Nana Joes

TricorBraun Flex Helps Nana Joes to Scale with Smart Packaging Solutions

From farmers’ markets to a growing national presence, Nana Joes — a San Francisco-based company that specializes in crafting all-natural, paleo, vegan, and gluten-free granola — has scaled with TricorBraun Flex by its side. Founded by Michelle Pusateri, Nana Joes initially partnered with TricorBraun Flex as a startup brand more than 10 years ago, seeking digitally printed bags with low minimum order quantities (MOQs). However, as Nana Joes grew and demand increased, the brand relied on TricorBraun Flex's relentless support and expertise to scale efficiently and confidently.

“We were thrilled to be expanding, but Nana Joes is self-funded, so the hardest part for us is managing working capital and not tying up too much money in products we’re buying but won’t use for a long time,” said Pusateri. “TricorBraun Flex helped us determine how much to order and what our MOQ needed to be to hit our price point goal, allowing us to continue growing while keeping costs down.”

An Affordable Printing Strategy for Nana Joes

“Initially, TricorBraun Flex supported Nana Joes using a digital printing model designed for emerging brands, offering no setup costs, unlimited colors at a fixed price, and 1,000 MOQs per SKU,” said Tricia Beck, Packaging Consultant, TricorBraun Flex. “As demand increased for the brand, Nana Joes needed a solution to accommodate 20,000+ units per SKU, so we recommended an affordable, flexible hybrid packaging strategy.”

First, TricorBraun recommended that Nana Joes’ best-selling SKUs be produced using the intricate rotogravure printing method, which delivers rich, consistent colors and conveys the premium quality the brand desired. While rotogravure printing requires a larger MOQ, it is more cost-effective at higher volumes, significantly reducing per-unit fees.

“When we transitioned to rotogravure printing, we noticed a lift — our sales velocities increased as people were picking up our bags at the grocery store. The colors pop, especially our orange logo and the banner colors for each granola variety. That was a really big deal for us,” said Pusateri.

Pusateri also appreciated the flexibility of ordering: “We’ve been able to order three to four times a year, which allows us to keep inventory lean while still meeting demand.”

A Sustainable Packaging Solution That’s Good for the Bottom Line

TricorBraun Flex and Nana Joes also sought ways to cut costs while supporting the brand’s sustainability goals. Nana Joes’ original 8-ounce pouch was a three-ply structure made from matte polypropylene (MOPP), Polyester (PET), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).

TricorBraun Flex recommended eliminating the PET layer and transitioning to a two-ply pouch structure that reduces plastic content without compromising the product. This change was implemented across both rotogravure-printed and digitally printed bags, aligning Nana Joes’ packaging strategy with its sustainability goals while delivering cost savings.

A Trusted Partnership Driving Success

Nana Joes continues to work closely with TricorBraun Flex, collaborating on various packaging solutions, including a granola bar SKU created in partnership with a local specialty coffee roaster.

In addition to the packaging expertise and technical guidance, Pusateri credits TricorBraun Flex as a trusted partner helping her manage the challenges of running a brand: “As a solo entrepreneur, my time is often stretched thin. The customer service has been great — replies are quick, and the team picks up the ball whenever I drop it. It’s so helpful to know TricorBraun Flex is always there for me.”

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TricorBraun Flex is dedicated to offering tailored flexible packaging solutions that reduce environmental impact while delivering cutting-edge technology and design. Click here to speak with a packaging consultant and learn more about available resources. 

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