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You’re burning out – but still not paying yourself a wage. So how do you afford a co-manufacturer without cutting corners?

In episode 128 we’re getting real about the biggest challenge many Foodpreneurs face: you’re working non-stop, but your margins aren’t big enough to pay yourself - let alone afford to outsource production.

But here’s the thing: sticking with in-house manufacturing might actually be costing you more.

That’s why I’m joined by Naishad Dalal, food scientist, entrepreneur, and Founder of the Food Entrepreneurship Academy. Naishad knows everything about scaling food and drink products the smart way, and in this episode, he’s breaking down:

📈 How to assess your true production costs, and where you can find margin to pay yourself without switching to lesser-quality ingredients.

📈 The negotiation strategies that help Foodpreneurs reduce co-manufacturer MOQs (so you’re not overcommitting to huge runs you can’t afford).

📈 How economies of scale actually work, and why ingredient purchasing power could be your secret weapon.

📈 What founders get wrong about IP protection (yes, your ingredient list is public, but that doesn’t mean your formulation is up for grabs).

📈 Why your attachment to in-house production might be holding you back, and how to shift your mindset to unlock new growth opportunities.

We also talk about Doughlicious’ collaboration with PepsiCo and what emerging brands can learn from how they leveraged a co-manufacturer to tap into the hot new ‘swicy’ trend.

If you’re hesitant to outsource because you think you’ll lose agility, or you’re worried that co-mans will limit your ability to launch new products quickly, this episode will challenge your thinking.

Missed Naishad’s first episode? Check out Episode 107 for the foundations on developing a commercially viable food or drink product. 

Season 13 is all about systemising your supply chain, so you can grow without grinding yourself into the ground. Tune in now and take the next step towards paying yourself while making more sales and building a stronger brand.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

• Food Entrepreneurship Academy Website
• Your Free Pitch Plan
• Become A Foodpreneurs Festival Insider
• Become a Chelsea Ford Insider

Season 15

Season 15, out now, is 'Marketing Season' and is being presented by Foodpreneurs Festival.

The highly anticipated 2026 BiteBack Awards & Foodpreneurs Festival are both must-attend events dedicated to bringing consumer packaged goods food, drink (alc and non-alc), pet and supplements brand owners, buyers, media, industry specialists and distributors together under one roof.

You can't miss these events. Here’s why:

• Thousands of stockists looking for new products for their shelves.
• A chance to pitch for funding + mentorship to scale your brand.
• Workshops tailored to where you’re at - whether you’re just starting or scaling big (THIS IS NEW!)
• A NEW Marketing Clinic for hands-on brand strategy - you'll leave with five key messages ready to use.
• Opportunities to get recognised and get your brand in front of industry experts, media, buyers, distributors and fellow brand owners.
• If you’re an Industry Specialist, tap into a highly engaged, niche audience.
• And much, much more.

The full program drops early 2026. For now, block out May 21-22 and click this link to see how you can be part of it.