157 - Growing Organic with Matt McLean of Uncle Matt's Organic

To stay relevant as a CPG brand, you need to be willing to evolve, and it’s no different in the organic industry. Today, we sit down with Matt McLean, Founder and Chief Uncle of Uncle Matt's Organic, to uncover the journey behind the nation's number-one organic juice brand. Uncle Matt’s Organic has grown from a small family operation to a leader in the organic industry, offering a range of delicious and healthy beverages. In our conversation, Matt shares the origins of his company, the biggest challenges they’ve faced, and the innovations that have propelled its growth over 25 years. We explore how Uncle Matt's has navigated shifts in consumer preferences, why Matt decided to buy back the brand after successfully exiting, and their exciting decision to expand beyond juice. Discover the broader trends in the organic market, Matt's insights on differentiating your brand in a competitive industry, and the inspiring story of how passion, perseverance, and dedication to quality can transform your vision into reality!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Matt’s journey from a small farm to creating and leading Uncle Matt’s Organic.
• Challenges and successes over 25 years in the organic industry.
• Strategies for managing risk when starting a new venture.
• Innovations that propelled the company’s growth.
• Their commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices.
• How the organic industry has grown over the past two decades.
• Navigating shifts in consumer preferences for organic products (including juice).
• Strategic decisions that fueled Uncle Matt’s success.
• Insights on staying competitive in the organic market.
• Matt’s successful exit selling his brand to Dean Foods, and why he bought it back.
• Expanding into the tea market and the range of products they’re developing.
• Broader trends and future outlooks in the organic industry.
• Inspirational (and practical) lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and organic advocates.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matt Mclean on LinkedIn
Uncle Matt's Organic
Worldie Unboxed PodcastJohn Maxwell Leadership
Gary Hirshberg
Stonyfield Organic

George Siemon
Organic Valley

Arjan Stephens on LinkedIn

Nature’s Path
Modern Species

Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn

Gage Mitchell on X

Brands for a Better World Website

Brands for a Better World on YouTube

Brands for a Better World email

Impact Driven Community