Launch Plan

Getting to Market

Four phases, in order. The goal is to move fast on what you can control — flavor and positioning — before committing to anything with a long lead time.

01 Now

Positioning & Flavors

  • ○ Write and pressure-test the positioning sentence
  • ○ Mix test batches of top 4–5 flavor candidates
  • ○ Run informal tasting — track what resonates and what people would call it
  • ○ Pick 3–4 hero flavors based on reaction + production feasibility
  • ○ Start a shortlist of brand name candidates
02 Next

Brand & Identity

  • ○ Land on brand name — check domain and basic trademark conflicts
  • ○ Brief a designer (or DIY with Figma + strong references)
  • ○ Define color palette — one base, one accent per flavor
  • ○ Design pouch mockups for hero flavors
  • ○ Write 2–3 sentence copy for each blend
  • ○ Build an Instagram grid of 9 posts to test identity before packaging is final
03 Upcoming

Production & Regulatory

  • ○ Confirm what your state's cottage food law allows and what the revenue cap is
  • ○ Identify rentable commercial kitchens nearby
  • ○ Model the volume at which co-packing MOQs become worthwhile
  • ○ Ingredient list (descending by weight)
  • ○ Nutrition facts panel (FDA format)
  • ○ Allergen declarations — tree nuts, dairy, soy likely all present
  • ○ Manufacturer name, address, net weight, best-by system
  • ○ First label review with a food safety consultant
04 Upcoming

Launch Channel

  • ○ Set up Shopify store (DTC)
  • ○ Apply to 2–3 local farmers markets
  • ○ Build a list of local premium grocers / boutiques to approach at 3–6 months
  • ○ Define launch SKU lineup (which 3–4 flavors, what size bag)

Launch Channel

Recommendation: start DTC + farmers markets. Use that proof to approach local grocers at 3–6 months.

Recommended start

DTC + Farmers Market

  • Lowest barrier to entry
  • Direct customer feedback and relationship-building
  • Best product-market fit testing available
  • Ship to anyone via Shopify

Tradeoff: markets are time-intensive; shipping adds logistics to manage.

Phase 2

Local Premium Grocery

  • Higher credibility signal
  • Harder to get in without a track record
  • Requires more volume and consistent labeling from day one

Tradeoff: longer sales cycles, margin requirements.

Open Questions

Concept