CHFA or Trade Show Survival Guide: What to Ask Retailers, Ingredient Suppliers & Co-Mans (So You Don't Waste 6 Months)

#86 If you're heading to CHFA, this episode gives you the exact questions to ask so you leave with requirements, next steps, and follow-ups—not just samples and business cards.

This episode covers CHFA trade show strategy for better-for-you CPG founders, including retailer conversations, co-manufacturer vetting, shelf life documentation, labeling compliance, and retail readiness.

In this episode, Jacinta covers:

p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> How to approach retailers at CHFA without pitching too soon (collect requirements first) p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> The most important questions to ask about shelf life expectations + documentation p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> What to ask ingredient suppliers so scaling doesn't break your product (specs, CoAs, variability, substitutions) p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> What to ask co-manufacturers so you don't sign a "yes" that falls apart later (allergens, documentation, MOQs, onboarding) p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item">A simple 48-hour follow-up system to turn CHFA conversations into real momentum Key Takeaways p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> Don't pitch for validation—collect requirements. p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> One conversation = one requirement + one next step + one follow-up date. p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> Retailers move faster when you make follow-up easy to evaluate. Links & Resources p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> Get Your ETS Stage (Free Scale Up & Retail Ready Quiz): {Take the Quiz here} p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> Apply to the Retail Readiness Program (Deadline: Sept 30): {Apply Here} p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> Companion episode: Inside CHFA Now Toronto: {Listen to the Episode here} p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> Download the CHFA Retail Readiness Checklist (Pocket + Worksheet): {Download Checklist & Worksheet here} p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> For Weekly Tips and Strategies while building Subscribe to the Emerging Food Business Newsletter Questions Mentioned in the Episode Retailers p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> What does a "yes" look like in this category right now? p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> What's the #1 reason you pass on emerging brands? p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> What proof matters most before you bring a new product in? p]:inline" data-streamdown="list-item"> What are your shelf life expectations—and what documentation do