Encore: URösti Stuft Spuds and Stephen Caldwell Round 2 on the NexxtLevel Brands Podcast

In this Encore episode we are following up with one of our previous guests, Stephen Caldwell. Stephen fell in love with Swiss Röstis in his travels and brought this delicious Bern tradition back home. He and his wife Lory have been perfecting the recipe and serving them to family and friends ever since.

Rosti Stuft Spuds have been on a white-hot trajectory since the company started in 2019.  For 2023, Stephen has forecast that they will utilize 3.5 million pounds of potatoes.  From buying out his partner and rebranding, to over 50 wildly successful appearances on QVC, and URosti’s placement in convenience stores across the country, every single person who tastes them loves URosti Stuft Spuds.

The “NexxtLevel Brands Podcast’ is hosted by G. Steven Cleere, Founder and “Chief Pot Stirrer” of NexxtLevel Brands. This show focuses on disruptors and thought-leaders from the Entrepreneurial Food, Beverage, and CPG Industry, but we also share tips from veterans and key suppliers that may help fellow CPG professionals achieve their goals.

Discussion Points

• Stephen tells us what a Swiss Rosti is and why he fell in love with them
• Serial entrepreneur and foodie - developing the Rosti at the OSU Food Innovation Center
• Anyone who tastes them, they buy – consumers AND store buyers, 4000 samples eaten in 2 days of a demo
• QVC execs tasted Rosti’s at the Fancy Foods Show and invited them on -sold out. 50 shows in two years!
• Challenging issues through the pandemic - potato supply, supply chain logistics
• Pitches, partners, and building relationships - nothing felt right, Stephen bought out the company to “do it himself”
• Rebranding – needed to explain the product better
• Frozen potato sections in any store – supply chain issues, something is always out of stock
• The convenience store blowout of Rosti Stuft Spuds
• The new flavors - Swiss jalapeno and breakfast options
• Potato crops/supply - this year was not great but Stephen has a secret supply - forecasted to need 3.5 Million pounds for next year
• Stephen prefers “founder” to CEO or President
• The future is bright for Rosti Stuft Spuds

Resources:

Stephen and Lory Caldwell - LinkedIn

Urosti Website

NexxtLevel Brands Website

1. Steven Cleere LinkedIn