Founder Spotlight: Carobium — How Kadeem Built a Healthier Hot Chocolate Alternative

#85 In this Founder Spotlight, Jacinta interviews Kadeem George, founder of Carobium, on how a personal family moment sparked a product idea — and how he moved from recipe development to a real retail-ready brand. Kadeem shares his biggest lessons on building systems, pricing properly, and why asking for help (even when you're nervous) can change everything. 💡 In This Episode You'll Learn The story that started Carobium: a family visit, a hot chocolate label, and 75% sugar What carob is (and how it compares to cocoa) The moment Kadeem realized, "This is a real business" (hint: it involved label design and a print shop) How he approached early production runs and moved into a commercial kitchen The power of making one phone call — and how it led to unexpected mentorship and opportunities Kadeem's experience inside the Retail Readiness Program (what he struggled with before + what changed after) Why understanding COGS and margins is non-negotiable How he learned to think about independent retail vs. bigger retailers A surprising early-stage growth lever: private label + collaboration Final advice: Plan — but take action Key Takeaways Don't let "polite fear" block the phone call. The call you're avoiding might be the one that opens the next door. Retail readiness requires systems, not just a good product. Understanding compliance, traceability, and operations becomes essential as you scale. Know your numbers. COGS and margin clarity impacts wholesale pricing, distributor pricing, and profitability decisions. Independent retail can be a powerful first step. Kadeem highlights the value of understanding multiple retail paths — not just big-box. About Carobium Carobium creates a healthier hot chocolate alternative using carob — a naturally sweet ingredient Kadeem describes as "if chocolate and caramel had a baby." Where to Find Carobium Website: https://carobium.com Email: hello@carobium.com Ships nationwide in Canada (free shipping) 📖 Retail Readiness Program — Enrollment is Open If you're an emerging food founder already selling and ready to scale into specialty retail with structure, apply for the Retail Readiness Program. 👉 Apply to Join — Spots Limited Enrollment closes Sept 30 at 11:59pm EST. 10-founder intake. 📣 READY TO SCALE? ➡️ Loved this episode? Leave a review and share it with a food founder who needs to hear it. Links & Resources Retail Readiness Program — apply here Carobium website Join the Emerging Food Business Newsletter here About Your Host Jacinta is a food scientist and founder mentor, coaching better-for-you food founders toward one million healthier products in retail. Connect With Me Instagram: @jacintakemboim Website: https://camaresearch.com Email: info@camaresearch.com #Food Business #Founder Spotlight #CPG #Smallbusinessgrowth #Carobium #Founderspotlight #ETSMethod