---
title: 'Karmen Olson launches Food & Beverage strategy firm XOKO'
date: '2023-12-06T08:07:03-08:00'
type: post
word_count: 204
char_count: 1361
tokens: 266
categories:
  - Portland
---

# Karmen Olson launches Food & Beverage strategy firm XOKO

If you’ve talked to me recently, you know that I’m pretty bullish on the consumer products startup community here in Oregon. [Blame Mitch Daugherty](https://medium.com/built-oregon/oregon-is-to-consumer-goods-what-the-bay-area-is-to-technology-b56a78a9ac96). So I’ve been paying more attention to what’s going on in that space, as of late. Especially when I’m wearing my [Built Oregon](https://builtoregon.com) cofounder hat. So I thought I’d share that [new Built board member](https://siliconflorist.com/2023/11/30/built-oregon-reveals-new-board-members-roles/), [Karmen Olson](https://www.xoxo-ko.com/about), is launching a consultancy to help food & beverage startups and established brands alike. Meet [XOKO](https://www.xoxo-ko.com/).

> I’m a Food & Beverage nerd with 20 years’ experience in CPG, working with over 100 founders across family-owned shops, medium-sized public companies and large multi-nationals. Over that time I’ve resuscitated near death brands, managed $350MM categories, and launched new businesses. I believe that consumer problems are business problems, but not vice versa.

Fun fact: Karmen and I worked together at a tech startup at the turn of the century. So I can vouch that she’s the real deal.

For more information, visit [XOKO](https://www.xoxo-ko.com/).