Episode
#256 - What Is Grocery Run? with Dan Choi (NA Beverage Co) and Stephanie McGregor (Ringa)
- Podcast
- The Startup CPG Podcast
- Published
- Jul 7, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2348
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://share.transistor.fm/s/b46aa6d5
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Summary
In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with two founders who have attended and sampled at some of the most Startup CPG Grocery Run events: Dan Choi, founder of NA Beverage Company, and Stephanie McGregor, founder of Ringa. Together, they share what Grocery Runs are actually like from a brand perspective, how they decide which ones to attend, and what founders should do before, during, and after the event to make the most of the opportunity. Dan’s brand, NA Beverage Company, is on a mission to redefine the way people drink, connect, and celebrate through functional sparkling teas for social moments. Stephanie’s brand, Ringa, creates consciously crafted, functional, plant-powered products inspired by moringa, one of the most nutrient-dense plants in the world. Both founders have used Grocery Runs as a way to meet buyers, build relationships, learn regional markets, strengthen distributor conversations, and create real momentum for their brands. Daniel, Dan, and Stephanie get into all of it — what a Grocery Run is, how the format works, why showing up matters even if you are not selected to sample, and how these events can help founders build relationships with retailers, distributors, fellow entrepreneurs, and regional partners. They also discuss how to think strategically about which events to attend, how to prepare your samples and sales materials, and why Grocery Runs are not just about immediate authorizations but about playing the long game in a relationship-driven industry. Listen in as they cover: ● What a Startup CPG Grocery Run is and how the event format works ● The difference between retailer-specific, regional, and distributor-focused Grocery Runs ● Why Grocery Runs can feel like mini trade shows with a lower barrier to entr…