Walter Kinzie: Founder & CEO, Kinzie Foods

Walter Kinzie joins Jennifer and Risa on the latest episode of CPG Scoop!

Walter has spent his career creating unforgettable experiences — first through world-class events, and now through handcrafted, small-batch flavors designed to bring people together. Before founding Kinzie Foods, Walter built a name producing high-profile live experiences, including concerts for Garth Brooks, Metallica and Bon Jovi, as well as a Presidential Inauguration.

His journey into the world of flavor started as a passion project — bottling up homemade sauces as thank-you gifts for the artists he worked with. When they kept asking for more, he realized he was onto something bigger. Kinzie Foods was built on the belief that great food brings people together, and that every meal is an opportunity to savor more.

Today, Kinzie Foods is redefining what sauce can be, offering flavors that go beyond the ordinary — like Espresso and Pickle BBQ — crafted in small batches and made to elevate everyday moments.

When he’s not in the kitchen experimenting with new creations, Walter can be found in South Dakota with his family, sharing meals, making memories and staying true to his lifelong mission: creating experiences worth savoring.

Our favorite takeaways from this episode with Walter:

• Community plays a crucial role in the CPG industry, fostering collaboration and support. Having a strong network can lead to both valuable resources and partnerships.
• Consumer behavior is shifting towards online purchasing, especially through platforms like TikTok.
• Creating a memorable consumer experience is essential for brand loyalty.