Taste Radio

These days, it’s commonplace to see vegan restaurants in cities across America. Just a few years ago, however, few options existed and the ones that did weren’t very good, according to T.K. Pillan, the chairman and co-founder of fast-casual restaurant chain Veggie Grill. A former tech entrepreneur, Pillan sold his web development company in 2004 and set out to create a destination for delicious vegan food with wide consumer appeal. He and co-founder Kevin Boylan opened the first Veggie Grill location in Irvine, California in 2006 and the store was an instant hit. Thirteen years later, Veggie Grill now has 37 locations and is planning to operate 50 stores by 2020. Pillan is also a partner with Powerplant Ventures, which invests in disruptive plant-centric concepts. In an interview included in this episode, Pillan spoke about his transition from tech to food, how the first Veggie Grill got off the ground and why the company has taken a patient approach to expansion. He also explained why it’s critical for co-fo

James McMaster, the CEO of Huel, a fast-growing brand of nutritionally complete meal replacement powders and RTD beverages, doesn’t mind a little chaos.  At the helm of a brand whose products are sold in 80 countries and are expected to generate over $50 million in sales in 2019, McMaster compares the U.K.-based company’s growth to that of an amusement park ride. “You’re on this roller coaster and you’re trying to keep it under control, but you like it being slightly out of control so it can breathe and reach its potential,” McMaster said in an interview included in this episode. “At the same time, you have to keep building foundations behind you.” Founded in 2015, Huel, which derives its name from “human” and “fuel,” has built a thriving direct-to-consumer business in Europe and the U.S. While e-commerce is the brand’s primary focus, Huel has gradually introduced distribution to brick-and-mortar retailers in order to broaden accessibility and awareness of its products. As part of our conversation, McMaster s

Known as the “Consumer Reports of cooking,” America’s Test Kitchen has supplied intricately researched recipes, tips and recommendations to millions of home chefs since 1980. Born as a magazine publisher, the company launched an eponymous television show in 1999 and has since become a prolific content producer that publishes 15 new cookbooks annually, in addition to streaming video and a kids platform. In an interview included in this episode, David Nussbaum, the chairman and CEO of America’s Test Kitchen, spoke about how the company has maintained a loyal following amid a changing landscape for food and media, how it evaluates its role as a thought leader, and how trends, competition and technology factor into its future. This episode is presented by Flavorman, the beverage architects. Show notes:  2:27: Interview: David Nussbaum, Chairman/CEO, America’s Test Kitchen — In an interview recorded at America’s Test Kitchen headquarters in Boston, Nussbaum spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about his path fr

In this episode, we’re joined by Kelly Heekin and Ben Schmidt, the co-founders of premium hydration beverage brand Hoist, who discussed their strategy for mainstreaming a niche concept. Founded in 2009, Hoist was developed to be a more palatable version of Pedialyte, which in recent years has attracted a following among adults who use the products as rapid-hydration recovery drinks. Heekin and Schmidt said that while Hoist was ahead of its time, they were willing to be patient and wait for the market to catch up to the opportunity. “To be successful in this industry, you have to have the staying power and the ability to adapt,” Schmidt said. “It’s not going to be an overnight success, that’s for sure.” The co-founders explained how they incubated the brand for years in their backyard of Cincinnati, which allowed them to learn from mistakes before embarking on a national launch. That strategy is bearing fruit: Hoist is currently available in 10,000 retail locations across the U.S. As part of our interview, Hee

When asked about her company’s innovation strategy, Rachel Drori, the founder/CEO of popular direct-to-consumer food brand Daily Harvest, highlighted the concept  of “co-creating.”  “When our community asks, we deliver,” she said in an interview included in this episode. “We don’t walk, we run and move fast when innovating.” That “co-creating” process involves a constant and thoughtful dialogue with its customers and has supported Daily Harvest’s rise to one of the fastest growing food companies in the U.S. In just four years, it has amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers and attracted several high-profile investors, including Goop founder and Oscar-winning actress Gwenth Paltrow and tennis icon Serena Williams. In 2017, the company raised $43 million in a Series B round to help it scale its direct-to-consumer model.  As part of our conversation, Drori spoke about Daily Harvest’s mission and rapid growth, the sophisticated way that the company uses social media to rapidly innovate and iterate and why th

In this episode, we feature an interview with Shilen Patel, the co-founder of Distill Ventures (DV), a U.K.-based venture capital firm and accelerator that invests in disruptive distilled spirit companies and non-alcoholic beverage brands.  Launched in 2013, DV is backed by Diageo, the global spirits conglomerate whose portfolio includes iconic brands like Johnnie Walker and Bulleit Bourbon. Over the past six years, DV has invested approximately $80 million in over 15 small and early-stage brands, including Westward American Single Malt whiskey and non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip.  As part of our conversation, Patel discussed DV’s mission and relationship with Diageo, why he’s bullish about the future of low- and no-alcohol adult beverages, and why quality is of paramount importance to DV’s investment philosophy. Show notes: 1:15: An Ode To Press Your Luck, Kelp Jerky, #GGMU -- The episode’s hosts convened for a conversation about Ray’s former dream job (note: he’s living the current one), why Jay-Z might be at

It’s commonplace these days to see household and personal care products that are designed to be better for you and less harmful to the environment. But not too long ago, those items were few and far between, marketed by just a handful of brands -- one of which was Seventh Generation, a mail order business co-founded by Jeffrey Hollender. Launched in 1988, the company gradually evolved into a pioneering retail brand known for social responsibility and sustainable practices. In 2016, consumer products conglomerate Unilever purchased Seventh Generation for an estimated $700 million.  Despite an acrimonious split with the company in 2010, Hollender eventually returned as a board member in 2017. He’s also currently the CEO and co-founder of the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), an advocacy group that represents the interests of socially responsible companies and an adjunct professor of sustainability and social entrepreneurship at NYU’s Stern Business School, as well as a member of the board at Greenpe

In this episode, we feature an interview with Jason Shiver, CEO of fast-growing sparkling water brand Waterloo, who discussed his strategy for winning in a crowded and highly competitive category. Launched in 2017, Waterloo, which is promoted as healthier and more flavorful than competing brands,  is backed by high-profile private equity firm CAVU Venture Partners and led by a team of experienced operators, including Shiver, an industry veteran whose resume includes roles at AriZona Beverages, Glutino and SkinnyPop. The company has pursued an aggressive growth strategy, and in just two years Waterloo has become one of the leading sparkling water brands in the natural channel and is carried nationally at Whole Foods and The Fresh Market.  In the following interview, Shiver spoke about Waterloo’s fast start, why the brand’s co-founders hired him as CEO and how he’s applied lessons from past work to his current role. He also addressed growing concerns about added natural flavors, the challenges of managing rapid

Melissa Hartwig Urban, the co-founder/CEO of Whole30, wants to clear up a couple misconceptions about the popular 30-day lifestyle program: it isn’t a diet, and, it isn’t for everyone. What’s indisputable, however, is that Whole30 is a cultural phenomenon that has attracted millions of followers, many of whom adhere to its paleo-centric guidelines even after they complete the program. As a result, Whole30 has grown to influence how many food and beverage brands market and formulate their products, including through its product certification program. In an interview included in this episode, Urban spoke about the origins of Whole30, why she describes it as a short-term “experiment,” and why she is staunchly opposed you against the idea of moderation. She also discussed the selective process for brands to become “Whole30 approved,” why coffee brands are not a part of the program and why most of her work time is spent direct messaging with members of the Whole30 community. She also addresses pushback about promo

The tagline for Ithaca Craft Hummus is simple and direct: “This Hummus Tastes Fresh.” For founder/president Chris Kirby, the mission to build a disruptive yet profitable brand is just as clear cut. Launched in 2013, Ithaca’s ultra fresh flavor -- derived from cold-pressed ingredients and non-thermal pasteurization -- has helped the brand build a consumer following and gain placement in thousands of retail stores across the country, including Wegmans, The Fresh Market and Publix. Throughout Ithaca’s development, Kirby has emphasized a scrappy approach to growth that’s based on strong relationships with his co-packer and retail partners. The result has been a lean, profitable operation that is now one of the fastest-growing hummus brands in the U.S..  In an interview included in this episode, Kirby spoke how he identified white space in the hummus category and what he learned during four years of operating his own production facility. He also urged entrepreneurs to be thoughtful about their retail relationships

If you’ve ever sipped on a craft cocktail, chances are that the drink was influenced by one of a handful of bars at the forefront of modern mixology. That short list includes Death & Co., a venerated haunt in New York City’s East Village that has become a mecca for cocktail enthusiasts. Known for its inventive libations and sleek ambiance, Death & Co.’s focus on delivering an elevated drinking experience has made it an archetype for premium bars and indirectly paved a path for the rise of high quality packaged cocktails. In an interview included in this episode, Death & Co. co-founder Alex Day spoke about the inception of the bar, which has since opened a second location in Denver and is nearing completion on an outpost in Los Angeles, and the company's thoughtful approach to innovation and branding. He also explained why articulating Death & Co.’s style is an “ongoing  process,” how consulting taught him the importance of creating systems, why patience is key to its recruitment process and wh

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashleigh and Trey Lockerbie, the co-founders of organic kombucha brand Better Booch, who joined us for a conversation about the good, the bad and the ugly of a brand revamp. In March, the Los Angeles-based company unveiled a new look designed to broaden its appeal and position itself as a more premium, craft offering. It wasn’t, however, an overnight process; the Lockerbies spent nearly two years developing  the new brand identity. Despite many frustrating moments, the work helped shaped a brand strategy that now serves as the foundation for Better Booch’s future. As part of our conversation, the Lockerbies spoke about the decision and timing of the revamp, how they gradually uncovered brand elements that were incorporated into the new packaging and how they communicated their vision to design partners. Show notes: 1:16: The Facts About NACS -- In Atlanta for the 2019 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show, the episode’s hosts, including BevNET’s Martín Caballe

This week, we’re joined by Greg Vetter, the co-founder of Tessemae’s, which produces organic dressings and condiments made with simple and clean ingredients. Vetter and his two brothers launched the brand in 2009 and got off to a hot start; in its first week at Whole Foods, Tessemae’s broke the retailer’s record for sales in a single week. In the years that followed, Tessemae’s continued its rapid rise and was pegged as one of the next great natural food companies. Things cooled off, however, and while it’s still a well-respected brand with tens of millions in annual sales, Tessemae’s has faced a number of challenges to its growth, including a reduced retail footprint and supplier lawsuits. In an interview included in this episode, Vetter spoke about Tessemae’s impressive start and how a decade in development has come with huge wins and unexpected losses. He also explained why his “positively intense” approach to business is not for everyone, the undesirable association with “bro culture,” why he has some reg

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by entrepreneur and investor Mark Rampolla for a discussion on the positive habits that have shaped his personal life and career. As part of our conversation, Rampolla, who is the founder of Zico coconut water and the co-founder of venture capital firm Powerplant Ventures, spoke about why he consistently reviews long and short-term goals and the importance of thoughtful communication with employees and colleagues. He also explained why daily huddles are key for highly effective organizations and why getting to bed early every night might be the most underrated habit of all. Show notes: 1:04: The New Rotary Club, What’s Oat Is New and TRL -- BevNET/NOSH brand specialist Melissa Traverse joined the regular hosts for a freewheeling conversation about her previous work experience at Whole Foods, how to use LinkedIn effectively, and the range of oat-milk based products featured at Expo East 2019. They also discussed the upcoming Bread & Jam Festival in London and a Taste Ra

There’s an old saying that “leaders are born, not made.” That might be true, but even for the most innate leaders, wouldn’t it be helpful to learn from others’ experiences? Alan Murray thought so. As a young executive working for carton manufacturer Tetra Pak, Alan wrote a guide for people in similar roles about how to lead effectively and position themselves for success.  The guide has served as the foundation for Murray’s career; after a tenure as CEO of Tetra Pak North America, he is now the CEO of Next Foods, the maker of probiotic-infused food and beverage brand GoodBelly. In an interview included in this episode, Murray spoke about his approach to leadership, including how to manage people that might be smarter than you, and the three critical things that he believes all successful CEOs should master. Later, he discussed GoodBelly’s influence on the evolution of the probiotic food category, how the brand has refined its positioning and communication strategy and what elicited the company’s partnership w

This week, we’re joined by Grant Gyesky, the co-founder and CEO of Rise Nitro Brewing Co., a fast-growing brand that has made waves in the emerging segment of nitro-infused coffee. Launched in 2015, Rise is known for its high-quality, organic nitro cold brew coffee and innovative line extensions, including citrus-infused coffee and oat milk lattes. The company has gradually expanded distribution beyond its home market in New York, and in May landed placement in over 2,000 Walmart stores across the U.S.  In an interview included in this episode, Gyesky spoke about the brand’s genesis and development, how he and his co-founders determined their roles in the company and the challenges of being a first time CEO. He also discussed how Rise considers innovation and distribution amid a rapidly growing coffee category, why first-time entrepreneurs often make better decisions than industry veterans, and why it’s critical to choose the right advisors. Show notes: 1:22: Expo East, Advice on Advisors, and Road Sodas --

Steve Hughes’ influence on the development of the natural food industry is impressive. As the founder and former CEO of Boulder Brands, he helped develop and nurture a range of next-generation natural food companies, including evol and Smart Balance as well as pioneering gluten-free brands Udi's and Glutino. Following the sale of Boulder Brands to Pinnacle Foods in 2015, Steve co-founded Sunrise Strategic Partners, an investment firm that has acquired stakes in several innovative and fast-growing brands such as Kodiak Cakes, Cali’flour, Coolhaus and Maple Hill Creamery. In an interview included in this episode, Hughes reflected upon his career and his role in shaping the current market for natural food. He also discussed Sunrise’s investment philosophy, why the funding environment for natural CPG companies is “capitalism at its absolute best,” and what he sees as the most exciting development for consumer brands. Show notes:  2:26: Interview: Steve Hughes, Founder, Boulder Brands/Sunrise Strategic Partners --

In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Cessario, the founder and CEO of Liquid Death, a canned water brand whose heavy metal vibe and edgy marketing has generated considerable online buzz and attracted  funding from a range of prominent investors. As part of our interview, Cessario spoke about the rapid rise of Liquid Death, which earlier this year raised $1.6 million in a seed round that included Dollar Shave Club founder/CEO Michael Dubin and Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, and how his experience as an ad exec and as a creative director for Netflix played into the creation of the brand. He also explained why he views Liquid Death as a rebuke to extreme marketing, and how the company attempts to communicate authenticity. Show notes: 1:18: We Open With Hope and Beth -- NOSH’s Beth Kaiserman, who joined the team in April, discussed her experience as a food writer and reporter, and, along with the show’s regular hosts, riffed on non-alcoholic beer, better-for-you Bugles, non-dairy dip, and negronis, among other to

If you were an entrepreneur whose company was recently acquired for millions of dollars, what would be your next move? If you said, “Get on a boat and sail the Carribbean,” then you’re in good company. That was David Smith’s plan. After 13 years on the grind, Smith, the co-founder of organic tea brand Sweet Leaf Tea, was ready to relax.  But after a few months at sea, he grew restless and soon found himself drawing up plans for a new business: cold brew maker High Brew Coffee, launched in 2013. Drawing upon the experience and team Smith cultivated at Sweet Leaf, High Brew got off to a fast start and has since become one of the top-selling brands in the competitive cold brew segment.  In an interview included in this episode, Smith reflected upon his 20 year journey as a beverage entrepreneur, cutting his teeth with Sweet Leaf and his lifelong friendship with the brand’s co-founder Clayton Christopher, and why culture was “everything” at the company. He also discussed his next act with High Brew and how his pr

This episode features an interview with Evan Holod, the CEO of Michel et Augustin US, the American arm of the French snack maker, who explained how the company reimagined its brand positioning and product packaging for American audiences.  Known for its indulgent snacks and quirky branding, Michel et Augustin entered the U.S. market in 2016. While the brand achieved some early traction, including national distribution at Starbucks, its development stalled. Enter Holod, who came on as CEO in 2018 following 10 years as a brand manager at Coca-Cola. In our interview, Holod spoke about the history of Michel et Augustin, which is owned by dairy conglomerate Danone, the problems with its initial U.S. strategy and the company’s approach to getting it back on track. Show notes: 1:28: Kokomo, Hot Cheese and Cocktails -- The hosts chatted about John’s trip to Aruba and some of beverage brands he encountered, Carol’s visits to San Francisco, Denver, Boulder and Sonoma, the revamp of switchel brand Sunomi, and the deluge