San Antonio has long been recognized for its rich history and vibrant culture, but recently, there's been a buzz around an emerging idea: the San Antonio CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods) initiative. For several years, a number of dedicated local producers and I have been exchanging thoughts and experiences on this concept. Key players in this dialogue include, myself, Andrew Anguiano from Southside Craft Soda, Stephen Paprocki of Black Gold Garlic, Chris Cook from Special Leaf Tea, Daniel Mezza representing Puro Nitro, Marcie Anguiano from Mission Crafts and a handful of other passionate individuals.
During our discussions, some consistent challenges emerged. These ranged from the absence of essential production facilities in our city, to uncertainties about where to seek guidance when developing a product, and even concerns about securing funding for expansion. It's worth noting that San Antonio is home to H-E-B, one of the country's most prominent grocery chains. With such a significant player in the retail industry right in our backyard, we were convinced that there existed an untapped potential to cultivate a thriving CPG ecosystem here.
Our vision goes beyond just our businesses. We envision an ecosystem where new startups can find their footing and existing businesses can scale efficiently. To achieve this, we are laying the foundation for regular meetups every month. These will serve as platforms for networking, learning, and collaboration. Additionally, we are introducing online "Huddles" — spaces where members can share insights, news, and trends relevant to our industry.
If this resonates with you, we urge you to join us. Whether you are an industry veteran or just starting out, your voice matters. Together, we can build something extraordinary and position San Antonio as a hub for CPG innovation. Come, sign up, engage, and let's make this initiative the very best it can be.
Andrew
Thanks Andrew, let me know how can i help and participate actively