Taste Radio
653 episodes - English - Latest episode: 20 days ago - ★★★★★ - 193 ratingsThe top podcast for anyone building a business in food or beverage, BevNET’s Taste Radio features interviews with the leaders and rising stars of our fast-evolving industry. The shows also include discussion on emerging trends, innovation and news of the week from our regular cadre of hosts from the BevNET and NOSH teams.
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Episodes
A Trendy Retailer May Have Run Its Race, But There’s Still Road Ahead
April 05, 2024 15:45 - 27 minutes - 37.8 MBWhat happens when a small, but influential, retailer unexpectedly closes all of its stores? What’s the impact on suppliers? What does its closure say about the trends it embraced? The hosts share their thoughts on Boisson’s surprising shutdown. They also test out an innovative countertop machine that produces on-demand plant-based milk and highlight a motley crew of RTD beverages (including a tomato-flavored tea and pistachio milk latte) as well as an upstart brand of samosa inspired by Cari...
How Momofuku’s ‘Objection’ Helped It Generate $50M In Sales
April 02, 2024 15:00 - 38 minutes - 52.4 MBMarguerite Zabar Mariscal is rarely satisfied. It’s not in her DNA, she says, nor that of the companies she helms: Momofuku, the admired restaurant group founded by David Chang, and Momofuku Goods, a brand of restaurant-quality pantry items inspired by modern Asian cuisine. Marguerite, who took the reins of Momofuku in 2019 and co-founded its consumer brand the same year, describes the companies’ opposition to complacency as “a conscientious objection” that has fueled constant improvement....
Bonus Content - April Fools, Allulose and Alternatives to Ozempic
April 01, 2024 17:00 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBIn this special presentation of our sister show, CPG Week by BevNET and Nosh, host and Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous tests reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard to see if they can tell the difference between real CPG items and prank products that have shown up in marketing campaigns over the years and the group discusses how allulose is being talked about as “nature’s GLP-1.”
When Hype Engulfs An Entire Industry, What Are The Lessons?
March 29, 2024 17:00 - 36 minutes - 49.8 MBFive years ago, seemingly every food and beverage brand was incorporating CBD into its innovation strategy. Of course, that’s no longer the case. What generated the hype, and what lessons can be drawn from CBD’s rapid rise? The hosts discuss. They also sip and snack their way through an unusual mix of products, including hot dog water (!), crispy beef jerky, candy-flavored coffee and “lox in a box.” Show notes: 0:35: Build A Birdhouse. No Habla Anything. Jacqui Got NIL. Leprechauns Are ...
Patagonia’s CEO Shares The Playbook On Preservation & Provisions
March 26, 2024 17:30 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MBIt’s not everyday that you get an opportunity to sit down with the CEO of one of the most influential companies in the world, so when given the chance to speak with Ryan Gellert, who has helmed pioneering outdoor apparel and gear company Patagonia since 2020, we jumped at it. We met Ryan at Natural Products Expo West 2024, where he was on hand to help promote and speak about Patagonia Provisions, a company division formed in 2012 that markets responsibly-sourced food and beverages, includi...
The Innovation You May Have Overlooked At Expo West
March 22, 2024 17:00 - 29 minutes - 40 MBExpo West 2024 remains top of mind for the hosts, who discuss how attendees’ perception of innovation and their evaluation of new products has evolved in recent editions of the annual event. They also speak about how a confluence of global flavors and convenient, clean label foods and beverages is a positive sign for the industry as a whole. Show notes: 0:35: Cognitive Jamon. Expo Trollin’. Call Congress. MENA-Licious. Taco Bell Coffee? Paneer Pops. - On location in Barcelona, Ray chats...
This Simple Mantra Is At The Core Of RIND’s $25M Success Story
March 19, 2024 15:00 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBWhen RIND Snacks debuted in 2018, founder and CEO Matt Weiss won plaudits for creating an innovative and eye-catching brand of upcycled fruit snacks. Six years later, the New York-based entrepreneur is being lauded for transforming RIND into a vertically integrated healthy snack platform. Industry acclaim is nice, but Matt will say that his primary focus is to create lasting value for his company, shareholders and consumers. Last month, RIND, which markets dried fruit snacks and fruit and ...
Our First Round Of Faves From A Fabulous Expo West 2024
March 16, 2024 17:27 - 30 minutes - 41.6 MBAnd, breathe... having combed the cavernous halls of a gargantuan Natural Products Expo West 2024, the hosts had plenty to discuss. From innovative new products and fast-growing categories, to trendy ingredients and exhibitor enthusiasm, this episode provides their first recap of an incredible event. 0:35: We’re By The Pool, But Never Touch The Water – The BevNET Airbnb is a fine, if imperfect, venue for the recording. The hosts resist close talkers and agree that Ray sounds like Sting (we...
Kyle Cooke, Loverboy & The Reality Of Building A Lifestyle Brand
March 12, 2024 15:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBThe cultural relevance of reality TV stars is typically short-lived. Kyle Cooke, however, is playing the long game. Best known as a cast member on Bravo's popular television series "Summer House," Kyle is also the founder of Loverboy, a fast-growing brand of premium sparkling hard teas, spritzes and canned cocktails launched in 2018. Loverboy is prominently featured on “Summer House” as it has throughout the show’s past five seasons during which Kyle has given viewers an inside look into t...
Why Isn’t Big CPG Acquiring More Better-For-You Brands?
March 08, 2024 16:00 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MBA recent Forbes article sparks the hosts’ passionate discussion about the role that food and beverage conglomerates should play in the health and wellness of American consumers, both now and in the future. They also opine on whether JuneShine’s acquisition of Flying Embers is good for the hard kombucha category, chat about Expo West preparation and highlight a handful of new spicy, sweet and savory snacks and libations. Show notes: 0:35: Super Random. Unofficially Ready. A Majority Stak...
Why Jay Shetty Revels In The Uncertainty Of Entrepreneurship
March 05, 2024 16:45 - 44 minutes - 60.7 MBFormer monk. Wellness influencer. Podcaster. Beverage entrepreneur. Jay Shetty, who is one of the most well-known and respected names in the field of self-improvement, is all of those things. But it’s an emphasis on purpose – in everything he does – that best defines him. Jay is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, including “Think Like a Monk,” and host of On Purpose, one of the most popular podcasts in the U.S. He’s known as a life coach to the stars, praised by the like...
When (And Why) New Is Better Than The Original
March 01, 2024 17:30 - 32 minutes - 45.1 MBLegacy brands are hard to replace. Consumers trust these products, often because flavor, texture and mouthfeel are known and reliable. And, yet, they’ve also shown an increasing willingness to swap familiar snacks and libations with those that are lower in calories or sugar and promoted as better-for-you. That dynamic is becoming even more significant among natural and organic brands that have developed products that taste remarkably similar to – and, in some cases, better than – the familia...
‘When You Try To Quantify The Magic, That’s When It Stops.’
February 27, 2024 02:51 - 38 minutes - 53 MBAn innovative brand of high-protein, low-carb and vegan ramen, immi defines disruption. Known for its neon-yellow branding and unconventional social marketing, immi launched in 2021 and has developed a loyal community of consumers who view it as a healthier option than traditional ramen. Available in six varieties, immi is currently sold in over 2,000 retail locations nationally, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, HEB, The Fresh Market and Wegmans. Immi has pulled in nearly $14 million in out...
‘Shrooms, Magic & Otherwise, Are On The Rise. Plus, What's BarTrending?
February 23, 2024 17:00 - 54 minutes - 75.7 MBMushrooms are having more than a moment. But how far can fungi go? The hosts discuss the potential for “magic” and functional forms of the trendy ingredient. They also riff on a prediction that cannabis drinks could be “the most common weed consumption method in the next 5-10 years,” deride overly enthusiastic terms on LinkedIn and Instagram, and share their respective takes on snacking pasta and Ritz “White.” We also feature an interview with Amy Racine, the beverage director for New Yor...
If Gatekeepers Move The Goalposts, Sharpen Your Aim
February 20, 2024 16:00 - 23 minutes - 32.1 MBIf it feels like you’re navigating constant shifts in how retailer buyers measure traction and determine metrics for success, you’re not alone. Jason Burke, for one, has been wrestling with the issue for years. Jason is the founder of The New Primal, a better-for-you meat snack brand that debuted in 2013, and also sauce and seasoning brand Noble Made, which launched in 2023. The New Primal is best known for its 100% grass-fed beef sticks, along with all-natural chicken and turkey varieties...
Poppi May Get A $1 Billion Exit. But What About Profit, Purpose?
February 16, 2024 16:00 - 50 minutes - 70.1 MBOn the heels of its well-received Super Bowl ad, Poppi is getting a lot of attention. According to a report in Bloomberg, the mid-calorie, prebiotic soda brand is rumored to be an acquisition target, a topic the hosts discussed in the episode. They also chatted about Coke’s new Gen Z/TikTok-inspired “Tears Of Joy” soda, a trio of “loaded” cereals and meat sticks inspired by ancestral lifestyles, among other recently launched products. This episode also includes an interview with Ross Ivers...
He's Raised $440M, But Viraj Puri Remains Grounded In Mission
February 13, 2024 19:45 - 24 minutes - 33.3 MB“The more things change, the more they stay the same” would be an apt slogan for indoor farming pioneer Gotham Greens. Launched in 2011, the New York-based company operates a nationwide network of 13 high-tech hydroponic greenhouses and markets premium, hyper-local leafy greens, herbs, salad dressings, dips and cooking sauces. The products are sold at over 3,000 retail stores including Whole Foods, Kroger, Albertsons, Sprouts and The Fresh Market. According to the company, Gotham Greens...
Starbucks, Sriracha & Space Are Trending. We Have Questions.
February 09, 2024 16:30 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MBHas Starbucks slipped on its own slick innovation? Why are spice-obsessed millennials grumbling about Huy Fong’s famous sriracha? And is space a new frontier for food and beverage? The hosts shared their thoughts, opined on the food selection in a $2.5 million Super Bowl suite and sampled several innovative and new products including nacho-inspired chocolate, nitro-infused cinnamon tea and a sea moss-based chocolate pudding. Show notes: 0:35: No Sun S.D. Yo, TCHO! Mike Is Stuntin’. Lots...
Why Verde Farms' ‘Simple’ Strategy Is So Effective
February 06, 2024 16:00 - 30 minutes - 41.5 MBAt one point during our conversation, Verde Farms CEO Brad Johnson expressed the simple, powerful value proposition that the organic, grass-fed beef brand offers to modern consumers. “We’re simply taking away all of the bad things that a broken food system introduced… to give you the purest version of something you already love.” That ethos has helped make Verde Farms into the leading U.S. provider of USDA certified organic, 100% grass-fed and 100% free-range beef, offering ground beef, ...
Bonus Content: An Exit Interview with Naomi Neville of Allagash Brewing
February 05, 2024 19:00 - 1 hour - 104 MBIn this special presentation of our sister show, the Brewbound Podcast, Naomi Neville, who is departing Allagash Brewing after 14 years of leading and building its sales team, shares her experience with the brand, reflects on the last decade-plus of craft and dishes on where she sees the segment going and what’s next for her.
Forget Sexy. Be Incrementally Better. And Balance Your 'P's.
February 02, 2024 16:30 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBIn food and beverage, innovative brands often get the most attention. Novel ingredients, formulations and flavors draw crowds. And, yet, products that are positioned as incrementally better-for-you than existing options might have more runway over the long-term. The hosts discussed the topic in this episode, which highlights several new products and brand extensions launched in recent weeks. This episode also features a conversation with Good Culture co-founder and CEO Jesse Merrill and St...
‘The Next Chobani’? How Good Culture Is Claiming The Future.
January 30, 2024 16:00 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MBTen years ago, few believed that an upstart brand could revolutionize the sleepy category of cottage cheese, and, by extension, dairy-based foods as a whole. Good Culture co-founder Jesse Merrill was part of that small cohort, and his steadfast belief that consumers want better-for-you and better tasting options in the dairy case defines his company, one some have described as “the next Chobani.” Launched in 2015, Good Culture markets a variety of cultured dairy products, including its fla...
Bonus Content - From Startup to Scale – How to Achieve Exponential Growth in CPG
January 29, 2024 19:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBIn this special presentation of our sister show, BevNET & NOSH’s Community Call, industry veteran Arnulfo Ventura shares his winning blueprint for achieving exponential growth in CPG. Discover the tactics to propelling growth and strategically positioning a brand for acquisition.
Gen Z's ‘Natural’ Power Is Vast & An Early Take On Expo West
January 26, 2024 17:30 - 31 minutes - 43.9 MBHas “organic” lost its sheen? Based on Nielsen IQ data presented by Whipstitch Capital’s Nick McCoy, it would appear so. A veteran food and beverage investment banker, McCoy spoke at a recent event in Vail, Colorado hosted by private equity firm Manna Tree. As part of a presentation on deal flow and trends in the natural products industry, he revealed a shift of the most important product attributes for consumers of natural brands, and how Gen Z and Alpha’s current spending patterns can in...
When Straightforward Business Advice Isn't What You’d Expect
January 23, 2024 16:00 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MBBy his own admission, Will Nitze doesn’t give great advice. His nearly 41,000 Linkedin followers, however, likely have a different opinion. Will cut his teeth in CPG in 2017 when he launched IQBAR, a pioneering brand of protein bars infused with adaptogenic ingredients that are said to improve cognitive function. The company has since created a portfolio of brain health-centric product lines, including zero–sugar hydration powders and instant mushroom coffee. IQBAR is carried in over 10,00...
The Avoidable $1 Million Mistake & How Ponyboy Won A Showdown
January 19, 2024 18:15 - 50 minutes - 69.6 MBTrademarks are important. Just ask MrBeast. The hosts discussed how a permanent injunction against the YouTuber’s Feastables brand could have been avoided. They also spoke about the impact of Uber’s shocking decision to shut down alcohol delivery service Drizly, a notable take on ultra-processed food, and the divide between those that crunch beer mints and those who don’t. Yes, beer mints. This episode also features an interview with Mike and Janell Bass, the co-founders of Ponyboy Slings,...
He Convinced A CPG Giant To Invest… Pre-Launch. Here's How.
January 16, 2024 16:00 - 29 minutes - 41.2 MBWhat compelled Diageo, one of the largest CPG companies in the world, to invest in non-alcoholic spirit brand Ritual Zero Proof, which at the time of the funding deal was pre-launch and operating in a nascent category? The short answer is that it gave them — and, more importantly, their consumers — options. Launched in 2019, Ritual Zero Proof is a brand of non-alcoholic spirits crafted from natural botanicals and designed to mimic the flavor and burn of a classic spirit. The brand markets ...
Does Anyone Do Instagram & TikTok Better Than These Brands?
January 12, 2024 17:53 - 31 minutes - 43.3 MBIt’s often said that compelling social media content is one of the most cost-effective forms of marketing for consumer brands. But the volume of videos and images posted daily on popular social platforms like Instagram and TikTok makes it challenging to capture users’ attention. In this episode, the hosts highlighted brands who create consistently authentic and entertaining content as a way to break through the clutter and develop a sustainable connection with their audiences. Show notes: ...
Why Selling Her Company Was The Right - If Unpopular - Decision
January 09, 2024 16:00 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MBWhen an entrepreneur sells their company, it’s usually a cause for celebration. But when Alix Peabody, the founder of pioneering canned wine brand Bev, sold her company to global wine and spirits conglomerate E & J Gallo, she knew that not everyone would be cheering. Launched in 2017, Bev is known for its chic label design, better-for-you positioning and promotion of “empowerment and inclusivity in beverage and beyond.” E & J Gallo obtained exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Bev in Feb...
Will Target’s ‘Dry’ Bet Pay Off? Plus, A Convo With CraftCo.
January 05, 2024 18:45 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBWhen Target embraces emerging categories, we take notice. The hosts discussed the retailer’s new curated endcaps of non-alcoholic cocktails and wine and what it means for the nascent set of zero-proof beverages. They also spoke about why Nosh is broadening its coverage (and tapped a new leader to helm the vertical) and how a fast-growing hydration brand and popular sparkling water company have each taken a bigger-is-better approach to their packaging, This episode also features an intervi...
The Visionaries & Disruptors Leading A New Paradigm For Food & Beverage
January 02, 2024 16:00 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MBThis special edition of the podcast features highlights from interviews with seven founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the second half of 2023. Our guests include John Fieldly, the chairman and CEO of Celsius; Maya Kaimal, the founder and chief creative officer of Maya Kaimal Foods; Dan Aykroyd, the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka; Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, the co-Founders of Juliet; Tom Colicchio, a partner with Colicchio Kitchen; and Chris H...
Will White Claw 0% Dethrone Liquid Death? We Reflect & Predict.
December 29, 2023 15:30 - 29 minutes - 40.1 MBWhat can BevNET and NOSH’s most-read news stories of 2023 inform us about the coming year? The hosts reflected on the sites’ top viewed articles from the past 12 months – including White Claw’s upcoming launch of a non-alcoholic line, the Erewhon NYC pop-up that never was and controversy over a kratom-infused shot brand – and what impact the news may have on trends, innovation and emerging categories in 2024. Show notes: 0:35: B-Ball Brad. Mainstreaming Ultra. Who’s Gonna Drink That? Co...
East Imperial’s Secret Weapon? A Consistent, Disciplined Emphasis On This.
December 26, 2023 17:30 - 33 minutes - 45.6 MBTony Burt has seen the light. But he’s rarely swayed by it. Burt is the founder and CEO of East Imperial, a New Zealand-based brand of upscale mixers inspired by a 1903 recipe for tonic water and made using natural and sustainably sourced ingredients. The brand markets several varieties of tonic water along with a grapefruit soda, ginger beer, ginger ale, soda water, lemonade and kola. A globally distributed brand, East Imperial is specifically focused on the on-premise channel. Its prod...
Buy Or Sell? We’re Split On The Potential For These Concepts.
December 22, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 83.9 MBA $900 million M&A deal was a top talking point for the hosts, who also highlighted a $40 million private equity fund focused on investment in emerging brands and opined on both trendy concepts and those of cultural significance. This episode also features an interview with culinary expert and product developer Henry Hill, who is drawing on his experience as a Michelin-starred chef and beverage entrepreneur to help modern brands optimize flavor and texture. Show notes: 0:35: Doritos ...
How Deux’s Mastery Of Social Media Vaulted It Into The Big Time
December 19, 2023 00:31 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBDeux’s first three years in business reads like a case study on how to build an emerging brand: cultivate a community of loyal and engaged consumers who advocate for and frequently buy your products, and leverage DTC success to land distribution at national retailers. Leading with the tagline “the snacks you love with the ingredients you deserve,” Deux (pronounced DOUGH) markets refrigerated cookie dough, dessert spreads and donut holes, all of which are enhanced with functional nutrients ...
What’s So Great About PRIME? Plus, The Collab That Shattered The Internet.
December 15, 2023 16:30 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBPRIME is a phenomenon. In the two years since its launch, the hydration and energy drink brand has risen to become a major player in both beverage categories and is generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. What makes it so special? The hosts unpacked PRIME’s appeal and remarkable success. They also discussed a head-scratching-yet-spectacular collaboration between Doritos and a Copenhagen-based spirit company, highlighted key details to include in investor pitches and featured a...
Yes, Call It A Comeback. Why Innovation Is Key To Rudi’s Revival.
December 12, 2023 17:30 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBThey say that everyone loves a good comeback story. Rudi’s is writing the first chapter of a new one. Founded in 1976, the Colorado-based brand markets organic and gluten free breads, including sourdough loaves, English muffins, wraps and buns, and has fostered a loyal consumer following at natural and conventional retailers including Whole Market and Kroger. In 2014, natural foods company Hain Celestial acquired Rudi’s from private equity firm Charterhouse Equity Partners for $61.3 mil...
They Came. They Pitched. They Won.
December 07, 2023 22:11 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBIn the midst of our Winter 2023 events, the hosts highlighted the brands that triumphed in the NOSH Pitch Slam along with BevNET’s Cocktail Showdown and New Beverage Showdown. They also spoke about the palpable energy and enthusiasm at the events and why a new generation of THC-infused beverages indicates a promising future for cannabis drinks. 0:35: What Day Is It? Connections Aplenty. A Sitar Under The Stars. — Ray and the team spoke about their first week in Marina Del Rey, the events’ ...
How Jimbo’s Became One Of The Most Admired Retailers In The U.S.
December 05, 2023 17:30 - 44 minutes - 61.1 MBIt’s doubtful that Jimbo Someck would ever characterize himself as an influencer, but it’s an apt description given his passionate and effective advocacy for organic and natural foods over the past five decades. Someck is the founder of organic-centric grocery chain Jimbo’s, which operates four locations in the San Diego area. He opened his first store in 1984 and has long been a prominent figure in the development of the natural food industry. Jimbo’s standards for selling high-quality ...
C-Stores Of The Future Unite, And We Munch Together
December 01, 2023 15:08 - 22 minutes - 31.6 MBThe hosts discussed a planned merger between upscale corner store retailers Foxtrot Market and Dom's Kitchen & Market, munched on international snack brands and recalled a time when BevNET briefly entered the bar business. 0:35: Review And We Shall Drape Thee. You Got Two Days. We Have The Munchies. – Ray reminded listeners of the value that comes with reviewing Taste Radio on Apple Podcasts, and the hosts collectively urged folks not to miss out on BevNET and Brewbound Live. They also ref...
How Maya Kaimal Stayed On Track Even When A Misstep Almost Derailed Her Brand
November 28, 2023 19:00 - 38 minutes - 53 MBIn the two decades since launching her eponymous Indian-inspired food brand, Maya Kaimal has introduced zesty simmer sauces, spicy rice dishes and piquant condiments to millions of Americans. And while she achieved a level of scale and success that few thought possible, there were also challenging times, like when she faced the prospect of bankruptcy and selling her house. A former photo editor for Saveur magazine, Kaimal started Maya Kaimal Foods in 2003 behind the belief that Indian cuis...
A Spicy, If Unexpected, Deal. Plus, Sweet Treats And MUD.
November 24, 2023 23:55 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBIt’s not often that a high-profile investment deal is announced just before a major holiday, but we got lucky this week. After discussing the news that Kim Kardashian’s private equity firm SKYY Partners has invested in upscale condiment brand TRUFF, the hosts munched on a new brand of cookies launched by popular Twitch streamer Pokimane and dove into a growing pool of caffeine-free energy drinks. Show notes: 0:35: For Future Reference… Congrats, Nicks (& Kim). Skillet Sweet. Nog & Nitro....
Step One To Winning A Gold Rush? Do This, Straightaway.
November 21, 2023 16:45 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MBTrendy food and beverage categories often elicit a gold rush. The nascent market for ready-to-drink cocktails, in which new brands are launched seemingly every day, has sparked the latest one. Cy Cain, the co-founder and CEO of Portland, Oregon-based Straightaway Cocktails, praises growing interest and demand for bottled and canned cocktails, but he believes that “there will always be a flight to quality.” Indeed, the brand’s prioritization of premium ingredients and blending methods conti...
Bonus Content - Ozempic’s Effect on Bev-Alc Consumption
November 21, 2023 01:30 - 49 minutes - 68.3 MBIn this special presentation of our sister show, the Brewbound Podcast, Bernstein Autonomous analysts Nadine Sarwat and Trevor Stirling share what they know so far about Ozempic, Wegovy and other diet/diabetes drugs’ effect on alcoholic beverage consumption.
How Can ChatGPT Help CPG? Plus, Is This The Best Revamp Of 2023?
November 17, 2023 16:30 - 25 minutes - 35.3 MBWe’ve all seen the cute, clever and occasionally terrifying images created using ChatGPT and other AI generators. But can CPG companies utilize these apps in a meaningful way? The hosts discussed potential ways that AI might help make certain processes more efficient. They also spoke about why a food brand’s recent packaging revamp is excellent in every way and riffed on a spicy and sporty LTO. Show notes: 0:35: Street Fighter Showdown. 18 Brands, Two Winners. Colin Brings Us Fried Food...
How Koia Charted A Path To $200 Million In Annual Sales
November 14, 2023 17:30 - 49 minutes - 68.5 MBIt’s rare for a single independent consumer brand to generate $100 million in annual revenue. Chris Hunter has built two of them. Hunter is the co-founder and CEO of plant-based beverage company Koia, a maker of refrigerated vegan protein shakes and smoothies that are sold nationwide at retailers including Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, Sprouts, Publix, Kroger and Safeway. Last month, Koia added another major retail partner: Starbucks. The brand’s Vanilla Bean and Cacao Bean protein shakes are ...
You Have Their Attention. But How Do You Keep It?
November 10, 2023 19:30 - 29 minutes - 40.1 MBHow do you hold someone’s interest after an initial interaction? What motivates them to stay connected with you and your company? Three weeks before BevNET’s winter events kick off in Marina Del Rey, the hosts discussed ways that entrepreneurs can optimize meetings with investors and retailers and how to amplify their message to the industry at large. Show notes: 0:43: A Host And Three Judges. Agendas And Attendees. Cupcakes Of The Pizza Variety. Pickle Everything. – The hosts chatted ab...
Why Bloom Is Booming On TikTok And Winning At Target & Walmart
November 07, 2023 16:30 - 53 minutes - 73.3 MBMari Llewellyn's personal wellness journey, highlighted by a remarkable 90-pound weight loss, brought her online fame and sparked the creation of her wellness brand, Bloom Nutrition. But it’s Bloom’s consumers who have been fanning its flames in recent years, evangelizing about the products’ impact on their own journeys to better health and wellbeing. Founded in 2019, Bloom debuted as a direct-to-consumer brand of pre-workout powders and has since evolved into an omnichannel supplement com...
From Apples To Ayrloom, How A Cannabis Boom Is Changing CPG
November 02, 2023 19:59 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBWhy is a century-old apple orchard and cider company betting big on the future of cannabis? Eddie Brennan, the fifth-generation owner of New York-based Beak & Skiff, discussed its foray and continued investment into the cultivation of cannabis and production of THC-infused drinks. The company built and operates a 20,000 sq. ft manufacturing and co-packing facility dedicated to the cannabis beverages, one that Brennan described as the largest on the East Coast. Also in this episode: the hos...
Expand Your ‘Luck Surface Area.’ It Helped Austin Cocktails Land Big-Time Partners.
October 30, 2023 23:36 - 43 minutes - 60 MBThe adage “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” is often quoted by successful entrepreneurs. And it would stand to reason that the more opportunities you have, the luckier you’ll be. But how do you best position yourself to create more moments, chances and meetings that might change the trajectory of your business? Austin Cocktails co-founders Kelly Gasink and Jill Burns, who founded the brand in 2012 and helped usher in a new era for premium RTD cocktails, say that the...