Taste Radio

This week we sat down with Filipp Chebotarev, the co-founder of Cambridge SPG, a venture capital firm that invests in emerging and innovative consumer concepts. Since launching in 2016, the California-based company has been an active investor in the food and beverage industries and holds stakes in several fast-growing and disruptive brands, including Once Upon a Farm, Vive Organic, Foodstirs, Owl's Brew, Fish People and Tosi. Within our expansive conversation, Chebotarev spoke about the firm's investment philosophy, what he learned from developing an unsuccessful food brand and what role his background in distressed real estate has on funding upstart companies. He also discussed effective strategies for initiating and cultivating relationships with investors, why he'll review a 70-page pitch deck under the right circumstances and general rules that predict success in food and beverage. Show notes: 0:31: Cann Jacqui Get An Intro To Gwenyth Paltrow? Also, We Have A New Hashtag. -- The episode opens with a discussion about a certain famous actress and entrepreneur making an investment in a cannabis-infused "social tonic" brand, the slew of BevNET, NOSH and Brewbound events coming in December and why Ray fell for this new "proposition." The hosts also encouraged listeners to send in their nominations for BevNET and NOSH's Best of 2020 awards and raved about new lines of coated peanuts and canned cocktails. 20:13: Interview: Filipp Chebotarev, Co-Founder/Partner, Cambridge SPG -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Chebotarev about Cambridge SPG's recent investment in a fast-growing chicken restaurant chain, his transition from investing in real estate to consumer brands and how the firm's investment strategy has evolved since its launch. He also explained why "the dots have to align for a deal to come together," the best way to pitch him on LinkedIn, how Vive Organic co-founder and CEO Wyatt Taubman convinced him to invest in the company and how ingredient and formulation trends factor into Cambridge SPG's funding thesis. Brands in this episode: CANN, Proposition Cocktail Co., Better Booch, Don Ciccio & Figli, Skinny Dipped, Wet Hydration, No Evil, The New Primal, Violife Foods, Once Upon a Farm, Vive Organic, Foodstirs, Owl's Brew, Fishpeople, Tosi

During our interview with Hoplark co-founder and CEO Dean Eberhardt, he mentioned that some consumers describe the brand's HopTea beverages as "naughty." Eberhardt explained while the hop-infused, zero-calorie teas are non-alcoholic, their resemblance to beer -- in taste and packaging -- might make a person blush if they were to drink one during the day or while driving a car. Amid a growing number of Americans interested in sober-curious lifestyles, Hoplark HopTea has found a receptive audience and loyal following among consumers who've adopted the brand as a better-for-you alternative to carbonated alcoholic drinks. The products have also resonated with natural product consumers seeking better-for-you beverages; Hoplark landed a national deal with Whole Foods just 16 months after its debut in 2018. The brand has continued to thrive despite the Covid-19 crisis, during which it has built a burgeoning direct-to-consumer business. As part of a conversation featured in this episode, Eberhardt spoke about the development and rise of Hoplark, including why he chose not pursue a career in his family's business and how that decision paved the way for the brand's creation. He also explained why Hoplark isn't specifically promoted to sober-curious consumers, the thought-provoking way he describes the products' functional attributes, the impact of limited edition flavors on driving brand loyalty and why the company turned down a venture capital investment this past summer. Show notes: 0:39: Interview: Dean Eberhardt, Co-Founder & CEO, Hoplark -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latf spoke with Eberhardt about his early morning habits, how getting fired from his own prior startup led him from Chicago to Boulder Colorado, the "lightbulb" moment that inspired the creation of HopTea and why he and his co-founder spent 18 months developing the formulation and branding prior to launching the brand. He also explained why he's "alcohol-agnostic," his belief that he's "a marketing textbook's worst nightmare," why the company is focused on letting the brand's consumers "find their own journey" and why he never wants to sell a product based on what's not in it. Later, he explained how Hoplark prepared for the pandemic, why the company is actively looking for long-term investment partners and not thinking about an exit and why self-manufacturing has been and will continue to be important. Brands in this episode: HopLark, Whole30, Guinness

Jing Gao's mission to "bring uncensored Chinese flavors to the table" has made her brand a hot commodity. An award-winning chef and former restaurant owner, Gao is the founder and CEO of Fly By Jing, an innovative brand of Sichuan-inspired sauces and seasonings that launched in 2018 and is known for its modern take on Chinese cuisine. In recent months, Gao has overseen a massive spike in demand for the brand's products, which include a chili crisp, dumpling sauce and mala spice. The surge, driven partly by a New York Times article praising the versatility of the chili crisp, along with the brand's rabid fan base -- Fly By Jing has over 25,000 Instagram followers -- has put Gao in the enviable, albeit complex, position of managing a very fast-growing company. In an interview included in this episode, Gao discussed the origins of her passion for Chinese food culture and why she set out to create a brand that could elevate consumers' expectations for the cuisine's flavors while increasing Americans' accessibility to high quality Sichuan-inspired condiments. She also discussed the company's customer acquisition and marketing strategies, the thought process behind its upcoming rebrand, managing shortfalls in production and how she addressed racist comments posted on the brand's Instagram page. Show notes: 0:31: "Star Trek Supernova" > Blue Steel; The Best Of 2020 and Cycling Through A Trademark Battle -- The hosts riffed on Jacqui's athletic prowess, why you shouldn't cut your own hair and how entrepreneurs can take the first steps toward winning a BevNET or NOSH Best Of 2020 award. They also discussed why Peloton is angry at Peloton, the upcoming deadline to participate in New Beverage Showdown 20 and Pitch Slam 9, why a recent rebrand had Mike seeing stars and rainbows and why Ray could chug an entire bag of drizzled popcorn. 20:13: Interview: Jing Gao, Founder/CEO, Fly By Jing -- Gao spoke with BevNET CMO Mike Schneider about why she changed her name from Jing to Jenny and then back again, how her travels to China ignited her interest in traditional Chinese cooking and led her to transition out of the corporate world and into a career in food. She also discussed Fly By Jing's origins as an underground restaurant concept, the decision to launch a consumer brand and why she was intent on using high quality ingredients for the products, and how she leaned on her network in the U.S. and Canada to achieve the highest funded Kickstarter campaign for a craft food product and build a foundation for its consumer base. Later, she spoke about the company's success in landing widespread media coverage, launching the brand via e-commerce, facing production and logistical challenges that arose from crushing demand, why creating packaging that was "approachable" was key to the rebrand and what's next for Fly By Jing. Brands in this episode: Fly By Jing, Don Ciccio & Figli, Solento Tequila, Sweet Chaos, Honey Mama's, Nuun, Huy Fong

Nick Desai, founder and CEO of pea-based snack brand Peatos, believes that junk food consumers will never trade their Doritos for kale chips. So if you want to disrupt the $21 billion market for salty snacks you have to give consumers what they want -- along with something they didn't know they needed. Promoted as "a one of a kind 'junk food' only without the junk," Peatos' crunchy curls and rings were developed to look and taste like legacy snack brands Cheetos and Funyuns but are made with all natural ingredients. The brand's marketing strategy, which is focused on making direct comparisons between its products' ingredient profiles and those of popular salty snack brands, appears to be resonating with consumers and industry gatekeepers. Three years since the brand's debut, Peatos is carried in nearly 5,000 retail locations, including those of Kroger, Safeway and Costco, and the company recently closed a $7 million funding round that will be used to fuel additional growth. In an interview included in this episode, Desai spoke about the origins of Peatos, why he believes that he's doing the right thing regardless of the brand's chances for success, how to achieve meaningful scale amid consumer skepticism about healthy snacking and why he believes that the American dream "is still very much alive." Show notes: 0:31: Dad Dub, Office Juice and CBD in Sports -- The episode's hosts chatted about a Skrillex video that no one will ever see, an opportunity for Mike to dust off his longboard and a must-follow Instagram account. They also discussed handcrafted immunity-boosting libations at the office, why CBD beverage brands are targeting athletes, required viewing for anyone involved with or interested in the cannabis space and why Ray loves a particular brand of energy bites. 15:54: Interview: Nick Desai, Founder & CEO, Peatos -- Desai spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about bringing his kids to industry trade shows and conventions, his father's influence on his career and his transition from law to investment banking to the food industry. He also discussed how the acquisition of two snack companies paved the way for the development of Peatos, how he navigated a cease-and-desist demand from PepsiCo and why great taste is the only way to convince people to trade their snack brand for another one. Later, he also spoke about his recent Linkedin post about the "American dream" and why he's optimistic about entrepreneurship in the U.S. despite a challenging year for the country. Brands in this episode: Ocean Spray, Hella Cocktail Co., Sweet Reason, DEFY, Gatorade, Powerade, NanoGAINZ, OFFFIELD, BioSteel, Nomz, Olipop, Poppi, Health-Ade, Peatos, Cheetos, Fritos, Doritos, Wise Snacks

The familiar adage "plant a seed and watch it grow" is particularly apt for 88 Acres. Launched in 2015, the Boston-based company produces a range of seed-centric products, including bars, granola, butters and dressings, all of which are free from the top eight food allergens. Focused on products made from whole food, nutrient dense ingredients, 88 Acres' message of "making more from less" has resonated with consumers beyond the allergen-free community and gradually expanded distribution beyond its roots in the Northeast. Today, the brand is represented nationally in a range of natural and conventional retail chains, including Whole Foods, Target and Sprouts. In an interview included in this episode, 88 Acres co-founder and CEO Nicole Ledoux spoke about the thoughtful process of scaling from a local to national brand, why she credits in-house production as a significant competitive advantage and how a successful Kickstarter campaign provided the foundation for the brand's retail launch and successive fundraising initiatives. Show notes: 0:39: Interview: Nicole Ledoux, Co-Founder/CEO, 88 Acres -- Ledoux spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about why she schedules individual, non-work-related meetings with her team during the pandemic, how a dangerous dinner date inspired the launch of 88 Acres and why finding a co-packer to produce the brand's initial products was nearly impossible. She also discussed how she and co-founder/husband Rob Dalton mitigated the risk from building a manufacturing facility, why she believes that the brand's relationship with consumers is enhanced because "we make our own food" and how the company strategizes around innovation and new product development. Later, she explained why establishing milestones and proof points with investors helps create a meaningful track record for additional investment rounds. Brands in this episode: 88 Acres

Carlton Fowler loves the occasional bottle of Miller High Life. But as the co-founder and managing partner of Goat Rodeo Capital, a venture capital firm focused on early stage investments in beverage alcohol, non-alcoholic drinks and cannabis-centric brands, his tastes are a bit more refined. Since its inception in May 2019, Goat Rodeo has invested in eight companies, including ready-to-mix cocktail maker DRNXSMYTH, canned wine brand Archer Roose and Sourced Craft Cocktails, a service that delivers made-to-order cocktails. Goat Rodeo is also an investor in cannabis ingredient supplier Vertosa and cold-pressed lemon water brand Lemon Perfect. The common thread among these brands? They represent concepts that have a unique consumer proposition or go-to-market strategy, according to Fowler. In an interview included in this episode, Fowler discussed why Goat Rodeo's investment philosophy is rooted in his and partner James Pelligrini's operational experience in the alcoholic beverage industry, as well as how he identifies new products that have a runway for success. He also explained why he's bearish on alcohol-free alternatives in the beer, wine and spirits categories and how he evaluates the opportunity for cannabis-based beverages amid an uncertain regulatory environment. Show notes: 0:39: Reflections On In N' Out, Zico, Chicago Sauce and Grocery Outlet -- The episode's hosts revisited a smash and grab in wine country and discussed a slew of upcoming events for BevNET and NOSH, including the next edition of Speed Dating, CBD Today and Tomorrow, New Beverage Showdown 20 and Pitch Slam 9. They also spoke about the news that the Coca Cola Co. will discontinue pioneering coconut water brand Zico, NOSH's recent new product gallery and Jacqui's eye-opening visit to a discount supermarket. 19:25: Interview: Carlton Fowler, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Goat Rodeo Capital -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Fowler about his striking LinkedIn headshot, how his experience working with wine conglomerate E & J Gallo helped shape his perspective as an investor and the three tenets that shape Goat Rodeo's funding decisions. He also discussed how the firm analyzes the potential for non-alcoholic refreshment beverages and why he believes that a popular spirit-alternative brand worked because "it solved a problem for a customer, not a consumer." Brands in this episode: Zico, Vita Coco, La Colombe, The Original Chicago Sauce, Bare Bells, Fat Snax, Super Salad Bar, Liquid IV, Hydrant, Magicdates, Vega, Amy's Kitchen, Good Karma, Meatless Farm, Oggi Foods, Beyond Meat, The Little Northern Bakehouse, Kevita, Chosen Foods, Elmhurst Naturals, Archer Roose, Sourced Craft Cocktails, Drnxmyth, Lemon Perfect, Seedlip, Hoplark HopTea, CANN

Paul Feig has a thing about martinis. The award-winning director and producer behind comedy blockbusters "Bridesmaids," "The Heat" and "Spy," is especially particular about what type of gin goes into the cocktail (note, he says, that there's no such thing as a "vodka martini"). After spending years searching for the perfect gin to blend in his evening libation, Feig was motivated to launch his own brand, Artingstall's, which was introduced earlier this year. Years in the making, Feig has been intimately involved with the project, from the development of the spirit itself, to the brand's custom decanter and label. Now, as he noted in an interview in this episode, comes the hard part. As part of an expansive conversation, Feig spoke about how he developed a passion for cocktail culture, how he balances running a gin brand with his current film and television work and his role in marketing and communication initiatives. He also discussed the similarities between pitching a movie to a studio and pitching Artingstall to retailers and distributors, and other parallels between filmmaking and entrepreneurship. Show notes: 0:40: Interview: Paul Feig, Director, "Bridesmaids" & Creator, Artingstall's Gin -- Feig sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif, who opened the interview with a chat about the director's appearance on a popular game show from the 1980s, how cocktail culture influenced his adolescence and embrace of refined lifestyles and how his search for a perfect gin led to him to a partnership with Minhas Distillery. He also discussed how his personality is incorporated into Artingstall's package and label, why he's wary of tapping his celebrity relationships to promote the gin and why he compares the business of distilled spirits to movie making. Later, he contrasted his experience as a filmmaker to that of a spirit entrepreneur and spoke about his ultimate goal for Artingstall's. Brands in this episode: Artingstall's Gin, Beefeater Gin, Hendrick's Gin, Oxley Gin, Sacred Gin, Singani63, Casamigos Tequila, Aviation Gin

Named as the fastest growing food company in America by Inc. Magazine, Outer Aisle, which markets cauliflower-based sandwich thins and pizza crusts, is marching toward its mission to revolutionize the bread industry. Launched in 2013, the brand generated $11 million in 2019 revenue and achieved a three-year growth rate of more than 5,000 percent, according to Inc. Magazine's 2020 "Inc. 5000" list, an annual compilation of the fastest growing privately held companies in the U.S. In an interview included in this episode, company founder and CEO Jeanne David spoke about how she's built Outer Aisle into one of the leading brands in the burgeoning segment of cauliflower-based bread substitutes and what motivated her to get back into the food industry after swearing she would never do so. She also discussed why she is a proponent of "fact-based selling," how a commitment to using only whole food, nutrient-dense ingredients has helped differentiate Outer Aisle from its competitors, discussed the cost-benefit analysis of building a production facility and why she turned down three separate venture capital offers last year. Show notes: 0:43: Get Ready For Your "Closeup." Also, Why Would Anyone Be Bearish On This Hot Category? -- The hosts chat about National Coffee Day, an update on a pioneering cold-pressed juice brand, a deep well of D2C-related content available to subscribers and an upcoming appearance by The Beverage Whisperer on Elevator Talk. Later, Marty breaks down the basics on BevNET & NOSH's Category Closeup series and his article about the kids' beverage category in the latest issue of BevNET Magazine, and the hosts share their thoughts on a "hard" partnership between Molson Coors and the Coca-Cola Co. 16:00 Interview: Jeanne David, Founder/CEO, Outer Aisle -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif sat down with David who discussed her initial foray into the food industry as the founder of a better-for-you cookie dough company, why she transitioned into the corporate world and how a recruiter's question about her future helped spark the launch of Outer Aisle. She also spoke about how the brand landed its first major retailer despite being ahead of several current food trends, the importance of sales data when meeting with buyers, winning shelf space along the perimeter of the store and the evolution of Outer Aisle's package design. Later, David explained why the company is setting its sights on the legacy bread industry, avoiding criticism of direct competitors, why she decided not to outsource manufacturing and why she believes that entrepreneurs need experienced advisors and attorneys to vet potential investment partners. Brands in this episode: Suja, Hubble, Capri Sun, Juicy Juice, Monster Energy, Zima, Truly, Samuel Adams, Outer Aisle

There are parts of our interview with Errol Schweizer that might make a few listeners uncomfortable. He knows this, and he's fine with it. To confront issues of systemic racism, labor inequality and cannabis reform and how they are affecting the food and beverage industry, Schweizer, a veteran food industry insider, trendsetter and entrepreneur, believes that people will need to hear some unsettling stories and statistics. As disconcerting as they are, his goal is to motivate action and change, which is one of the primary reasons that Schweizer co-founded "The Checkout," a podcast that spotlights diverse voices and stories from across the industry and discusses solutions to create a more just, equitable and resilient food system. Schweizer draws upon his 25-plus year career in the food industry, which includes a decade as the vice president of grocery for Whole Foods where he brought dozens of innovative and disruptive brands to market. Within his role, he helped expand availability of Non-GMO and organic products, advanced fair labor standards and championed the benefits of sustainable agriculture. Since leaving Whole Foods in 2016, he's been an active advisor to and director of food companies and retailers, including Good Catch, Fairway Market and Good Eggs. He is also a passionate advocate for the legalization and safe use of cannabis, and sits on the board of dispensary chain MedMen and is a co-founder of cannabis-infused beverage brand mood33. As part of our interview, Schweizer spoke about how he evaluates opportunities to align with food and beverage companies, why he once received death threats at Whole Foods for expanding access to a food category and his belief that entrepreneurs behind cannabis-based CPG brands should understand the direct association between the war on drugs, systemic racism and their products. He also explained why he advocates for a $20 minimum wage, the importance of unions in protecting workers, particularly during the pandemic, and how his values and belief system are incorporated into his role as a host for "The Checkout." Show notes: 0:39: Interview: Errol Schweizer, Co-Founder/Host, "The Checkout" -- Schweizer spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about what he misses most about "normal life," how the pandemic has led to new and positive forms of interconnectivity, why he credits hard work and luck to landing a top role at Whole Foods and the "filters" that dictate his decision to partner with a company or organization. He also discussed why investors of cannabis-based brands must acknowledge and address the impact of the war on drugs on Black Americans and why he advocates for hazard pay and a livable wage for low-wage workers. Later, he spoke about the inspiration behind "The Checkout" and its target audience, how he's curating content for the podcast and how he teaches his values to his children. Brands in this episode: Silk, Vital Farms, Beyond Meat, Califia Farms, Siggi's, Suja, Saffron Road, mood33, Good Eggs, Good Catch, Goodfish, NuttZo

When asked about the reasons why Constellation Brands made a minority investment in his company, Black Button Distilling founder and CEO Jason Barrett specifically noted that the spirits conglomerate was motivated by "the systems [we were] building." Based in Rochester, N.Y., Black Button launched in 2012 and describes itself as the city's first grain-to-glass craft distillery to open since Prohibition. Barrett, who founded Black Buttonwhen he was 24 years old, has since developed the business, which is known for its bourbon, gin and bourbon cream, into one of the most respected small-batch spirits producer in the U.S. Sales have doubled or tripled annually since its launch, and while the pandemic has impacted growth plans for 2020, Black Button has nevertheless persevered, the result of a foundation built on cautious spending and a thoughtful distribution strategy that has deep roots in New York State. In an interview included in this episode, Barrett spoke about his foray into craft spirits, how a stint in small business consulting impacted his vision for the company, why he didn't seek outside capital to launch Black Button and why he credits an effective systems management strategy as the key reason that Constellation invested in the distillery. Show notes: 0:34: Try The Boulevadieavery. Plus, Why Are Beer Companies Making Soda And Soda Companies Making Hard Seltzer? -- The episode's hosts discussed BevNET & NOSH's upcoming Supercharge D2C event and a recently announced panel for the event, why BevNET staff reporter Brad Avery wants a call from The Food Network, the evolution of Molson Coors into a "total beverage company," Fuze and Core Hydration founder Lance Collins' latest success story and why you should sample a certain Belgian chocolate spread. 16:31 Interview: Jason Barrett, Founder/CEO, Black Button Distilling -- Barrett sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif and spoke about becoming a new dad, how homebrewing paved the way to his passion for distilling and how his degree in political science and experience as a tax advisor have supported him as an entrepreneur. He also discussed why he credits growing up with parents who discussed business at the dinner table and how their laissez-faire approach to child-rearing was impactful as he matured into an adult, the significant upfront costs associated with opening a distillery and why he bootstrapped the company's launch. Later, he explained why creating and maintaining relationships with executives from Constellation Brands since the early days of Black Button was instrumental in the company's partnership with the conglomerate and why scrutinizing every cost and prudent spending have been critical components of its growth strategy. Brands in this episode: Hoplark Hop Tea, Catalina Crunch, Huzzah!, Golden Wing, ZENWTR, Core Hydration, Topo Chico, FICKS, Lekkco, Omni Beverage

Josh Cellars founder Joseph Carr describes entrepreneurship as walking the fine line between courage and stupidity. Although he admits to being more on the latter site, given the massive success of the wine brand it's hard to argue that he hasn't been on the right side. He'll also admit, however, that he had to work harder than anyone to get his company to where it is today. Over the past decade Josh Cellars, which Carr launched in 2009 and named as a tribute to his father, has grown to become the number one premium wine brand in the U.S. and is projected to sell four million cases by the end of 2020. While Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits acquired the brand in 2012, Carr has continued to represent Josh Cellars as its founder and steward, along with that of sister company Joseph Carr Wines, a producer of handcrafted European-inspired wines. In an interview included in this episode, Carr spoke about how diligence and self-education were critical in turning his passion into a career and why he left a lucrative, cushy job to launch his own company. He also explained his definition of hard work and how Josh Cellars has articulated a positioning that is both premium and accessible. Show notes: 0:39: Interview: Joseph Carr, Founder, Josh Cellars & Joseph Carr Wines -- Carr spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about growing up as the son of a lumberjack and how hitchhiking across the country led him to California and the porchside tasting that sparked his passion for wine. He also spoke about why making a "personal commitment" to a career meant becoming fluent in wine and finance, how he quickly rose in the ranks to become the jetsetting president of an Australian wine company and how the events of 9/11 led to his decision to start his own company. Carr also discussed the critical role his late wife played in launching and developing Josh Cellars, why he pursued the negociant model of selling wine and why he urged entrepreneurs not to cash in their 401Ks. Later, he spoke about selling the first 1,000 cases of his wine out of the back of his trunk, how sales at a supermarket in New Hampshire was the first indication that Josh could be a big wine brand and how he won over industry influencers and gatekeepers. Brands in this episode: Josh Cellars, Joseph Carr Wines

How does the entrepreneur of an upstart food brand gain over 20,000 followers on LinkedIn in less than 18 months? In a word: positivity. Mark Samuel is the founder and CEO of IWON Organics, a brand of protein-infused snacks, that include puffs and crispy sticks. A serial entrepreneur, Samuel founded several businesses in the fitness and finance industries prior to launching IWON in 2016. The brand is sold in nearly 5,000 locations nationwide, including at Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts and Whole Foods stores. Company revenue grew by 300% from 2018 to 2019 and while the pandemic has impacted growth in 2020, IWON has continued to expand its retail and distribution footprint over the past year. Samuel has chronicled the company's wins, losses, opportunities and challenges via LinkedIn, where he has amassed over 20,000 followers. Through his upbeat and motivational posts, Samuel has become an influential voice within the food and beverage community and, in the process, expanded awareness of IWON to industry gatekeepers and amplified its message as a differentiated brand within a crowded protein snack space. In an interview included in this episode, Samuel spoke about his experience building IWON, what he defines as the brand's "why" and how he effectively engages with his followers on LinkedIn. He also explained how he incorporates both confidence and vulnerability into his social content and why patience is a virtue, especially after hearing the word "no." Show notes: 0:35: Supercharge Your Life, Then Chill -- The episode's hosts discussed BevNET/NOSH's upcoming Supercharge D2C event, which is taking place on Sept. 29 and will help entrepreneurs and executives develop, refine and energize their approach to the direct to consumer channel. They also congratulated Ted Fleming and his team at non-alcoholic beer company Partake Brewing which raised $4 million in a Series A led by CircleUp, PepsiCo's launch of relaxation drink brand Driftwell and how it fits into an emerging set of "Relaxation 2.0" beverages and also shared valuable updates to our Brand Spotlight platform. 15:21 Interview: Mark Samuel, Founder & CEO, IWON Organics -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif sat down with Samuel who spoke about managing home, work and family life, including the challenges of raising children as a single parent and Zoom learning. Samuel also discussed how his experience working at a hotel enhanced his salesmanship, the influences that shaped his decision to start a food company and the steepest part of the learning curve in launching a packaged brand. Later, he explained why a commitment to consistent and useful content helped him build his LinkedIn following, why he doesn't shy away from stories about failure in his feed and why posts about mental health and reducing alcohol consumption have been among his most popular. Brands in this episode: Partake Brewing, Driftwell, Dream Water, Recess, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Moment, Droplet, Kokomio, Vive Organic, Sunscoop, Granny Squibb, Karma Water

CJ Rapp knows a thing or two about being ahead of the curve. A beverage industry veteran who launched his first brand in 1985, Rapp has created several disruptive drink concepts that, while possibly slightly too novel for their time, were predecessors to mainstay categories today. That list includes Jolt Cola, a highly caffeinated soda brand that became a cult hit among software coders and third-shift workers and was a forerunner to the energy drink category. While Jolt, along with some of Rapp's other inventions like DNA, an alcohol-spiked spring water, have been discontinued, his latest project, Karma Water, is thriving. Launched in 2011, Karma is a brand of immune-boosting wellness beverages that feature a patented push cap which keeps flavor and functional ingredients separate from the liquid until the point of consumption. Although Karma Water was not the first of its kind, Rapp has drawn upon his decades of experience to build a brand that has outlasted similarly positioned and better capitalized competitors, developed a broad retail footprint and landed a key strategic partner in beverage alcohol giant Constellation Brands. In an interview included in this episode, Rapp spoke about cutting his teeth in the industry and how lessons learned from his days building Jolt have supported the development of Karma, including the critical importance of distribution partners. He also explained why he defines himself as a "marketer," and what he believes to be the guiding path for any entrepreneur. Show notes: 0:41: Interview: CJ Rapp, Founder & CEO, Karma Water -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif opened the conversation with Rapp with a discussion about the entrepreneur's background growing up in upstate New York and how his exposure to the beverage industry at a young age drove his interest in brand building. Rapp also spoke about how Jolt Cola was conceived, the innovative distribution strategy that paved the way for other independent drink brands and the key lesson learned from launching several ahead-of-their-time beverages. Later, Rapp discussed how Karma was influenced by the success of Vitaminwater and how the company sought to create a more efficacious beverage than existing functional products, as well as its measured approach to growth and raising capital, why consumer education has been a consistent challenge and how he attempts to find a balance between work and family life. Brands in this episode: Karma Water, Jolt Cola, Red Bull, Corona Extra, Vitaminwater

In this episode, we sat down with Dave Colina, the founder and CEO of O2, a brand of natural sports recovery drinks formulated with oxygenated water and electrolytes. Launched in 2014, O2 took a patient growth strategy during its first few years on the market. In recent months, however, O2 has generated record revenue via direct-to-consumer sales along with those at retail partners, including Kroger, Sprouts and Publix. Those sales have helped fuel the brand's philanthropic initiative to donate 50% of profits to independent gym owners affected by COVID-19. As part of our conversation, Colina explained how O2's strategic decisions over the past five years have helped the company to meet the challenges and opportunities of the last five months, including how he overcame formulation issues while continuing to incubate the brand and why he was adamant in his support of gym owners despite a steep cut into the brand's profits. He also explained why he is supremely confident in the ability of his team to plan and execute during unpredictable times and why he believes that entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as building a successful brand. Show notes: 0:41: We Get A Closeup On Coffee, Co-Ops And Cookie Dough -- The hosts opened the episode with a note about a new mailing address for BevNET HQ -- 65 Chapel St. Newton, MA 02458 -- and discuss the inaugural episodes of our new Category Closeup and Product Showcase video series, which focused on ready-to-drink coffee. They also discussed notable brands they encountered over Labor Day weekend, and how brands attempt to strike a balance between healthy, tasty and approachable. 18:23: Interview: Dave Colina, Founder/CEO, O2 -- Colina spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about why he left a promising career in the corporate world to become a beverage entrepreneur, why he partnered with a physician to develop the brand and how the first the first batch of O2 was made in a fish tank. He also discussed how the company's motto of "Honesty, Humility, Hustle" has guided the team throughout prior to and during the pandemic, why he has never questioned his decision to launch O2 and why the company has been so successful in converting consumer trial into repeat purchases. Brands in this episode: O2, Montauk Tea, Vitaminwater, Vita Coco, Essentia Water, Bitter Love, Sir Kensignton's, Hella Cocktail, Moxie, Pure Batch, Sunscoop, Peatos, Cheetos

A few months before launching Stacy's Pita Chips, co-founder Stacy Madison was struggling to find quarters to pay for her laundry. That became less of an issue a few years later, when she sold her company to PepsiCo for a reported $250 million. A social worker by training, Stacy founded Stacy's Pita Chips with ex-husband Marc Andrus in 1997. By the time the brand was acquired in 2006, its products were distributed nationally and generating $65 million in annual revenue. In an interview included in this episode, Madison explained that the story of how her namesake chips became a grocery staple has little to do with a sophisticated business strategy and was instead driven by a determination to never again scrounge for laundry quarters. Within our conversation, she shared essential lessons learned from building her company, including those that she's applying to her latest venture, BeBold, a brand of nut-based refrigerated energy bars, and as an advisor for Stacy's Rise Project, a grant and mentorship program focused on supporting early-stage female entrepreneurs. Madison discussed her thoughts on the definition of success, why she credits having a "nothing to lose" attitude as key during her early days as an entrepreneur, what she views as the most significant mistake in building Stacy's Pita Chips and the altruistic reason that she decided to get back into the packaged food industry. Show notes: 0:37: Interview: Stacy Madison, Founder, Stacy's Pita Chips/BeBold -- Madison sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif for an expansive interview that began with a discussion about an important morning routine and how she defines success. She also discussed how timing and opportunity factored into her decision to launch thefood cart in Boston that spurred the creation of her pita chip brand, how a lack of personal obligations factors into her company's growth and when it's critical to chase down unexpected opportunities. Later, Madison discussed her investment philosophy and why she believes that "sometimes people with big business plans get in the way of themselves," why in-house production provided Stacy's Pita Chips with a competitive advantage over other snack brands and why she regrets not hiring in critical roles earlier into the company's growth She also spoke about the launch and development of BeBold and how she perceives the bars as improving upon existing products in the space and how she advises and mentors participants in Stacy's Rise Project. Brands in this episode: Stacy's Pita Chips, BeBold, Chobani, Kind Snacks

In this week's episode, we're joined by Breezy Griffith, co-founder and CEO of SkinnyDipped, a Seattle-based brand of almonds and cashews that are coated with a thin layer of chocolate or yogurt. Launched in 2013, SkinnyDipped is one of the fastest growing food and beverage companies in America; according to Inc magazine's annual Inc 5000 list, SkinnyDipped's revenue has grown by 1,550% over the past three years. To keep up with surging demand, the company raised over $10 million in new funding in July which included an investment from pop music star Shakira. As part of our conversation, Griffith spoke about her background as an entrepreneur and how her experience building businesses post-college fueled the launch and development of SkinnyDipped. She also spoke about why persistence was critical to landing the brand's first retail accounts, how guts and guile got the products into the office pantries of Google and Microsoft, how she orchestrated national distribution of the brand at Target and why she's turned to an industry veteran to manage day-to-day operations. Show notes: 0:34: We Have So Much For You To See -- The episode opened with a chat about how actor and comedian Craig Ferguson has influenced Ray's hosting style and a new and incredibly useful calendar that highlights recent and upcoming video content published by BevNET and NOSH. The hosts also discussed tips on how to apply for and land placement in strategic incubators and accelerator programs and how food and beverage brands are supporting "deprived" NYU students. 12:23: Interview: Breezy Griffith, Co-Founder/CEO, SkinnyDipped -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif sat down with Griffith, who discussed the origins of her unique first name, how selling polished rocks as a child and meal kits in NYC paved the way for a career in entrepreneurship and why she decided to go into business with her mother and two friends to launch SkinnyDipped. She also spoke about what literally cornering a grocery store owner taught her about sales, shared a remarkable story about how SkinnyDipped made its way into the offices of two top tech companies and how she built a lasting partnership with a key buyer at Target. Later, she explained the role that CAVU co-founder and SkinnyDipped investor Rohan Oza has had on the brand's development and why shedding her role as president of the company has paid significant dividends. Brands in this episode: Nadi, Dabbly, Stacy's Pita Chips, Spudsy, SkinnyDipped, Tiesta Tea

During our interview with Dadz co-founders Max Greenfield and Mike Constantiner, each bore the classic signs of dad fatigue: three-day facial scruff, baseball caps pulled over weary eyes and a slightly dazed demeanor. Managing the day-to-day strains of fatherhood is the reason that Greenfield, an actor known for his roles in the television series "New Girl" and "The Neighborhood," and Constantiner, a veteran CPG entrepreneur, launched Dadz, a platform company focused on benefiting the lives of modern dads via performance supplements, personal care products and lifestyle tips. Debuted in June, Dadz' first product is a plant-based and natural energy supplement powder called the Lightning Stick, which promotes optimized mental clarity and focus and is sold direct-to-consumer. The company also formed a strategic partnership with Life of Dad, a popular social platform and online community for dads. Within our interview, Greenfield and Constantiner spoke about the origins of Dadz and their respective roles in the company, how the brand is resonating with target consumers amid the pandemic and how they are addressing skepticism about the need for a dad-focused brand. Show notes: 0:43: Interview: Max Greenfield and Mike Constantiner, Co-Founders, Dadz -- Greenfield and Constantiner spoke with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg about how they commercialized the concept for Dadz, why they chose to launch a better-for-you energy drink as the brand's first product and how they're attempting to reach a "new generation of dads." They also discussed the importance of a strong founding team and why it offers a "shortcut" to a fast start, why Constantiner views Greenfield as "the epitome of the modern dad," lessons from a failed startup, the challenges of launching a DTC brand and how they are integrating social media into the brand's marketing plan. Later, they shared takeaways from Dadz' first few weeks on the market, how the brand is being communicated to the trade and consumer press and the long-term goal for the company. Brands in this episode: Dadz

This week, we're joined by Hannah Crum, the co-founder and president of Kombucha Brewers International (KBI), a trade association whose stated mission is to promote and protect commercial kombucha brewers around the world. For over a decade, Crum, who's also the founder of homebrew education platform Kombucha Kamp, has been one of the most influential figures in the development of the kombucha industry. A respected voice among her colleagues, Crum's work has supported the creation of educational initiatives and production standards that have shaped the modern kombucha category. As part of our conversation, Crum discussed how her passion for kombucha spurred the creation of KBI, how she manages a membership group comprised of "frenemies," the recent launch of a Code of Practice for brewing kombucha and why she believes it's important to support the category's evolution despite the misgivings of some within the space. Show notes: 0:35: We Have A New Mailing Address. Plus, A Camping Hack That Will Change Your Life. -- The episode's hosts chatted about BevNET HQ's move down the road to Newton, Mass. (note our new address: BevNET/NOSH 65 Chapel Street, Newton MA 02458), how an unlikely cuisine provided the perfect camping food for brand specialist Melissa Traverse and her family and the potential career of a "condiment magician." They also discussed news about the sale of a prominent PR firm, how our Brand Spotlight platform provides a critical conduit to industry gatekeepers and professionals amid the pandemic and congratulated an upstart sparkling water brand that recently completed a $1.3 million funding round. Ray also shared details about how scotch whisky brand Bruichladdich is taking "No Hidden Measures" when it comes to what's inside the bottle. 17:11: Interview: Hannah Crum, Co-Founder/President, Kombucha Brewers International (KBI) -- Crum spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about how her background in acting and love for fermented foods provided a useful foundation for the establishment of KBI, how she worked with kombucha entrepreneurs to address a category crisis in 2010 and how she sourced guidance and feedback on KBI's code of practice. She also discussed the impact of new kombucha-based and shelf-stable products on expanding awareness and sales for the category and shared her thoughts on the increasing influence of strategic beverage companies getting involved in the space. Brands in this episode: Brooklyn Delhi, Maya Kaimal, Coconut Bliss, Sir Kensigton's, Lupii, Moodygirl Chocolate, Sanzo, Bruichladdich, Kombucha Kamp

You might recognize Tony's Chocolonely by its quirky labels and comic font logo. Behind the Dutch brand's playful vibe, however, is a profound mission to end the use of child labor within the cocoa industry. Founded in 2005, Tony's has emerged as a popular international chocolate brand sold throughout Europe and the United States. Led by its purpose-driven strategy, the company is grounded in fair-trade business practices, deep relationships with its sourcing partners and measurable goals for social impact. In an interview included in this episode, Ynzo van Zanten, Tony's Chief Evangelist, spoke about how the company has navigated the development of a premium brand while staying focused on its overarching social mission, how to build a purpose-driven team and how to attract investors when "money is not a goal." Show notes: 0:40: Interview: Ynzo van Zanten, Chief Evangelist, Tony's Chocolonely -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with van Zanten about the genesis of Tony's, how his work experience led him to the company and why he believes that being financially successful and socially responsible should not be viewed as "two opposite ends of the spectrum." He also discussed how Tony's promotes its mission on packaging versus through digital content, how consumers rank the brand's attributes and how the company evaluates margin and profitability when pricing its products. Later, he explained how the company measures social impact via a proprietary system, how Tony's won over private equity firms Verlinvest and Jam Jar, the strategy for expanding retail placement and distribution internationally and how other CPG companies can support the brand's mission. Brands in this episode: Tony's Chocolonely, Patagonia

In this episode, we sat down with Simon Sacal, the founder and CEO of innovative food platform Solely. Known for its unique fruit jerky strips, which are sold at Whole Foods locations nationwide, Solely launched in 2018 with the mission to rethink how food is developed, grown, sourced, processed and sold. The brand has invested heavily in agriculture and food technologies to create nutrient dense and differentiated products, including a recently debuted line of spaghetti squash, that appeal to a broad spectrum of consumers. In an interview included in this episode, Sacal spoke about his background as a food entrepreneur beginning as a teenager and how his career culminated in the development of Solely. He also explained why the company's strategy and focus is "exactly the opposite of the easy way," and why Solely doesn't launch a product unless it identifies "a huge advantage" over a competitor. Show notes: 0:22: It's High Time We Discuss This Subject... And Blueberry Drizzled Popcorn. -- The show opens with a chat about how Jon Landis is managing life without live Phish concerts, Ray's love for a new line of sweet and savory popcorn and why BevNET's Brand Spotlight is an attractive and affordable option for developing companies. The hosts also discussed Beth Kaiserman's article about how the industry can work together to address inconsistencies in how CBD-infused food and beverage products are measured and labeled. 18:59: Interview: Simon Sacal, Founder/CEO, Solely -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Sacal about why Solely's home market of San Diego has become a hub for innovative food concepts, his foray into food entrepreneurship with the launch of a fat-free potato chip brand and what he learned from the experience and the mission and focus of his family's company, Fruitex. He also discussed why the term "food technology" is often misunderstood and what it means to Solely, what inspired the idea for a fruit jerky snack and how he negotiated a nationwide deal with Whole Foods. Later, he explained his vision for creating a broad portfolio of indulgent, clean label and affordable products and how the company identifies and works with investors that align with its long-term strategy. Brands in this episode: The Safe + Fair Company, Vive Organic, DEFY, Solely

They say necessity is the mother of invention. Sometimes, inventions are created by mothers who identified an unmet necessity. That was the case with Bitsy's, a brand of organic, vegetable-infused kids' snacks, including cookies and crackers. Launched in 2012 by social entrepreneurs Maggie Patton and Alex Buckley, the company's mission is to make healthy and nutritious snacks accessible and affordable to all families. In May, Bitsy's announced that actress Gabrielle Union, who has long been an admirer and customer of the brand, had joined the company as a co-founder and taken an active role in sales, marketing and product development. In the following interview, Union, Patton and Buckley spoke about the history and evolution of the brand, which recently picked up placement at 1,600 CVS stores nationwide. As part of their conversation, they discussed Gabrielle's interest in joining the company and alignment with Maggie and Alex, how they communicate the brand's healthy halo to kids and parents, why asking for help has to be a priority for entrepreneurs and how the food industry can work together to mainstream healthy food for kids. Show notes: 0:40: Interview: Gabrielle Union, Maggie Patton and Alex Buckley, Co-Founders, Bitsy's — NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg spoke with Union, Patton and Buckley about how their respective backgrounds led to the creation and development of Bitsy's, why they are wary of demonizing vegetables in how they promote the products and how they speak to consumers via the brand's packaging. They also discussed how Patton and Buckley's past work in the non-profit sector led them to Union, why they emphasize making the brand accessible and affordable in mainstream retailers and why leading with transparency and humility is critical to winning support for their vision. Later, they explained Bitsy's channel strategy, getting retail buyers on their side and how Union is leveraging her massive social media following to build awareness for the brand. Brands in this episode: Bitsy's

This week, we're joined by Greg Fleishman, the co-founder and CEO of clean label baking mix and snack company Foodstirs. A veteran marketing executive with over two decades of experience working with startup brands, including Kashi, Suja and Sambazon, Fleishman is no stranger to the constant challenges that are common to entrepreneurial companies. And he believes that it's the daily ebbs and flows of running a business that provide entrepreneurs with the capabilities to navigate the uncertainties of the Covid-19 crisis. As part of our conversation, Fleishman discussed how he's applied lessons learned from his career into Foodstirs, which, like many companies, had to rethink its business strategy and adapt to a new consumer environment within a matter of weeks. He also explained how to manage and enhance relationships with retail buyers, why it's critical to leverage every resource at your disposal and why consumer communication is the one thing that keeps him up at night. Show notes: 0:38: Time To Step Into The "Spotlight." Plus, Puffs, Protein and Pop. -- The episode opens with a discussion about a new feature on BevNET and NOSH called Brand Spotlight, a platform which showcases new, updated and emerging brands. The hosts also spoke about notable products encountered over the past week, including avocado-based puffs, a spirit-sounding plant-based protein bar, a new brand of probiotic sodas and a "special" aperitif. 12:09: Interview: Greg Fleishman, Co-Founder/CEO, Foodstirs -- Fleishman, who previously appeared in Taste Radio episodes 69 and 110, spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about why brands that serve a social purpose and mission are often more successful than others and shared a brief history of Foodstirs as a baking kit brand and the company's decision to expand into ready-to-eat products. He also discussed how the Covid-19 crisis kickstarted a resurgence in home baking and why he believes it will continue for years to come, why he encourages entrepreneurs to "be a camel, not a unicorn" and the importance of collaborating with retail buyers when formulating an innovation strategy. Later, he explained why ambassadors are key to Foodstirs' marketing initiatives and how he considers tone when crafting copy for social media and advertising campaigns. Brands in this episode: Mezcla, AvoCrazy, Culture Pop, Health-Ade, Olipop, Poppi, Aura Bora, Foodstirs, Annie's

This special episode of Taste Radio features highlights from interviews with six entrepreneurs who joined us on Taste Radio during the first half of 2020. Our guests include Siete Family Foods co-founder and CEO Miguel Garza; Nick & Elyse Oleksak, the co-founders of Bantam Bagels; Miyoko's founder and CEO Miyoko Schinner; Ben Van Leeuwen, the co-founder and CEO of Van Leeuwen's Ice Cream; Orgain founder and CEO Andrew Abraham; and Gail Becker, the founder and CEO of Caulipower. Show notes: 1:36: Interview: Miguel Garza, Co-Founder/CEO, Siete Family Foods -- We kicked off the show with Miguel Garza who we featured in Ep. 214. Miguel is the co-founder and CEO of fast-growing Mexican-American brand Siete Family Foods, which markets tortillas, taco seasonings, queso dips and enchilada sauces, all of which are plant-based and grain-free. In the following clip, Garza spoke about the importance of family in how the company operates, the hallmarks of its product development and innovation strategies, and why Siete avoids chasing trends. 7:51: Nick & Elyse Oleksek, Co-Founders, Bantam Bagels -- Next up are Nick & Elyse Oleksek, the co-founders of bagel and breakfast bite company Bantam Bagels. Launched as a retail concept in 2013, Bantam Bagels has since evolved into a sprawling platform brand that includes mini stuffed pancakes and egg bites that are sold at Safeway, Target and Costco and also in pastry cases at Starbucks. In this clip, from Ep. 208, the Olekseks explained why investing in PR has been crucial to the brand's success and how they define the phrase "fake it till you make it." 14:45: Miyoko Schinner, Founder/CEO, Miyoko's -- Let's continue with Miyoko Schinner, the founder and CEO of pioneering plant-based cheese and butter company Miyoko's Creamery. In a clip from Ep. 198, she spoke about how poor leadership led to past failures and early struggles, and why she describes her business as "a mission with a company." 18:56: Interview: Ben Van Leeuwen, Co-Founder/CEO, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream -- Next, we featured Ben Van Leeuwen, the co-founder and CEO of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Launched in 2008, the premium ice cream brand and retailer has evolved into a broad platform with 22 ice cream shops in New York and California and a wholesale pint business with more than 1,500 accounts across the U.S. In a clip pulled from an interview included Ep. 203, Van Leeuwen discussed launching a business in the midst of a recession and why "running lean was just the default" when building the company. 24:11: Interview: Andrew Abraham, Founder/CEO, Orgain -- We continued with Andrew Abraham, the founder and CEO of protein-centric brand Orgain. Introduced as a first-to-market brand of organic protein beverages, Orgain has since grown into a thriving platform for protein drinks, powders and bars. In this clip, pulled from Ep. 197, Abraham discussed learning the ropes of the food and beverage industry, why entrepreneurs that are not well-capitalized from the outset might be in for a bumpy ride, how he convinced his family that, despite significant losses, the brand was on a positive trajectory and why he believes that "the best defense is a super aggressive offense." 29:57: Interview: Gail Becker, Founder/CEO, Caulipower -- Last, but certainly not least, we have Gail Becker, the founder and CEO of Caulipower the vegetable-forward brand, best known for its gluten-free, cauliflower crust pizzas. Last year, after just three years on the market, the company generated an estimated $100 million. As part of an interview featured in Ep. 196, Becker discussed the value of taking risks, breaking traditional "rules" for packaging and retailing of a food brand and what she learned about the food business from working at her father's store as a five-year-old. Brands in this episode: Siete Family Foods, Bantam Bagels, Starbucks, Miyoko's, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, Orgain, Caulipower

In this week's episode, we sat down with Emily Kanter, co-owner and CEO of Boston-area natural products retailer Cambridge Naturals. A family-owned business that operates two stores focused on nutritional supplements, body care products and organic foods and beverages, Cambridge Naturals has cultivated a loyal customer base within the Boston area and has been recognized for its unique and constantly rotating product selection. As part of our conversation, Kanter spoke about the history and evolution of the retailer and the factors that determine its selection. She also discussed how she develops relationships with brand owners and evaluates emerging trends and why Cambridge Naturals was one of the first area stores to carry CBD-infused products. Show notes: 0:38: Naturally, We Talked About Erewhon, Elevator Talk, Carlton and Odwalla -- The hosts chatted about their experiences shopping at Cambridge Naturals, encouraged entrepreneurs to continue sending news to BevNET and NOSH throughout the summer and also to apply for our Elevator Talk Livestream series. Later, they chatted about a star-making turn for actor Alfonso Ribeiro, Mike's strange database of 80's trivia and reflected on the recent decision by the Coca-Cola Co. to discontinue Odwalla. 11:48: Interview: Emily Kanter, Co-Owner/CEO, Cambridge Naturals -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Kanter about the recent reopening of Cambridge Naturals' locations for in-store shopping, her decision to take the reins of her family's business six years ago, why the retailer stopped selling groceries in the 1990's and why it resumed a few years later. She also explained what she looks for in a brand's backstory and what would make her less inclined to stock a new product, why Cambridge Naturals is consistently rotating its selection and why the company tries to be on "the cutting edge, but not bleeding edge" of emerging trends. Later, she expressed optimism that the FDA would provide concrete guidance about CBD-infused foods and beverages and how entrepreneurs interested in partnering with the retailer can connect with her team. Brands in this episode: Odwalla, Pepsi, Califia Farms, Naked Juice, Patagonia, The Coconut Cult, GT's Kombucha, Waku

We first featured Jim, Jake and Jordan DeCicco, the brothers and co-founders of Kitu Life Super Coffee, on Taste Radio back in May 2018. At the time, their two-year-old brand, originally known as Sunniva Super Coffee, was on track to generate $3.5 million in annual revenue. In the 24 months since, the company has been on a torrid pace, having built a national distribution network and retail presence that includes Kroger, Publix, Target and Walmart. The brand is expected to pull in $70 million in sales by the end of this year. Earlier this month, Kitu Life announced a distribution agreement with beer giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI), which will carry the brand's products on its trucks nationwide. ABI also acquired a stake in the company via its investment arm, Zx Ventures, as part of a new funding round which is reported to be in the $25 million range. Growing up fast? It's an understatement for the DeCicco brothers, who we sat down with for an interview featured in this episode of Taste Radio. As part of our conversation, they opened up about riding the wave of growth and why their success has been as much about avoiding the wrong moves as it is about making the right decisions. They also discussed the role that mentors and advisors have played in steering company strategy, how they've adjusted their management style to meet the needs of an evolving workforce, why they've simplified communication about the beverages and their perspective on raising capital and aligning with strategic investors. Show notes: 0:42: Interview: Jim, Jake & Jordan DeCicco, Co-Founders, Kitu Life Super Coffee -- The DeCicco brothers sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif for an expansive conversation that began with a chat about their living situation and thoughts on whether "Shark Tank" judges regret not investing in the brand. They also discussed the evolution of Kitu Life's distribution strategy, why they initially turned down opportunities for placement in Walmart and Kroger, the importance of "looking like a billion dollar brand," and why they believe that the company's team "is our barrier to entry." Later, the brothers explained why they dialed down messaging about the beverages' functional benefits and instead focused on the products' taste and lack of added sugar, engaging ABI long before their recent deal with the company and what, if any, concerns they have about equity dilution. Brands in this episode: Kitu Life, Honest Tea, Bai, Bang, Vitaminwater

This edition of Taste Radio Insider features highlights from interviews with six entrepreneurs and experts who joined us during the first half of 2020, including TRUFF hot sauce founders Nick Guillen and Nick Ajluni; Anouck Gotlib, CEO of Belgian Boys; Nona Lim, founder/CEO of Nona Lim; GT's Living Foods founder/CEO GT Dave; Ashley Thompson, co-founder/CEO of MUSH; and Lee Robinson, director of dairy and beverage for Whole Foods Market. Show notes: 0:53: The Answer Was Always Landis; No FOMO For Subscribers -- The episode's hosts opened the show with a chat about a new macaroni and cheese dispensing system called "Mac on Tap." They also spoke about notable presentations and panel discussions from the recently held BevNET and NOSH Virtually Live conference and how subscribers have exclusive access to over 40 sessions from the event. 10:49: Interview: Nick Guillen and Nick Ajluni, Co-Founders, TRUFF -- We kicked things off with Nick Guillen and Nick Ajluni, founders of TRUFF, a fast-growing brand of upscale, truffle-infused hot sauces. In the following clip, pulled from Ep. 70 of Taste Radio Insider, Guillen and Ajluni discussed their approach to product development, working with influencers, and the importance of community management and exceptional customer service. 15:44: Interview: Anouck Gotlib, CEO, Belgian Boys -- Next we featured Anouck Gotlib, the CEO of European breakfast and snack food brand Belgian Boys. Within our interview from Ep. 73, Anouck explained how she's cultivated strong relationships with retail buyers, why she believes there's a big opportunity for breakfast foods and how Belgian Boys is expanding its presence in Walmart. 20:41: Interview: Nona Lim, Founder/CEO, Nona Lim -- We continued with Nona Lim the founder of namesake brand Nona Lim, which markets a variety of better-for-you and convenient Asian-inspired foods, including broths, sippable soups and noodle bowls. In Ep. 71, Nona explained why she describes venture capital as a "double-edged sword" and why she jokes that a partnership with an investor is "worse than getting married." 26:15: Interview: GT Dave, Founder/CEO, GT's Living Foods -- Next up was GT Dave, Founder/CEO, GT's Living Foods, the maker of GT's Kombucha. In an interview from episode 86, GT spoke about why founders should celebrate their idiosyncrasies to better connect with consumers, why he's embraced a more public persona and how he steered a positive outcome following the publication of a provocative profile of him in "Forbes." 33:20: Interview: Ashley Thompson, Co-Founder/CEO, MUSH -- We continued with Ashley Thompson, co-founder and CEO of MUSH, an innovative brand of ready-to-eat oatmeal. We spoke with Ashley in Ep. 81 and in this clip, she explains why she set out to create a "best for you" product, why she likes having a "polarizing" brand name and how she prepared for her first meeting at Whole Foods. 37:59: Interview: Lee Robinson, Director – Dairy & Beverage, Whole Foods Market -- Wrapping up the episode is Lee Robinson, the director of dairy and beverage for Whole Foods Market. In our clip, pulled from an interview featured in Ep. 82, Lee discussed best practices for engaging with retail buyers, why vulnerability is key when navigating the terms of a successful relationship and how he evaluates disruptive concepts. Brands in this episode: Stouffers, Health-Ade Kombucha, Kohr Brothers, Recess, TRUFF, Ciroc, Belgian Boys, GT's Kombucha, Nona Lim, MUSH, Whole Foods

The centerpiece of a fast-growing snack and beverage platform, ALO Drink pioneered the premium aloe beverage market in the U.S. and is the country's top-selling brand in the category. Launched in 2009, ALO Drink is owned by SPI West Port, a multi-faceted distributor, import, exporter and manufacturer of premium products that also markets ALO Snacks, Jen Collagen and Woodridge Snacks. In an interview featured in this episode, SPI West Port founder and CEO Henry Chen spoke about how he's steered the development of ALO Drink and aligned brands by staying true to the company's core focus on natural and better-for-you products, while thoughtfully incorporating functional ingredients and global flavors into its products. He also discussed his decision to expand from beverages into snacks and his perspective on the most impactful business relationships, and also shared poignant advice for early-stage brand owners gleaned from his experience as an entrepreneur. Show notes: 0:42: Interview: Henry Chen, Founder/CEO, SPI West Port -- Chen spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about how his background as an importer led him to create ALO Drink, maintaining aloe's cache as a superfood ingredient and who he views as the ultimate industry gatekeeper. He also discussed how SPI West Port strategizes around retail placement, why hiring salespeople with established buyer relationships has been critical and why beverage entrepreneurs can't overlook the capital requirements necessary to launch and scale. Brands in this episode: ALO Drink, ALO Snacks, Jen Collagen Water, Woodridge Snacks

How do distributors evaluate emerging brands? And how can those brands best position themselves to succeed once they're part of a distributor's route? We explore both questions with Chuck Casano, the founder of Pitaya Foods, a brand of superfruit-based frozen smoothie packs, and HiTouch Distribution, a Southern California-based direct store distributor focused on healthy refrigerated brands. In a conversation focused on how Casano has navigated the food industry on two fronts, first on the brand side and later as a distributor, he discussed how a social mission guided his foray into the food and beverage industry, the evolution of Pitaya Foods from dragon fruit-based beverages into a superfruit brand platform and how the failure of a key distribution partner propelled his decision to launch HiTouch. He also offered his take on disruptive concepts, the elements of successful brand relationships and what it's like to be on the front lines of food distribution during the pandemic. Show notes: 0:43: We Need A Moment To Savor These Wins; A "Top Chef" At #BNVL; We're Ready To Drink Cocktails -- The hosts spoke about the winning brands of BevNET's New Beverage Showdown 19 and NOSH's Pitch Slam 8 and how the judges evaluated the presentations in both competitions, along with discussing some of the unique opportunities for brands and Tom Colicchio presenting at the upcoming BevNET and NOSH Virtually Live event. They also chatted about why BevNET is now reviewing RTD cocktail products and a few notable products sent to the office in recent weeks, including snack bars, ethnic foods and adaptogenic hard teas. 14:50: Interview: Chuck Casano, Founder/CEO, Pitaya Foods & HiTouch Distribution -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Casano about his experience first as a contestant in the BevNET's inaugural New Beverage Showdown and, nine years later, as a judge in New Beverage Showdown 19. He also discussed how the 2008 recession altered his career path, how a visit to Nicaragua spurred the idea for Pitaya Foods, the discontinuation of the brand's beverage line and the careful balance of direct-to-consumer and retail distribution. Later, he explained why investing in now-defunct DSD distributor Greenshoots Distribution was about hedging his bets, incorporating lessons learned from working with other distributors into HiTouch and what makes for successful brand relationships versus unsuccessful ones. Finally, Casano shared vivid experiences of working during Los Angeles' initial quarantine orders, the impact of delivery services like Instacart and Amazon Prime on the future of in-store shopping and why he believes there is massive upside for frozen brands in the years to come. Brands in this episode: Pitaya Foods, DRNXMYTH, Tip Top Cocktails, KEHO, MasQ, Yolélé, Oorja Nutrition Bars, Odwalla, Vive Organic, KOR Shots, Sun Noodle, GT's Living Foods, Koia, REBBL

One of the most dominant running backs of his generation, Terrell Davis helped lead the NFL's Denver Broncos to consecutive Super Bowl championships in 1998 and 1999 and was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. Following a career cut short by injuries, Davis, who is a lifelong sufferer of migraines, spent years searching for natural remedies, an exploration that led him to CBD. His journey culminated in the creation of DEFY, a CBD-infused, zero-THC performance drink that he co-founded with business partners Beau Wehrle and Megan Bushell. Launched in 2018, the drinks are promoted to eliminate aches and pains for consumers during and post-workouts. In an interview included in this episode, we spoke with Davis and Bushell about their foray into the CBD business and how their respective paths led them to create DEFY. They also discussed how the company is navigating a murky regulatory environment for CBD, DEFY's communication and consumer education strategies and how Terrell is advising current NFL players about incorporating hemp- and cannabis-based products into their lifestyles. Show notes: 1:07: Interview: Terrell Davis and Megan Bushell, Co-Founders, DEFY -- Davis and Bushell joined Taste Radio editor Ray Latif for an expansive conversation that included the former NFL star's involvement with food and beverage brands, how his health and nutrition regimen has evolved since retiring and how he educated himself about CBD. They also spoke about why they chose beverages as the primary focus for DEFY, which also markets oil and balm products, developing short- and long-term strategies for the brand amid uncertainty in how CBD is regulated and why they avoid making functional claims about the ingredient. Later, Davis discussed DEFY's positioning as a "performance drink," the level of interest in and use of CBD among professional athletes and how DEFY is communicating differences between the ingredient and THC. Brands in this episode: DEFY, Campbell Soup

How do you build a top-selling brand on Amazon? For Bizzy Coffee, the answer is with a simple and consistent formula: adapt, evolve and repeat. Launched in 2015, the cold brew coffee brand, which markets bottled cold brew concentrates, bagged coffee and multiserve ready-to-drink beverages, has followed a strategy of constant modification and improvement throughout its development. That focus has supported the growth of Bizzy's bagged coffee, which has been the top-selling cold brew product on Amazon for two years running, as well as the creation of its recently launched multiserve drinks, which are sold at Target and Hy-Vee and expanding into a range of other retail chains later this year. In an interview included in this episode, Bizzy co-founder and CEO Alex French spoke about how his experience at 301INC, the venture arm of General Mills, impacted the creation of the brand and learnings from the failure of its shots line. He also explained why buyer presentations are as important as the product itself and the dangers of being underfunded, as well as shared valuable tips about how to stand out on Amazon. Show notes: 0:37: "Competing" Agendas, Stress Relief and #BNVL -- The episode's hosts chatted about the semifinal rounds of BevNET's New Beverage Showdown 19 and NOSH's Pitch Slam 8 and how brands in the competitions applied timely trends and functional ingredients to their innovative concepts. They also spoke about growing interest in stress relief as a functional benefit, "blockbuster" launches of 2019 and shared an update on the upcoming BevNET and NOSH Virtually Live show, which will include more than 30 sessions over the two days of the event. 11:43: Interview: Alex French, Co-Founder & CEO, Bizzy Coffee -- French spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about why he saw himself as a "rogue" at 301INC, how researching online data sparked the launch of Bizzy and how the company has identified its core consumer. He also discussed how Bizzy sourced data from its retail partners and customers via its packaging, how a lack of funding led to humbling experiences in his personal life, as well as why the company got into the shots business and why, despite significant retailer and investor interest, the products were discontinued. Later, he explained how Bizzy identified white space for a multi-serve cold brew product and how he sold the concept to retailers, and why he's cautious about revenue derived from Amazon. Brands in this episode: Bizzy Coffee, 5-hour Energy

In this episode, we're joined by Jon Taffer, host of popular reality TV show "Bar Rescue" and the creator of Taffer's Mixologist, a brand of handcrafted cocktail mixes and hard seltzers. Known for his opinionated and often bombastic on-screen personality, Taffer was instead reserved and thoughtful in discussing several timely topics, including how bar owners can persevere in the Covid era and what he views as the elements of a successful brand. He also chronicled the genesis and growth of Taffer's Mixologist, sales of which have surged during the pandemic. Taffer also spoke about the importance of authenticity in leveraging his fame and celebrity and why he's personally involved in buyer meetings and sales visits. Show notes: 1:07: Interview: Jon Taffer, Host/Producer, "Bar Rescue"; Founder, Taffer's Mixologist -- Taffer spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about advice for bar owners and bartenders about how to navigate the Covid-19 crisis and what changes the industry the industry will face in the long-term. He also spoke about the competitive landscape for mixers and hard seltzers and how he set out to differentiate his products via formulation, ingredients and flavors. Later, he explained what he believes to be the best use of his time and resources in building Taffer's Mixologist and how he plans to extend the brand to other categories. Brands in this episode: Taffer's Mixologist

In this week's episode, we're joined by Ashley Rogers, the founder and CEO of Spudsy, a fast-growing brand of sweet potato-based snacks. A serial entrepreneur, Rogers cut her teeth in the food business as the founder of an ahead-of-its-time meal kit company and is also the co-founder of protein-centric food brand Buff Bake. As part of our conversation, Rogers discussed how she has applied lessons from her first two businesses to the development of Spudsy, and spoke about the critical importance of velocity, thoughtful distribution, co-packer relationships and reliable business partners. Show notes: 0:38: The Wind Up And The Pitch, A Coffee Break And Why Trix Are Not For Mike -- The show opened with a reminder about next week's Pitch Slam 8 and New Beverage Showdown 19 competitions and praise for the nearly 200 brands combined that applied. The hosts also discussed elements of the upcoming BevNET and NOSH Virtually Live events, including "investor speed dating," breakout sessions and more. Later, BevNET staff reporter Brad Avery discussed his recent article about how some coffee brands are pivoting during the pandemic and Mike shared some quirky stories about his childhood. 14:06: Interview: Ashley Rogers, Founder/CEO, Spudsy -- Rogers spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about growing up in an entrepreneurial household, how cocktail waitressing in Las Vegas led to the launch of her first company and how identifying white space in the nut butter category led to the development of her second brand, Buff Bake. She also explained why she should have turned down distribution and retail placement for the products, why she has some regret about the brand's name and the dangers of an unreliable production partner. Later, she discussed the inspiration behind Spudsy, the remarkable story about how she found and partnered with a co-packer, why she is more thoughtful about retailer relationships than she had been with Buff Bake and how outsourced staff has supported Spudsy's rapid growth. Brands in this episode: Spudsy, Joyride Coffee, Lean Box LV, Buff Bake, Nuts 'N More, Snowing in Space, Trix

It may sound odd that Justin Baldwin, the founder of the eponymous Justin Winery, once fired himself as its winemaker. But despite being the creator of one of the most lauded wineries in the world, he will be the first to tell you that success isn't about ego. Launched in 1981, the winery has evolved from an undeveloped plot in Paso Robles, Calif. into a global, highly acclaimed brand known for its commitment to premium, food-friendly and accessible wines. A former investment banker, Baldwin built the business literally from the ground up and has worn nearly every hat in the company, from tractor driver to salesman and CEO to brand ambassador. Of course, he had help along the way which he credits , along with a healthy dose of planning and discipline, as a major reason for the company's growth. In an interview included in this episode, Baldwin chronicled the development of his winery and spoke about the importance of leveraging one's skill sets and admitting their weaknesses, mitigating risk through financial discipline and how entrepreneurs can best position their companies for success in good times and bad. Show notes: 1:07: Justin Baldwin, Founder, Justin Winery -- Baldwin spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about the importance of setting goals and establishing metrics for achieving them, what inspired his transition from international banker to winery owner and how he evaluated the opportunity to launch Justin in an area that was unheralded for its wine. He also discussed the number one rule in wine, early missteps, why it's important to accept what you don't know and what you're not good at and what spurs passion in employees. He also explained how he established Justin's core values and why it was important to maintain them throughout the brand's development, achieving necessary margins while maintaining quality and standards, how to please critics (particularly in the wine business), getting through the recession of 2008 and why he decided to sell the company in 2010 and remain with Justin post-sale. Brands in this episode: Justin Wines

If you're a regular BevNET reader, you might recognize Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, co-founders of prebiotic soda brand Poppi, who triumphed in BevNET's New Beverage Showdown 12 competition. Or you might recall them from their 2018 appearance on the reality TV show "Shark Tank," in which they received a $400,000 investment from beverage industry luminary Rohan Oza. In both appearances, the brand was known as Mother Beverage and positioned as a line of sparkling apple cider vinegar drinks. The "Shark Tank" deal elicited additional funding via CAVU Venture Partners, the private equity firm co-founded by Oza, an investment that contributed to the brand revamp. In an interview included in this episode, the Ellsworths spoke about their foray into the beverage industry and lessons learned from their first year in business, one that included the launch and eventual shuttering of a production facility, and how they navigated the revamp. They also discussed how consumer awareness about Poppi's key ingredient has evolved over the years, and how they've maintained their independence and vision for the brand while aligned with influential and experienced strategic partners. Show notes: 0:38: The Answers You're Looking For Might Be Here -- The episode hosts encouraged early-stage entrepreneurs to apply to the upcoming BevNET New Beverage Showdown 19 and NOSH Pitch Slam 8 competitions (deadline is May 29) and spoke about how content in BevNET and NOSH's education platform can help brand owners make informed decisions about their businesses (access is free to subscribers). They also discussed the launch of a new brand of chickpea chips and our Virtually Live event, which will be held on June 23 and 24. 10:49: Allison & Stephen Ellsworth, Co-Founders, Poppi -- The Ellsworths spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about how they first encountered apple cider vinegar and their motivation to leave lucrative careers and launch a beverage brand. They also discussed a gradual shift in how consumers perceive apple cider vinegar, why operating a manufacturing facility provided important lessons on how to manage co-packer relationships, preparing for their appearance on "Shark Tank" and how to tactfully decline advice or recommendations from investors. Later, they explained why they hired a CEO in 2019 and why Stephen reassumed the role earlier this year and how they are navigating an expanding market for better-for-you soda. Brands in this episode: Poppi, Coconut Cartel, Revive Kombucha, Aqua ViTea Kombucha, Ugly Drinks, GT's Kombucha, Humm Kombucha, Peacasa Snacks, Hu Kitchen

In recent years, few trends have impacted the landscape of food and beverage as significantly as that of plant-centric diets. Things were certainly different in 2004, when there were just a handful of brands that focused on and promoted plant-based products. One of those was Vega, an ahead-of-its time brand of protein powders made with vegetable-based ingredients. Brendan Brazier, an endurance athlete and expert in plant-based nutrition, co-founded Vega and was the original formulator of its products. Amid a surge in plant-focused eating habits, Vega became one of the leading brands in the fast-growing business of nutritional powders and bars, and in 2015 the company was acquired by Whitewave Foods for $550 million. Last year, Brazier rekindled his entrepreneurial spirit as the co-founder of Pulp Culture, a first-of-its-kind brand of fermented cold-pressed juices anchored in the emerging business of "better-for-you booze." In an interview included in this episode, Brazier spoke about the roots of his passion for plant-based foods and how it culminated in Vega, why the brand's heavy investment in consumer education paid off, the reason he launched Pulp Culture despite avoiding alcohol for 14 years, how he's drawing upon lessons from building Vega to support the brand's development and his perspective on the evolution of plant-based foods. Show notes: 0:43: Brendan Brazier, Co-Founder, Vega & Pulp Culture -- Brazier sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif for a conversation that explored his background as a professional endurance athlete and why he incorporated plant-based nutrition into his training regimen. He also explained why a flavorful and good tasting product was not an initial focus of Vega, why the company embraced the saying "ignorance is our only competition," and why private equity firm VMG was the right partner for its first round of outside capital. Later, he discussed the creation of Pulp Culture and how he assessed the opportunity for a better-for-you alcoholic beverage, why he implores entrepreneurs to find a co-founder and what he views as the keys to a successful plant-based food brand. Brands in this episode: Vega, Pulp Culture

Let's say that you've created an iconic brand that essentially launched a category and is beloved by millions of loyal consumers. Why would you change anything? That's the question we explored in our interview with GT Dave, the founder and CEO of GT's Living Foods, the maker of GT's Kombucha. The top-selling kombucha brand recently underwent a packaging refresh that tweaked a few elements of its label design and renamed two product sublines as a way to better delineate its offerings. In a conversation included in this episode, Dave spoke about the reasoning behind each change and how his perspective as a category creator impacted the moves. He also spoke about why he's embraced a more public persona and why he's adamant that kombucha should avoid comparisons to soda. Show notes: 0:37: Mike's Quill of Judgment, Tracking Snacking & A Love Letter To Costco -- The episode's hosts spoke about the upcoming BevNET New Beverage Showdown 19 and NOSH Pitch Slam 8 competitions and how interested brands can apply, how some snack brands are adapting to changing times and palates and the elements of a successful virtual sampling event. They also riffed on Melissa's passion for a certain club retailer and a few delectable ice cream and latte products consumed over the past week. 15:05: GT Dave, Founder/CEO, GT's Living Foods -- BevNET CMO Mike Schneider spoke with Dave about the timing of his brand's packaging refresh and what he viewed as significant problems in how consumers perceived and understood each of GT's product lines, along with other brands in the kombucha set. Dave also discussed why he sees parallels in the evolution of the kombucha and craft beer categories, how he originally conceived the naming and design of his products, including the meaning of GT's Synergy line, and why the new look beverages are more deliberate in their description of what's inside the bottle. Later, he explained why he sees himself as "an overprotective parent" when it comes to his brand, incorporating consumer feedback into the refresh and how he's become more comfortable interacting with his customers and the trade, reacting to the provocative "Forbes" profile of him and the educational component of rolling out a new look. Brands in this episode: GT's Kombucha, Health-Ade, MALK, Know Brainer, Beckon Ice Cream, Chosen Foods, Virginia Distilling Co., DiNoci Dairy-Free, Pop & Bottle, Yasso, Vita Coco, Snapple, SoBe, Mountain Dew, Red Bull, White Claw

It's remarkable to hear Miguel Garza, co-founder and CEO of Siete Family Foods, discuss the brand's innovation strategy and how it fits into the company's mission and ethos. Since Siete's launch in 2014, Garza has presided over a sprawling and ever-widening platform of products, including tortillas, taco seasonings, queso dips and enchilada sauces, all of which are plant-based and grain-free. Despite Siete's alignment with two impactful food trends, Garza says that new product development is focused on creating heritage-inspired food that can appeal to a broad range of consumers. That commitment is a cornerstone of Siete's ambitious goal to become a billion-dollar brand, an objective that, given surging sales and a $90 million dollar infusion of capital in 2019, is getting closer to fruition. In an interview included in this episode, Garza expounded upon the principles upon which Siete was founded, including the importance of family in how the company operates and plans for the future and why love is a critical component for any business. Show notes: 0:37: Miguel Garza, Co-Founder & CEO, Siete Family Foods -- Garza joined Taste Radio producer and host Ray Latif for an expansive conversation exploring the Siete CEO's penchant for startling people, how the family-run company embraces its staff, the meaning of the brand name and logo and how he and his siblings work through business disagreements. He also discussed the hallmarks of Siete's product development and innovation strategies, why certain products don't make it to market and how brands can effectively collaborate with retailers on extensions. Later, he explained why revenue isn't the defining metric for Siete to become an iconic brand, how he and Siete shareholders determined that The Stripes Group was the right long-term financial partner and shared his advice for young entrepreneurs and CEOs. Brands in this episode: Siete Family Foods, Annie's, Chobani, Califia Farms, Honest Tea

Joining us in this episode is Jessica Weiss Levison, founder and CEO of Peekaboo Organics, a maker of indulgent organic ice cream infused with "hidden" vegetables. Launched in 2018, Peekaboo drew immediate interest from several national retailers who saw value in the brand's better-for-you positioning. The products, which include chocolate ice cream with hidden cauliflower and a strawberry variety made with carrots, are carried nationwide at Kroger, along with hundreds of Safeway, Whole Foods, and Target locations in select regions. In our conversation, Levison spoke about how she transitioned from a career in law to the ice cream business, addressed the often-asked question about why consumers needs vegetables in their dessert, why building a community around the brand is critical to its retail and funding strategies, and why winning over kids is not as challenging as she expected it to be. Also, a can't miss discussion about how to avoid slotting fees. Show notes: 0:33: Investing In Immunity, Dr. Bunson Honeycraven & A Groundwork For Today -- The hosts encouraged listeners to tune in (and submit questions) to "Office Hours," BevNET's interactive livestream program that is produced on Tuesdays at 3 PM, and spoke about topics from a recent episode including immunity-focused innovation. They also riffed on a couple sparkling water products, why John and Mike could be in a remake of "The Muppet Show," discussed an interesting update with a super-premium coffee brand and reminded folks about the benefits of subscribing to BevNET and NOSH. 13:08: Jessica Weiss Levison, Founder/CEO, Peekaboo Organics -- Levison spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about how getting fired from her job propelled her into entrepreneurship, lessons from her first foray into the ice cream business and the massive benefit from certifying her business as woman-owned. She also discussed her unconventional way of meeting a Target buyer, the challenges formulating Peekaboo products, initial reception to the brand, why a specific demographic "gets" the concept better than others and why she undertook a packaging revamp. Later, she shared her process for fundraising and the big difference between investors that offered capital and those that didn't. Brands in this episode: Peekaboo Organics, Seasons Sparkling, LifeAid, Intent Brands, Ugly Drinks, Cure Hydration, Reese's, Dr Pepper, Simply 7 Snacks, Groundwork Coffee, Halo Top

Despite sustained consumer interest in better-for-you beverages drink options, few companies in the energy space have been able to achieve meaningful scale in a category dominated by a handful of massive brands, such as Red Bull and Monster. A notable exception, however, is GURU, which launched in 1999 and markets a first-of-its-kind organic energy drink. Based in Montreal, GURU is the third best selling energy brand in Quebec, Canada, according to the company. The brand has also established a consistent presence in natural retailers in the U.S., along with a growing business in convenience stores. In an interview included in this episode, GURU CEO Carl Goyette spoke about how a disciplined business strategy has paved the way for sustainable growth, why the company "says no to a lot" of opportunities, and why he believes that having both experience in a corporate environment and a thirst for entrepreneurship have been key to his ability to manage and build the brand. Show notes: 0:38: Carl Goyette, CEO, GURU Organic Energy -- Goyette spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about his family's background in the apple business and how it contributed to his success as a sales leader, and shared advice to those starting at the bottom of the ladder or in middle management about how to get ahead. He also discussed the impact of being first-to-market in the organic energy segment, the reasons that the brand is profitable and cash flow positive, and how the product's positioning has evolved over the years. Later, he explained his belief that GURU can replicate its success in Canada south of the border, why the company has maintained a relatively low marketing and advertising spend and why he's not afraid of taking on the biggest players in the energy category. Brands in this episode: GURU Organic Energy, Red Bull, Rockstar Energy

This week, we're joined by Jamba Dunn, the founder and CEO of Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha. Founded in 2013, Rowdy Mermaid has emerged as the fastest growing brand in the kombucha category, according to SPINS data sourced by the company, and achieved national distribution in 2019. Despite its rapid growth, Rowdy Mermaid, which has deep roots in its backyard of the Rocky Mountains, has long embraced a patient and thoughtful approach to expansion, and, until recently, avoided venture capital funding in favor of independent management and oversight. As part of our conversation, Dunn spoke about how he's reconciled the duality of Rowdy Mermaid's current trajectory and its long-term business strategy, the brand's function-forward approach to formulation and new product development, why he eventually decided to align with a private equity firm and how his role as and definition of CEO has changed over the years. Show notes: 0:34: The Bundesliga Is Coming Back. Brands Are Giving Back. Hardcore Music Never Left. -- The episode opens with most of the hosts expressing excitement at the impending return of German soccer and praise for food and beverage brands lending support to those in need during the crisis. They also chatted about how a heavy metal-themed canned water brand has taken a non-traditional approach to music production and why it's promoting skateboarding in the kitchen. 13:08: Jamba Dunn, Founder/CEO, Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha -- Within an expansive interview with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif, Dunn spoke about the inspiration behind Rowdy Mermaid, the company's shift from a taproom business to a focus on packaged products and how his interest in New Nordic cuisine formed the basis for the brand's ingredient strategy. He also discussed Rowdy Mermaid's gradual expansion beyond the Rocky Mountain region, whether he had to reevaluate the company's mission and value system in the shift from a small to a large company and why he was impressed with investment partner Allen Karp's choice of attire in their first meeting. Later, he spoke about challenges in scaling capacity and output, his clever acronym for "CEO" and his belief that "an entrepreneur is the only person who would work 80 hours a week to keep from working 40." Brands in this episode: Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha, Liquid Death, Upwell Beverages, Little West, Vybes, Better Booch, Vive Organic, Dona, Good Mylk, MUSH, Joolies, Chromatic Coffee, Partners Coffee, Elm Coffee Roasters, Humblemaker Coffee Co., Groundwork Coffee, Harvst, Stonewall Kitchen, TCHO, Fine & Raw, Peekaboo Organics, Argania Butter

Individually, Kyle Busch and Jeff Church have highly accomplished resumes within their respective fields. Busch is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and has been one of the top drivers in the sport for nearly two decades, while Church is a seasoned business executive and beverage entrepreneur, best known for his work as the co-founder and former CEO of cold-pressed juice leader Suja. Together, they comprise a formidable team as the co-founders of Rowdy Energy, an energy drink brand formulated with natural ingredients that launched earlier this year. Named after Busch's sobriquet, Rowdy is attempting to capitalize on a thriving, albeit consolidated, market for energy drinks and growing consumer demand for better-for-you options. In an interview included in this episode, Busch and Church spoke about their decision to launch a challenger brand in the energy category and the timing of Rowdy's debut, leveraging Busch's fame and fan base in a way that's authentic to the brand and its positioning, managing conflict in their personalities and ways of doing business and how Church is incorporating lessons from the Suja playbook into Rowdy's business strategy. Show notes: 0:40: Kyle Busch & Jeff Church, Co-Founders, Rowdy Energy -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif sat down with Busch and Church for a conversation that explored the two-time NASCAR champion's race preparation, his longstanding ties to the energy drink category, how his interest in launching Rowdy led him to Church and why neither was turned off by the naysayers. They also explained why they're embracing a long-term view of success, why Rowdy is targeting millennial and female consumers, the decision to focus on building a brand that's not reliant on Busch's fame and how they collaborate on company strategy. Brands in this episode: Rowdy Energy, Monster Energy, NOS Energy, BodyArmor, AQUAhydrate, Once Upon A Farm

Amid a confluence of demand for healthy, sustainably sourced food and surging interest in e-commerce, online marketplace Bubble finds itself at the center of the bullseye. Launched in January 2019, Bubble promotes itself as "The Most Transparent Food Marketplace." The e-tailer currently represents over 180 brands and over 1,000 products that undergo the "Bubble Approval Process," a rigorous set of standards to ensure that food and beverages sold on the site are made with responsibly sourced and clean ingredients. In an interview included in this episode, Bubble founder and CEO Jessica Young spoke about how she drew upon her experience as a chef and product developer to launch the site, how she assessed opportunities and challenges for the company and thoughtfully communicated each to investors, how Bubble is enhancing visibility and sales for small brands via the platform and what she anticipates as the next evolution of e-commerce. Show notes: 0:36: Retailer And Sampling Strategies For New Brands & New Products -- The episode's hosts opened the show with some banter about intentionally less than tasty jelly beans before discussing top-of-mind topics for entrepreneurs including review cycles for new products and brands amid the current crisis and ways that companies are shifting field marketing resources online. 12:02: Jessica Young, Founder/CEO, Bubble -- Young sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif for an expansive conversation that chronicled of her early work experience, which included roles at Daily Harvest and Chobani Incubator, and spoke about why she chose to launch a retail company as her first foray into entrepreneurship and how she prepared a SWOT analysis for the company. Later, she discussed Bubble's target consumer, the most effective ways to market and promote the site, how the company is keeping up with COVID-19-driven demand and how perishable products will play into its future. Brands in this episode: Jelly Belly, Drink Simple, Lily's, Haven's Kitchen, Cleveland Kitchen, High Brew Coffee, Revive Kombucha, Better Booch, Spudsy, Soylent, Hu Kitchen, Daily Harvest, Sky High Farm

Pat LaFrieda, the CEO of renowned meat brand Pat LaFrieda's, wasn't supposed to be in this position. Growing up, his father, Patrick, Sr., forbade him from joining the family's decades old meat packing business and urged his son to be anything but a butcher. Following an unsatisfying stint in investment banking, LaFrieda eventually convinced his dad to let him join the company as a partner in 1994. Since taking the reins, he's built Pat LaFrieda's into a sprawling empire that supplies meat to some of the country's most revered restaurants, venues and chains, including Shake Shake, whose burger patty was developed by LaFrieda himself. The company pulls in a reported $200 million in annual sales and in recent years has developed fast-growing retail and e-commerce businesses, both of which have helped it weather a massive downturn in the restaurant industry caused by the COVID-19 crisis. In an interview included in this episode, LaFrieda spoke about how he grew a small business with five employees and 40 customers into one that now boasts over 1,000 foodservice and retail customers. As part of our conversation, he discussed his definition of quality and how it fits into the company's evolution, why "relationships are everything" in business, his vision for the future of Pat LaFrieda's and his surprising opinion about plant-based meat products. Show notes: 0:36: Pat LaFrieda, CEO, Pat LaFrieda Meat Purveyors -- LaFrieda spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about the history of his family's company, his desire to work for the business, maintaining the company's tradition of supplying high quality meat to its customers, how the brand's processing methods separate it from competitors and how he developed the company's relationship with Shake Shack. He also discussed how featuring the brand's name on restaurant menus helped Pat LaFrieda's become a household name, the development of the company's retail business, the most important aspects of his long standing relationships with chefs and restaurants, why rebuilding the restaurant industry is of primary importance for the future of Pat LaFrieda's and why he's a been a proponent and distributor of plant-based meat for years. Brands in this episode: Pat LaFrieda's, Shake Shack, Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat

Lee Robinson, the director of dairy and beverage for Whole Foods Market, joined us this week for an expansive and highly informative interview focused on how entrepreneurs can build strong and long-lasting relationships with retail buyers. A longtime veteran and key decision maker at the natural retail giant, Robinson held a variety of positions at Whole Foods before taking on his current role in September 2017. Within our conversation, Robinson discussed best practices for engaging with retail buyers, why he urges entrepreneurs to be transparent about their business and innovation strategies and how he evaluates disruptive concepts. He also offered his perspective on the future of plant-based food and shared advice on how new brand owners should set expectations for buyer communication and meetings amid the current crisis. Show notes: 0:33: "Office Hours" Debuts Next Week. Plus, We Have Advice on Advisors -- The episode's host riffed on the relative value of household paper, discussed the upcoming launch of BevNET's new "Office Hours" call-in program and shared their perspectives on how to build an advisory team. They also chatted about new lines of protein and keto bars, Mike's new food crush and a line of functional shots that are keeping Ray elevated. 20:05: Lee Robinson, Director - Dairy & Beverage, Whole Foods Market -- Robinson opened up with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about his career with Whole Foods and how a stint working with sporting goods chain ? expanded his perspective on business and marketing. He also discussed Whole Foods' process for reviewing new brands and products, how to tactfully decline a retailer request and why vulnerability is key when navigating the terms of a successful relationship. Robinson also offered advice on how brands can take advantage of local retail programs and formulate their channel strategy and why some branding and packaging missteps are more forgivable than others. Brands in this episode: Over Easy, Battle Bars, Farmhouse Culture, Buddha Brands, Biena, Athletic Brewing Co., Z&Z, Honey Mama's, Teaonic, Oatly

Once bitten, the entrepreneurial bug is hard to shake. That was the case for Annie Chun and Steve Broad, who after together building one of the most successful ethnic food brands in America, set their sights on disrupting the snack category. As the co-founders of Annie Chun's, a brand of Asian-inspired noodle bowls, soup bowls, sauces and snacks, Chun and Broad grew sales to $15 million annually before selling the company in 2009 to South Korea-based CJ Foods. Three years later, they saw an opportunity to adapt a traditional Korean snack for an American audience and launched gimMe, a brand of dried organic seaweed snacks. Committed to sourcing sustainably grown organic seaweed, gimMe helped pioneer a new segment of Asian-centric better-for-you brands in the snack aisle and has established itself as the leading company in the burgeoning space. In an interview included in this episode, Chun and Broad spoke about the origins of Annie Chun's and its evolution from selling at farmer's market to gaining national distribution at grocery stores. They also discussed how they have incorporated lessons from their past experience into gimMe and why they continually evaluate the brand's positioning. Show notes: 0:49: Annie Chun & Steve Broad, Co-Founders, Annie Chun's/gimMe Snacks -- In a call with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif, Chun and Broad chronicled the development of Annie Chun's from concept to brand, how a focus on familiar flavors supported the products on shelf and why the brand benefited from a confluence of consumer demand for natural and specialty food. They also explained why many of the company's early decisions were "driven by survival," their approach to innovation and evolution of the brand's product line and why operational efficiency is critical to achieve sustainable margins. Later, they discussed the origins of gimMe Snacks, why they launched with seaweed snacks, why they believed they were "too confident," how they communicate the key selling points of the brand and the importance of "discovering new experiences for the consumer." Brands in this episode: Annie Chun's, gimMe Snacks, Smartwater, Vitaminwater

In this episode, we sat down with Ashley Thompson, co-founder and CEO of MUSH, an innovative brand of ready-to-eat oats. Soaked overnight in dairy-free milk and packaged in single-serve containers with a built-in spoon, MUSH launched at Whole Foods in 2015 and has since expanded distribution to natural, conventional and club retailers nationwide. Just five years since its debut, MUSH pulls in over $20 million in sales annually, according to the company. As part of our conversation, Thompson spoke about her background prior to launching MUSH and what motivated her and co-founder Kat Thomas to innovate within the oatmeal category. She also discussed why she set out to create a "best for you" product, why she likes having a "polarizing" brand name, how she prepared for her first meeting at Whole Foods and why the company has pivoted from being "product first" to "team first." Show notes: 1:04: Subscribe, #Schwarzeneggerstyle & PR Strategy -- The episode opens with a discussion about BevNET's new model, which provides subscribers with access to exceptional content and benefits -- learn more and sign up here -- and a recap of our recent edition of Elevator Talk Livestream, which featured actor, investor and advisor Patrick Schwarzenegger as a guest host. The show's hosts also explored ways that entrepreneurs and brand executives can enhance their relationships with public relations firms. 14:57: Ashley Thompson, Co-Founder/CEO, MUSH -- Thompson spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about her transition from the financial service industry to CPG, why she set out to "reinvent the way people think about oatmeal," and how the company addresses challenges in marketing and merchandising an innovative concept. She also discussed how MUSH is evolving its pricing and packaging to meet the needs of more consumers, why she struggled initially with handing over the reins to certain aspects of the business and why she's "a firm believer that what got us here won't get us there." Brands in this episode: MUSH, Kitu Life, MALK, Blaze Pizza, Battle Bars, Cloud Water, Fronun, PathWater, Bantam Bagels, Ramona, Califia Farms

It's one of the world's most respected whiskey brands, but early into the development of Jefferson's Bourbon, founder Trey Zoeller could hardly give away his products. Launched in 1997, Jefferson's was one of just a handful of super premium bourbon brands on the market. Although it would take years before consumers began to embrace high quality, small-batch whiskey, Zoeller gradually emerged as one of the industry's most innovative and forward thinking entrepreneurs, having introduced novel and highly experimental methods for maturing bourbon. A prime example is Jefferson's flagship expression, which is aged at sea and exposed to temperature fluctuations, producing a complex flavor profile. In 2006, Jefferson's was acquired by sales and marketing firm Castle Brands, which in turn was acquired by spirits conglomerate Pernod Ricard last year. Today, the brand sells over 100,000 cases annually of its small batch bourbon and rye whiskey and Zoeller maintains his stewardship as the label's Chief Strategist. In an interview featured in this episode, Zoeller spoke about navigating an evolving whiskey category, initial criticism of Jefferson's approach to innovation, balancing consumer demand for diversity and predictably and whether he has any regrets about selling the company prior to the bourbon boom of the past decade. Show notes: 1:09: Trey Zoeller, Founder, Jefferson's Bourbon -- Zoeller spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about how time away from his home state of Kentucky framed the initial vision for Jefferson's, how consumer appreciation and demand for bourbon has evolved over the past two decades, how he determined his highest value in the company and why he doesn't consider himself a distiller. He also explained why he'll "never create a brand or an expression out of a boardroom," why he's encouraged about the future of Jefferson's under the Pernod Ricard umbrella and whether he plans to launch another bourbon or spirit company. Brands in this episode: Jefferson's Bourbon, Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Maker's Mark, Jack Daniel's, Macallan

In this episode, we're joined by Jordan Salcito, founder of Ramona, a fast-growing brand of canned wine and wine spritzes. Following high-profile roles as the sommelier at acclaimed restaurant Eleven Madison Park and as the wine director at David Chang's Momofuku, Salcito launched Ramona in September 2016. Lauded by critics and consumers for its striking package design and commitment to high quality organic ingredients and sustainable production methods, Ramona is distributed nationwide at Whole Foods along with independent retail chains and restaurants across the U.S. As part of our interview, Salcito spoke about the origins of her passion for wine and the inspiration for Ramona, why she identified cans as the ideal package type, why she's not prescriptive about how and when people should drink the products and how cultivating industry relationships prior to the brand's launch was critical to its fast start. Show notes: 0:33: Cupcakes, Meal Kits & What To Ask Consumers Post-Sale -- The show opened with Ray discussing a sweeter than usual start to his mornings, and Mike and Melissa praising two better-for-you snack brands. The episode's hosts also responded to three questions posed by listeners this week, including ones about crafting consumer surveys for post-DTC sales and how brands can align with corporate gift programs and meal kit companies. 12:27: Jordan Salcito, Founder/CEO, Ramona -- Taste Radio editor/producer Ray Latif spoke with Salcito about why she named the brand Ramona, how she fell in love with fine dining and parlayed her experience into a career in wine and how restaurateur David Chang played a pivotal role in the decision to launch her own brand. She also discussed why "the vision for Ramona was never the can" even though that's how the brand is visually defined, understanding the reasons that consumers buy the products, communicating values on packaging and what's next for the company. Brands in this episode: Ramona, Belgian Boys, Pillsbury, Project 7, Quinn's Snacks, Al Chapino, Blue Apron, Purple Carrot, Sunday Provisions, ButcherBox, Starbucks

Bagels and cream cheese is a classic pairing. Bantam Bagels co-founders Nick and Elyse Oleksek created an innovative way for folks to skip the prep work: a mini ball-shaped bagel filled with the traditional accoutrement. Launched as a retail concept in 2013, Bantam Bagels has since evolved into a sprawling platform brand that includes mini stuffed pancakes and egg bites. The products are sold at major retailers, including Safeway, Target and Costco, and are also available in Starbucks pastry cases nationwide. Despite selling their company to Lancaster Colony subsidiary T. Marzetti for $34 million in October 2018. the Oleksaks remain at the helm of day-to-day operations and say their passion and commitment to the brand is as strong as ever. In an interview included in this episode, the Olekseks spoke about their transition from Wall Street analysts to bagel entrepreneurs, the role that the TV pitch competition "Shark Tank" had on the brand's genesis and its development, how they assessed opportunities to scale the brand and why they said "yes" to everything. They also explained why cold-emailing works and how to do it effectively, why investing in PR has been crucial to the brand's success and why the timing was right to sell the company. Show notes: 0:44: Nick & Elyse Oleksak, Co-Founders, Bantam Bagels -- The Oleksaks spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif and offered an eye-popping estimate of how many mini bagels they've produced over the years, discussed the notion that entrepreneurs only work for themselves, how they validated the concept and why scaling beyond their home market of New York City required a significant investment in marketing and PR. They also discussed their process for finding a co-manufacturer, how QVC became Bantam Bagels first wholesale partner, why "fake it till you make it" doesn't hold water "unless you deliver on what you're promising," the remarkable story about how they initially connected with a Starbucks buyer and how they proved their value and commitment to the coffee giant. Later, the Oleksaks explained why they have no regrets about selling 25% of the company to "Shark Tank" judge Lori Greiner and how they identified T. Marzetti as the right acquisition partner. Brands in this episode: Bantam Bagels

This week, we're joined by Ethan Hirshberg, the founder and CEO of Ethan's, a brand of organic wellness shots formulated with functional ingredients, including apple cider vinegar, MCT oil and green tea. Launched in 2017, the brand debuted at Whole Foods locations nationwide and has since added distribution at chain retailers in a variety of channels, including Wegmans, Walmart and Sprouts. In an interview included in this episode, Hirshberg, whose father is Stonyfield Farm co-founder Gary Hirshberg, spoke about why launching Ethan's was about "solving a program," the importance of "being nimble responsibly" and why the company is "maniacally obsessed with customer feedback." He also discussed how core values are incorporated into the brand's products and communicated to consumers and what he views as Ethan's biggest advantage over larger and more established competitors. Show notes: 0:37: Ray Needs A Flowbee. Perhaps It Will Arrive In His Virtual Mailbag? -- The hosts riffed on Ray's tousled hair and review and respond to questions posed by listeners over the past week, including ones about funding, CBD, ingredient suppliers and field marketing. They also reflected on an old AT&T ad, chatted about a few upstart brands, including a zaatar company and encouraged the audience to continue sending in questions and suggestions for content. 10:51: Ethan Hirshberg, Founder/CEO, Ethan's -- Hirshberg spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about growing up in the food and beverage industry, lessons learned from father and other mentors and his experience working at coconut-based food and beverage company Harmless Harvest. He also discussed the company's relationship with Whole Foods, why the company decided to focus on shots and how the past two years have been primarily about frequent and fast iteration and tweaking. Later, he explained the importance and hierarchy of its core values of organic, glass and functionality, how Ethan's educates consumers about usage and drinking occasions and how the company evaluates opportunities to innovate. Brands in this episode: Ethan's, G&Juice, Brewpub Jerky, Wake Up Water, Z&Z