Taste Radio

When 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 February 2021 and acquired the company last June.

At the time, Peabody hailed “Gallo’s values and commitment to women and diversity in the industry [as] exemplary of the exact change we aim to create.” It seemed like an ideal partnership, but Peabody quickly found herself isolated from many of her closest friends, co-workers and advisors who were unhappy with her decision to sell Bev.

In this episode, Peabody chronicled the three years leading up to Bev’s acquisition, how she analyzed the timing and opportunity to sell the company, and the surprising fallout with confidants. She also reflected on how taking a brief respite to focus on her mental health impacted perceptions of her as a leader and Bev’s ability to land new investment, and talked about a potential return to entrepreneurship.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Alix Peabody, Founder, Bev – Peabody and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif recalled their first conversation in 2019, before the entrepreneur spoke about her recent travels and why she returned to Instagram after a self-imposed, months-long hiatus. She also discussed Gallo’s interest in acquiring Bev, and why her reluctance to raise millions in new funding was a key factor in her decision to sell, which was also impacted by the challenge of separating her personal and professional relationships. Peabody also talked about the loneliness of entrepreneurship, how a two-month work break to address stress and anxiety yielded a surprising reaction by some colleagues and why she believes that the “best friend you can always rely on should be no one but yourself.”

Brands in this episode: Bev

When 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 interview with Will Fabry, the master distiller for CraftCo, a Michigan-based portfolio company that owns several acclaimed spirit brands, including  Jos. A. Magnus and Fox & Oden. Fabry spoke about CraftCo’s distilling philosophy, how it operates at the intersection of production, consumer demand and pricing, and how he attempts to improve upon and become more proficient in his role.

Show notes:

0:40: More Green Juice & THC. LinkedIn Loves Monica. A ‘Perfect’ Upgrade. Kids + Tuna… Hmmm. – The hosts shared their thoughts on healthy habits for 2024 and chatted about Nosh’s expanded lens and the warm reception online for its new managing editor, Monica Watrous. They also spoke about Lemon Perfect’s move to a larger bottle and Spindrift’s similar shift, why they're not convinced that a tuna company’s attempt to woo kids will work and a sports drink brand’s new line of better-you-sodas.

28:24: Interview: Will Fabry, Master Distiller, CraftCo – A 20-plus year veteran of the culinary industry, Fabry joined CraftCo in 2018. In our conversation, he spoke about the impact of Michigan’s climate in how the company’s spirits are finished, how he and his team are consistently meeting the high expectations that consumers have come to expect from CraftCo brands, and how he managed Covid-driven supply chain challenges.

Brands in this episode: Trader Joe’s, Evolution Fresh, Pressed Juicery, Biena, The Good Crisp, Lesser Evil, Lemon Perfect, Spindrift, De Soi, Ghia, Kin Euphorics, Surely, Nooma, Coppercraft, Jos. A. Magnus, Fox & Oden

This 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 Hunter, the co-founder and CEO of Koia.

Show notes:

0:31: Interview: John Fieldly, Chairman and CEO, Celsius – Let’s kick things off with John Fieldly, the chairman and CEO of fast-growing energy drink brand Celsius. In this clip, pulled from an episode published on September 19, John spoke about how financial discipline is embedded in company culture, why ambition is key to maintaining the brand’s momentum and how he navigates disagreements with investors and shareholders.

9:57: Interview: Maya Kaimal, Founder, Maya Kaimal Foods – Next up we have Maya Kaimal, the founder and chief creative officer of Maya Kaimal Foods, a groundbreaking brand of Indian-inspired sauces, condiments and ready-to-eat dishes. In a clip pulled from an episode featured on November 28, Maya explained how the company operates and innovates at the intersection of data, trends and retailer needs, how she aligned with an investor that could support her vision, and what she’s learned about hiring the right – and wrong – people.

20:36: Interview: Dan Aykroyd, Co-Founder, Crystal Head Vodka – Let’s keep it going with actor, comedian and entrepreneur Dan Aykroyd, the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka, an ultra-premium spirit brand identified by its distinctive skull-shaped bottle. In this clip, from our episode published on August 22, Dan spoke about what makes him an effective salesman and why he believes that his celebrity has a limited impact on the brand’s past and future.

25:44: Interview: Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, Co-Founders, Juliet – Next we have Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, the co-founders of Juliet, a premium brand of multiserve wine encased in an innovative cylindrical container. In the following clip, pulled from an episode published on August 1, Allison and Lauren explained why developing a unique package was central to the planning process, and discussed their challenging, but ultimately correct, decision to change package designers.

31:29: Interview: Tom Colicchio, Partner, Colicchio Kitchen – We continue with renowned chef, restaurateur and “Top Chef” judge Tom Colicchio, who is also a partner with premium sauce and condiment brand Colicchio Kitchen. In this clip, pulled from an episode aired on July 18, Tom spoke about how he defines “good food” and why he’s hesitant about adding an ethnic-themed line. 

35:57: Interview: Chris Hunter, Co-Founder/CEO, Koia – Finally, we hear from Chris Hunter, the co-founder and CEO of plant-based beverage company Koia. In the following clip, pulled from an episode published on November 14, Chris spoke about the importance of setting goals in both his personal life and in business, the company’s first month of profitability and why he warns entrepreneurs about short-term trends within the investment community.

Brands in this episode: Celsius, Maya Kaimal Foods, Crystal Head Vodka, Juliet, Colicchio Kitchen, Koia

What 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? Controversial Kratom. – Mike’s quick break from his soccer-themed brunch inspired us to learn more about Brad’s lifetime Celtics’ fandom. The hosts spoke about a news story that is featured in two of NOSH’s top 10 most read articles of 2023 before kicking the tires on White Claw 0%, who will be the likely consumers of the beverage and whether its arrival will be a boon to the emerging market for alcohol-alternative drinks. They also discussed the launch of a new entrepreneur-led venture fund, and the controversy surrounding the functional ingredient kratom and how a high-profile lawsuit is shaping its future.

Brands in this episode: White Claw, Aura Bora, Liquid Death, Luna Bay, Per Se, Ghia, Melati, Bonbuz, De Soi, Calexo, Drippy, Magic Cactus, Vital Proteins, Koia, Skinny Pop, Birch Benders, Cooper Spirits, Sweet Leaf Tea, Perfect Snacks, Feel Free

Tony 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 products are featured at world renowned cocktail bars, restaurants and hotels that align with its premium positioning. The company is in the midst of major expansion in the U.S., and despite vast retail opportunities available in the market, Tony is adamant that East Imperial maintains its focus on high-end hospitality.

While the allure, spotlight and potential windfall revenue associated with distribution at major retail and restaurant chains are compelling, Burt notes that at the heart of East Imperial’s business strategy is a consistent and disciplined emphasis on the brand’s core values.

In this episode, Burt spoke about the origins of East Imperial and his journey from advertising executive to  beverage entrepreneur. He also explained how the company holds the line on pricing and positioning, identifies ideal placement for its products and why it is agnostic about strategic partnerships.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Tony Burt, Founder & CEO, East Imperial – In Sweden for the holiday season, Burt spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about his roots in the advertising business and how his experience informed him about trends, innovation and entrepreneurship, how he identified an opportunity in the super-premium tier of the mixer category and why East Imperial is primarily focus on the hospitality channel. He also explained why maintaining focus and discipline is a constant challenge, why rejecting some big distribution opportunities has helped the brand stay on track and how maintaining a consistent pricing strategy has helped the brand maintain its cachet.

Brands in this episode: East Imperial

A $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 Divide Us. It Makes Sense. Kit Kat Is Number One? “Dry” Bottle Shops & Grimace. – The hosts chatted about a discontinued coffee soda brand before the Newton-based crew sampled the recently announced Empirical x Doritos Nacho Cheese spirit. Reviews were decidedly mixed. They also commented on Chobani’s acquisition of La Colombe and the news that Austin-based Springdale Ventures closed on its second fund, while voicing skepticism about a poll on America’s favorite holiday candy. Later, the team introduced a new segment in which they debated the runway and relevance of food and beverage-related concepts (such as non-alcoholic spirits, a well-known McDonald’s character and cultivated meat) before chatting about new products in the office and sipping on a magnum bottle of zero-proof wine.

31:45: Interview: Henry Hill, Founder, Hill’s Research Kitchen –  Henry Hill is a chef and former beverage entrepreneur turned product developer for the food and beverage industry. The founder of Hill’s Research Kitchen, Henry is tapping his experience – which ranges from working at world-renowned restaurants to commercializing a coffee soda–  to help both emerging and established companies develop new products that can resonate with modern consumers. Our conversation, recorded at NOSH Live Winter 2023, takes a deep dive into his journey and how he is applying insights gained from years in the kitchen along with those on a bottling line to create unique sensorial experiences in new food and beverage products.

Brands in this episode: Doritos, Empirical, Chobani, La Colombe, Better Booch, KOS, Mr. Beast’s Feastables, BEATBOX, GOODLES, KitKat, Kinder, Rollin Greens, Kolonne Null, Wize Tea, Shonen Soda

Deux’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 and vitamins and contain no preservatives nor artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners.

Founder Sabeena Ladha launched Deux in November 2020 with the aim of giving consumers “good for you” options in traditionally unhealthy food categories. Deux’s positioning, striking package design and appeal among social media influencers helped the brand establish awareness and elicit trial among its target consumer base, that of millennial and Gen Z females. In 2021, the brand landed a spot on reality TV show “Shark Tank” and although Ladha didn’t come away with a deal, Deux’s appearance on national television bolstered its following and online sales.

Deux has since picked up retail placement at over 1,200 stores, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, The Fresh Market and Target. While a majority of the brand’s revenue comes from DTC business, Sabeena expects brick-and-mortar retail to become the primary driver of Deux sales in 2024.

In this episode, Ladha spoke about how her prior work experience helped give the a better-for-you sweets brand a head start, why Deux promotes indulgence first and foremost, how the collaborative nature of its social media and influencer strategy has benefited trial, awareness and innovation, and how she navigates the challenge of managing three product lines. 

Show notes:

0:42: Interview: Sabeena Ladha, Founder & CEO, Deux – Ladha spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about Deux’s recent collaboration with Jumbo Time Wines, why she feels like she has “an unfair advantage over other entrepreneurs,” takeaways from her time working at Frito-Lay and how she identified white space for a better-for-you functional and refrigerated cookie dough. She also explained why being hyper focused on Deux’s target consumers helps clarify business strategy, and shared specific details about its highly effective influencer strategy, including budgeting and contracts. Ladha also discussed her role in social media and consistent presence in posts and the complexity in giving each of Deux’s product lines the time and resources they need to thrive.

Brands in this episode: Deux, Jumbo Time Wines

PRIME 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 handful of new products, including a delightful Girl Scout cookie-inspired snack.

Show notes:

0:35: The New Vitaminwater. “Weird Booze” Tasting. Unsolicited Advice For The GSOA. Hey, Babe. Advent, Evolved. – The hosts pulled back the curtain on why BevNET chose Prime as its 2023 brand of the year and why John sees parallels between it and vitaminwater. They also wondered about the pairing of a sophisticated spirit brand and one often described as “junk food,” praised NOSH’s pitch slam finalists and sipped on a secret matcha-infused cream liqueur. The Newton team also snacked on chocolate mint-flavored mini waffle cones, while Jacqui showcased her favorite new advent calendar and set the stage for an on-location Taste Radio recording.

Brands in this episode: PRIME, vitaminwater, Bodyarmor, Omsom, Fly By Jing, Empirical, Doritos, Four Loko, Koia, Chubby Snacks, Fishwife, Slim Jim, Tito’s, Glenrothes, Tostitos, Lay’s, Once Upon A Farm, Annie’s, Lentiful, Zwita, Fair & Square, Lexington Bakes, Confusion Snacks, Maazah, Muddy Bites, Babe Kombucha, Evolved, Hoplark

They 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 million. At the time, Rudi’s generated nearly $85 million in annual retail sales, according to published reports. Unfortunately, brand sales and distribution regressed under new ownership. By May 2020, revenue was down to $35 million while ACV in the natural channel, which had been at 98%, plunged into the 30s. That month, Hain unloaded Rudi’s to Mayfair Equity Partners, which incorporated the brand into its Promise Gluten Free bakery business.

Over the next two years, Rudi’s saw two CEOs arrive and depart, but in October 2022 Mayfair enlisted board member Jane Miller, who previously led the brand from 2008 to 2014, to helm the company. Rudi's also tapped experienced food and beverage executive Adam Hertel as chief sales officer.

Their plan to breathe new life into Rudi’s has evolved over the past year and came with the realization that sales and distribution couldn’t return to 2014 levels without a significant shift in strategy and investment in innovation. In this episode, Miller and Hertel explained how they identified the most pressing issues at Rudi’s and detailed its close working relationships with its retail partners to develop new products, including Texas toast and breakfast sandwiches.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Jane Miller, CEO & Adam Hertel, Chief Sales Officer, Rudi's – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Miller and Hertel at NOSH Live Winter 2023 about their respective paths to Rudi’s, how they incorporated market research and consumer trends into the company’s innovation strategy and how they factor timing and retailer resets into new product development and what gave them confidence to play in new categories. They also discussed how Gen Z and Alpha consumers fit into Rudi’s business strategy and brand positioning as a whole, why “95 percent vs. 99 percent certainty” is a rule they abide by and whether they advocate for team members to have an entrepreneurial mindset or prefer for ideation and strategy to be generated by leadership.

Brands in this episode: Rudi’s Bakery, Jimmy Dean, Uncrustables

In 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’ new venue and attendees’ praise of plentiful networking opportunities and retailer meetings. They also discussed the quality of brands participating in the BevNET and NOSH competitions and how Calexo’s victory in the New Beverage Showdown reflects strategic companies’ evolving perspective on cannabis drinks.

Brands in this episode: Lentiful, Confusion Snacks, Zwita, Lexington Bakes, Maazah, Calexo, Magic Cactus, Ponyboy Slings, Mission Craft Cocktails, Fresh Fizz, Good Spirits Cocktails, Fast Penny Spirits, DIO Cocktails, Tif's Spiked, Fresh Fizz Sodas, BTL SVC, Mason Dixie Foods

It’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 and nutritious food have consistently won the chain plaudits and admirers. Meanwhile, its embrace of nascent and innovative concepts has earned it a reputation as a proving ground for disruptive food and beverage brands.

In this episode, Someck chronicled the origins of his interest in organic food and the development of his grocery chain, how Jimbo’s evaluates novel ideas and products and how he leverages his influence to promote values that he is passionate about, including regenerative agriculture.

0:43: Jimbo Someck, Founder, Jimbo’s – Someck spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about Jimbo’s overarching mission and “bill of rights,” the evolution of the natural/organic food and beverage industry, how Jimbo's curates its selection amid growing demand for affordable and accessible organic food and his perspective on plant-based meat and alternatives to animal-based protein.

Brands in this episode: 

The 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 reflected on Foxtrot/Dom’s deal, heaped love on LOVO (and some shade on KitKat) and went to town on a fresh box from Munchpak, a subscription-based brand that delivers monthly boxes of international candy and snacks.

Brands in this episode: Just Ice Tea, Lovo Chocolate, Kit Kat, Fanta, Keogh’s, Pipers, Gra Nuts, Slush Puppies

In 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 cuisine needed new context. Her vision was to make accessible and easy to use products for creating flavorful and healthy Indian food at home.

In its early days, the brand scored wins at specialty retailers in metro New York and later at Whole Foods stores across the U.S. In subsequent years, Maya Kaimal Foods pivoted from refrigerated to shelf-stable formulations and built a robust innovation pipeline that helped the brand gain distribution at thousands of new retail locations nationwide, including Safeway, Albertsons, Costco and Target. Throughout the process, however, Kaimal noted that there were many unexpected challenges and missteps, including some that in retrospect could have been avoided.

In this episode, Kaimal explained how focusing on placement in the perimeter of the store supported consumer education early into the brand’s development; how the company operates and innovates at the intersection of data, trends and retailer needs; aligning with an investor that should support her vision; and what she’s learned about hiring the right – and wrong – people.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Maya Kaimal, Founder, Maya Kaimal Foods – Kaimal spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about how both Julia Child and her parents influenced her passion for cooking, how she cut her teeth in food by writing a cookbook and how getting laid off in 2002 launched her into entrepreneurship. She also explained how relationships with retail buyers gave her a foot in the door, why she was adamant that the brand’s first products needed to be refrigerated (and how it benefited its merchandising strategy), and how she addressed questions about the scale and potential with investors. Maya also spoke about why innovation is “an ongoing conversation” and focused on “meeting people where they are,” how she identified North Castle Partners as the right fit for a strategic partner and why entrepreneurs should look from within their community to fill leadership roles.

Brands in this episode: Maya Kaimal

It’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. – On the cusp on Thanksgiving, the hosts chatted about Turkey Trots,PRs and John chugging gravy before turning to topics like Kim Kardashian’s acquisition of “a significant minority stake” in TRUFF, how a gluten-free skillet cookie became a studio favorite and whether good egg nog is bad a couple days after the expiration date. They also spoke at length about a new brand of cookies (and somehow avoided the controversy surrounding it), praised a new Straightaway SKU and hailed Jacqui’s attempts to minimize coffee consumption.

Brands in this episode: TRUFF, Tofurky, Wholly Gluten Free, MOSH, Super Coffee, Simulate, Verb Energy, Myna, Mud\WTR, Straightaway Cocktails, Clover Sonoma

Trendy 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 continues to pay off. 

Launched in 2018, Straightaway produces a range of RTD cocktails crafted to replicate bar quality libations. The company also markets ACCOMPANi, Straightaway’s sister brand of liqueurs, amari and vermouth. The award-winning products are available in 48 states through its e-commerce platform, Whole Foods stores and select locations of regional chains New Seasons and Market of Choice.

In this episode, Cain spoke about how years of preparation prior to launching Straightaway gave the brand a strong foundation on which to build, why passion and opportunity equally drive the business forward and how he assesses a broader opportunity to reach consumers in other beverage alcohol categories.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Cy Cain, Co-Founder & CEO, Straightaway Cocktails - Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Cain about Straightaway’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, how “honoring the craft” and collaboration is driving the city’s CPG scene, and the brand’s partnership with Alaska Airlines. Cain also discussed how his background in the coffee industry impacted and informed his decision to launch a cocktail company, Straightaway’s roots as an underground brand, how early learnings influenced its development and why “balance is everything” is key to its formulation strategy. He also explained how an analysis of consumer behavior and growing demand for high-quality cocktails led to his belief that standardization of batched cocktails would be a viable, and potentially thriving, business. The conversation further touches on growth drivers for the RTD cocktail category and why he sees it challenging beer and wine in the coming years, why strategic companies entering the space is a good thing and the reason he describes Straightaway as both a “first-wave” and “third-wave” brand.

Brands in this episode: Straightaway Cocktails, Starbucks, Salt & Straw, Stumptown Coffee, Steven Smith Teamaker, Jacobsen Salt, Tazo, Stash Tea

In 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.

We’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. More THC. – Ray showed up in a suit and ready for battle in John’s latest opus, Jacqui offered keen advice on how to leverage AI when working on a new label design and the hosts congratulated the participants in BevNET and NOSH’s upcoming brand competitions. They also chatted about Dr. Pepper’s new “Hot Take” variety and why spice is underutilized in beverages, munched on pickle chips and jalapeno poppers prepared by super colleague Colin (who briefly joined them on the mics) and discussed Feel Good Foods’ packaging overhaul along with a few new products.

Brands in this episode: Fair & Square, LEXINGTON BAKES, Maazah, Lentiful, Confusion Snacks, Zwita, Calexo, Nutcase Milk, Fang, Mixoloshe, adapt superwater, Joie Energy, Troov, Plant Press, MAGIC CACTUS, Sly, Erva Brew Co., Spade, Feel Good Foods, Harmless Harvest, Joia, Sipp, Hint, Eggo, Pop-Tart, Aura Bora, Tempo, Luv Yuzu Lite, Dr. Pepper, Yo Mama's Foods

It’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 now available in the coffee chain’s coveted cold cases. The addition of Starbucks adds approximately 9,000 stores to the brand's existing presence in more than 25,000 retail doors.  

Having crossed the $100 million threshold this year, Koia is on “a clear path to $200 million” in annual sales over the next two years, according to company president Mike Woolard. Hunter, who co-founded Koia in 2016 and also co-created and helmed controversial malternative brand Four Loko, is quick to praise his team for Koia’s growth trajectory and highlighted its ability to navigate a rapidly evolving industry. 

In this episode, Hunter spoke about the importance of setting goals in both his personal life and in business, lessons from an aggressive retail strategy early into the brand’s development, why self-manufacturing is key to profitability and the company’s future, and how to optimize the roles of celebrity partners.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Chris Hunter, Co-Founder/CEO, Koia – Hunter spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about why Koia’s distribution at Starbucks is an example of perseverance paying off, how setting specific goals has benefited his personal life and why he was eager to expand distribution of Koia beyond the natural channel. He also spoke about the company's first month of profitability, why Koia shifted to a vertically integrated business model and how trends fit into its innovation strategy and the development of a new cereal-inspired line.

Brands in this episode: Koia, Four Loko

How 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 about their respective roles in the four brand competitions at BevNET’s winter events and highlighted the shows’ agendas and attendee lists. They also munched on Pizza Cupcakes (yes, it’s a thing) and spoke about how the brand has differentiated itself from traditional counterparts, why pickle-flavored LTOs are coming out of the woodwork and how Jacqui is doubling down on functional mushrooms.

Brands in this episode: My Mochi, Heinz, JP Licks, Grillo’s, South 40 Snack Co., Spritz Society, KIND Snacks, Sip Herbals, Rasa, Mud/Wtr, Om Mushroom, Four Sigmatic

Mari 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 company, anchored by its popular Greens & Superfoods products. The brand is bolstered by a thriving social media presence: Mari routinely touts products to her 1.5 million Instagram followers, while Bloom itself has 427,000 followers on the platform and over 660,000 on TikTok.

Bloom had been solely focused on e-commerce until October 2022 when the brand landed its first retail partnership by entering over 600 Target locations. Just four months later, Walmart added its products to nearly 1,800 of its stores. After a year on shelf, Bloom is one of the highest turning brands in its category at Target according to co-founder Greg LaVecchia, who credited Bloom’s social media prowess for driving sales and velocity.

In this episode, Llewellyn and LaVecchia spoke about the company’s roots and how its marketing strategy has gradually shifted away from an emphasis on her personal story to one of “letting the creators create.” They also discussed how they measure the return on its investment in social media, why hiring young talent has been key to success on TikTok and how they’ve supported Bloom’s relationships with Target and Walmart.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Mari Llewellyn and Greg LaVecchia, Co-Founders, Bloom Nutrition – Llewellyn and LaVecchia spoke about their “Pursuit of Wellness” podcast, the differences between their respective offices and coffee consumption before Llewellyn discussed how a dramatic shift in health habits led to her becoming an influential figure in the wellness community. They also explained how they developed a popular brand of resistance bands and takeaways from its success, where they saw an opportunity to innovate in the supplement category, the reason that Bloom aligns with thousands of influencers and why it trusts its social team to make the right decisions for the brand. Later, they explained why Gen Z and Gen Alpha – and not experienced marketing leaders – are best equipped to lead social media strategy, how LaVecchia convinced Target to take on Bloom and why it thrived early on despite bottom-shelf placement, and how in-person events have been effective for driving awareness and trial.

Brands in this episode: Bloom Nutrition