{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Startup CPG Podcast","title":"Operator Spotlight: R&D Insights with Matt Craighead, R&D Manager Trubar","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/dbac9e29\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2401,"description":"In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Matt Craighead, R&D Manager at Trubar, to explore the real product development process—from initial concept and benchtop formulation to scaled production and everything in between. Matt brings a rare blend of technical depth, operator empathy, and practical insights to what is often the most misunderstood part of the CPG journey: how products actually get created.Matt shares how Trubar approaches R&D for their vegan, gluten-free, soy-free protein bars with no sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, or seed oils—navigating the complexities of formulation, ingredient sourcing, co-manufacturer partnerships, and scaling from home kitchen trials to commercial production. The conversation reveals the unglamorous realities of product development: why some projects take 2-4 months while others stretch to 8+ months, the critical importance of manufacturability over pure flavor perfection, and how small decisions like mixing order, line speed, or ingredient supplier changes can make or break a product.Throughout the episode, listeners gain tactical insights on managing the R&D process with project briefs and clear timelines, why formula changes should always be the last resort when troubleshooting production issues, how to balance perfection with the 80/20 principle when bringing products to market, and the often-overlooked factors like water activity, allergen control, and equipment compatibility that determine whether a product can actually be manufactured at scale. Matt also discusses when it makes sense to bring R&D in-house versus outsourcing to co-manufacturers, how to navigate SKU proliferation as brands grow, and why communication and planning ahead are non-negotiable for R&D success.Whether you're launching your first product, scaling formulations from benchtop to commercial production, or troubleshooting manufacturing challenges, this conversation offers honest lessons on what separates...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/pMuUaMpWaAi3tfCEgC2OkLBVzokuLjLsIzwDIbGFqi4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hMTFl/MTgxNTNlZTAwZjU1/ZmNmNWM1ZjkwMDg5/NTU4MS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}