Taste Radio

A recent Linkedin post penned by an executive of online distribution platform Pod Foods ignited a passionate discussion about the limited routes to market for emerging brands and whether things might be changing for the better… or worse. Taste Radio's hosts have their say on the matter. Show notes: 0:35: JacquIC. Mayor Melissa. Peter's Post. Call Her Sir. Church Beer. Hydrate, Then Hike. – Jacqui...

Straight talk can be hard to come by. Speak with Taylor Foxman, however, and the veteran beverage executive and industry advisor will give you the unvarnished truth, or, as she does in this episode, declare something an outright falsehood. Taylor has over a decade of experience in beverage alcohol and beyond, having worked for globally recognized wine, beer and spirit companies including Pernod Ri...

The hosts welcome NOSH managing editor Monica Watrous to the show as they discuss Mars' $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, including key takeaways from the deal, its impact on the food industry and why it may spur a flow of M&A activity among entrepreneurial companies.  Show notes: 0:35: Ripple Effect. Bread Certified. Yu Try That New Brew? Cold Kelce. Meet Tha Kids. – Ray and Mike are OOO, so...

It's not a stretch to say that Olipop has altered the beverage landscape.  Co-founded by industry veterans Ben Goodwin and David Lester in 2018, Olipop pioneered the breakout category of functional, low-calorie soda and has become one of the fastest growing drink brands in recent memory.  The company is expected to generate $500 million in revenue this year and its products are sold in over 35,000...

Prior to the announcement of Mars' $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, the hosts discussed the possibility of a major M&A deal, one that could create a domino effect for some CPG brands. They also opined on the future of NA bottle shops, munch on ramen-flavored snacks and sip on banana cream soda. Show notes: 0:35: Hoodie Jinx. Junk Food, Part Deux. Fung Wah. An Ambient Future. NA & THC. — It's...

Michael Preysman turned heads in 2011 when he launched pioneering DTC apparel brand Everlane. With his latest venture â€" Magna, a brand of sports wellness powders infused with magnesium â€" he has once again captured the attention of many, particularly those in the beverage industry. In 2022, Michael stepped down as Everlane CEO and took a new role as the company's executive chair and climate lea...

A promising brand shut its doors this week, and its founder claimed that a confluence of factors led to its demise. Taste Radio's hosts, however, wonder if the company's problems stemmed from a single simple issue. They also riff on the ubiquity of "brat summer," toss Twinkies and pop bottles of the NA variety. Show notes: 0:35: Pump Up The Jam. Dude Dad x Rizzberry. Kelp Burgers. Pasta Snacks, Pt...

Upon its much hyped debut in 2019, Recess was dubbed by the press as "the Lacroix of CBD." Founder and CEO Ben Witte has always preferred a different tagline: "the Red Bull of relaxation." CBD was the fuel for Recess' hot start, but when the beverage industry cooled on the cannabinoid — the result of a challenging regulatory environment — the company turned to another trendy ingredient: magnesium....

Does the announcement of a new $135 million fund offer any indication about the flow of new capital in food and beverage? The hosts discuss and also highlight a Poppi-infused snack, Walgreens' private label prowess and some "notable" folks. This episode features an interview with five entrepreneurs, including the founders of Little Spoon, Four Sigmatic and O2, who are drawing upon their extensive...

It's one of the fastest growing natural food brands in recent years, but better-for-you snack maker LesserEvil still has plenty of room to scale. Literally. The vertically integrated company just opened its second production facility in its home state of Connecticut, one it views as the next step towards expansion into mainstream retailers. Best known for its organic popcorn and identified by the...

There's high praise, some head-scratching and outright dismay in this innovation-centric episode of Taste Radio. Among the highlights: an upstart labneh brand and a Gen Z-inspired line of better-for-you soda. Less appealing: a corporation's commodification of ethnic foods and global flavors. Show notes: 0:25: It Sounds Phishy. Mike Gets A Treat. No Cap. A Tiny Moment. Oh, Ben. Spicy Bread. – Mike...

When Miguel Leal and his co-founders launched the modern Mexican food brand Somos Foods in 2021, they believed they were introducing a "Goya for millennials." It turns out that Somos was more suited to be a "Rao's for all consumers." Miguel is the CEO of Somos Foods, which he founded with Kind Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky and Rodrigo Zuloaga, who, like Miguel, is a former Kind executive. Somos m...

Sweet. Savory. Celeb. The hosts check all the boxes in an episode that looks at how consumers evaluate authenticity between brands and celebrity endorsers. We also feature an interview with Stephanie Reda, the director of brand development for fast growing snack and seltzer brand Hal's New York. Stephanie outlines the history of Hal's and discusses the brand's retail and distribution strategy. She...

How does a 156-year-old business continually evolve to meet the needs and palates of modern consumers? It's a question that Amy Guittard, the CMO and fifth-generation owner of Guittard Chocolate, often thinks about. Based in the Bay Area, Guittard is a family-owned and operated chocolate company founded in 1868. Guittard's primary business is as a supplier of premium chocolate to some of the world...

It's a "buy or sell" episode as the hosts opine about the future of online grocery shopping, fish sticks, and whether kombucha can recapture some of its magic (and sales). They also discuss Athletic Brewing Co.'s recent $50 million financing round and highlight a few fizzy and spicy new products. Show notes: 0:25: Boatin'. No Stage In S.D. M&Athletic. Bruised Peaches. White(fish) Space. Hops For B...

During our conversation with Simon Ford, the co-founder of revered spirit brand Fords Gin, he recited an adage that could be inscribed on the walls of any successful company: "People don't do business with brands, they do business with people." He's lived by the maxim throughout a 20-plus year career that includes experience in wine retail, bartending, spirits marketing, and, of course, entreprene...

In a bursting-at-the-seams episode of Taste Radio, the hosts reflect and ruminate on Lionel Messi's Prime-killer, "condiment couture," Boisson-bashing and sausage salvation. They also get vitaminwater vibes from a brand's recent revamp and highlight a handful of new beverages, including a sparkling tea and a decaf espresso martini. Show notes: 0:25: Taste No Raydio. Fashion Meets Catsup? Wet & Mas...

This special edition of the podcast highlights interviews with six founders, creators and innovators who joined us on Taste Radio during the first half of 2024. Our guests include Chamberlain Coffee founder Emma Chamberlain; Elizabeth Banks and Marian Leitner, co-owners of Archer Roose; Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert; Alix Peabody, founder of Bev; Jay Shetty, co-founder of Juni; and Super Bowl champio...

Why are some concepts that were once derided as too esoteric for mainstream consumers now viewed as cutting edge and trendy? The hosts discuss the topic during their recap of the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show and also highlight rooibos-based drinks, a "breakfast martini" and THC powders. Show notes: 0:25: An Irish "Beer Factory." One-Day Sprint. Spicy Flights. Generation-Neutral. FUQ BOI? Breakfast...

Nicole Dawes isn't the kind of CEO that operates from behind a desk.  Throughout her career, Nicole, the founder of Late July Organic Snacks and Nixie Beverage Co., has consistently stressed the importance of building brands at the store level. Being in the field yields critical information about how products are performing on shelf, she says, and also strengthens relationships with retail buyers...

On the heels of BevNET Live Summer 2024, the hosts revisit the final round of the New Beverage Showdown and explain why evaluating emerging brands at different stages of development can be challenging. They also highlight a handful of new products and talk about the influx of saucy condiments. Show notes: 0:25: Five-Zero. Zig Zag. Candy Toilets. Melissa x Guy Fieri. Hot & Saucy.  — Melissa recount...

Forbes once described Jean-Charles Boisset as "The James Bond of Wine," a title befitting of the Frenchman, who embodies elegance and sophistication. But at his core, Jean-Charles is fond of nourishing others and sharing his passion for high-quality beverage and food with anyone he encounters. Jean-Charles and his sister Nathalie lead the current generation of his family's business, Boisset Collec...

Frank Sinatra famously crooned "if I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere." The "there," of course, is New York City.  The Big Apple was the backdrop for BevNET Live Summer 2024, held on June 12 and 13. Taste Radio's hosts met with founders and executives from dozens of emerging and innovative beverage brands represented at the annual event, including those that participated in BevNET's signat...

The New York Times recently hailed Graza's "sizzle" variety as "the best all around olive oil that you can buy in a store." It's the latest high-profile praise for the brand, which launched in 2022 and is beloved for its chef-inspired, squeezable green bottles. While acclaim for Graza has become commonplace, its popularity among influencers has led some to mock it as "the Instagram olive oil."  Oc...

It's rare for a five-month-old CPG brand to be featured in the checkout aisles of one of the world's largest retailers. But Katie Lefkowitz, the founder and CEO of Harken Sweets, an upstart brand of plant-based, better-for-you candy bars, made it happen. Prior to launching Harken, Katie was the chief operating officer of Caulipower, helping the cauliflower-centric brand generate $100 million in sa...