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Market To Shelf Mastery

Market To Shelf Mastery

Written by: MonkeyPants Productions
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Market to Shelf Mastery is a podcast for ambitious food and drink founders working towards their first retail listing who want to hear from founders who have already made the leap. Every episode is a conversation with someone who has gone from market stall to retail shelf. We break down the real process behind their first "yes" — who they approached, how they pitched, how they followed up, the knock-backs they faced and the persistence that paid off. And we talk about the moment — walking into a store and seeing their product on the shelf for the very first time: the pride, the relief, the quiet "we did it" feeling. You'll gain practical insight you can apply to your own retail outreach, honest lessons from founders who've been in your shoes, and the belief that your shelf moment is possible too.2026 Art Cooking Economics Food & Wine Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Episode #10: That's A Wrap For Series One and How You Can Help With Series Two!
    Oct 20 2026

    In this episode, Leisa reflects on the journey of Series One of Market to Shelf Mastery, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all the guests and listeners who have contributed to its success.

    Excitingly, Market to Shelf Mastery will return for Series Two in January 2027, promising even more engaging conversations and insights.

    Join Leisa in celebrating the accomplishments of the first series and get ready for what's to come in the new year!

    Connect with Leisa here:
    https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/


    Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

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    2 mins
  • Episode #9: Helen Davies from The Lovely Gift Group.
    Sep 29 2026

    In this episode, we are delighted to welcome Helen, the founder of The Lovely Gift Company, as she shares her unique journey from market stall to retail shelf.

    Helen recounts the inspiring story behind her brand, which was born out of her personal experiences with her premature twins and her desire to create keepsakes that cherish special memories. She discusses how her background in marketing and PR has played a vital role in presenting her products to the market and how she has successfully navigated the transition from selling online to securing retail placements.

    Listeners will gain insights into the diverse range of products offered by The Lovely Gift Company, including innovative keepsake boxes, pet memorials, and personalised gifts that resonate emotionally with consumers. Helen emphasises the importance of understanding customer needs and adapting to market trends, sharing anecdotes about her experiences at artisan fairs and the lessons learned from face-to-face interactions with customers.

    The conversation delves into the complexities of entering retail, including the challenges of building relationships with retailers and the significance of effective marketing strategies. Helen highlights the ongoing need for persistence and creativity in reaching key decision-makers and the importance of aligning products with the values and needs of retailers.

    Join us for an engaging discussion filled with practical advice and motivation for aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of the industry, as Helen encourages everyone to pursue their dreams and never give up.

    (00:00) Introduction
    (01:00) The Origin of The Lovely Gift Company
    (10:00) Product Overview and Emotional Connections
    (20:00) Transitioning from Online to Retail
    (30:00) Meeting Customers Face-to-Face
    (40:00) The Challenges of Retail Relationships
    (50:00) Future Aspirations for The Lovely Gift Company

    Connect with Leisa here:
    https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/

    Helen can be found here:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-davies-%F0%9F%8E%81-25999030/

    Follow The Lovely Gift Company here:
    https://www.thelovelygiftgroup.co.uk/


    Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Episode #8: Laura Peill from Tired Mum's Coffee
    Sep 15 2026

    In this episode we are excited to feature Laura Peill, the founder of Tired Mum's Coffee.

    Laura shares her unique journey from being a new mum in need of caffeine to creating a coffee brand that truly understands the needs of parents. She discusses how her love for coffee evolved from a simple pick-me-up to a cherished daily ritual, leading to the conception of her brand.

    Listeners will learn about the playful names of Tired Mum's Coffee blends, including the 'Party All Night Blend' and 'Nobody's Listening to Me Blend', which resonate with the everyday experiences of tired parents. Laura explains the importance of packaging and branding in retail, sharing how feedback from stockists guided her to improve her product presentation for better shelf appeal.

    Throughout the episode, Laura discusses the challenges and successes of transitioning from direct-to-consumer sales at local markets to securing retail listings. She provides valuable insights on the importance of building relationships with retailers, the significance of follow-ups, and how to adapt to feedback from both consumers and stockists.

    Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with practical advice for aspiring food entrepreneurs, particularly those looking to navigate the complexities of the retail landscape.


    (00:00) Introduction
    (01:00) The Birth of Tired Mum's Coffee
    (10:00) Product Range Overview and Fun Blend Names
    (20:00) Transitioning from Direct Sales to Retail
    (30:00) The Importance of Packaging and Branding
    (40:00) Building Relationships with Retailers
    (50:00) Future Plans and Aspirations for Tired Mum's Coffee

    Connect with Leisa here:
    https://www.instagram.com/findmetheleads/

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/leisapickles/


    Laura can be found here:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-peill-84338658/

    Follow Tired Mum's Coffee here:
    https://www.tiredmumcoffee.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/tiredmumscoffee/

    **********************************
    Enjoyed this episode? Why not buy Leisa a coffee and help support the Market to Shelf Mastery podcast.

    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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