KLS presents "Together Talks" feature # 35: 8 Track Foods
KLS - Klimson Logistics Solutions
www.klimsonls.com --- 708-980-0920 --- [email protected]
Some Background on 8 Track Foods
For this edition of "Together Talks " campaign, KLS welcomes Maggie Sadowsky, Owner of 8 Track Foods, a certified Woman-Owned company, creates premium sustainable Organic canned beans sourced from US Organic farmers. At 8 Track Foods, they believe it’s not only their job to make good food, but their responsibility to create a positive impact in the world.
The Science behind it
Maggie, a Food Scientist and plant-protein expert, wanted to create a company that focused on sustainability at every level. With an impressive resume, Maggie has formulated hundreds of products in the natural and Organic market with an emphasis on plant-based meats for prominent and emerging CPGs. However, there needed to be more connection between what she fed her family and the foods she created for work. Five years ago, Maggie felt compelled to return to her roots with natural and whole foods like beans. She aimed to focus on local, simple, and sustainable agriculture to revolutionize the bean category. Beans naturally fix nitrogen in the soil and are one of the most underrepresented foods in the industry. If anyone could change that, it would be Maggie.
In Maggie's own words, courtesy of the company's YouTube:
Purpose
The first mission for Maggie was to focus on the eco-system of the whole product, as she told us, "Most consumers look at the benefits of the food, but don't always think about the packaging." Drawing on her chemistry background, she selected a package that infinitely recycles, a steel can. The properties of the steel cans make them magnetic, so they get recycled in most waste streams (BPA free lining).
The cans were designed to be beautiful and pop on the shelf, which has led to great feedback and brand awareness even shared by consumers on the company's Instagram !
Following up on differentiating, Maggie told us that a huge strength of the company is being "technically focused". Her knowledge, passion, and expertise have provided the foundation to build her company. "8 Track is able to communicate the benefits of each product, where it is sourced, and different ways beans can be implemented into the diet. We are working to create the proper supply chain, domestically, that creates strong value for our consumers. Transparency with us is not just a product tagline."
Commitment
The company talks the talk and walks the walk with Maggie steering course. One of the passion projects within the company is the community impact. They participate with Cleanhub which globally removes plastics from oceans and has recovered 4,400 pounds (2 tons) to date. Additionally, the company supports local food banks courtesy of donations.
One of the challenges for Maggie is the supply chain and logistics or as she told us, "how do we get these heavy can of beans into our consumer's hands?", but conversely she has learned to love logistics due to the finite and concrete nature. Hey we agree Maggie! :) But ultimately it aligns with her brain and mindset to which she told us she is an innovator at heart. "I have a pipeline a mile long running through my mind, but I'm focused currently on growing beans for our company. But we are 8 Track Foods, not 8 Track beans..." And growing is exactly what she has done. The product is now featured in nearly 500 retail locations including, Whole Foods Midwest, Meijer stores, Central Market Texas, and online via HiveBrands.com, HereHereMarket.com, marketwagon.com .
The implementation into Whole Foods was the first memory that came to mind for Maggie when we asked her about a favorite moment, "It was the biggest sense of pride because it validate the naysayers. Early days when I started in 2020, everyone said I couldn't do this, the products weren't relevant, there was no market...and here we are in every Whole Foods in the 9 midwestern states. Gratifying."
And that level of belief would maybe question if it is hard for Maggie to stay grounded, but it is the opposite. Maggie has visions for growing the company and product lines, but also the culture of the company. "I didn't do this to be a flash in the pan, we aren't chasing a trend. I believe in the long-term goal to invest in this company for all of us. I did this to create change for our health and the health of the planet."
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In Closing
We asked Maggie the meaning behind 8 Track Foods' name, "Our food supply is off track. I wanted a name that would convey an old school retro vibe, and the memory of 8-tracks popped into my head. It all just clicked organically." When we asked her in closing to tell us why 8 Track Foods is the right choice, she said, "Consumers think about where they get their water, coffee beans or even tomatoes, but rarely do they consider where their beans are grown. We are setting out to make real change and support local US Organic farmers and our community. By supporting local, we keep our carbon footprint low and our tracks a little lighter on the planet."
KLS wants to thank Maggie for allowing us to highlight 8 Track Foods for today's "Together Talks " feature. Continue to follow 8 Track Foods on their social channels below.
Also, Maggie and 8 Track Foods were featured in the following posts:
Nominated for top 100 finalists for Chicago Innovation, here
And Maggie was featured on the following podcasts: