Ready to Launch a CPG Food & Beverage Brand That Sells?

I help first-time CPG food & beverage founders turn ideas into breakout brands that belong on retail shelves. Are you bringing a new product to market? Or a strategic partner to startup CPG food & beverage brands? Let’s talk shop.

Let's talk shop.

Let's talk shop.

Meet Kelly

Hi, I’m Kelly Bennett. A Brooklyn-based brand strategist with a front-row seat to what makes emerging CPG food & beverage brands stand out.

I’ve advised over 1,000 early-stage founders and stay plugged into what’s working now through my client work, hosting Emerging Brand Podcast®, strategic partnerships, and collaboration to launch Bread & Butter®, a trademark law firm protecting CPG food & beverage brands.

My career breakthrough came while building a nationally recognized plant-based restaurant in Downtown Las Vegas. Bootstrapping from day one, I built the brand from the ground up—leveraging social media, community activations, and partnerships to grow a loyal customer base. That grassroots momentum led to national features in Forbes, CNN, LA Times, and the opening of multiple locations.

That hands-on experience shaped my deep understanding of what early-stage food & beverage brands truly need.

Today, I help first-time, bootstrapping CPG food & beverage founders turn early-stage ideas into breakout brands—brands that earn shelf space, generate buzz, and connect with consumers. Because without a clear brand strategy, it’s easy to waste time and capital.

We start by clarifying what makes your brand different—compelling brand story with clear differentiators, a hero product that catches the attention of customers and retailers, deep understanding of your ideal customer—how they live, shop, and what makes them say yes (from pantry staples to weekend treats). Then activation, event, and partnership strategies that bring your brand to life and put you on the radar of your right audience from day one.

With your strategy in place, the next step is connecting you with trusted experts and strategic partners who specialize in early-stage, founder-led CPG brands—and take a hands-on approach, like I do. From design, packaging, photography, and website to social media, distribution, specialty retail, finance, and fundraising—you’ll have the right people in your corner to execute and make confident business decisions as a first-time CPG founder.

I’ve worked with founders whose products are now on shelves at Pop Up Grocer, The Goods Mart, Bubble Goods, and more—and I’d love to help you launch a brand that stands out too.

  • 'Before She’s the Sauce was even a concept, I met with Kelly, and from day one, she helped me shape this brand into something truly unique. Her strategic mind helped me uncover what made my sauces different, find the key selling points that would resonate, and has helped create the kind of buzz that every founder dreams of..."

    Nicole Glabman, Founder She’s the Sauce

  • "...Pop Up Grocer slid into our dms and before I knew it we had launched inside one of the most respected entities for up and coming CPG brands - we were on the shelves, standing out among the other coffees that surrounded us. This is just the beginning of our growth and retail journey - grateful I was smart enough to hire Kelly when we did!"

    Stefanie Frank, Co-founder, Frankly Good Coffee

  • 'I absolutely loved working with Kelly! I’ve worked with a good amount of folks but what sets her apart is her energy. She’s knowledgeable, bright, and always very encouraging. I’m so happy to have her as a resource!'

    Crystal Hale, Founder Dripspoon