Sweet Nothings: Optimizing the Supply Chain for Quality and Efficiency

This case follows Jake Miller and Beth Collins, co-founders of Sweet Nothings, an organic, plant-based snack company, as they navigate the operational complexities of scaling their business. After repositioning their signature product from a healthy ice cream alternative to a smoothie-in-a-cup, Sweet Nothings rapidly expanded into thousands of retail stores including Whole Foods, Walmart, and Costco. To support this growth, the founders made key strategic decisions around co-packing models, supplier relationships, warehouse consolidation, and inventory forecasting. The case explores the tension between quality control and efficiency in a supply chain that relies heavily on natural, perishable ingredients. Students are asked to consider the trade-offs in supply chain design, evaluate different forecasting and inventory models, and discuss how Jake and Beth can continue to deliver operational excellence while maintaining product integrity and preparing for future growth.