Meet our guest: Nicole Sopko works for Upton’s Naturals, an ethically based vegan food brand best known for meat alternatives like seitan and jackfruit. Upton’s Naturals has been around for more than 15 years and has grown from a 5-person operation to one that employs more than 50 employees. Their products are currently available throughout the US, as well as in 20 countries worldwide.
In this episode of Pivot! Stephanie and Nicole talk about how Upton’s Naturals has been affected by the pandemic, lessons learned, and tips for success through times of change.
Learn about:
- How Upton’s has faced making decisions on the fly as things are changing so quickly
- Changes Upton’s needed to make during the pandemic as a food-based business
- The importance of staying collaborative even when working remotely
- The uncertainty Upton’s has faced as a business without backing from investors, and how they deal with it
- The amazing philosophy behind Upton’s Naturals
- Nicole’s take on how hardship can increase capacity for resilience and make us stronger over time
- What Upton’s has been doing differently in their marketing as a result of the pandemic, and how they’ve launched six new food products without the usual tools, like in-store sampling!
- How they have used social media to help educate and promote awareness for not only veganism but also other social justice issues that have been highlighted this year – and how they have personalized their message to keep it authentic to who they are as a company.
- New products now available from Upton’s
