Uglies Kettle Chips: On A Mission Reduce Waste (While Producing Delicious Chips)
Can a snack brand help save the planet, support farmers, and feed hungry children? How does one company use its products to address the staggering amount of yearly food waste? Is it possible for something as simple as snacking to become an act of global change?
Brand marketing and business development professional Robert (Bob) Zender dives into how a family business transformed into a mission-driven powerhouse targeting food waste and hunger. He narrates the journey of Uglies, from their roots in Dieffenbach's Potato Chips to the rise of an impactful brand that leverages less-than-perfect potatoes to produce quality snacks while giving back to the community. With a strong commitment to social justice, Uglies has upcycled over 25 million pounds of potatoes, contributing to a healthier planet and well-nourished children.
On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Robert (Bob) Zender, Director of Marketing of Uglies Kettle Chips, about upcycling imperfect potatoes into delicious snacks. Bob discusses Dieffenbach’s history and commitment to sustainability and starting Uglies, its direct impact on reducing food waste and supporting farmers, how Uglies contribute to alleviating global childhood undernourishment, and the crucial role of strategic marketing and community engagement in its growth.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
[02:01] Robert (Bob) Zender discusses Dieffenbach’s history and inspiration behind starting Uglies
[5:41] How Uglies Kettle Chips help farmers, the environment, and hungry kids
[09:25] Uglies' direct impact on reducing food waste and supporting farmers
[12:08] The community and societal impact of reducing food waste for a better world
[13:58] How Uglies is contributing to alleviating global childhood undernourishment
[17:47] How do packaging and the brand's mission attract consumers?
[22:04] Upcoming trends and potential innovations in the snack industry
[24:32] How Bob balances his personal and professional life
About Robert (Bob) Zender:
Robert (Bob) Zender is the Director of Marketing of Uglies Kettle Chips, a brand that has carved a niche in the snack industry by being the only upcycled certified kettle chips in the marketplace. With seven years of dedicated service, Uglies has transformed "imperfect" potatoes into premium small-batch kettle chips. Bob and the Dieffenbach family have been working with agricultural communities for over 60 years, pivoting in the last seven to focus on the upcycled potato chip brand Uglies. He is passionate about creating high-quality snacks without compromising taste, texture, or environmental responsibility.
Resources Mentioned in this episode
Quotable Moments:
"Nothing should be wasted if you can avoid throwing something in the garbage just because it's unattractive."
"Life is about relationships, and business is just an organized extension of that philosophy."
"If you start when you're hungry, you think of nothing else."
"We don't body shame our potatoes."
"If we could reduce food waste by 15%, we could feed 25 million more people."
Action Steps:
Be more forgiving with imperfections in produce: This encourages reducing food waste and supports the environment.
Support brands with a strong social mission: It promotes a healthier planet and aids malnourished children globally.
Spread awareness about the impact of food waste and upcycling: This increases community engagement and drives collective action toward sustainability.
Consider the full life cycle impact of food consumption: Conscious consumption leads to better resource utilization and reduced greenhouse emissions.
Align personal and business practices with philanthropic goals: This results in a more fulfilling and socially responsible lifestyle and work ethic.