Today, I’m joined by Jake Muise, co-founder and CEO of Maui Nui Venison.
Making meat planet-friendly, the company harvests wild, invasive axis deer on Maui to balance ecosystems while providing nutrient-dense protein.
In this episode, we discuss turning an ecological crisis into a regenerative food business.
We also cover:
- Balancing commerce, conservation, and community
- The pitfalls of the hyper-processed high-protein craze
- Why nutrient density labels could change the food system
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Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:00) Jake’s background and Maui Nui Venison overview
(02:00) Axis deer problem and invasive species impact
(05:00) The founding moment witnessing mass deer die-offs
(07:00) Seven years as nonprofit before becoming for-profit CPG
(09:00) Current scale
(11:00) Product mix
(14:00) Accidentally creating extraordinary nutrient density
(16:00) Critique of protein-washing and empty protein products
(21:00) Balancing commerce, conservation, and community
(23:00) Running constant experiments to solve complex systems
(26:00) Authentic mission-driven business as competitive advantage
(29:00) Four pillars: transparency, energy balance, purpose, taste
(32:00) Why nutrient density labels could transform food system
(36:00) Profitable regenerative agriculture through proper pricing
(38:00) New aged venison line and summer sausage launch
(40:00) Conclusion
