Modernising the CPG industry, one emerging brand at a time

There’s a decline in independent supermarket store numbers and an upswing in consumers purchasing grocery store private label products. This means the real opportunities to get on, and off, the shelf for brands right now is challenging. So with that industry landscape, this is what I’m doubling down on:

•Championing cutting-edge product development, technology, and practises that redefine the CPG landscape.•Supporting and nurturing emerging brands within the CPG sector, fostering an ecosystem where small players can thrive.•Actively promoting gender equality and supporting women entrepreneurs and leaders in the CPG industry.•Driving healthy competition within the CPG market, ensuring fair practises and a level playing field for all brands.

Brands & Businesses I’ve Worked With

Hi, I’m Chelsea Ford,

My journey in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry spans over 30 years, leading teams at global giants like Kellogg, Nestlé, Sara Lee (and even turned around the Airblade business at Dyson!) At Kellogg, innovation was scarce—the only new idea was a muesli bowl I developed for cafés. Everything else? Just the same old plastic sleeves of grains and fruit, with no exciting new flavours or packaging (yawn). It was uninspiring.

That’s why I left BIG CPG and FOOD. I kept asking, “Where’s the innovation? Where’s the choice?” So I quit, moved to a mountain in Peru, meditated with a Shaman, and reconnected with my true passions. When I returned, I noticed the only real innovation was coming from smaller brands. The specialists and the challengers. These creators had brilliant products but didn’t know how to commercialise their products for true scale and profitably.

That’s when my two passions—creativity and business growth—came together. I knew there had to be a way to modernise the industry and create space for emerging and challenger brands to thrive. So I took the leap. It was scary leaving a lucrative 20+ year career, but as brand owners, we need to be driven by something bigger than fear.

This led me to launch my growth consultancy helping brand owners scale in 2015, create Females in Food® to help women grow food and drink wholesale brands in 2016 and the Foodpreneurs Formula coaching program in 2020. Then, in 2023, I went on to found Foodpreneurs Festival, Australia’s first event of its kind opening doors for brand owners, industry specialists, media and buyers to come together for a year’s worth of sales + promotion opportunities under the one roof. It sold out immediately, and the next year too!

My mission has always been to give consumers more choice and help emerging and challenger brands—brands like yours—make their mark. We’re not just building businesses; we’re changing the industry, disrupting the norm, championing innovation and offering something better, something new, something that’s more than just the same old flavour rotations loved by multinationals.

Six More Ways I Can Help You.

1:1 Consulting for Brand Owners or Industry Specialists

Work directly with me and unlock the power of 30+ years of industry expertise to propel your business to new heights.

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Real Client Results

Book Me as a Speaker

Captivate and empower your audience by booking me to speak at your next event.

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Join Foodpreneurs Festival

Australia’s unmissable event where food, drink, and pet food founders connect with influential industry leaders and hundreds of fellow brand owners.

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Sponsor The Festival

Listen to the Podcast for Brands Wanting to Grow

Discover game-changing strategies and insider insights from industry leaders on the Foodpreneur with Chelsea Ford Podcast.

Partner With Me to Get More Leads

Showcase your services to an audience of CPG entrepreneurs eager to engage with businesses like yours.

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Ask Me Anything

Got a burning question about the CPG industry? Get expert answers in my weekly industry email, social media, or podcast episode.

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Here’s What Clients Are Saying

Sandra Seah, Six-Eyed Scorpion

Working with Chelsea has been a transformative experience for my business.

Despite creating award-winning products, I had felt lost about the next steps for growth and scaling my business.

Fiona Whatley, Springhill Farm

I deeply understood how to make amazing product, but I wasn’t confident about what levers to push and pull, to manage the revenue and expenses to make a profitable business and now I do.

Troy Edyvean, Tonic Alchemy

Working with Chelsea has been one of the best decisions for my business. As a small business owner, I was starting to second guess myself and my go to market strategy.

Brea Millen, Bar None

Partnering with Chelsea was a game-changer for the launch of my cold-pressed snack bars, Bar None. Her deep understanding of the FMCG industry and strategic insights were instrumental in shaping my go-to-market approach.

Laura Allan, Isaac’s Snacks

Chelsea has been an invaluable partner in the growth of Isaac’s Snacks over the past few months. Scaling a business is no small feat, and we found ourselves facing challenges that had stalled our progress.

Nicole McMahon, Trouble & Spice

I did it – the dream – a nationwide supermarket deal! But I was also still doing everything alone. I knew I needed help and direction, but I was stuck. I’d been loving Chelsea’s podcast and felt like a fellow Aussie was the right fit, even though I’m Europe based.