Jon Sebastiani, from a successful winemaking family, ventured into founding an upscale beef jerky business, Krave, before selling it for millions. Fascinated after discovering fancy marshmallows in Paris, he decided to launch Smashmallow, aiming to revolutionize the snack industry by creating healthier, tastier marshmallows. Despite initial success, the goal of scaling production proved challenging. Attempts to automate and mass-produce Smashmallows flopped due to technological issues, impacting the business’s growth. Legal battles ensued with machines suppliers, leading to Smashmallow’s eventual shutdown. Sebastiani’s vision for candy dominance didn’t materialize, but he succeeded in creating a premium snack. The saga showcases the complexities and realities of scaling a food business.
https://www.businessinsider.com/smashmallow-lawsuit-marshmallow-failure-silicon-valley-business-growth-2024-1