Taste Radio

Even as one of the pioneers of the super-premium coffee set often referred to as “third-wave,” Blue Bottle founder James Freeman says he was never interested in being ahead of the curve. For Freeman, creating an innovative and lasting brand is “about working on the negative space.” Joining Taste Radio for a conversation in this week’s episode, Freeman explained how Blue Bottle has built a unique platform differentiated by ultra high quality products and service by “figuring out what is there and shouldn’t [be] rather than figuring out is not there and should be there”. The strategy has attracted a loyal consumer base, as well as a powerful strategic partner in Nestlé , which last year acquired a majority stake in the company for a reported $500 million. Listen to our full-length interview with Freeman, who also discussed the origins and development of Blue Bottle, his perspective on the premiumization of coffee and his vision for the future of the company. Also included in this episode: a conversation with Je