#NutterFoodBev

Female Founders in Food & Beverage

Successful Journeys of Three Women Leading High Growth Food and Beverage Companies

Thursday, October 10, 2019 
8:30–10AM
Nutter

Nutter is pleased to host a dynamic discussion with the women entrepreneurs behind well-known food and beverage brands Biena Snacks, Beckon Ice Cream, and Drink Simple during WE BOS Week 2019. Panelists Gwen Burlingame of Beckon Ice Cream, Poorvi Patodia of Biena Snacks, and Kate Weiler of Drink Simple are the founders of brands found in grocery stores and other retailers across the country. Join us to celebrate these women and hear about how their products went from conception to national distribution.

Panelists
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Gwen Burlingame
Beckon Ice Cream

Gwen Burlingame is Co-Founder of Beckon, the first and only premium ice cream, made from fresh milk and cream, that is completely lactose free. Gwen is a graduate of Villanova University and started her career in CPG brand marketing at L'Oreal USA. She traded beauty to be a foodie in 2016 and started Beckon with co-founder, Katy Flannery. Beckon, which began at a local farmer's market in Boston, is now sold in nearly 1000 retailers nationwide and on beckonicecream.com.

 
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Poorvi Patodia
Biena Snacks

Poorvi Patodia launched Biena Snacks in 2012, when the plant-based protein snack trend was still in its infancy. Inspired by a favorite childhood snack, she started experimenting with roasted chickpeas in her own kitchen, and ultimately came up with a unique roasting process that resulted in a light and crispy texture, that maintained the protein, fiber and nutrients of a whole chickpea.

Today, Biena Snacks is the number one category leader in roasted chickpeas, and is on a mission to make the best plant-based snacks on the market. The brand has reached national distribution with availability in over 15,000 retail locations.
Kate Weiler headshot

Kate Weiler
Drink Simple

 

Moderator
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Meghan E. Kelly
Nutter

Meghan E. Kelly is an associate in Nutter’s Corporate and Transactions Department and a member of the firm’s Emerging Companies practice group. Clients rely on Meghan on a wide range of matters, including venture capital and angel financing transactions, mergers and acquisitions, commercial finance, and corporate governance. As a member of the Emerging Companies Practice Group, Meghan assists early stage clients from planning and formation, to realizing the business goals needed to secure third party investment, to achieving a successful exit. Meghan works with clients in a broad range of industries, including food & beverage, life sciences, consumer/retail, and biotechnology. 

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