Taste Radio

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 B

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

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 com

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

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 o

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 esot

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 wh

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 th

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

It was fun while it lasted... The hosts discussed highlights from the final edition of Natural Products Expo East, including new brands, standout collaborations and innovative line extensions.

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

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 &am

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

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, Rede

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 re

The hosts discussed the rise of high-profile creator-led brands and their transcendence beyond celebrity ties. They also reflect on a PSL season that started way too soon and the strategy behind functional brands that market both energizing and calming products. We also feature the latest installment of The Goat Pen, our regular series with Carlton Fowler, the co-founder and managing partner of early-stage investment firm Goat Rodeo Capital. Show notes: 0:42: Brad Is Back. “A Different Style Of Celebrity.” Craven Won’t Leggo of Eggo Cream. – After a year-long hiatus BevNET reporter Brad Avery returned to the podcast and shared his perspective on the evolution of creator-led brands, including Chamberlain Coffee, Prime and Feastables. The hosts collectively bemoaned the early start to pumpkin spice products and continued the conversation on a few notable brands and products mentioned in recent episodes. 25:00: The Goat Pen with Carlton Fowler, Vol. 3 – Fowler spoke about Campbell’s acquisition of Rao’s owner So

The term “white space” is often used by entrepreneurs as a reason for launching a new brand. A void exists in a particular food or beverage category, and founders will claim that their products fill it. But what if others, notably investors and retailers, don’t see that opportunity?  That’s the question that Shadi Bakour and his co-founders faced when they launched PATH, a bottled water brand that uses refillable aluminum containers, and it’s fair to say that they have answered the query.  Founded in 2015, PATH has become one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the U.S. Its products – which include still, sparkling and alkaline varieties – are sold at over 50,000 retail locations nationwide, including CVS, 7-Eleven, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Sprouts and Wegmans. In September 2022, PATH announced a $30 million Series A funding round led by Altos Ventures along with investment from celebrities Kevin Hart, Ryan Seacrest and Guy Fieri. In this episode, Bakour spoke about the inspiration for PATH and how

Is it groundbreaking or headed for infamy? The hosts sample several new products made with controversial (or, perhaps, objectionable) ingredients and flavors and assess the mainstream potential for each. This episode also features an interview with Alex Conyngham, the co-founder of Slane Irish Whiskey, who discussed the duality of building a modern brand that’s rooted in tradition. Show notes: 0:33: Who Needs Ray? She Is The Champion, My Friends. Leggo My Eggo (Or Not). Cannabis & Kava. – With Ray on vacation, John took the reins, Jacqui spoke about her camogie skills and Melissa shared notes on recent and highly informative episodes of Community Call. They also sipped on some breakfast-inspired booze (“a real wallop to the ol’ system”), munched on seaweed salad and discussed how kava might follow in the footsteps of another controversial ingredient. 24:45: Interview: Alex Conyngham, Co-Founder, Slane Irish Whiskey – Conyngham met with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at spirits convention Tales of the Cockta

Sketch comedian. Ghostbuster. Vodka entrepreneur. It’s all in a life’s work for the remarkable Dan Aykroyd. An original cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” Aykroyd is perhaps best known for the film franchise “Ghostbusters” in which he plays Ray Stanz, the proton pack-wearing ghoul fighter, a role that he will reprise in an upcoming sequel. He’s less recognized, however, as the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka, a globally distributed, ultra-premium spirit brand identified by its distinctive skull-shaped bottle. Launched in 2008, Crystal Head Vodka is atypical of celebrity-backed spirits in that its association with Dan is not front and center. Although he does meet-and-greet events with consumers and occasionally goes on sales calls, the brand was designed and developed to be sold on its own merits. It’s a point of pride for Aykroyd who praised the company’s emphasis on business fundamentals and premium positioning. In this episode, Aykroyd spoke about cutting his teeth in beverage alcohol as an importer of