On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Isabella Hughes, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer at Better Sour, about turning global flavor memories into sophisticated sour candy. They discuss candy for foodies, building a true “sour from within” experience, and using flavors like calamansi, guava, and pomegranate. Bella also shares how customer feedback shapes the brand.
Jill Frechtman: Building Founders (and Great Brands, Too)
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Jill Frechtman, Founder and Strategic Advisor at the Food Founder Collective, about helping emerging food founders build stronger brands and grow as individuals. They discuss clarity over cleverness, finding the one move that matters next, and positioning a product around what customers actually need. Jill also shares why persistence, pivoting, and asking for help are essential.
Spiced, Not Spicy: How Keya Wingfield Is Changing The American Snack Aisle
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, host Duncan Alney is joined by Keya Wingfield, Founder of Keya’s Snacks, to discuss how Indian American flavors can reshape the snack aisle. They explore the homemade origin of Bombay chips, why “spiced, not spicy” matters, and the challenge of moving global foods beyond the international aisle. Keya also shares advice on scaling thoughtfully without chasing every retail opportunity.
Kathie Pelliccio On SuperSeedz: A Snack That Loves You Back
In this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, host Duncan Alney is joined by Kathie Pelliccio, Founder of SuperSeedz, to discuss how real food can make healthy snacking more satisfying. They explore why pumpkin seeds deserve a place beside almonds and pistachios, how flavor wins over skeptical shoppers, and what persistence looks like after years of building a brand. Kathie also shares how she stays energized through pickleball, sleep, and hydration.
Björn Steinar Of Saltverk: Building One Of The World’s Most Unique Food Brands
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Björn Steinar Jónsson, Founder and CEO of Saltverk, about building a globally distinctive food brand rooted in Icelandic tradition. They explore reviving geothermal saltmaking, protecting craftsmanship while scaling, and turning origin and transparency into brand strength. Björn also shares advice on trusting your instincts and leading through uncertainty.
Five Expert Strategies To Supercharge Your Retail Brand Survival
In this special compilation episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney brings together five food and beverage industry experts — Peter Gialantzis, David Mesa, Gian Facenda, Eric Martindale, and Samuel Anderson — to explore the strategies behind sustainable retail growth. The experts examine product placement, trade spend, retail media, consumer trends, and distribution strategies and explain how demand and planning help brands stay on the shelf.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney is at the KeHE Holiday Show for a special series of conversations with Gian-Mikel Facenda of Root2Sales, Jud Horner of Real Green, and Llance Kezner of Millie’s Sipping Broth. From retail strategy and order-writing momentum to clean-label dressings and savory sipping broth, this episode explores how brands are bringing wellness, connection, and purpose to the holiday aisle.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Benno Nelson, Co-founder of Five Corners Beverage Co., about building a non-alcoholic beverage brand rooted in global drinking traditions. They discuss the meaning behind Five Corners, creating complex drinks with a cocktail-like pace, and growing intentionally in Chicago. Benno also talks about storytelling, community, and working with his wife and co-founder, Shelby.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Maxine Henderson and Alan Henderson of Bollygood to discuss building a culturally inspired beverage brand. They explore the origins of nimbu pani, making Indian flavors accessible, and engaging with curious consumers. Maxine and Alan also share advice for founders on staying authentic and scaling with purpose.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Carolina Ramirez Nogales and Oliver Pinto Bautista of Pacific Soul to discuss blending nutrition with flavor, crafting snacks from Colombian superfruits, and making wellness fun and convenient. They also share tips on building brand awareness and bringing exotic flavors to the mainstream.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney is at the World of Coffee, where he speaks with Emily McIntyre of Swift Coffee Sourcing, Andrew Aussie of Earnest Eats, and Kyle Lopez of GFN Coffee about the evolving coffee industry. They discuss the return of hospitality, the rise of maximalist design, and the strength of independent coffee. They also share insight on community, innovation, and Colombia’s growing influence.
David Abadin And DisCo’s Mission To Disrupt Distribution
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with David Abadin, Founder of DisCo, about why food distribution needs more transparency and better incentives. David shares how brands can avoid hidden costs, use data to guide growth, and explore alternative sales channels beyond retail.