Startup CPG Grocery Run Brings Fresh Momentum to Venice Beach’s

The beachside air was filled with more than sea breeze this week it buzzed with entrepreneurial energy as Startup CPG hosted its latest Grocery Run at The KINN, a creative space nestled in the heart of Venice Beach. The event attracted emerging food and beverage brands, grocery buyers, investors, and CPG enthusiasts for a high impact afternoon of connection, sampling, and discovery.

An Ecosystem of Innovation and Access

Designed to support early stage consumer packaged goods (CPG) businesses, the Grocery Run delivered on its mission giving brands direct access to retail decision makers and buyers, while fostering an environment for authentic brand storytelling and peer support. One of the most exciting parts of the event was the presence of Gelson’s Market buyers, who took time to engage directly with founders, offering rare face to face feedback opportunities. For many emerging brands, the chance to present their products to major grocery chains can take months or even years this event helped cut through that wait.

Attendees were able to

• Showcase product samples to a curated audience of industry insiders

  
  

• Learn from buyer panels discussing what today’s shelves are missing and how new brands can break in

  
  

• Network with fellow founders, investors, and advisors, in a laid-back but business-savvy environment

From artisanal snacks to plant based beverages and culturally inspired food innovations, the diversity of products on display was a testament to the future of CPG personal, purpose-driven, and community oriented.

Spotlight on Vidagua Fresca and Other Standout Brands

Among the standout exhibitors was Vidagua Fresca, a brand rooted in cultural authenticity and flavor forward innovation. The team’s energy, passion, and commitment to elevating their product line was contagious. Other emerging companies offered everything from apoptogenic teas to protein rich snacks, wellness focused beverages, and regenerative farming based pantry items. While a full list of exhibitors wasn't published publicly, attendees described the event as a "sampling paradise" and a goldmine for early stage product discovery.

About Startup CPG Bridging the Gap for Emerging Brands

Founded to level the playing field for new brands, Startup CPG has grown into a national movement supporting thousands of early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs. Through events like the Grocery Run, Startup CPG provides real opportunities to connect with industry gatekeepers and grow within an ecosystem that can be notoriously difficult to penetrate.

Their Grocery Run series, previously held in cities like Austin, New York, and San Francisco, partners with leading retailers such as Whole Foods and Central Market, providing high visibility stages for young brands.

Empowering Emerging Brands Through Community Support

Organizations like Startup CPG provide a comprehensive platform for early-stage brands. With a free Slack community of over 22,000 members, founders can access real time advice, share experiences, and connect with industry professionals. Startup CPG also offers resources such as podcasts, blogs, webinars, and events, all aimed at helping brands navigate the complexities of the CPG landscape. Similarly, Emerge CPG offers personalized guidance, one on one mentoring, live trainings, and a network of industry experts. Their community connects entrepreneurs with investors, distributors, and retailers, facilitating valuable relationships that can lead to business growth. 

Building Bonds and Brands

Community building is not just about networking it's about creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Engaged communities provide startups with feedback, foster brand loyalty, and generate word of mouth marketing. This collective support system is instrumental in helping new brands establish themselves and thrive. In summary, the CPG community offers a robust support system for emerging food and beverage companies, providing the tools, connections, and guidance necessary to succeed in a challenging industry.

Why Events Like This Matter

In today’s competitive CPG landscape, storytelling and relationships are just as important as product quality. Events like the Grocery Run provide a rare chance for founders to step outside of pitch decks and LinkedIn connections and let their product speak for itself.

For local economies like Venice Beach and Greater LA, the Grocery Run also means economic impact these startups often source locally, hire community talent, and bring fresh voices into the food ecosystem. As Startup CPG continues to grow, its events remain a powerful reminder that the next big thing on grocery shelves might just come from a conversation that started over a product sample and a shared story at a table by the beach.

For more on upcoming events or to get involved, visit StartupCPG.com.