--- title: The FoodTech Stories Blog | Megan Thomas (2) description: Megan M. Thomas is the Founder & CEO of Ladder 17. She has worked in marketing and communications for over 30 years. She served most recently as Vice President, Marketing and Communications for mission-driven, CRISPR food company Pairwise. She is a published author. (2) image: https://ladder17.com/hubfs/blog%20header.png --- [![Ladder17 Logo - Alt](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Ladder17%20Image%20Assets/Ladder17%20Logo%20-%20Alt.svg "Ladder17 Logo - Alt")](https://www.ladder17.com) - [Home](https://ladder17.com) - [Services](https://ladder17.com/services) - [Tech & FoodTech Marketing Consulting & Strategy](https://ladder17.com/marketing-consulting-strategy) - [Marketing Planning](https://ladder17.com/marketing-plan-development-and-implementation) - [Thought Leadership & PR](https://ladder17.com/foodtech-thought-leadership-and-pr) - [New Product Launches](https://ladder17.com/new-product-launches) - Case Studies - [Famous Software](https://ladder17.com/famous-software-case-study) - [Pairwise](https://ladder17.com/pairwise-case-study) - [Conscious Greens](https://ladder17.com/conscious-greens-case-study) - Insights - [News, Events & Content](https://ladder17.com/ladder-17-events-and-content) - [Blog](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog) - [FoodTech Stories Podcast](https://ladder17.com/foodtech-stories-podcast) - [2025 Report - Understanding the U.S. Consumer for FoodTech Foods](https://ladder17.com/understanding-us-consumers-for-foodtech-foods) - [Contact](https://ladder17.com/ladder-17-contact) - [Team](https://ladder17.com/team) - [Careers](https://ladder17.com/careers) [![Ladder17 Logo - Alt](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Ladder17%20Image%20Assets/Ladder17%20Logo%20-%20Alt.svg "Ladder17 Logo - Alt")](https://www.ladder17.com) - [Home](https://ladder17.com) - [Services](https://ladder17.com/services) - [Tech & FoodTech Marketing Consulting & Strategy](https://ladder17.com/marketing-consulting-strategy) - [Marketing Planning](https://ladder17.com/marketing-plan-development-and-implementation) - [Thought Leadership & PR](https://ladder17.com/foodtech-thought-leadership-and-pr) - [New Product Launches](https://ladder17.com/new-product-launches) - Case Studies - [Famous Software](https://ladder17.com/famous-software-case-study) - [Pairwise](https://ladder17.com/pairwise-case-study) - [Conscious Greens](https://ladder17.com/conscious-greens-case-study) - Insights - [News, Events & Content](https://ladder17.com/ladder-17-events-and-content) - [Blog](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog) - [FoodTech Stories Podcast](https://ladder17.com/foodtech-stories-podcast) - [2025 Report - Understanding the U.S. Consumer for FoodTech Foods](https://ladder17.com/understanding-us-consumers-for-foodtech-foods) - [Contact](https://ladder17.com/ladder-17-contact) - [Team](https://ladder17.com/team) - [Careers](https://ladder17.com/careers) # The FoodTech Stories Blog [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) [Brand Building](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/brand-building) [Food+Tech Acceptance](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/foodtech-acceptance) [Marketing Leadership](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-leadership) [Communication Strategies](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/communication-strategies) [Content Creation](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/content-creation) [Efficient Marketing Spending](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/efficient-marketing-spending) [Purpose-Driven Brands](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/purpose-driven-brands) [B2B](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/b2b) [Marketing + AI](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-ai) [Consumer Behavior](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/consumer-behavior) [FoodTech Outlook](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/foodtech-outlook) [AgTech Outlook](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/agtech-outlook) [![](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Creative%20business%20team%20putting%20hands%20together%20at%20the%20office.jpeg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/best-foodtech-marketing-consulting-services-in-2026) [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) [Communication Strategies](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/communication-strategies) [Efficient Marketing Spending](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/efficient-marketing-spending) ### [Best FoodTech Marketing Consulting Services in 2026](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/best-foodtech-marketing-consulting-services-in-2026) The right marketing strategy can be a driver of growth at key inflection points in a startup’s journey. Here ... [Megan Thomas Apr 28, 2026, 8:54:37 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Slop%20Article.png)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/to-build-your-brand-you-must-stand-out-amidst-the-slop) [Content Creation](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/content-creation) [Marketing Leadership](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-leadership) ### [To Build Your Brand, You Must Stand Out Amidst The Slop](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/to-build-your-brand-you-must-stand-out-amidst-the-slop) A full 80% of marketers report that that they are using AI for content creation (HubSpot, 2026). This ... [Megan Thomas Mar 26, 2026, 11:17:09 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/iStock-1327977776.jpg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/keys-to-effective-foodtech-co-development-partnerships) [Food+Tech Acceptance](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/foodtech-acceptance) [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) [Communication Strategies](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/communication-strategies) ### [Keys to Effective FoodTech Co-Development Partnerships](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/keys-to-effective-foodtech-co-development-partnerships) What does it take for a foodtech startup to successfully partner with a major CPG or ingredient company? ... [Megan Thomas Dec 9, 2025, 9:13:19 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/iStock-2220840528.jpg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/becoming-a-thought-leader-in-a-crowded-market) [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) [Communication Strategies](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/communication-strategies) [Brand Building](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/brand-building) ### [Becoming a Thought Leader in a Crowded Market](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/becoming-a-thought-leader-in-a-crowded-market) One of the biggest topics that leaders often bring forward is the challenge of building awareness of their ... [Megan Thomas Dec 8, 2025, 7:23:55 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![Funnel Marketing Plan](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/iStock-2238083112.jpg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/dont-forget-the-top-of-the-funnel-why-you-need-a-funnel-marketing-plan) [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) [Communication Strategies](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/communication-strategies) [Efficient Marketing Spending](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/efficient-marketing-spending) [Brand Building](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/brand-building) ### [Don't Forget the Top of the Funnel: Why You Need a Funnel Marketing Plan](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/dont-forget-the-top-of-the-funnel-why-you-need-a-funnel-marketing-plan) I talk to a lot of founders and leaders who feel like their teams are working nonstop to cultivate new ... [Megan Thomas Dec 3, 2025, 12:15:33 PM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![Plant-Based Burger](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/iStock-1331109186.jpg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/why-the-last-wave-of-plant-based-meat-didnt-deliver-on-the-hype-and-what-to-do-about-it) [Purpose-Driven Brands](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/purpose-driven-brands) [Food+Tech Acceptance](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/foodtech-acceptance) [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) ### [Why the Last Wave of Plant-Based Meat Didn't Deliver on the Hype (and What to Do About It)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/why-the-last-wave-of-plant-based-meat-didnt-deliver-on-the-hype-and-what-to-do-about-it) In 2019, when I led the marketing launch of a new line of plant-based meat, the industry consensus was clear: ... [Megan Thomas Nov 13, 2025, 7:52:13 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/IMG_5398.jpg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/whole-foods-and-gnc-how-product-makers-can-get-distribution) [Purpose-Driven Brands](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/purpose-driven-brands) [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) [Efficient Marketing Spending](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/efficient-marketing-spending) ### [Whole Foods and GNC: How Product Makers Can Gain Distribution](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/whole-foods-and-gnc-how-product-makers-can-get-distribution) For emerging brands, gaining distribution of their food, beverage, or supplement products in the specialty, ... [Megan Thomas Sep 2, 2025, 9:00:20 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![Smart Marketing Moves in Touch Economy](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/iStock-911963834.jpg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/smart-marketing-moves-for-lean-budgets-4-cost-effective-marketing-activities-that-drive-results) [Content Creation](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/content-creation) [Marketing for Founders](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-for-founders) [Efficient Marketing Spending](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/efficient-marketing-spending) [Brand Building](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/brand-building) [Marketing Leadership](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-leadership) ### [Smart Marketing Moves for Lean Budgets: 4 Cost-Effective Marketing Activities That Drive Results](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/smart-marketing-moves-for-lean-budgets-4-cost-effective-marketing-activities-that-drive-results) You're leading your team to reach your company's annual business goals, but it's been tough going this year. ... [Megan Thomas Aug 14, 2025, 10:32:33 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![Trends at the 2025 IFT First Food Technology Show](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/IFT%20First%202025%20Blog%20Header.png)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/future-forward-or-stuck-in-status-quo-unpacking-trends-at-ift-first) [Food+Tech Acceptance](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/foodtech-acceptance) [Brand Building](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/brand-building) [Marketing + AI](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-ai) [FoodTech Outlook](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/foodtech-outlook) [B2B](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/b2b) ### [Future-Forward or Stuck in Status Quo? Unpacking Trends at IFT FIRST](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/future-forward-or-stuck-in-status-quo-unpacking-trends-at-ift-first) At the IFT First show in Chicago earlier this month, several FoodTech trends were on display. Yet, the most ... [Megan Thomas Jul 27, 2025, 3:04:53 PM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [![Ladder 17 B2B Marketing Strategies](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/iStock-1368098464.jpg)](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/future-proofing-your-b2b-marketing-strategy-3-opportunities-to-beat-the-competition) [Brand Building](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/brand-building) [Marketing + AI](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/marketing-ai) [B2B](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/tag/b2b) ### [Future-Proofing Your B2B Marketing Strategy: 3 Opportunities to Beat the Competition](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/future-proofing-your-b2b-marketing-strategy-3-opportunities-to-beat-the-competition) If you have a business-to-business (B2B) brand, you are at risk of falling behind your competition in winning ... [Megan Thomas Jun 9, 2025, 9:27:50 AM](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [First](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [Prev](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [1](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas) [2](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas/page/2) [3](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas/page/3) [4](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas/page/4) [5](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas/page/5) [Next](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas/page/3) [Last](https://ladder17.com/on-purpose-blog/author/megan-thomas/page/5) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ladder-17-llc) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/Ladder17LLC) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp_VuG1-5cnIV3GW5XZgMRA) ![Ladder17 Logo - Alt](https://ladder17.com/hubfs/Ladder17%20Image%20Assets/Ladder17%20Logo%20-%20Alt.svg "Ladder17 Logo - Alt") © 2026 Ladder 17 LLC #### [Privacy Policy](https://ladder17.com/ladder17-privacy-policy)