
LINKS & RESOURCES:
Season 17 with NFTC
Season 17, out now, is brought to you by NFTC – The Natural Foods Trading Company.
If you're a growing food brand navigating that tricky middle phase—scaling up, maybe landing your first major retailer, figuring out how to buy smarter—NFTC is worth knowing about.
They're a mid-tier ingredient supplier specialising in natural wholefoods: nuts, dried fruits, herbs, spices, seeds, and more. Small enough to offer lower minimums and genuine flexibility, but backed by serious sourcing capability and a team that actually knows its range inside out.
Think of them as the ingredient partner that grows with you—not one you'll outgrow.
Check them out at nftc.com.au
