Spork & Ladle specializes in product development and operations support for some of the world’s best and biggest companies and the entrepreneurial up-and-comers
what clients are saying
“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Derek Spors for 20 years. First when we worked together at Ben & Jerry’s and, more recently, as a “frequent flier” client with the business he founded here in Boulder, Spork & Ladle. Derek has never ceased to amaze me with his capabilities. I’ve watched him grow from a brilliant food scientist to one of the preeminent ice cream developers in the world. That was hardly enough for Derek though! He went on to lead R&D with Bear Naked (makers of the best granola around), then had the brilliant idea of starting his own business in beautiful Boulder, Colorado: Spork & Ladle.
At Spork & Ladle, Derek, with the support of a world-class team, has become the go-to product development resource for some of the largest food and beverage businesses in the world. Derek hasn’t forgotten his lessons from helping Bear Naked become a national success story either! Spork & Ladle has become the product development partner behind some of the most successful entrepreneurial success stories in our industry. It’s no surprise, then, that the one piece of advice that I consistently give the food and beverage businesses that I advise is to go right to Spork & Ladle if they have any product development needs. There is simply no better product development team in the country than Derek Spors and his incredible associates at Spork & Ladle!”
— Walt Frees, Former CEO of Ben & Jerrys
“Derek is the exact mind every food company needs on its team: a witty creative approach mixing food science and a lot of problem-solving, coupled with years of experience making food taste delicious while respecting the constraints our industry is so familiar with: nutrition, shelf life, manufacturing, cost, etc. I feel lucky to have got to work with Derek, and would recommend his services in a heartbeat.”
— Antoine Ambert, Senior Director of Sustainability & Innovation, Alter Eco
“Working with Derek and team at Spork & Ladle has been a great adventure! They are always there and willing to experiment with my product requests, no matter how off-the-wall they may be, while also adding some flare of their own. The team is very knowledgeable and very passionate about all things food and I am proud to have them as a partner in this journey. We’ve made some amazing products and we’re not done yet!”
— Jerry Barker, VP Operations & Innovation, Kill Cliff
“If you are hoping to disrupt a category with product innovation then you need Derek and the entire team at Spork & Ladle as your partner! Derek and his team love to embrace challenges and they always exceed our expectations.”
— Brett Hartmann, CEO, CORE Foods
“Derek and the Spork & Ladle team have been an invaluable innovation partner for Bobo’s over the last four years. Their blend of culinary expertise, and food science have been the perfect fit for any R&D challenges we have faced. Not only has the Spork and Ladle team delivered impactful innovation and renovation for the Bobo’s brand but their insights and expertise has given us a better understanding of our ingredients and products.”
— Henry Hughes, VP of Marketing, Bobo’s
“I have worked with Derek since he opened his first lab in Colorado - he’s helped us with formulations using just dry seasonings for salty snacks, to developing an entirely new line of snack food, to formulating alcoholic beverages, to setting up factories and QA/QC procedures. So, pretty much everything! Derek takes a sensible business approach at the outset and he’s taught me that the end goal can often lead to the starting point. The smart, focused associates have always been that first and best sounding board and I feel lucky to have worked with Spork & Ladle.”
— John Maggio, CEO, Cocktail Squad
“Derek is one hell of a guy. It’s a privilege to work with him. His creativity and problem-solving ability are very unique. Pair that with his knack to not take himself too seriously and you have the makings of a great partnership. He understands products and the science behind them in a brilliant way and when I need rapid product prototyping done, he is my first call.”
— Gregory Struck, CEO, Noops