The Shelf Edit

CPG Strategy, Sourcing, Retail Readiness

From product idea to retail readiness, by Chef Cassi.

Practical guidance for emerging food and beverage founders navigating product development, sourcing, pricing, packaging, and distribution.

Booking Path

Discovery first

Everything begins with Discovery.

  1. Step 1: Start with Discovery
  2. Step 2: Choose your path after Discovery
  3. Step 3: Book your next step

Discovery and Strategy Session

$400, two hours.

  • Hour one, Discovery: review product or idea, business stage, goals, challenges, budget, and existing materials.
  • Hour two, Strategy: identify priorities, discuss solutions, and build a practical path forward.
  • Includes a written recap with recommended next steps.

Additional consulting: $200 per hour.

Idea to Shelf Ready

Starting at $2,500, one product/SKU, typically six to eight weeks.

  • Two-hour Discovery and Strategy Session
  • Product positioning and target customer review
  • Product cost, margin, and pricing review
  • Packaging and labeling readiness review
  • Ingredient, packaging, and production sourcing guidance
  • Wholesale readiness checklist
  • Up to three additional one-hour working sessions
  • A final roadmap

Begins with Discovery: use the Discovery inquiry form to start.

Sourcing and Distribution Readiness

Starting at $1,500, one product/SKU.

  • One-hour needs assessment
  • Research and shortlist of up to five potential suppliers
  • Comparison of pricing, minimum orders, and lead times
  • Review of wholesale pricing and sales materials
  • Distribution strategy and outreach recommendations
  • Two one-hour working sessions

Relevant introductions may be offered when there is a suitable fit.

Vendor outreach, sample coordination, and application submissions can be quoted separately.

Begins with Discovery: use the Discovery inquiry form to start.

Launch Partnerships

Three-Month Launch Partnership

$1,500 per month, $4,500 total.

Six-Month Build and Launch Partnership

$1,250 per month, $7,500 total.

Both partnerships include:

  • Up to six consulting hours per month, counting meetings, research, document review, and email support
  • The initial discovery session is included in the first month's allocation
  • Unused hours do not roll over
  • Additional hours are $200 each with prior approval

Begins with Discovery: use the Discovery inquiry form to start.

Scope and Booking Terms

  • Packages are scoped to one product/SKU.
  • Additional products, hands-on execution, travel, or expanded deliverables require a separate quote.
  • Fees exclude ingredients, packaging, samples, design, manufacturing, testing, certifications, shipping, and other third-party costs.
  • Guidance does not replace legal advice, food safety testing, or regulatory review.
  • Clients remain responsible for required professional approvals and compliance.
  • Retail placement, distributor acceptance, funding, and sales results are not guaranteed.
  • Introductions are based on fit and availability.
  • Strategy sessions are paid in advance.
  • Projects require a 50% deposit, with the balance due before final delivery.
  • Retainers are billed monthly in advance.

Booking Inquiry

Tell me about your product or idea, and which package interests you after Discovery.