March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the game-changers, innovators, and fearless leaders shaping the world. Nowhere is that spirit more alive than in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, where a new wave of women-led food and beverage brands are redefining what we eat, how we nourish ourselves, and how businesses can drive sustainability and inclusivity. These ten remarkable entrepreneurs are disrupting the industry with bold flavors, revolutionary health-conscious options, and a commitment to making food more ethical, delicious, and accessible.
From reinventing dairy-free cheese to challenging the norms of baby formula, these women didn’t just start businesses—they started movements. Their stories are fueled by passion, personal experiences, and a deep desire to make an impact.
Meet the Women Leading the Food & Beverage Revolution
Photo credit: LiveNaturally
1. Miyoko Schinner – Founder, Miyoko’s Creamery (Petaluma, CA)
🥑 What she makes: Plant-based cheeses and butter
💡 Why she started: A lifelong passion for delicious, cruelty-free dairy alternatives
🌎 Impact: Pioneering a vegan cheese revolution with artisanal, dairy-free alternatives
Photo credit: Bristol Farms
2. Julia Collins – Founder, Planet FWD (San Francisco, CA)
🥨 What she makes: Regenerative, climate-friendly snacks
💡 Why she started: Tackling climate change through the power of food
🌎 Impact: Moonshot crackers became the first carbon-neutral snack brand
Photo credit: St. Edward’s University
3. Veronica Garza – Co-Founder, Siete Foods (Austin, TX)
🌮 What she makes: Grain-free tortillas, chips, and sauces
💡 Why she started: A family health journey led to reimagining Mexican-American food
🌎 Impact: A thriving, inclusive brand celebrating food without limits
Photo credit: Kara Goldin LinkedIn
4. Kara Goldin – Founder, Hint Water (San Francisco, CA)
💧 What she makes: Unsweetened, fruit-infused water
💡 Why she started: Kicking a diet soda addiction, she wanted a clean alternative
🌎 Impact: Reinvented flavored water and disrupted the beverage industry
Photo credit: Dairy Foods Magazine
5. Sue Conley & Peggy Smith – Co-Founders, Cowgirl Creamery (Point Reyes Station, CA)
🧀 What they make: Organic, artisanal cheeses
💡 Why they started: Supporting sustainable dairy farming with handcrafted cheeses
🌎 Impact: Their cheeses have become staples in high-end markets nationwide
Photo credit: The Newsette
6. Maya French – Co-Founder, Koia (Chicago, IL)
🥤 What she makes: Plant-based protein shakes
💡 Why she started: Lactose intolerance sparked her quest for a clean, delicious alternative
🌎 Impact: A leader in the plant-based beverage space, stocked in major retailers
Photo credit: Laura Modi LinkedIn
7. Laura Modi – Co-Founder, Bobbie (San Francisco, CA)
🍼 What she makes: Organic, European-style infant formula
💡 Why she started: A mom on a mission to give babies the best nutrition
🌎 Impact: Created the first female-founded, FDA-regulated organic formula in the U.S.
Photo credit: Daily Mail
8. Ella Mills – Founder, Deliciously Ella (London, UK)
🍫 What she makes: Plant-based snacks and frozen meals
💡 Why she started: Her health struggles led to a passion for plant-based eating
🌎 Impact: A global brand making plant-based eating exciting and accessible
Photo credit: Medium
9. Dia Simms – CEO, Lobos 1707 Tequila & Mezcal (Mexico & U.S.)
🍹 What she makes: Premium tequila and mezcal
💡 Why she started: Bringing heritage and innovation together in the spirits world
🌎 Impact: A woman-led brand redefining what premium tequila can be
Photo credit: Chai Walli
10. Uppma Virdi – Founder, Chai Walli (Melbourne, AU)
🍵 What she makes: Ayurvedic, Indian-inspired chai blends
💡 Why she started: Honoring her grandfather’s Ayurvedic tea traditions
🌎 Impact: Bringing authenticity and wellness to tea lovers worldwide
More Than Entrepreneurs—They’re Changing the Industry
These ten trailblazers prove that food is more than just fuel—it’s a force for change. They didn’t just build businesses; they created movements that redefine how we eat, drink, and nourish our bodies.
Each of these women faced obstacles, challenged norms, and turned their ideas into brands that now sit on grocery store shelves, in restaurant kitchens, and in millions of homes worldwide.
Their success sends a powerful message: When women lead, industries transform.
So, as we celebrate Women’s History Month, let’s do more than applaud these incredible leaders—let’s support them. Buy their products, share their stories, and champion the next generation of female entrepreneurs shaping the future of food.
