Bao and Pizza and Packaging...oh my!

I had such a great conversation with Alex Cree the co-founder of BAOZZA!

We covered how they got started, how he met Mark Cuban, how Bao and Packaging are similar...and how you can go get this amazing product! If you want to read a quick recap there's an article below the videos ;)

Check out this quick unboxing video:

Huge thanks to Specright for the great time at PACK EXPO Las Vegas and for their newest video series on Margherita Double Decker pizza. Shout out to Laura Markowski Sams for her teams work on it!

The Rise of Baozza: A Fusion of Flavors and Packaging Innovation

(written with the help of Deciphr.ai)

Welcome to another episode of the People of Packaging podcast. Today, we have a special guest, Alex Cree, the co-founder of Baozza. Baozza is a unique product that combines the flavors of pizza with the traditional Chinese steamed bun, known as bao. In this episode, we dive into the story behind Baozza, the challenges of packaging innovation, and the future outlook for this exciting fusion food.

The Birth of Baozza: A Collision of Cultures

The story of Baozza began in 2015 when Alex Cree, along with his partner Lauren, came up with the idea of combining pizza and bao. Alex recalls the moment of inspiration during a car ride in South China: "Somebody was talking about pizza. Somebody was talking about Baozhu and different things you could put in Baozhu. And I was just like, Pizza, baozhi. You could call it a baozza, right?"

This simple wordplay sparked the idea of creating a fusion food that would combine the soft and fluffy texture of a Chinese steamed bun with the cheesy and gooey flavors of pizza. Alex experimented with making baozza in his kitchen and served them to friends and guests. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the concept of Baozza started to take shape.

From Pop-Ups to Franchise: The Evolution of Baozza

Alex and his partner initially envisioned Baozza as a fast-casual, grab-and-go concept. They wanted to elevate the traditional bao experience and bring it to a wider audience. They saw an opportunity to introduce pizza flavors to the Chinese market, where pizza by the slice had not yet gained popularity.

The first step was to test the concept through pop-ups and festivals. The response was incredible, with people lining up for hours to try Baozza. This early success led to the opening of a ghost kitchen, where Baozza was delivered to customers in the Sanlitun neighborhood of Beijing.

However, the real breakthrough came when they secured a franchise deal with a partner who planned to open multiple Baozza stores. The first store opened in a prime location in Shanghai, and the franchise model allowed Baozza to expand its reach and build a loyal customer base.

The Mark Cuban Connection: A Game-Changing Investment

One of the most remarkable moments in Baozza's journey was when Alex cold-emailed Mark Cuban , the renowned entrepreneur and investor. To their surprise, Mark responded and expressed interest in the concept. After a thorough due diligence process, Mark became an investor in Baozza, providing the necessary funding to take the brand to the next level.

Mark's involvement also opened doors for Baozza in the US market. Alex recalls, "Mark had come out to Shanghai when the Mavs were there. And so we had lunch with him, and he said, 'If it's working in China, we should definitely bring this to the US.'"

Packaging Innovation: The Challenges and Solutions

Packaging played a crucial role in the success of Baozza. The team wanted to create a microwavable, single-serve, self-heating package that would preserve the freshness and texture of the baozza. They experimented with different packaging options, eventually finding a microwave-safe plastic bag with structured fail points that allowed for optimal cooking.

However, the transition from China to the US presented new challenges. Importing food from China was not feasible, and the packaging supply strategy had to be reevaluated due to the pandemic. Alex had to source packaging materials in California, which led to increased costs and a need for new packaging solutions.

Despite these challenges, Baozza managed to find a North American supplier for cartons, reducing costs and ensuring a consistent supply. The team also explored innovative packaging technologies, such as microperforated bags, to improve the shelf life and freshness of the product.

The Future of Baozza: Expanding Reach and Building a Brand

Baozza has come a long way since its humble beginnings. The brand is now available in over 4,600 stores, including major retailers like Kroger, Target, and Whole Foods. Baozza has built a loyal customer base, and the demand for this unique fusion food continues to grow.

Looking ahead, Baozza plans to expand its retail presence and explore new markets. The team is focused on building a strong brand and delivering a high-quality product that combines innovative flavors and packaging. With the support of investors like Mark Cuban and a dedicated team, Baozza is poised for success in the ever-evolving food industry.

In conclusion, Baozza is a testament to the power of innovation and the fusion of different cultures. The combination of pizza and bao has created a unique and delicious product that has captured the hearts and taste buds of customers around the world. With its innovative packaging solutions and a commitment to quality, Baozza is set to make a lasting impact in the CPG industry. So, next time you're craving a flavorful and convenient snack, give Baozza a try and experience the best of both worlds.

Note: This article is a fictional thought leadership piece based on the given transcript. The quotes used in this article are verbatim and directly from the transcript.