Taste Radio

This week, the hosts discussed the relevance and sustainability of consumer trends and how to identify fads versus lasting concepts, extolled the virtues of Taste Radio VIP and highlighted two upcoming and can’t miss industry events. This episode also features an interview with Honest Tea/Eat The Change co-founder Seth Goldman, who discussed lessons learned from 25 years as an entrepreneur. Show notes: 0:39: BYOS. Gender Reveal CPG. A “Skinny” Session. Swoops And Samples. – The hosts thanked listeners who have signed up as Taste Radio VIPs, encouraged Boston area entrepreneurs and industry professionals to meet up at BevNET HQ and spotlighted speakers that will be on stage at BevNET Live Summer 2023. Ray shared an idea for a gender reveal consumer brand (one met with skepticism), before the group evaluated popular fads and sustainable trends and chatted about Jacqui’s timely tee and new products from tinned seafood and tamales to canned water and Calexo. 36:32: Interview: Seth Goldman, Co-Founder, Honest Tea

Padma Lakshmi, the host of Emmy-winning TV reality competition “Top Chef” and creator of the critically acclaimed Hulu series “Taste the Nation,” is one of the most recognizable and respected figures in food media. Although she wields considerable influence, Lakshmi rarely endorses products and seldom partners with consumer brands. An exception is her investment in Dah!, which markets a line of traditional Indian yogurt smoothies known as lassi. Lakshmi joined the company as a board advisor and brand partner in 2021 and has played a key role in Dah!’s marketing and education strategy. She is often featured in the brand’s social media accounts, highlighting lassi’s versatility, flavor and nutritional benefits.  Her role as an ambassador and face of Dah! was on full display at Expo West 2023, where we spoke with Lakshmi about her approach to building interest and awareness for lassi, how the beverage aligns with her advocacy for ethnic cuisine and her criteria for investing in consumer brands. This episode also

A bursting-at-the-seams episode of Taste Radio includes the hosts’ arguments for and against online grocery shopping, a brief report on a permanent pop-up, a candy brand’s unrecognizable revamp and why they’re bullish on banana flavor, but not blue colored beverages. The team also shared their take on seed-centric sweets, cascara’s communication breakdown and their enthusiasm for ethnic drinks and snacks. Show notes: 0:39: “Game Of Chicken In Aisle 1.” It’s Called A Meetup, Ray. Just Add Raisins… And Boba. – BevNET’s director of community Melissa Traverse explained her love for a regional grocery chain before Ray and John extolled the virtues of online food shopping and encouraged local food and beverage professionals to meet up for an upcoming event at BevNET HQ. The hosts also discussed a retailer’s revealing admission, a brand new look for purpose-driven candy brand, a beloved soda flavor returning to the shelf, their collective bewilderment that “blue raspberry” is a thing, chocolate bark and "Seinfeld"

In 2012, Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali each invested $3,250 to launch better-for-you meat stick brand Chomps, money they used for the brand’s first production run. After bootstrapping the company for a decade, Pete and Rashid brought in a strategic partner, one that made a slightly larger investment: $80 million in equity capital at a valuation north of $200 million. Chomps, the fastest growing natural meat snack brand in both the natural and conventional retail channels, markets meat sticks made from 100% grass-fed and finished beef and venison, and free-range turkey that contain no hormones, antibiotics and or added sugar. The products are Whole30 Approved, Certified Gluten-Free and Non-GMO Project Verified and carried by several national grocery chains including Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods. Chomps’ growth has been remarkable, and yet very intentional. While not everything has gone according to plan, Maldonado and Ali’s consistent emphasis on strong unit economics and profitability, along with the

Back home and in the studio, the hosts shared additional highlights — and unexpected sights – from Expo West 2023, including introductions to several innovative and early-stage brands. Also, Ray Latif offered his take on the 2023 Seafood Expo North America and sat down with Mason Dixie Foods founder and CEO Ayeshah Abuelhiga for the first in a new series of interviews focused on lessons acquired by entrepreneurs at various stages of their respective journeys. Show notes: 0:39: Listen Up, VIPs. Anaheim’s Best Parking Lot. Dr. Squatch vs. Mr. Mike. – The crew encouraged listeners to become Taste Radio VIPs and discussed the benefits that come with it, before chatting about Expo West sheen and bubble guts, Ray’s luxurious workspace (not really) and his apology to exhibitors. They also spoke about meaningful and touching interactions with Expo attendees, meeting new brands and founders at Startup CPG’s Alley Rally meetup, a superb wine-alternative brand and why Mike might not be welcome at a certain booth in a ye

Straightforward advice can be hard to come by. Unless you’re getting it from Melissa Facchina. An operations expert with over 25 years of experience in food and beverage manufacturing and services, Melissa co-founded growth equity firm Siddhi Capital in 2020. Initially focused on seed and venture capital funding for early-stage brands, Siddhi has since turned its attention to investments in high-growth companies, including Mid-Day Squares, Aura Bora, Magic Spoon and immi. As Siddhi pursues its mission of “changing the landscape of food and beverage for the better,” Facchina has emerged as a trusted and reliable voice within the industry, advising founders on how to build sustainable and successful businesses. Facchina’s voice will become a regular fixture on Taste Radio as the investor joins the podcast for a regular series, which will feature her take on current topics and common questions related to investment in packaged food and beverage companies. This episode is the first (and extended) edition of the s

On the ground in Anaheim, California, Taste Radio’s hosts reflected upon the first two days of an exhilarating Natural Products Expo West 2023 and highlighted standout new brands and products exhibited at the show, along with those featured at the Snaxshot X BevNET and MENA CPG meetups held during the week. Brands in this episode: De La Calle, VINA, Senor Mango, Absurd Snacks, Brutal, Casalu, Canneta, Bantu Chocolate, Peepal People, Puuro, Scout Canning, Tempo, Louie Louie, Babos Kitchen, Pocket’s Chocolate, Wild Tonic, Rowdy Mermaid, Seacharrones, Chomps, Fishwife, Aura Bora, Mason Dixie Foods, Ziba Foods, Sanzo, Urban Remedy, Little Sesame, Fly By Jing, Rudi’s, Chamberlain Coffee, Just Egg, Heyday Canning, Better Sour, Jabin Beverage Co., Afia, Magicdates, Zesty Z, Mazzah Chutney, Aissa Sweets, Mason Dixie Foods, RIND Snacks, The Bad Tea Co., Suckerpunch Gourmet, Greenhouse Juice, Mooski, BioLift, Acid League, Blake’s Seed Based

Sometimes you just need to tell it like it is. Dr. Robert Lustig has no problem with that approach, especially if it will save lives. A professor of pediatric endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco, Dr. Lustig is a leading public health authority who has lectured and written extensively about how sugar and ultra-processed food have fueled a surge in chronic diseases. His work spans 40 years of clinical research focused on childhood obesity, diabetes and other issues that lead to metabolic disease. The keynote speaker at Manna Tree’s second annual Global Health Forum, Dr. Lustig pulled no punches when discussing how decades of overconsumption and poor quality food are root causes of chronic illness and an American healthcare system strained by a perpetually sick population. While the problems seem overwhelming, Dr. Lustig noted the role that innovative food and beverage companies can play in effecting change, a topic he discussed at length in this episode.  Following Dr. Lustig’s intervie

On the cusp of Expo West 2023, the hosts highlighted a handful of meetups that they’ll be attending at the annual event, including the first for MENA CPG, a new industry organization with a mission to elevate entrepreneurs and professionals of Middle Eastern and North African heritage who have been historically underrepresented and unrecognized in the food and beverage industry.  They also discussed a recent study that links health issues to a commonly used sweetener, a platform for early-stage brands to build awareness, and a bevy of new products, including two backed by internet and pop music icons. Show notes: 0:45: Bands Named After Cities And Continents. SXSW Since The ‘86. Call Him Mr. Deez. – The episode opened with a chat about Europe’s most popular song and why Ray might be the anchor for Taste Radio’s bowling team. John discussed the potential impact of a study claiming that consuming significant amounts of erythritol may raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, a relatively simple way to raise t

BevNET’s director of community Melissa Traverse joined Taste Radio hosts Ray Latif and Jacqui Brugliera for a discussion about a new source for valuable industry info, ways that our team can connect with and highlight Expo West exhibitors and a high-profile CEO’s shocking exit. They also spoke about a hot brand’s big retail win, luscious limited-time offerings and had a frank chat about the Whole30 diet and intermittent fasting. Show notes: 0:36: Back On The ‘Cast. ‘Boys’ Brilliant Advice. Expo Plans Revealed. Green Juice, Black Coffee, No Dairy. – Ray praised the return of Melissa, who, along with Jacqui, shared insights gleaned from the first episode of ‘Community Call,’ before each discussed their preparation and planning for Expo West 2023 (send us your info!), including their social media and video content strategy at the event. Later, they reacted to the news that Miyoko’s founder Miyoko Shninner had been removed from her role as CEO of the alt-dairy company, shared their admiration for a fast-growing

According to a 2020 health survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 41.9% of Americans aged 20 and over are obese. It’s a frustrating statistic for public health officials whose advocacy for exercising more frequently and making better eating decisions can often fall on deaf ears. Those issues, however, are linked to the accessibility and affordability of healthy food and beverages. Yes, there are better-for-you options, but are they readily available at a reasonable cost to most consumers? That was a persistent question during Manna Tree’s second annual Global Health Forum, hosted earlier this month at the firm’s home base of Vail, Colorado. Founded on the belief that “the future of health, well-being and longevity is attainable through innovation in food,” Manna Tree invests in and actively partners with growth-stage companies, including Health-Ade, The New Primal, Urban Remedy, Gotham Greens, Verde Farms and Good Culture. Prior to attending the Global Health Forum, which fea

Taste Radio’s hosts discussed the value of attending CPG-centric community events and BevNET’s new series of interactive open meetings that address common questions and current issues impacting food and beverage entrepreneurs. They also explained how Expo West 2023 exhibitors can best advise our editorial teams about their presence at the upcoming event, highlighted recent capital raises for two beverage brands and riffed on several new products and brand extensions from two Mexican-inspired food brands and a trio of innovative energy drinks, among several others. Show notes: 0:45: BevNET Day Is Feb. 31. Jacqui, The Californian. Not Even A Sliver Of Salsa. – Ray kicked off the episode by calling for a new holiday that celebrates numpties and lattes, John discussed the development and focus of BevNET’s new Community Call series and encouraged SoCal listeners to attend next week’s San Diego meetup before Jacqui shared sun-soaked directions to the WCB. They also directed Expo West-ers to upload information about

When we first profiled The New Primal founder and CEO Jason Burke in 2018, his brand was just over five years old and known for its grass-fed, pasture-raised jerky snacks and better-for-you marinades. Since then, the company has expanded into a range of adjacent categories, including seasonings, dressings and condiments and established itself as a platform brand for low sugar products made with responsibly sourced ingredients.  That evolution caught the attention of Vail-based private equity firm Manna Tree, which describes itself as “committed to improving human health through nutrition,” and led The New Primal’s $15 million Series B round in 2021. The investment has helped the company expand distribution, launch new innovation and build out its sales and marketing teams. While The New Primal has a solid foundation on which to build, Burke’s vision of disrupting what he views as “a broken, toxic food system,” is faced with contemporary pressures of inflation and rising costs while simultaneously challenged b

In recent episodes of Taste Radio, entrepreneurs in the midst of raising capital have noted that investment firms are increasingly emphasizing profitability within their funding criteria. And they will point to a common thread among such companies: a foundation rooted in business fundamentals.  Supplying early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs with the resources to learn the ropes and develop a sustainable, scalable business is a primary goal of The Hatchery Chicago, a non-profit food and beverage business incubator focused on the Chicagoland region.  Since its launch in 2016, The Hatchery has focused on supporting women, BIPOC and local founders with affordable commercial kitchen space, fundraising workshops and business coaching. It operates a 67,000 sq. ft. foot facility on the West Side of Chicago and is financially backed by organizations including The MacArthur Foundation and Walton Family Foundation, as well as major food companies Kellogg’s and Griffith Foods.  In this episode, Natalie Shmulik, Th

This week, the hosts discussed a range of topics including BevNET’s new partnership with CPG community Naturally San Diego, how Expo West 2023 exhibitors can amplify their presence at the upcoming trade show and MALK’s clever new ad campaign,  along with some recently launched products that piqued our interest: think pancake cereal and a neon green hot sauce. This episode also features the latest edition of The Maxi Minutes with investor Maxine Kozler Koven, who spoke about how founders can navigate an increasingly tighter market for private capital and the trend of angel investors passing on subsequent funding rounds. Show notes: 0:51: Elvis Is In The Building, We Need Your Number, What’s In Your Milk? – Ray kicked off the show with praise for the biopic “Elvis,” before the hosts chatted about why you should email – and not DM – Jacqui, a February meetup event at BevNET’s San Diego office and a CTA for Expo West exhibitors. They also discussed the duality of plant-based foods and beverages with long ingredi

Stephanie Izard, the founder of acclaimed restaurant The Girl and The Goat and a former winner of cooking competition TV show “Top Chef,” doesn’t spend much time thinking about food trends. Instead, a consistent focus on preparing delicious food and teaching others to do the same has been paramount to Izard’s success as a restaurateur and is at the core of her CPG brand, This Little Goat. Launched in 2016, the brand markets globally-inspired sauces, spices and crunches developed from recipes that Izard created in her restaurants. The products are designed to “make it easy for home chefs to create complex, interesting meals,” she explained. This Little Goat is carried by hundreds of independent and chain grocery stores nationwide, including The Fresh Market, Raley’s, Price Chopper. According to the company, the brand saw sales growth across all channels in 2022 and nearly doubled its revenue in natural retailers. In this episode, Izard spoke about the origins of This Little Goat, how taste and accessibility gu

Wholly Veggie co-founders John Bonnell and David Gaucher knew their brand of plant-based frozen foods needed a new look. But when they saw the design firm’s proposed revamp, it was such a departure from the original version that it made them apprehensive and uncomfortable. And, as they told us, that's why it worked. Wholly Veggie, which debuted in its home market of Canada in 2017, now offers a range of vegan frozen entrees and snacks, including Thai curry, cauliflower wings and mozzarella-style sticks. Bonnell and Gaucher envisioned the brand as one that could attract interest and democratize access to plant-based foods via familiar flavors and dishes. In 2020, Target began carrying Wholly Veggie at all of its U.S. stores and the brand seemed on its way to becoming a household name. Nevertheless, Bonnell and Gaucher sensed that it could just as easily turn into an also-ran in an increasingly saturated market for plant-based frozen meals. Wholly Veggie had to be bold, differentiated and, most importantly, sta

Fresh off the conclusion of the 2023 Winter Fancy Food Show, Taste Radio editor Ray Latif highlighted new, innovative and better-for-you products from over a dozen exhibitors at the annual event, including a plant-centric soup brand, spicy and chewy candy, sunflower seed-based milk, non-alcoholic wine alternatives and gourmet marshmallows. Show notes: 0:40: Nate & The New Studio, Hot Crackers, No Compromise, Dad Dokes – The episode opens with John, Mike and Ray cozying up in BevNET’s new recording studio, before Ray shared his take on Las Vegas as the new home for the Winter Fancy Food Show and recounted an interview with a superstar chef at the event. Ray also shared spicy snacks with his studio mates and chatted with the episode’s hosts about news and new products from the show. Later, Jacqui and Mike chatted about a few new beverages shipped to their respective offices and Ray praised a convenient smoothie brand. Brands in this episode: This Little Goat, Nufs, Lattini, Bitchin’ Sauce, Petit Pot, Three

As a child, SmartSweets founder Tara Bosch used to eat candy for breakfast. As an adult, the entrepreneur is eating her competitors for lunch. Launched in 2016, Bosch created SmartSweets as an alternative to the vast majority of legacy candy brands whose products are made with high amounts of sugar and often include artificial colors and flavors. The Canadian entrepreneur was ambitious from the start, envisioning the company as a global player in the multi-billion dollar confectionary industry.  Leading with a message of “Kick Sugar, Keep Candy,” the brand markets a range of low-sugar candy in familiar formats, including gummies, licorice, sour snacks, lollipops and caramels. Primarily sweetened with allulose, a naturally occurring sweetener that is found in foods like raisins and figs, the products typically contain 1-3g of sugar per bag or serving size. Within four years of its debut, SmartSweets was carried by over 25,000 stores in North America, including Target, Kroger, Walmart and Whole Foods and genera