We ignite
business growth.

Experienced CPG innovation experts focused on launching brands & accelerating growth.

Project Leadership

Fractional Resources

Unparalleled Agility

Our mission is to help food & beverage companies uncover breakthrough opportunities, unlock value and propel their brands to new heights. We thrive on cutting through ambiguity and delivering immediate impact for clients with a results-driven approach.

Inadequate Resources & Capability Gaps

Limited Budget & Fear of Failure

Lack of Innovation / Stage Gate Process

Innovation Roadblocks May Be Stalling Your Growth

Unlock Your Potential With Our Range Of Services

We shine a light on untapped opportunities and accelerate growth through customized, strategic solutions.

Investigate
Learn & Analyze

qualitative quantitative research insights

Market & Trend Assessment
Competitive Analysis
White Space Identification
Need State Mapping
Platform Development
Qualitative Research

Innovate
Design & Develop

Brainstorm Strategy Innovation Planning Development Design

Ideation & Brainstorming
Co-Creation Sessions
Idea Screening
Concept Writing
Concept Validation
Portfolio & Pipeline Roadmaps
Package Structure & Design
Brand Naming & Positioning

Ignite
Plan & Implement

brainstorm ideation strategy go-to-market

Size of Prize Forecasting
P&L Development
Holistic Go-To-Market Plan
Marketing Activation Strategy
Product Development Mgt
Graphics Design Management
Co-Manufacturing Search
Scale Up & Commercialization

Innovation Capabilities

Capabilities Evaluation
Organizational Design

Work Surge or Gap Fill Projects
Team Development & Coaching

Stage Gate Process Design
Training & Workshops

Our Shining Track Record

We take pride in successfully creating iconic brands and launching more than 400 new products across a wide range of CPG categories.

Illuminating Case Studies

Some examples of how we've helped brands sparkle

New innovation process = faster development and quicker to market

Challenge: Company not able to execute innovation cohesively or quickly due to few innovation processes and unstructured new product pipeline strategy

Created and instituted customized stage-gate process
Led ideation and testing of new products and line extension concepts with 5 proceeding to launch
Developed product & packaging strategies for short & long-term pipelines over 2 yrs
Developed, designed packaging and launched new products in 4 months

Created a breakthrough RTD Beverage category & products for Gen Z

Challenge: How does an established brand tap into the fast-growing experiential snacking trend with young consumers?

Led strategy, testing, concepting and development of a new brand from Del Monte Foods that would resonate with Gen Z and younger Millennials
Created brand positioning and name, winning flavor combinations, award-winning package design & structure to mimic the boba shop experience
Go-to-market plan achieved 3x velocity expectations; with demand outstripping supply in the first 6 months
Developed 3-year product pipeline & growth plan
On track to be Del Monte’s most successful innovation launch

Introduced a new brand and treats category; achieved $180M in 2 years

Challenge: How to tap into the humanistic-pet relationship with new and exciting dog treats

Identified trends, consumer segments, and strategized “white space” for new human-oriented platforms and products for dog treat category
Established new category and brand from concept to launch
Co-led launch team to introduce Milo’s Kitchen Dog Treat brand with cross functional team of R&D, Sales

Launched transformative foodtech brand with innovative products

Challenge: Foodtech startup seeking to establish brand in ground-breaking protein-based sweetener category.

Created Oobli™ Chocolate Bars and Oobli™ Sweet Iced Teas - developed formulas, package structure and design
Secured multiple new co-manufacturing facilities
Established supply chain & procurement practices
Led sweet protein ingredient application with international food & beverage brands

Our Team

You're in good hands with project teams led by Mario, Kim & Kristine.

Mario DiFalco

Founding Partner

Mario is an experienced innovation and marketing leader who drives unparalleled brand growth in fiercely competitive markets. With expertise spanning emerging growth and multinational consumer goods companies, he offers immediate value, extensive knowledge, and a unique leadership perspective. Mario is a passionate trailblazer adept at cultivating strong brands and launching transformative innovations, and has successfully introduced more than 250 new products. His visionary contributions have defined groundbreaking categories such as energy/snack bars, ready-to-drink bubble teas, and protein-sweetened foods and beverages.

Kim Lopez-Walters

Founding Partner

Kim is an accomplished marketing and innovation executive with an extensive background in the food and beverage industry. Having honed her skills at renowned companies including Pepsi-Cola, Nestlé, Starbucks, and Clif Bar, she's adept at creating innovative solutions for consumer needs. With a passion for exploring emerging trends and identifying new business opportunities, Kim has successfully led innovation teams in companies of all sizes. Her impressive track record includes introducing over 150 breakthrough products, showcasing her ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of the ever-evolving consumer packaged goods (CPG) environment.

Kristine Duffy

Consultant

Kristine is a results-driven innovator with a wealth of experience across diverse categories including beverages, healthy snacks, meal enhancers, and pet food/snacks. With a deep-seated passion for innovation, her career encompasses the entire spectrum of new product development from uncovering category white space and concept creation to successful commercialization and launch. She has a track record delivering award-winning products that drive substantial sales and distribution growth. Kristine is adept at leading cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of creativity, and building innovation processes to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.

Ryan Trammel

VP Financial Planning Analysis

Kinder's

“Mario has the unique ability to build brands & develop products that not only tap into unmet consumer needs but also with an eye on P&L stewardship."

Larry Wu

Entrepreneur; Innovation Director

Innerstave

“The word partner is a great description of Kim. She is the first person I turn to for driving results and when I need input on a brand or consumer-focused strategy.”

Jack Hartley

VP of Healthy Snacking

Del Monte Foods

“Kristine is incredibly strategic & collaborative, and was instrumental in building our innovation strategy and pipeline while streamlining our internal processes & tools to be more agile.”

We ignite business growth.