Taste Radio

Why 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 hosts’ take on Ocean Spray’s new line of zero-sugar juice (and why an asterisk is involved) and what Travis Kelce, Michael Bublé and Matthew McConaughey now have in common.

Show notes:

0:35: Wrong Pipe. White Out Is Not Nail Polish. Secret Spray. That Was Swift. We Don’t Need No Pants. – Ray kicked off the show by explaining how he choked on his ride to the office, the hosts collectively agreed that “White Out” had its day and is not to be sniffed, and expressed skepticism about Ocean Spray’s new products and how consumers may perceive them. They also riffed on Travis Kelce’s new brand of refrigerated entrees, which of three new celebrity-backed beverage alcohol brands has the best shot of being successful, a “pointless” ginger ale and why Jacqui’s instant review of a particular drink brand is not to be missed.

30:12: Interview: Eddie Brennan, CEO, Beak & Skiff – Brennan spoke about taking the reins of his family’s business, the reason for entering the cannabis space and how Beak & Skiff’s customers reacted to the move and what he views as the trajectory for cannabis beverages. He also discussed the company’s education strategy, inducing trial via a new 1 mg THC variety and the challenges of marketing cannabis on social media.

Brands in this episode: Beak & Skiff, 1911 Established, Ayrloom, Essentia, Fly By Jing, Ocean Spray, Travis Kelce’s Kitchen, TB12, Unreal Candy, Tequila Pantalones, Casamigos, Fraser & Thompson, Vosa Spirits, Pointless Ginger Ale, Lifted Supreme, Bobo’s, Uncrustables, Rudi’s, Chubby Snacks, Better Than Booze, Superfrau, Spare Tonic

The 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 answer is two-fold: be okay with being uncomfortable and strive to “expand your luck surface area.” Doing so helped them land deals with Madison Square Garden and Virgin America airlines. It also led to an unexpected and pivotal meeting with the CEO of Constellation Brands.

Introduced in 2016, Austin Cocktails markets full-strength canned cocktails made with premium spirits and natural ingredients. The products are distributed across the United States at a variety of retailers, including Whole Foods, BevMo, Target and Total Wine.

In this episode, Gasink and Burns explained how they identified the opportunity for a premium tier of RTD cocktails, why they didn’t emphasize a specific target demographic, how an unorthodox but highly effective sampling strategy unlocked new retail and distribution opportunities, and how they assessed the timing for a sale of Austin Cocktails to Constellation Brands.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Kelly Gasink & Jill Burns, Co-Founders, Austin Cocktails – Gasink and Burns riffed about eccentric weather patterns in Texas and Austin as a hub for entrepreneurship before discussing the impact of Skinnygirl on the development of the modern RTD cocktail category and how they initial spoke to retailers about the need for premium options in the space. They also spoke about the challenges in getting the products made, why “everything good happened” at sampling events and why maintaining the brand’s core tenets amid growing competition paid off. Later, they explained how their personal and professional networks were instrumental in the brand’s development and why basing innovation solely on data may not be the best strategy.

Brands in this episode: Austin Cocktails, Skinnygirl Cocktails

In this special presentation of our sister show, the NOSH Podcast, Sunrise Strategic Partners’ Peter Burns and Coefficient Capital’s Franklin Isacson explain why the investor-brand relationship should be treated like a marriage.

Why are some investors writing checks while others are content to stay on the sidelines? The hosts discussed a new survey that examines the dynamics of contemporary deal flow. They also spoke about opportunities for entrepreneurs to spotlight their brands at BevNET’s Winter 2023 events and highlighted two food brands that developed new snacks in collaboration with beverage companies. 

Show notes:

0:35: Oh, Hi, Whole Foods. Ask And Interview. Ube & Scotch. Tia Traction. Donuts And Coffee. – The episode kicked off with the news that representatives from Whole Foods will be participating in “Retailer One-on-One” sessions at NOSH Live, how attendees can take part in a live version of our Elevator Talk series and join us for a conversation in the Taste Radio Studio at BevNET Live. John whipped up some purple cocktails before the hosts congratulated Tia Lupita founder Hector Saldivar, whose company just raised $2.6 million, and chatted about what’s eliciting interest (and causing concern) among food and beverage investors. Later, they munched on hibiscus-flavored popcorn, coffee-infused mini-donuts, chocolate truffles and better-for-you protein bars.

Brands in this episode: Tia Lupita, The Glenlivet, Ruby, BjornQorn, Deux, Chamberlain Coffee, Evolved Chocolate, Yaza, Genius Juice, Resist

If you take the brand out of the farmer’s market, do you have to take the farmer’s market out of the brand? Not if you’re Michele’s Granola, a brand whose rustic package design and proprietary recipe have remained the same since inception. It's a big reason why Michele’s has become one of the top-selling brands in its category.

Launched in 2006 by founder Michele Tsucalas, Michele’s Granola markets small batch granola made from natural, organic and non-GMO ingredients. The company’s Maryland manufacturing facility produces over 35,000 pounds of granola and muesli weekly. Michele’s also sells a two-SKU line of granola butter made from oats and nuts. 

The products are sold nationally at over 3,800 retailers, including Whole Foods and Wegmans, where Michele’s is the top-selling granola brand at each chain, as well as Ralph’s, Kroger and Sprouts. According to a profile in “Baltimore” magazine,” the company is expected to generate $15 million in revenue this year.

In this episode, Tsucalas and company CEO Oliver Buccicone spoke about how  focusing on quality and “premium simplicity” has enabled the brand to scale while maintaining its original, rustic package design and positioning. They also discussed the brand’s patient path to distribution in conventional grocery, how they’ve pushed back on retailer demands for promotional pricing and why examining every cost is key to being cash-flow positive and profitable. 

0:35: Michele Tsucalas, Founder & Oliver Buccicone, CEO, Michele's Granola – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Tsucalas and Buccicone, with the founder sharing a bit of background about the brand’s hometown of Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland before she explained why its packaging has remained consistent in the nearly 18 years since its launch. Buccicone spoke about why he joined the company and took on the role of CEO in 2020, why the company’s focus on high-quality and easily understood ingredients resonates with consumers, and how it responded when conventional retail chains began knocking on its door. Later, they discussed why a constant examination of expenses gives a clearer picture of profit and loss, how they evaluate opportunities to innovate and the value of self manufacturing in being able to remain independent and attractive to Investors.

Brands in this episode: Michele’s Granola

What defines compelling innovation? Novel ingredients? Esoteric flavors? Unusual packaging? The hosts discussed how strategic and entrepreneurial companies are attempting to innovate in food and beverage and what’s moving the needle for consumers. They also riffed on two new celebrity coffee brands, one launched by a “Yellowstone'' star and the other known for her status as a “teen mom.”

0:35: Late Night Radio. Coke’s Latest Cocktail. Mushroom Coffee & Cognitive Shots. Ray’s Famous Celebrity Rankings. – Ray kicked off the show by getting an NKOTB classic stuck in Mike’s head before the hosts spoke about The Coca-Cola’s Co’s continued foray into beverage alcohol and a spicy line extension, whether a Jenelle Evans’ new functional coffee brand will resonate with her fans and “B+ list celebrity” Cole Hauser’s cowboy java. Jacqui praised a brand of plant-based sushi and a tree-bark infused drink line, Ray sipped on a brain-boosting smoothie shot and shared hummus, crackers and iced latte powders with John and Mike, the latter of whom didn’t bring any coconut yogurt for the group.

Brands in this episode: Sprite, Absolut Vodka, Coca-Cola, Jack Daniels, Simply, Topo Chico, Fresca, Free Rein Coffee, Time Of The Day, Juvenescence, Little Sesame, Konscious, You Need This, Twrl Milk Tea, Fly By Jing, Mabi, St. Agrestis, Maxwell House, The Coconut Cult

In this special presentation of our sister show, BevNET & NOSH’s Community Call, Fly By Jing founder Jing Gao discussed how she leveraged DTC sales to secure retail opportunities, building and scaling a first to market product, and the education and marketing required to drive trial.

When they produced their first batch of non-alcoholic beer in 2017, Athletic Brewing Co. co-founders Bill Shufelt and John Walker knew they were on to something special. They may not have realized, however, they were brewing a revolution.

Founded in 2017, Athletic Brewing has emerged as one of the fastest growing beverage companies in the U.S. and is leading the charge for a burgeoning cohort of zero-proof alcohol alternatives. According to industry trade group The Brewers Association, Athletic is the 13th largest craft brewer in America and the leading producer of non-alcoholic craft beer. Its products are distributed in all 50 states and available at over 50,000 retail stores nationwide, including Walmart, Costco, Publix, Target and CVS.

Amid surging demand – Nielsen data from March showed annual dollar sales of the brand up 94% – Athletic has invested heavily in production. The company operates brewing facilities in Connecticut and San Diego, built in part from the $173.5 million in outside capital the company has raised, including a $50 million investment from Keurig Dr Pepper in November 2022.

In this episode, Shufelt and Walker spoke about Athletic's role in the evolution of alcohol-alternative beverages and its influence on how consumers perceive them, why it’s in the company’s interest to support competitors and how it does so, how they evaluate new retail and distribution opportunities and where resources are best utilized, and how they stay grounded amid continued growth and industry hype.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Bill Shufelt & John Walker, Co-Founders, Athletic Brewing – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif met with Shufelt and Walker at Athletic Brewing’s facility in Milford, Connecticut, where they discussed the brand’s outsized growth over the past two years, why they feel a responsibility to support competing brands in the nonalcoholic beer category, and how has how they have maintained the quality of their products amid exponential growth. They also spoke about why they prefer in-house staffing to outsourced help, how they consider entering new retail channels, including convenience stores, and why they are guided by Athletic’s long-term vision amid speculation about a potential exit.

Brands in this episode: Athletic Brewing Company, Heineken

From allulose-sweetened gummies and “junkless” granola bars to zero-sugar sodas and “WonderWater,” the hosts discussed how better-for-you brands are attempting to meet consumer demand for great taste and nutrition in snacks and beverages.

0:35: Thanks For Meeting! John Doesn’t Do Shots. Impactful News. Mike Conflates. Japanese Delights. – Ray praised the work of BevNET’s all-around star Amanda before the hosts chatted about the fear of (of lack thereof) Friday, the 13th, highlighted brands and founders featured at the recently held Newton meetup and pounded pickle juice shots (except for John). They also discussed the news that serial entrepreneur Mike Repole has invested in Junkless Foods, whether Bai is on the right track with a new tagline and why Mike is getting Austin Powers and Dr. Evil confused. Later, they sipped and munched on products marketed by several early-stage brands and ruffled through a box of Japanese snacks from Tokyo Treat.

Brands in this episode: Biena, Alc-A-Chino, Al’s Beer, Stormalong Cider, Spade Soda, Dr Pepper, Pickle Juice Shot, Behave Candy, Junkless Foods, Vitaminwater, BodyArmor, Pirate’s Booty, Bai, RIND Snacks, Combos, Rivalz Snacks, Doritos, Goldfish, Ellio’s Pizza, Celeste Pizza, Mason Dixie Foods, Krispy Kreme, Fast Penny Spirits, KitKat

It’s been nearly 10 years since Bronya Shillo launched Fishers Island Lemonade, and even after selling her company to one of the largest beverage alcohol companies in the world, she’s still on the grind and promoting her brand one customer at a time. She wouldn’t want it any other way.

Fishers Island Lemonade markets premium canned cocktails made with a base of barrel-aged whiskey, vodka, lemon and honey. Lauded for its unique taste profile and commitment to high quality ingredients, the brand comes in several flavor varieties and is sold nationally at a suggested retail price of $15.99 for a four-pack of 12 oz. cans.

In May, Spirit of Gallo, the spirits arm of E. & J. Gallo Winery, announced that it would acquire Fishers Island Lemonade for an undisclosed fee. In a press release, the company noted that the purchase partly reflected consumers “trading up to spirits-based cocktails and demanding more full-flavored, higher ABV products.” Shillo remains on the Fishers Island board and serves as the brand’s official spokesperson. 

In this episode, Shillo discussed the brand’s origins, why quality of ingredients matters when meeting with retail buyers, how, after a variety of challenges, she aligned with the right manufacturing partners, why the adage “inch wide, mile deep” guided the brand’s distribution strategy for years and how she built and maintained a relationship with E. & J. Gallo leadership.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Bronya Shillo, Founder, Fishers Island Lemonade – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Shillo about her participation in BevNET’s inaugural Cocktail Showdown competition, how her family’s business factored into the development of Fishers Island Lemonade and the complex path to formulating, packaging, and eventually selling, a canned cocktail. She also explained why she eschewed using a malt base and lower quality ingredients, her thoughtful pricing strategy, how she developed strong relationships with distributors and why it was years before she hired her first employee. Later, she discussed how growing interest in RTD cocktails spurred an upcoming evolution in the brand’s label design and why she was adamant about staying involved in the company post-acquisition despite constant travel demands.

Brands in this episode: Fishers Island Lemonade 

Can you pair tinned fish and beer… in the same can? Kids’ cereal flavors in protein drinks – does it work? Is chili crunch and ranch dressing the perfect duo? And, why are we losing it over a “Dragnum”? The hosts discussed how brands are attempting to grab our attention and generate sales via innovation, package design and unexpected collaborations.

Show notes:

0:35: Vibin’ At The WCB. It’s Award Season. Uber Ray Silent Mode. A Must For Office Holiday Parties? – The team reflected on BevNET’s fun and engaging meetup at our San Diego office and highlighted conversations with several entrepreneurs at the event, and also noted nomination deadlines for Best of 2023 BevNET and NOSH awards. Ray explained why he doesn’t love conversing with rideshare drivers (and was roasted for it) before revealing a magnum of a certain spicy spirit, John introduced a couple of unique beers and new plant-based beverages, and Mike and Jacqui riffed on Indian-inspired lemonades and a brand of noodles with a highly functional, if esoteric, ingredient.

Brands in this episode: !MPROV Booze-Free Cocktails, Sol-ti, Recoup Beverage, Togronis, Spade, Koia, Mooski, Hidden Valley, This Little Goat, Truff, Ondori, Olipop, Fishwife, Talea, Tulua, MatchaKo, MALK, GreeNoodle, Bollygood

When we last spoke with Aura Bora co-founder and CEO Paul Voge in May 2022 his botanical-centric sparkling water brand was still a few months away from announcing a $10 million Series A funding round. At the time, Aura Bora was less than three years old. 

Investing in a young company that is competing within the crowded sparkling water category may sound risky to some. However, it was clear to Aura Bora’s backers that the brand had an uncommon ability to not only connect with new consumers, but develop them into evangelists who would sing its praises.

In this episode, Voge spoke about how Aura Bora has cultivated a loyal community by focusing on flavor, the brand’s recent collaboration with cult olive oil brand Graza, why Aura Bora discontinued its viral “Secret Menu,” how DTC success translates to brick-and-mortar sales and why his personal phone number is on every can.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Paul Voge, Co-Founder & CEO, Aura Bora – Voge spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at Expo East 2023 where they chatted about Aura Bora’s new and limited-time Olive Oil Martini, why he believes that “the best marketing is sales and vice versa” and how retail buyers evaluate the brand’s online sales. He also explains why profitability is always on his mind, whether water is the appropriate descriptor for Aura Bora products, how the company attempts to deliver consistent customer service across all forms of communication and why friendship is key to the company’s relationship with Siddhi Capital. 

Brands in this episode: Aura Bora, Graza, Velveeta, Hidden Valley, Van Leewnen’s, TOST, Samuel Adams, Dogfish Head, Waterloo, Polar Beverages, LaCroix, San Pellegrino, Justin’s, Jeni’s, Kettle Chips, Mid-Day Squares

The hosts discussed TikTok’s announcement that it will make its Shop feature available to all of its 150 million U.S. users and ways that it may benefit CPG brands, and also spoke about the challenge of marketing kids’ brands and why some excel while most fade away. They also riffed on several notable products, including beauty-centric beverages, snackable chocolate and Indian-inspired dips.

Show notes:

0:34: Shaving Tools And Sham-Wows? The Algorithm Is Off. Eat The Tea. It’s Boston Round, Ray. — On location at BevNET’s San Diego office, the hosts chatted why some social media platforms are great at retargeting but may not understand their users as well as they should. They also discussed Eat The Change’s decision to discontinue its mushroom jerky line and why Annie’s has been one of the few entrepreneurial brands that has found success marketing kids’ products. They wrap up by sipping on better-for-you sodas and functional libations and evaluating a legacy chocolate brand’s new brand extension.

Brands in this episode: 

AriZona Beverages, Snake River Farms, Eat The Change, Just Ice Tea, Halfday Tea, Honest Kids, Annie’s, Once Upon A Farm, Uncrustables, Saint James Iced Tea, Fresh Fizz, Suja, Pick Me Up Potions, Aaji’s, Niramaya, Tabu Chocolate, Scharffen Berger, Lea & Perrins

By any measure, consumers are drinking less alcohol. While their reasons for abstaining vary, the occasions in which they consume beer, wine and spirits have remained consistent. The circumstances have created an opportunity for alcohol alternative brands like TÖST to innovate and find relevance among mainstream consumers. 

Launched in 2018, TÖST markets sparkling non-alcoholic beverages made with white tea, white cranberry concentrate, ginger extract and other natural flavors. The products, which are available in two varieties, original and rosé, come in 750 mL individual bottles and 4-packs of 250 mL bottles . Distinguished by its sleek and minimalist label, the brand has won over consumers seeking a sophisticated alternative for occasions when they might typically drink alcohol.

Distributed in 40 states, TÖST is carried by major retailers in a variety of channels, including Whole Foods, BevMo and CVS. Earlier this year, the venture capital arm of beverage alcohol conglomerate Constellation Brands acquired a minority stake in TÖST, praising its “delicious liquid that feels celebratory… and also versatile and approachable for everyday enjoyment.”

In this episode, TÖST CEO Brooks Addington spoke about how the brand has carved out a positioning that has resonated with all types of consumers and how its thoughtful communication strategy has given it a leg up over competing products.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Brooks Addington, CEO, TÖST – Addington spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at Natural Products Expo East 2023 where they chatted about the final edition of the event, his passion for architecture and how his background in financial services and worldly experience prepared him for his current role. He also spoke about the rise in abstinence among younger consumers, the origins of TÖST and how the liquid and package were designed to meet the expectations of a sophisticated drinking experience, and why it’s critical for the brand to have an affordable price point. Later, Addington discussed TÖST’s retail and merchandising strategies, why having few competitors is “a double-edged sword,” the company’s strategic partnership with Constellation Brands and why it’s important to be frugal with marketing dollars. 

Brands in this episode: TÖST

It was fun while it lasted...

The hosts shared highlights from the final edition of Natural Products Expo East, including new brands, standout collaborations and innovative line extensions.

Show notes:

0:35: Cinderella Song… Or Is It? Fork & Spork. Mixed Bag O’ Sweeteners. Mike Didn’t Dunk. –  The hosts discussed the community’s reaction to the sunsetting of Expo East and what might mean for other trade shows, offered dining recommendations for Philly and reviewed a rare collaboration between a food and beverage brand. They also riffed on low-sugar gummies and chocolates and the challenge in marketing products made with non-nutritive sweeteners, pickle-flavored foods and upstart brands marketing better-for-you trail mix, pecan milk, kid-centric nutrition bars and “modern Middle Eastern” hummus and pita bread.

Brands in this episode: Aura Bora, Graza, ChocXo, Chutni Punch, Blobs, Root Foods, Treehouse Naturals, Better Sour, Patience Fruit & Co., Bollygood, Recoup Beverages, PLINK!, Daily Crunch, Dalsi, Happy Wolf, Absurd Snacks, MALK, This PKN, Baba’s, Ziba Foods, Maazah, Ya Oaxaca!

For the leader of a company that is generating $1.5 billion in measured retail sales annually, Celsius CEO John Fieldly is remarkably frugal. He insists on flying coach and eschews expensive dinners while on the road. Thriftiness is a part of his personality, he says, but it’s also about setting an example. 

Since taking the helm in 2017, Fieldly has built Celsius into one the fastest-growing beverage companies in the world. The brand, whose positioning has evolved from a focus on dieting to that of fitness-oriented energy, has emerged as the third best-selling energy brand behind Red Bull and Monster. 

Throughout his tenure, Fieldly has consistently emphasized traditional business fundamentals and profitability, maintaining that every expense requires a valid reason. Financial discipline, he notes, is embedded in company culture and has helped get Celsius to where it is today.

In this episode, Fieldly spoke about Celsius’ progress since his last appearance on Taste Radio in 2021, why brand-building is about “figuring out where you fit in a consumer’s life,” navigating expectations and opportunities with strategic partner Pepsico and how junior-level employees influence the company’s innovation strategy.

Show notes:

0:35: Interview: John Fieldly, Chairman and CEO, Celsius – Fieldly spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about his recent presentations at investor conferences, before reflecting on Celsius’ growth over the past three years and why he continues to maintain an open-door policy amid a surge in staffing. He also explained how ambition and paranoia help maintain the brand’s momentum, why humility helps the company better understand and sell to its consumers and why Celsius’ high-profile partnership with Pepsico doesn’t mean the company is running any victory laps. Later, he discussed how the company considers innovation and the brand whose portfolio he aims to emulate.

Brands in this episode: Celsius, Red Bull, Monster Energy, Gatorade 

Amid a spate of high-profile investments and acquisitions, the hosts assessed Brooklyn Brewery’s alignment with Hoplark and what it means for the emerging segment of hop-centric beverages and also discussed the timing of Smuckers’ $5.6 billion purchase of Hostess Brands. This episode also features an expansive interview with Adam Crocini, the SVP and global head for food and beverage brands at Hilton.

Show notes:

0:34: Get Some Expo-sure. Rudi’s Convenience. Bullish Or BS? Banza & Bevs. – As the team gears up for Expo East 2023, they sampled a handful of new products that will be featured at the annual event, and discussed growing consumer demand for hop-flavored alcohol-alternative beverages and a widening pool of brands and investors in the space. They also spoke about Banza’s foray into frozen waffles and what makes for a successful brand extension, before sipping on several new products, including tea-based energy drinks, “superfruit” sodas and RTD non-alcoholic cocktails.

36:29: Adam Crocini, SVP & Global Head, Food and Beverage Brands, Hilton – Since 2018, Crocini has been at the forefront of enhancing the Hilton’s food and beverage offerings across its 7,000 properties spanning 122 countries and territories. His strategy guides everything from partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs to grab-and-go pantries. Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Crocini about how Hilton has navigated a post-Covid shift in guest expectations for food and beverage, how local and artisanal brands factor into its strategy and how interest for low and no-alc beverages impact its bar menus and in-room drink options.

Brands in this episode: Honey Mama’s, Mike’s Hot Honey, Rudi’s, Uncrustables, Chubby Snacks, Hoplark, Sierra Nevada, Hop WTR, Lagunitas, Athletic Brewing, Hostess, Twinkies, Banza, Brazi Bites, Eggo, Belgian Boys, CHA, Better Booch, Alldae, RSRV Collective, Boosthe, Snickers, Toblerone

When Christy Goldsby launched Honey Mama’s in 2013, her vision for the brand was simple: make better-for-you, delicious snacks accessible to more people.

Early on, however, communicating the attributes and better-for-you nature of her nutrient-rich refrigerated truffle bars had been anything but easy. Goldsby noted that during the brand’s first few years on the market, most people “didn’t know what the heck the products were.” While words may have fallen short, the bars’ indulgent flavor and creamy texture spoke volumes. Great taste generated a loyal base of consumers and brand evangelists.

Today, Honey Mama’s is available in over 8,000 stores nationwide, including Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts and Costco. The brand’s traction in natural and conventional channels attracted the attention of San Francisco-based venture capital firm Amberstone, which led Honey Mama’s $10.3 million Series A funding round, completed in August 2021.

In this episode, Goldsby spoke about how her experience as a bakery owner influenced the development of Honey Mama’s, why demoing is the foundation of its marketing strategy and the evolution of its positioning and packaging. She also explained how the company navigated a high profile retailer’s devastating decision to discontinue the brand and why handing over day-to-day operations was the right move for its future.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Christy Goldsby, Founder, Honey Mama's – Goldsby spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about Honey Mama’s new “Truffle Treats” line before discussing her perspective on launching the brand at age 44 and lessons learned from her first business. She also explained how she developed strong relationships with the brand’s first retailers, the company’s gradual shift from an emphasis on “superfoods” to indulgence and why she “checked our ‘truth radar’ at every step” of Honey’s Mama’s package revamp. Later, she discussed the brand’s rise and fall at Trader Joe’s, and why CEO Jared Schwartz is an ideal counterpart.

Brands in this episode: Honey Mama's

When legacy brands start looking like startups, should entrepreneurs be worried? The hosts discuss. They also highlight several new and notable products, including chakra-specific shots and a cap-activated bottled cocktail. We also meet with Alan Kennedy, the master blender for rye-forward whiskey brand Redemption, who discusses the brand’s emphasis on premiumization of experience across its portfolio.

Show notes:

0:39: A Troll’s “Tears.” Barbie Bottles. Snacking Pineapple And Wasabi Cheese. Twisty Cocktails. – Ray and Mike returned to the show and the latter brought his favorite beverage with him. The hosts chatted about attention-grabbing rhetoric surrounding the “Barbie” movie and a new LTO featuring the pop culture icon, as well as Dole’s solid segue into snacking and entrepreneurial takes on puffs and popcorn. Jacqui sipped on an “ayurvedic superdrink” while everyone wondered about its scaling potential and also discussed The Glenlivet’s innovative RTD libation. 

33:24: Alan Kennedy, Master Blender, Redemption Whiskey – Kennedy joined Redemption owner Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits in November 2022 and oversees all aspects of production and innovation for the brand, which describes itself as “leading the rye revival in America.” Two decades of experience in the culinary, hospitality, wine and spirits industries gives him an uncommon perspective on distilling and blending, yet one that remains focused on delivering consumers a premium and quality experience at every sip, a topic he expounded upon in this interview. 

Brands in this episode: Richard’s Rainwater, PATH Water, Swoon, RIND, Chuza, Yummate, CheeseBits, PopZup, Pipcorn, Chakra Chai, The Glenlivet, Karma Water, Redemption Whiskey 

Richard Laver’s first beverage brand is named after his daughter Kate. He named the second one, Lucky F*ck, after himself.

A former professional tennis player, Laver became an entrepreneur out of necessity. Kate was born with cerebral palsy and couldn’t eat solid foods nor was able to tolerate tube-feeding formulas. Frustrated with the lack of better-for-you options for his daughter, he created a protein shake made with plant-based ingredients and free from common allergens. The beverage helped Kate thrive, and Laver, sensing it could benefit others, commercialized the product, launching Kate Farms in 2012. The brand has since become the most recommended plant-based formula in U.S. hospitals.

Two months after Kate Farms closed on a $75 million dollar Series C funding round in September 2022, Laver stepped away from the company and set his sights on another beverage category he viewed as ripe for disruption: energy drinks. The goal was to create what he describes as an “anti-brand” akin to Liquid Death. The result is Lucky F*ck, a name inspired by Laver’s survival of a 1985 plane crash. Designed to appeal to Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers, the brand launched in August and promotes five “super” ingredients, including maca and ginseng, five calories per 19.2 oz. can and no aftertaste.

In this episode, Laver chronicles his path from a 12-year-old child who made it out of the crash that killed 136 people, including his father, to being homeless at age 27, as well as the birth of his daughter and the eventual development of Kate Farms. He also discussed how a pivot in Kate Farms’ positioning and sales strategy changed its trajectory and outlined the retail and communication strategies for Lucky F*ck.

Show notes:

0:43: Interview: Richard Laver, Founder, Kate Farms & Lucky F*ck – Laver spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif while on vacation with his family in Spain, where he was also producing social media content for Lucky F*ck. He discussed the harrowing prognostication and effects of surviving a plane crash, his refusal to accept a ‘failure to thrive’ diagnosis for his daughter and how the healthcare industry became the primary distribution channel for Kate Farms. Later, he explained how Lucky F*ck’s positioning separates it from legacy and better-for-you energy brands, weaving his personal story into that of the brand’s and how the company is attempting to elicit engagement with consumers.

Brands in this episode: Kate Farms, Lucky F*ck, Justin’s, ProBar, Orgain, Liquid Death