Shows
The Think Factory PodcastAmy Zitelman, CEO and Co-Founder, Soom FoodsIn this episode of The Think Factory, we sit down with Amy Zitelman, co-founder of Soom Foods, to trace her family’s bold journey turning tahini from a niche ingredient into a pantry staple across 5,000 stores — including Whole Foods and Walmart. Amy shares the experiences that set the stage for their breakout success during the pandemic, when home cooks discovered tahini’s magic beyond hummus — in banana bread, sauces, and even cookies.But behind Soom’s rise is also Amy’s personal story of balancing the weight of family legacy, entrepreneurship, and motherhood. As the last sister steering the...2025-06-0321 min
Ingredient Insiders: Where Chefs Talk95. Tahini: Eden Grinshpan & Amy Zitelman of Soom FoodsOn this season premiere episode of Ingredient Insiders, John and Andrea from Chef's Warehouse sit down with Eden Grinshpan, host of Top Chef Canada and author of the upcoming cookbook Tahini Baby (releasing April 22nd).Eden shares what it’s like behind the scenes of Top Chef Canada, why tahini deserves a place in every kitchen, and how the ingredient is both delicious and packed with nutritional benefits. Plus, she dishes on her favorite Canadians and brings her signature energy to a conversation full of laughs, food love, and a little national pride.Then John and An...2025-04-211h 07
re:COGs: Supply Chain | Inventory | Manufacturing | FinanceThe Tahini Trailblazer: How Amy Zitelman Spices Up the American MarketIn this episode, Mike interviews Amy Zitelman, CEO and co-founder of Soom Foods, a leading premium tahini brand. Amy shares the journey of discovering the market gap in the U.S. for high-quality tahini, the steps taken to establish a reliable supply chain, and the strategies employed to penetrate various sales channels. The conversation delves into the dynamics of food service vs. retail, the importance of chef influence, and the nuances of working capital management in the CPG space. Tune in to learn about building brand credibility, leveraging chef endorsements, and balancing cash flow to ensure business sustainability.00:00 Introduction00:23...2025-02-1738 min
Stories From the TopAmy Zitelman - Consumer Education and Marketing TipsAmy Zitelman is the co-founder and CEO of Soom Foods, a trusted brand for premium tahini paste and tahini products. In this episode, we discuss Amy’s approach to educating consumers, tracking success when it comes to marketing, and consumer education strategies for start-up manufacturers beginning their journey. To learn more about Amy and Soom Foods, visit www.soomfoods.com © 2025 edgeofcinema.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-02-1420 min
Stories From the TopAmy Zitelman - National Product DistributionAmy Zitelman is the co-founder and CEO of Soom Foods, a trusted brand for premium tahini paste and tahini products. In this episode, we discuss Amy’s strategies to successful national product distribution, the challenges of getting products onto the shelves of major retailers, and the future of national distribution. To learn more about Amy and Soom Foods, visit www.soomfoods.com © 2025 edgeofcinema.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-02-0728 min
Founders' ForumThe Mindful Eating Advantage: How Amy Zitelman Built Soom FoodsCan what you eat impact the way you lead and grow a business? In this episode, we sit down with Amy Zitelman, co-founder of Soom Foods, to explore how mindful eating and strategic entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Amy shares her journey of bringing tahini—a nutrient-dense superfood—to the U.S. market and how it has become a kitchen staple for top chefs and health-conscious consumers alike.Beyond food, Amy dives into the challenges and triumphs of running a family business, balancing work-life dynamics, and scaling Soom Foods with inventory mastery, third-party logistics, and the Entrepreneurial Oper...2025-02-0528 min
Stories From the TopAmy Zitelman - Soom FoodsIn this episode we sit down to speak with Amy Zitelman, the co-founder and CEO of Soom Foods, a trusted brand for premium tahini paste and tahini products. We discuss Amy's start in the industry, the challenges of running a unique food product business, and business strategies that have helped her grow her business over the years. To learn more about Amy and Soom Foods, visit www.soomfoods.com © 2025 edgeofcinema.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2025-01-3123 min
Niche Marketing PodcastAmazon Marketing for Food Products [Food and Beverage Marketing - Part 9 with Aalap Shah]Aalap Shah from 1o8 Agency shares insights on Amazon marketing for food and beverage consumer products, highlighting essentials such as account setup, brand registry, and A+ content. He stresses strategic product planning and starting with DTC before expanding to Amazon, emphasizing long-term success. Strategies for enhancing product listings, utilizing market research tools, maximizing advertising impact, understanding the Amazon algorithm, and leveraging innovative techniques like 3D images are discussed. The interview also covers the significance of reviews, ethical acquisition methods, and off-Amazon marketing through platforms like TikTok for increased sales. Leveraging FBA for conversion...2024-06-2740 min
Mission Matters Startup Garage with Adam TorresSoom Foods Brings Tahini to a Store Near YouSoom Foods is introducing dynamic tahini flavors to consumers. In this episode, Adam Torres and Amy Zitelman, Co-Founder & CEO at Soom Foods, explore Soom Foods and Amy's plans to continue growing the brand.Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.Apply to be a guest on our podcast:https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/Visit our website:https://missionmatters.com/More FREE con...2024-06-0821 min
Mission Matters Business Podcast with Adam TorresSoom Foods Brings Tahini to a Store Near YouSoom Foods is introducing dynamic tahini flavors to consumers. In this episode, Adam Torres and Amy Zitelman, Co-Founder & CEO at Soom Foods, explore Soom Foods and Amy's plans to continue growing the brand.Follow Adam on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.Apply to be a guest on our podcast:https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/Visit our website:https://missionmatters.com/More FREE con...2024-06-0821 minNiche Marketing PodcastSocial Media for Food Products [Food and Beverage Marketing - Part 8 with Josh Roush]Josh Roush, CEO of Movetic, shares effective social media strategy for food and beverage brands, emphasizing the need to understand a brand’s ethos to connect with consumers authentically. He highlights the role of storytelling, branding, and creating a unique vibe in resonating with target audiences. Josh explores the benefits of working with niche-specific influencers, collaborating with other brands, and utilizing visual elements to communicate a brand’s message effectively. A case study with Tractor Beverages illustrates Movetic’s successful Purpose-Infused Mixology Program, showcasing the importance of tailored messaging and engagement for brand positioning and consum...2024-06-0634 minNiche Marketing PodcastFood Product Packaging Design Case Study [Food and Beverage Marketing - Part 7 with Jenn David]Packaging expert Jenn David Connolly explains how design affects food marketing using case studies like Cooper Street Cookies and Vevan, emphasizing the significance of cohesive branding and innovative design in driving consumer appeal and market growth. By strategically upgrading packaging elements while maintaining brand recognition, Jenn vividly demonstrates the profound impact of color, font choice, and layout on consumer appeal. Throughout the discussion, we detail design concepts that elevate the visual presence and shelf impact of the product, showcasing the intricate steps Jenn takes to enhance food branding through innovative packaging design strategies and fostering...2024-05-211h 02Niche Marketing PodcastScaling a Food Brand: Case Study on Tahini [Food and Beverage Marketing - Part 6 with Amy Zitelman]Looking to scale a food brand? Amy Zitelman, CEO and Co-founder of Soom Foods, a tahini company, stops by to share Soom's journey from a kitchen startup to a widely distributed product. We focus on innovative marketing strategies, Amazon marketing, rebranding, and navigating the competitive retail landscape. Amy emphasizes consumer education, versatility of tahini, familial ties to tahini expertise, and strategic partnerships. We delve into establishing relationships with chefs, scaling the business, strategic entry into the grocery sector, leveraging retail channels like Amazon, and adapting to customer preferences. The discussion also covers leveraging social proof...2024-05-1058 min
Pleasantly Persistent-Rooted Food Sales Podcast!Bringing the Goodness of Tahini to the Masses with Amy Zitelman, CEO & Co-Founder of Soom FoodsTopics Discussed:- The Tahini Table Cookbook- Starting Soom Foods- Personal Growth and Perspective- Setting Aside Time for Proactive Thinking- Taking Breaks and Practicing Yoga- Biggest Celebrations and Challenging Moments- Chocolate Tahini and Israeli Market- CPG Products and Grocery Shopping2024-02-0731 min
Dear Citrus DiariesAmy Zitelman of SoomPlease welcome Amy Zitelman of Soom Tahini to the podcast! Soom is a premium tahini that is silky-smooth, mildly-nutty, and easy to mix. Aside from traditional tahini they have a chocolate version and tahini bites which are oh-so-delicious!What We Chat About What is Soom and how/why did you start it? Talk me through your products, why was developing Tahini & related items important to you? Why was the quality so important to you? What is your favorite Soom product that you’d recommend for first time customers? How ha...2024-01-2946 min
Nombase PodcastReview the SKU with Soom Foods - Brainstorming VelocitySoom Foods is well known for their tahini sourced from Ethiopian sesame seeds that produce a smooth and delicious tahini. Soom has a chocolate sku that's not turning as quickly as they think it should, and we're bringing in the experts to troubleshoot. Join Fred Hart of Interact Brands, Adam Levit of Velocity Sales, and Amy Zitelman, founder of Soom Foods, and listen as the team assesses the situation and brainstorms solutions.2023-12-1348 min
Founding PhillySoom Foods, CEO and Co-Founder Amy Zitelman | Founding Philly Ep. 31On this episode, I interview Amy Zitelman, CEO and Co-Founder of Soom Foods, a sister-owned company renowned for its tahini and tahini products.Soom Tahini, known for its silky-smooth texture, is made from sesame seeds and has become a versatile ingredient in both Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, enhancing both savory and sweet dishes.Soom Foods' high-quality tahini has established itself as a staple in professional kitchens and home pantries. Their products are available in numerous retail locations, including Whole Foods, Thrive Market, and, as of this year, over 1300 Publix stores.T...2023-12-0540 min
The Think Factory PodcastAmy Zitelman, CEO of Soom FoodsAmy Zitelman, the CEO of Soom Foods, a brand revolutionizing the American market with their versatile tahini products. Discover the fascinating story of how three sisters, driven by passion and entrepreneurship, transformed tahini into an essential ingredient. Listen in as Amy shares her secrets for business success, the importance of core values, and her vision for Soom's future. Don't miss out on Amy's insights and a delightful discussion about the delicious cherry chocolate tahini bites that have taken the market by storm.Disclaimer2023-11-0921 min
FoodNiche ChangemakersExpanding American Pantry Staples With Soom CEO - Amy ZitelmanOur special guest on this episode is the Co-founder and CEO of Soom Foods. Soom Foods is a purveyor of globally inspired pantry staples with sesame seeds and tahini as the main ingredients. The company was founded by 3 sisters driven by a mission to expand the American palette to exotic and nourishing ingredients. Amy was named Forbes 30 under 30 in 2018 and has been featured in New York Times, Washington Post, Food & Wine, Forbes, Cooking LightTo learn more about Sooms visit here>> https://soomfoods.com/
This podcast is made possible by FoodNiche Inc. a...2023-09-2329 min
The Startup CPG Podcast#101 Celebrating 10 Years of Growth: Family, Foodservice, and Forging your Own Path with Soom's Amy ZitelmanMaking it to the 10 year mark as a food business is no small feat, and our friends at Soom Foods just passed their 10 year anniversary. Today we are joined by Soom’s CEO and co-founder, Amy Zitelman. Amy had just graduated from college when she and her sisters started Soom, and since then, her and her sister Jackie were on the Forbes 30 under 30 list, Soom has been featured by Forbes, Bon Appetit, and The New York Times, and they have grown into the trusted brand for tahini and tahini products. I met Amy at a Mental Health for Founders ev...2023-08-0156 min
In the SauceBuilding Food Service FirstAmy Zitelman is the co-founder and CEO of Soom Foods, the tahini brand known by every restaurant chef – and now more and more consumers- across the US. On this episode of ITS, Amy and Ali talk about building what you know with what you have, which means taking a real inventory of your resources, skill-sets, and tolerance, then keeping disciplined to scaling that before launching into other categories, channels or products.In the Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do...2023-05-1852 min
Mind Your Marketing213 - Building a Strong Brand Through Product Quality with Amy ZitelmanIn this podcast, Amy discusses the importance of putting the product first and how it can lead to increased customer loyalty and brand recognition.LinkedIn: Amy ZitelmanWebsite: Soom FoodsJordan's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanscheltgen/Jordan's X: https://twitter.com/jordanscheltgenGet weekly actionable social media advice on our Newsletter: https://mindyourmarketing.beehiiv.com/subscribeHire our agency: https://www.cavesocial.comGet our Social System 1.0: https://jordan.bz/soc...2023-04-0725 min
C to CGrowing CPG with Co-Mans & Omnichannel SalesTen years ago, tahini was a rarity on grocery store shelves. But after discovering the versatility of this ingredient, Amy Zitelman and her sisters decided to bring it to the masses here in the United States. Learn more about how they grew their brand Soom Foods through strategic partnerships, contract manufacturing, and omnichannel sales on this episode of the Conception to Consumption (C to C) podcast.
2022-12-1528 min
UMAI Social Circle#33 Developing Relationships for Strategic Sales Growth with Amy Zitelman of Soom FoodsAmy Zitelman is the co-founder and CEO of the premium tahini brand, Soom Foods. In this podcast episode, join Alison and Karin, co-founders of UMAI Marketing, as they chat with Amy about her journey of bringing high-quality tahini to consumers here in the states. Discover how Amy successfully rooted Soom Foods in B2B first, created valuable relationships with chefs and influencers to help spread the Soom word, and how she's been using UMAI's Consumer Goods Growth Course to expand and train her marketing team (we love to hear it!). Sit back and turn the volume up! 🔊
Timestamp:
[0:45 - 5:09] Introduction
[5:10 - 8...2022-09-1940 min
Brands for a Better World (formerly Evolve CPG)087 - Importing Food Culture with Amy Zitelman of Soom FoodsAlthough not particularly new to the US market, tahini has historically been found gathering dust at the bottom of the shelf in the international foods aisle instead of being celebrated in the kitchen for its versatility. Today we are joined by Amy Zitelman, CEO and Co-Founder of Soom Foods, to talk about the various culinary uses of tahini, why she and her sisters started importing it, and the sustainable, regenerative qualities of the sesame crop and supply chain. Tune in to hear from this inspiring entrepreneur who refused to allow the lack of evidence for a thriving tahini market...2022-09-141h 01
Brand Alchemist PodcastThe Alchemy of Tahini, Family and InnovationAmy Zitelman is the CEO of Soom Foods, a supplier of globally-inspired pantry foods. The company has been featured in publications such as the New York Times, Washington Post, Food & Wine, and Cooking Light. As Soom’s strategic leader, Amy utilizes interpersonal communication skills to develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, manage sales and marketing strategy development, and oversee finance, operations, and logistics. She is the author of The Tahini Table cookbook and, in 2018, was a recipient of Forbes 30 Under 30 for the food and beverage category. In this episode… As a CPG brand, it’s centr...2022-08-2554 min
Startup To Scale52. Building a Family Tahini Business with Amy Zitelman, Soom FoodsAre you a fan of hummus? Amy and her sisters started Soom Foods to bring the world's best tahini (a key ingredient in hummus) to you. Join me for a conversation as we discuss what it's like building a family business, how they go their start in foodservice working with top chefs, and navigating changing consumer behaviors during the pandemic.Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a...2022-08-1424 min
Take One Daf YomiYevamot 38Today’s Daf Yomi page, Yevamot 38, insists that even in a patriarchal society, women, too, are entitled to their own property and agency. Amy Zitelman, the CEO of Soom Foods, joins us to talk about the thriving tehini business she launched with her sisters, and how being a female entrepreneur influenced her Jewish growth. What aisle of the supermarket should tehini be on, really? Listen and find out.Like the show? Send us a note at takeone@tabletmag.com. Follow us on Twitter at @takeonedafyomi and join the conversation in the Take One Facebook group.Take O...2022-04-1409 min
Subscribing to WellnessEpisode #24: Amy Zitelman, SoomToday on Subscribing to Wellness we are joined by Amy Zitelman, Co-Founder of Soom. Soom produces tahini & tahini products used by award-winning chefs and home cooks around the USA.
Episode Fun Facts:
1) Amy founded Soom with her two sisters out of a passion for sesame seeds. 2) Foodservice has been a key channel for Soom's expansion and we dig deep into the challenges of foodservice execution in this episode. 2022-03-1526 min
ContenderCast with Justin HonamanSOOM FOODS :: TAHINIA meal that the Soom Foods family enjoyed in a town tucked against the Mediterranean Sea confirmed that the secret to bringing people together over good food could be a piece of cake. Literally! The ingredient that made the delicious difference in the dessert they shared that night was tahini. In the states, they felt that we had nothing close to the flavor found overseas. Eventually, they learned the magic lay in the Ethiopian sesame seeds used for ages to make the world’s best tahini. So Soom Foods crafted the blend that could bring that taste home. Co-founder Am...2022-02-1421 min
The Physical Product MovementOld Product, New Perspectives: Lessons on How to Leverage Tahini on the Food Market with Amy Zitelman, CEO & Co-Founder at Soom FoodsIn this episode Amy Zitelman, CEO and Co-founder of Soom Foods, joins us in the next episode of The Physical Product Movement Podcast. Soom Foods is a sister-owned Tahini products company whose products are used by award-winning restaurants and chefs around the world. Amy has been featured on the Forbes 30 under 30 and is also the author of "The Tahini Table." Amy tells the founding story of Soom Foods, how she and her sisters identified Tahini as an ingredient used heavily in other parts of the world but underrepresented in the United States market. She talks about...2021-12-1637 min
Let's Talk Torah Audio PodcastLet's Talk Torah - Episode 207Thank you for listening, please go to StreamcastDetroit.com/donate and pledge your support for Let's Talk TorahJoin Rabbi Tzvi with his special guest Amy Zitelman as they discuss what is takes for women entrepreneurs and how companies can give back
Thank you for listening, please go to StreamcastDetroit.com/donate and pledge your support for Let's Talk Torah2021-05-0725 min
Table for TwoEpisode 244: Naomi Nachman hosts Amy Zitelman, CEO at Soom Foods, to discuss "The Tahini Table," Abraham and Samantha Chetrit, of Masuda Omakase, with special guest tasters Naomi Ross and Gabriella Nachman and Miriam Schreiber of Legacy Kosher Tours2021-01-0800 min
Small Biz Gone ViralAmy Zitelman - Soom FoodsNovember 24, 2020 Amy Zitelman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Soom Foods, a leading purveyor of tahini and tahini products in the American market. Soom has been named the best tahini according to industry experts by New York Magazine’s “The Stategist” and has been featured in outlets like New York Times, Food & Wine, and Bon Appetit. In 2018, Amy was named to Forbes “30 under 30” in the Food and Beverage category. She is the author of The Tahini Table - Go Beyond Hummus with 100 Recipes for Every Meal. She also promised to share in the interview some of the magic that might get So...2020-11-241h 05
The Champions of Purposeful Change PodcastMake Room for Soom. – Amy Zitelman, CEO & Co-Founder, and Shelby Zitelman, COO & Co-Founder – Soom Foods
Today on Real-World Branding we have Amy and Shelby Zitelman, Co-Founders of Soom Foods, the trusted tahini brand among James Beard award-winning chefs and home cooks alike. We cover the academic interests and early career experiences that led them to found Soom, the brand story, category dynamics, their day-to-day experiences as a family business, and the impact of COVID-19. If you like our podcast, please subscribe!
http://blog.finchbrands.com/make-room-for-soom
The post Make Room for Soom. – Amy Zitelman, CEO & Co-Founder, and Shelby Zitelman, COO & Co-Founder – Soom Foods appeared first on Finch Brands.
2020-10-2239 min
Real-World BrandingMake Room for Soom. – Amy Zitelman, CEO & Co-Founder, and Shelby Zitelman, COO & Co-Founder – Soom FoodsToday on Real-World Branding we have Amy and Shelby Zitelman, Co-Founders of Soom Foods, the trusted tahini brand among James Beard award-winning chefs and home cooks alike. We cover the academic interests and early career experiences that led them to found Soom, the brand story, category dynamics, their day-to-day experiences as a family business, and the impact of COVID-19. If you like our podcast, please subscribe!2020-10-2239 min
Tablet StudiosFeeding the FamilyThis week, an episode all about… food! Listen in as Stephanie tours the Joyva factory and learns about how the Passover jelly rings (and the marshmallow twists, and the halvah bars) get made at the family-run confection company.Then, live from Encinitas, CA, our interview with chef Einat Admony recorded at The Hive at Leichtag Commons. She tells us about her Taim falafel empire, growing up Mizrahi in Israel, and bringing the eggplant dish known as sabich to American diners.You’ve heard us talk about Soom Foods and thei...2020-04-081h 03
The Big Schmear PodcastIs Tahini the New Peanut Butter in Your Kitchen Yet? (#50)
Guest: Amy Zitelman
Co-founder and CEO of Soom
Meet Amy Zitleman, Co-Founder and CEO of Soom. Haven’t heard of them yet? Soom is a tahini manufacturer located in Philadelphia founded and owned by three sisters, Amy, Shelby and Jackie (she lives in Israel). In addition to the best tasting tahini ever, they also make Silan (date syrup) and Chocolate Sweet Tahini Halva Spread!
I had a lot of fun talking with Amy about Soom and all their products. Not only did I expand my knowledge of tahini as a healthful and versatile in...2020-03-2231 min
Wait, Am I An Adult Now?104: Founder Spotlight - CEO & Co-Founder of Soom Foods Amy ZitelmanSoom Foods is a certified women-owned, Philadelphia-based company dedicated to introducing globally inspired pantry staples to the American market. Their main product, Soom Tahini is a paste made from 100% pressed and roasted Ethiopian White Humera sesame seeds offering a creamy texture and nutty flavor. The business is family owned and operated by Amy and her two sisters. In this episode we speak with CEO and Co-Founder, Amy Zitelman about all things Tahini and what it was like to start a business while still becoming an adult in her mid-20's. Her story is not only inspiring, but is...2019-12-2551 min
Wait, Am I An Adult NowFounder Spotlight - CEO & Co-Founder of Soom Foods Amy ZitelmanSoom Foods is a certified women-owned, Philadelphia-based company dedicated to introducing globally inspired pantry staples to the American market. Their main product, Soom Tahini is a paste made from 100% pressed and roasted Ethiopian White Humera sesame seeds offering a creamy texture and nutty flavor. The business is family owned and operated by Amy and her two sisters. In this episode we speak with CEO and Co-Founder, Amy Zitelman about all things Tahini and what it was like to start a business while still becoming an adult in her mid-20's. Her story is not only inspiring, but is...2019-12-2551 min
Food Business Marketing - Strategy Tips for Food Business Owners to Build a Brand That Stands OutBuilding a Food Category One Relationship at a Time with Amy ZitelmanFiguring out how to compete in a new, or underdeveloped, food or beverage category is a challenge -- especially if you’re a disruptive natural foods business determined to shake things up! Today on the Real Food Brands Podcast, host and Brand Strategist Katie Mleziva takes us back to revisit a great episode with Amy Zitelman, Co-Founder and CEO of Soom Foods, to talk about how they build relationships with influencers like food bloggers and top chefs to create excitement for a relatively underdeveloped category in the US. When thinking about marketing it can be easy to put...2019-11-1344 min
The Food Magic PodcastEP 014 - Business and Family is a Marathon and not a Sprint | Amy & Shelby ZitelmanIn this episode, our featured guests are the Soom sisters: Amy, Shelby and Jackie who are the founders of Soom Foods. The company’s mission is to provide delicious tahini with high quality ingredients in every product. Their product, tahini, is uniquely produced from Humera sesame seeds, which come from a region located in Northwestern Ethiopia. One of the the Soom sisters' goals is to have tahini become a pantry staple in kitchens across America. Soom Foods exemplifies that family and business can make a successful combination together.2019-11-0724 min
This Is TASTEKatie ParlaThere is no journalist I would rather talk to about Italy—and, really, talk about food in general—than Katie Parla. Her mind, her spirit, her willingness to drive around the wonderfully off-the-grid cow towns of Calabria for the sake of a book project. It’s all really special. In this episode, we talk about her decade-long obsession with the Italian South (and how this is a different thing entirely than “southern Italy”).We discuss her visiting places in Italy that “haven’t seen the Google van” and how her new cookbook, Food of the Italian South, documents it all...2019-03-0535 min
Jewish PhillyEpisode 12: Shelby and Amy ZitelmanThis month, we’re breaking down the age old stereotype of Jewish anxiety, followed by a conversation about the rise of antisemitism in Europe with Israeli reporter Eldad Beck, and finally we’re honoring Jewish Disability and Awareness month by paying tribute to three amazing Jews with physical handicaps who have made incredible achievements in their communities.We also had the honor to sit down with Shelby and Amy Zitelman, two of the three sisters behind the company Soom Foods, to talk about they turned their passion into a business, the partnerships they've built with Philadelphia chefs and rest...2019-02-2536 min
THE FOOD SEENEpisode 378: The Soom SistersOn today’s episode of THE FOOD SEEN, “open sesame” to tahini, the principal product behind Soom Foods sister-owned company creating pantry staples. Shelby, Jackie and Amy (Zitelman), source their single-origin sesame seeds from Humera, Ethiopia, process the paste in Israel, and after nearly 6,000 miles of transport, their premium Soom tahini (& chocolate sweet tahini halva spread) condiment, find their way to Philadelphia, and then into our homes and hearts. Of course, you can make hummus with a spoonful of Soom, but tahini is an indispensable in pantries, for vinaigrettes, sauces, spread on toast with honey, baked into banana breads, falafe...2019-01-2934 min
A Thing or Two with Claire and Erica162: The Story Behind Our New Favorite IngredientThis week on the podcast, we’ve got a fellow work wife on—her name’s Amy Zitelman, and along with her sisters Shelby and Jackie, she runs Soom Foods, source of the creamiest, dreamiest tahini we’ve ever tasted. She’s sharing hard-earned wisdom on starting a business and genius ways to use the little sesame-seed paste that could. Oh, and we’ve got the last Alex update of 2018, and he’s bringing big news! P.S. Make like Claire’s unborn son and get your hands on these Candylab toy cars (big kids love them, too). Score yours for 10% of...2018-12-1744 min
Food Business Marketing - Strategy Tips for Food Business Owners to Build a Brand That Stands OutHow Soom Foods Is Building a Category One Relationship at a Time Amy Zitelman, Co-Founder of Soom Foods, joins the Real Food Brands Marketing Podcast to discuss building awareness and trial of the tahini category in the US market. In This Episode: How Amy and her sisters started Soom Foods How Soom built awareness for tahini, a relatively unknown product in the US market Why it’s important to have a diverse team with complimentary skill sets How to find and build genuine relationships with influencers, including bloggers and award winning chefs How Soom utilizes user generated content (recipes) in social media How to build associations with adjacent food categories ...2018-10-3139 min
The TidbitFrom Foodservice to Fridge: The Soom StoryThree sisters out of Philadelphia — Jackie, Shelby, and Amy Zitelman — started Soom Foods. Their goal? To make tahini a staple in American pantries. But to start, they began with chefs. Who are your early adopters and how can those customers become your biggest brand advocates? How do you know when to diversify your sales channels? Tune into this episode of The Tidbit to learn the Soom story with CEO, Shelby Zitelman.
2018-10-0936 min
Feast Yr EarsEpisode 122: One tiny delicious seedShelby Zitelman and her sisters Jackie and Amy run Soom foods. Based in Philadelphia they import tahini from Israel that is made from single origin sesame seeds sourced in Humera, Ethiopia. While finishing a business degree Shelby was visitng her sister in Israel and met her then boyfriend (now husband) and got her first real taste of tahini that he was making. Why wasn't this quality of product available in the US? this simple question launched Soom, who now have expanded their line to include a chocolate tahini spread as well as Silan, a date syrup. Tune in to...2018-10-0137 min
She Did It Her WaySDH 249: How to Generate Sales Through Authenticity with Amy ZitelmanWhat's your biggest struggle with your business? Is it managing cash flow? Is it customer related? How do you educate customers about your product or service and what's the best way to communicate with them and get feedback to foster authentic relationships? Maybe it's a combination of these questions, and you want to make yourself known in the market.
Today's guest and Tahini queen Amy Zitelman is the VP of Business Development and Co-Founder of the certified women-owned brand Soom Foods. Soom Foods speaks to the versatility of tahini by offering unique products and recipes to make t...2018-04-0534 min