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 shif ts 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.
“When I came back to the US I looked around in the stores and I said ‘Jeez, you know what? There's no organic Tropicana – I think this is a pretty good market opportunity.’ [Every] entrepreneur in the beginning has that aha moment. And that was it for me.” — Matt McLean [0:04:23]
"At the end of the day, I just love what I do, I still had a passion, even when Dean Foods owned it – I want this to work. I want organic farming to work. I want healthier solutions for people out there and still have that mission today." — Matt McLean [0:30:58]
“High quality, consistent supply has been the largest challenge we've had from day one. Initially, it was our biggest advantage because our family came from growers, and we were farmers. We were growing and converting all of our own acreage. That model has definitely changed.” — Matt McLean [0:43:34]
“[Ask] ‘What are those proactive, worst-case scenarios [that] you can prepare for?’ And that'll definitely help you pivot much faster. In some cases [it will] help you literally survive and not go out of business.” — Matt McLean [0:45:01]
“You always have to try and challenge yourself to stay relevant, as a brand.” — Matt McLean
[0:45:48]
