Taste Radio

It’s another drag for canna-brands. The hosts discuss an emergency regulation in California that would remove food and beverage brands containing hemp-derived THC from stores in the state. They also wonder about the runway for a trendy flavor and highlight several new and unusual products. Show notes: 0:25: Wine Under A Bridge. London Via San Diego. Explosive Ranch. Is It 1991? Dumplings & Drinks. – We get a debrief from John on his adventures in Copenhagen including sipping natural wine in a rather odd location and perhaps a bit of buyer‘s remorse. The hosts discuss their upcoming travel to California and England and invite listeners to meet up in both places. They also talk about everything bagel seasoning’s 15 minutes of fame and present ranch dressing in a less-than-pleasant light. Mike gets mad about Governor Newsom’s recent regulation and John breaks down the impact of the politician’s actions. They also chat about Ghia’s latest opus, a spicy ramen collaboration and a unique RTD latte. Brands in thi

At one point during our conversation with Four Sigmatic founder and CEO Tero Isokauppila, he recounts a story about playing golf with the CEO of a large and well-known U.S. retailer. The executive told Tero that Four Sigmatic wouldn’t be successful because of its esoteric brand name. It’s fair to say that the CEO underestimated the trailblazing company. Founded in 2012, Four Sigmatic pioneered the now thriving category of mushroom-centric food and beverages. The brand markets a platform of organic ground coffee, protein powders, creamers and supplements that are infused with functional fungi, including reishi, lion’s mane and chaga.  Four Sigmatic’s flagship mushroom coffee is the leading ground coffee on Amazon, and is the anchor for its significant e-commerce business, which represents more than half of its sales. The brand is also represented at major retail chains, including Walmart, Whole Foods, Target, GNC, Albertsons and The Vitamin Shoppe and generates tens of millions of dollars annually. In this ep

Was Newtopia Now worth a visit? Why are founders flocking to San Diego? Is “Side Hustlers” the new “Shark Tank”? What’s going on with instant noodles? And, is drinking pastrami a real thing? All good questions. The hosts have answers. Show notes: 0:25: Naked + Famous. Sippin’ In The CPH. Newtopia FOMO. Meet Up. Reese W. Instant Debate. Deli Drink. – Ray and Mike are back after a two-week hiatus and both praise Jacqui on her hosting skills during their absence. Ray chats about Craven’s Scandinavian consumption habits and everyone decides they’ll attend the next edition of a new trade show. The hosts also highlight the upcoming Taste Radio Meetup in San Diego on Sept. 25, before Mike talks about a new business pitch television show focused on female founders. Ray busts out a bunch of easy-prep noodles and Jacqui showcases a couple unusual collaborations. Brands in this episode: Bonbuz, Brune Kitchen, Maruchen, Funyons, immi, Watcharees, Nomad Popcorn, Tru, Driftaway Coffee, Leisure Hydration, Spicewalla

He may be nicknamed “The Beverage Whisperer,” but when Ken Sadowsky speaks he’s heard loud and clear.  A longtime industry advisor and investor, Ken is one of the most respected and influential voices in the beverage business. Ken is currently the executive director of The Northeastern Independent Distributors Association, known as NIDA, a group of wholesalers that operate in states from Maine to Pennsylvania. He’s also a senior advisor with Verlivest, the Belgium-based investment holding company founded by the owners of Anheuser-Busch InBev, which holds stakes in Oatly, Vita Coco and Hint Water. Ken is personally invested in and an advisor to several beverage companies including LifeAid, Icelandic Glacial, Recess and Dyla Brands.  This episode is the third of a trilogy with Ken, who also joined us for conversations in 2016 and 2019. Ken and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif sample drinks representing fast-growing, bleeding-edge and established categories, including better-for-you sodas, cannabis libations, nona

A recent Linkedin post penned by an executive of online distribution platform Pod Foods ignited a passionate discussion about the limited routes to market for emerging brands and whether things might be changing for the better… or worse. Taste Radio’s hosts have their say on the matter. Show notes: 0:35: JacquIC. Mayor Melissa. Peter’s Post. Call Her Sir. Church Beer. Hydrate, Then Hike. – Jacqui takes over primary hosting duties while Ray is OOO, and does a damn good job of it. Melissa has a new moniker, and it fits her well. Community Call is, in a sense, casting – email to learn more. The hosts all weigh in on Peter Gialansis’s scribe, why UNFI and competing brands may be unfairly cast as the villains and the upside to a long and arduous road. They also share their two cents on Queen B’s latest opus and talk about upcoming industry events in San Diego before John presents his spicy mashed potatoes. Melissa then shows a patriotic side and Jacqui explains how she’s preparing for a very steep journey. Brands

Straight talk can be hard to come by. Speak with Taylor Foxman, however, and the veteran beverage executive and industry advisor will give you the unvarnished truth, or, as she does in this episode, declare something an outright falsehood. Taylor has over a decade of experience in beverage alcohol and beyond, having worked for globally recognized wine, beer and spirit companies including Pernod Ricard and Gruppo Campari.  She’s currently the founder and CEO of The Industry Collective, a leading beverage and cannabis advisory firm and is also a board member/board advisor with investment firms Alethia Ventures and MacArthur Capital. In this episode, we speak with Taylor for a conversation framed as a series of statements that she addresses as true or false, including those about the value of great taste, the impact of bad PR, the sober-curious movement, the future of cannabis beverages and Gen Z consumers’ relationship with alcoholic drinks. Show notes: 0:35: Taylor Foxman, Founder & CEO The Industry Collec

The hosts welcome NOSH managing editor Monica Watrous to the show as they discuss Mars’ $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, including key takeaways from the deal, its impact on the food industry and why it may spur a flow of M&A activity among entrepreneurial companies.  Show notes: 0:35: Ripple Effect. Bread Certified. Yu Try That New Brew? Cold Kelce. Meet Tha Kids. – Ray and Mike are OOO, so no soccer banter, but Monica is here to share the deets on a couple new episodes of CPG Week and her plans for the upcoming Newtopia Now trade show. She also presents a historical perspective and analysis of the Mars/Kellanova deal before John highlights a Linkedin post penned by Once Upon A Farm co-founder and CEO John Foraker about the potential for it to “start an avalanche.” The hosts munch on chia-laden snacks, sip on Liquid Death’s chocolatey collaboration with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, tease a peanut butter taste test and praise a new premium instant coffee. Brands in this episode: Once Upon a Farm, M&Ms

It’s not a stretch to say that Olipop has altered the beverage landscape.  Co-founded by industry veterans Ben Goodwin and David Lester in 2018, Olipop pioneered the breakout category of functional, low-calorie soda and has become one of the fastest growing drink brands in recent memory.  The company is expected to generate $500 million in revenue this year and its products are sold in over 35,000 retail stores across the U.S., including major chains Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Publix, Kroger and Costco. Remarkably, the company is also profitable. Olipop’s rise, fueled by Gen Z consumers seeking a healthier alternative to legacy libations, spurred the launch of dozens of new entrants into the space. Strategic companies have, expectedly, taken note.  The brand’s ascent is not common, but its co-founders adherence to business fundamentals, simple and clear messaging, and mission-driven values have given the brand a foundation on which it has flourished.  In this episode, Ben and David talk about how Olipop’s

Prior to the announcement of Mars’ $36 billion acquisition of Kellanova, the hosts discussed the possibility of a major M&A deal, one that could create a domino effect for some CPG brands. They also opined on the future of NA bottle shops, munch on ramen-flavored snacks and sip on banana cream soda. Show notes: 0:35: Hoodie Jinx. Junk Food, Part Deux. Fung Wah. An Ambient Future. NA & THC. — It’s clear that Mike and Ray dressed from the same closet, but neither is into granny thrifting. Ray shares limited-edition flavor of Jacqui’s favorite childhood snack and promises to bring her a bag when the team meets up in San Diego next month, and the hosts chat about birthday cake flavor and reminisce about a defunct bus company. They also discuss Olipop’s new line of shelf-stable sodas and Poppi’s eye-popping marketing spend during the first four months of 2024, before chatting about the first two speakers announced for NOSH Live Winter 2024 and why the beverage industry is cheering for Sechey, but no so mu

Michael Preysman turned heads in 2011 when he launched pioneering DTC apparel brand Everlane. With his latest venture – Magna, a brand of sports wellness powders infused with magnesium – he has once again captured the attention of many, particularly those in the beverage industry. In 2022, Michael stepped down as Everlane CEO and took a new role as the company’s executive chair and climate lead. After handing over the day-to-day responsibilities of running Everlane, whose 2023 revenues are pegged to be north of $200 million, Michael focused on Magna, which debuted last month. Leading with the tagline “for those who play the long game,” Magna markets hydration powders that are made with three forms of magnesium along with electrolytes. The company, which developed the products in partnership with doctors and athletes, are promoted as providing greater focus, energy and recovery.  Magna comes in four flavors – lemon lime, tea lemonade, watermelon lime, and peach mango – and is sold direct-to-consumer vi

A promising brand shut its doors this week, and its founder claimed that a confluence of factors led to its demise. Taste Radio’s hosts, however, wonder if the company’s problems stemmed from a single simple issue. They also riff on the ubiquity of “brat summer,” toss Twinkies and pop bottles of the NA variety. Show notes: 0:35: Pump Up The Jam. Dude Dad x Rizzberry. Kelp Burgers. Pasta Snacks, Pt. 3. Cuppa Projo. – Jacqui reveals her pre-banter routine, Ray breaks out an unexpected and mysterious snack that Mike starts to throw at everyone, and John turns to ChatGPT for some assistance. The hosts also discuss Akua’s decision to cease operations and whether its kelp-centric portfolio had a viable path to mainstream retail, before they sip on bubbly libations and snack on pasta-based puffs. Brands in this episode: Twinkies, Little Saints, Akua, Actual Veggies, Impossible Foods, Seacherones, Eat The Change, Just Ice Tea, Oddbird, Ghia, S’Noods, Penne Straws, Goya, Lottie’s Meats, Loisa, Tantos, Saga, Lapo’s, Pr

Upon its much hyped debut in 2019, Recess was dubbed by the press as “the Lacroix of CBD.” Founder and CEO Ben Witte has always preferred a different tagline: “the Red Bull of relaxation.” CBD was the fuel for Recess’ hot start, but when the beverage industry cooled on the cannabinoid — the result of a challenging regulatory environment — the company turned to another trendy ingredient: magnesium. In 2021, Recess introduced Recess Mood, a new line of sparkling waters infused with magnesium and adaptogens and marketed as modern relaxation beverages. Leading with the tagline of “calm, cool, collected,” the products have become the primary driver of sales of the brand and represent the vision that founder and CEO Ben Witte says he always had for Recess: a platform of beverages intended to help people relax. The company later added Mood powders to the mix, and in 2022 launched a line of zero-proof mocktails that Ben describes as a natural extension of the brand. Recess has emerged from the pivot as a prime-time p

Does the announcement of a new $135 million fund offer any indication about the flow of new capital in food and beverage? The hosts discuss and also highlight a Poppi-infused snack, Walgreens’ private label prowess and some “notable” folks. This episode features an interview with five entrepreneurs, including the founders of Little Spoon, Four Sigmatic and O2, who are drawing upon their extensive experience, networks and resources to support emerging brands via a new venture called CPG Fast Track. Show notes: 0:35: Yosemite’s Erewhon. Pop-Guac. No-tables. Mo’ Money. Nice! Naked & Famous. Feed Bags. – Jacqui recounts her visit to one of America’s most famous parks and its well-stocked general store, the Newton crew misread a snack recipe and poured soda into guacamole, and the hosts chat about Nosh’s praise for “notable” leaders and influencers in the food industry. They also reflect on Siddhi Capital’s launch of a second fund and what it means for emerging and growth-stage brands, share their takes on a w

It’s one of the fastest growing natural food brands in recent years, but better-for-you snack maker LesserEvil still has plenty of room to scale. Literally. The vertically integrated company just opened its second production facility in its home state of Connecticut, one it views as the next step towards expansion into mainstream retailers. Best known for its organic popcorn and identified by the cherubic Buddha-like icon on the front of every bag, LesserEvil debuted in 2005. Its current trajectory, however, began in 2011 when former bond trader Charles Coristine acquired the company, which, at the time, was nearly bankrupt. In the time since, LesserEvil has become a nationally distributed brand that is available at Whole Foods, Target, Publix, Walmart, Costco and Sprouts. In addition to popcorn, the brand markets a broad range of snacks, including its corn-based “Space Balls” and onion ring-inspired “Moonions,” as well as those made for kids and toddlers. The products are made without seed or vegetable oils

There’s high praise, some head-scratching and outright dismay in this innovation-centric episode of Taste Radio. Among the highlights: an upstart labneh brand and a Gen Z-inspired line of better-for-you soda. Less appealing: a corporation’s commodification of ethnic foods and global flavors. Show notes: 0:25: It Sounds Phishy. Mike Gets A Treat. No Cap. A Tiny Moment. Oh, Ben. Spicy Bread. – Mike is back and shares some deets about a THC-fueled concert before he gets his chance to sample a viral frozen dessert. Ray realizes that a new beverage brand is not for him and that its clever name went over Jacqui’s head. The hosts wonder whether labneh can go mainstream and are agitated by two new brand extensions launched by Ben’s Original. They also chat about high-flying gummies and shots, avocado bread (!) and why European wheat makes all the difference. Brands in this episode: GoodPop, Ore-Ida, No Cap!, Bezi Labneh, Yaza, Ben’s Original, Gorilla, Fable, Magic Cactus, Flyers Cocktail Co., Calexo, Brez, Cadence

When Miguel Leal and his co-founders launched the modern Mexican food brand Somos Foods in 2021, they believed they were introducing a “Goya for millennials.” It turns out that Somos was more suited to be a “Rao’s for all consumers.” Miguel is the CEO of Somos Foods, which he founded with Kind Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky and Rodrigo Zuloaga, who, like Miguel, is a former Kind executive. Somos markets clean ingredient “simmer sauces,” salsa, rice and beans produced in Mexico and made using traditional techniques, according to the brand. The products are distributed in over 11,000 retail doors, including Target, Publix, Whole Foods Market, Walmart and Albertsons. While the founders’ original concept – to “re-envision Mexican cuisine in the U.S. with a focus on authenticity, convenience, and sustainability” – has remained consistent, the communication of that message has evolved. Somos is now positioned as a brand for “Mexican meal solutions.” Miguel says that the shift required the company to rethink nearly

Sweet. Savory. Celeb. The hosts check all the boxes in an episode that looks at how consumers evaluate authenticity between brands and celebrity endorsers. We also feature an interview with Stephanie Reda, the director of brand development for fast growing snack and seltzer brand Hal's New York. Stephanie outlines the history of Hal's and discusses the brand’s retail and distribution strategy. She also talks about Hal’s marketing and social media initiatives, and how her role has evolved as Hal's enters its 10th year in business. Show notes: 0:25: All Alone. At Sea. The OG Combo. Discounts Are Great. Gin & JLo. Recess Time. Cowcohol. – Ray finds himself in a rare spot, while John and Jacqui rock the WCB studio. The hosts highlight one of the most interesting sweet and savory combinations in recent years before pointing out an easy way to save money this fall. They also reflect on an article penned by BevNET spirits editor Ferron Salniker about celebrity-backed beverage alcohol brands and how credibility

How does a 156-year-old business continually evolve to meet the needs and palates of modern consumers? It’s a question that Amy Guittard, the CMO and fifth-generation owner of Guittard Chocolate, often thinks about. Based in the Bay Area, Guittard is a family-owned and operated chocolate company founded in 1868. Guittard’s primary business is as a supplier of premium chocolate to some of the world’s most recognizable candy and sweets brands along with large and independent bakeries. Guittard also markets a consumer brand and sells baking chips, chocolate bars and cocoa powder. Following a six-year career at Clif Bar, Amy joined Guittard in 2012 and has led brand strategy, building and refining the company’s platform initiatives. She’s also played a key role in its innovation strategy, supporting the development of products that have enhanced the offerings of Guittard's business customers.  In this episode, Amy speaks about the duality of her role as both a steward and agent of change for Guittard, the challen

It’s a “buy or sell” episode as the hosts opine about the future of online grocery shopping, fish sticks, and whether kombucha can recapture some of its magic (and sales). They also discuss Athletic Brewing Co.’s recent $50 million financing round and highlight a few fizzy and spicy new products. Show notes: 0:25: Boatin’. No Stage In S.D. M&Athletic. Bruised Peaches. White(fish) Space. Hops For Breakfast. – An hour before the Newton-based team set sail on Boston Harbor, the hosts chat about John’s upcoming interview as part of a Naturally San Diego meetup on July 17 and the reasons why Athletic Brewing hasn’t been acquired… yet. They also share their personal preferences on buying produce using a smartphone or keyboard, why Ray thinks there’s big potential for a sleepy frozen segment and whether current challenges in the kombucha category can be overcome. Later, Jacqui gets Parch-ed, Ray is impressed with a new sparkling water brand, Mike unveils an upscale condiment and John samples a morning brew. Bra

During our conversation with Simon Ford, the co-founder of revered spirit brand Fords Gin, he recited an adage that could be inscribed on the walls of any successful company: “People don’t do business with brands, they do business with people.” He’s lived by the maxim throughout a 20-plus year career that includes experience in wine retail, bartending, spirits marketing, and, of course, entrepreneurship. In 2012, Simon and master distiller Charles Maxwell launched The 86 Company, a portfolio of high-quality and versatile spirits, including Fords Gin, developed to set a standard for modern bars and mixologists. Fords Gin emerged as one of the definitive brands represented at high-end cocktail bars around the world and was key to the acquisition of The 86 Company by beverage alcohol giant Brown-Forman in 2019. In this episode, Simon speaks about how a diverse background in spirits and hospitality helped him create extensive connections within each industry, what he means when he says that he “never pitches busi