Taste Radio

Jacqui’s recap of the recently held Vegan Women’s Summit spurs a conversation about consumer perception of – and some resentment about –  plant-based food and meat alternatives, in particular. The hosts also highlight a new high-test coffee brand that’s backed by a high-profile investor, note a new and valuable benefit for Insiders and sample prebiotic sodas, BFY cookies and a show-stopping non-alcoholic red wine. This episode also features a conversation with Dr. Farnoush Fadavi is the co-founder of Bala Enzyme, a brand of plant-based drink mixes formulated with a proprietary blend of turmeric, bromelain, and papain that contain no sugar. When taken regularly, the products are said to help regulate the body’s inflammatory response and improve circulation to accelerate recovery and natural healing.  Show notes: 0:43: Almost T-Boned. The Grimace Burger. Sporty Samples. Wine Keys. Uncouth Swine! - Mike recalls a moment in time when Jon Landis may have saved four lives; Jacqui gives a rundown of a recent vegan-c

Twenty-three years, nine brands and four successful exits. Serial entrepreneur Lance Collins has seen it all.  Yes, he sold Fuze and NOS to the Coca-Cola Co. and reaped a windfall return. Yes, Coke also paid billions to buy BodyArmor, while Keurig Dr Pepper acquired Core Hydration for $525 million. There’s no question that his wins are impressive.  But Lance will tell you that he’s made nearly every mistake one can make in the beverage industry and has experienced raw and desperate times, including mortgaging his house to stay in business.  When asked about a throughline that has linked his companies and defined his career, Lance points to passion. He says it’s why he continues to develop new beverage concepts, such as organic sports drink Recover 180, fitness-centric energy brand Accelerator, additive-free tequila Casa Azul, better-for-you soda MyMuse and ZEN WTR, a brand of sustainable bottled water. We sat down with Lance at the 2024 Beverage Forum, where he talked about his current and past ventures, less

Dates, consumed for millennia, are having a modern moment. But can the superfood maintain its momentum, particularly among mainstream consumers? And, while we’re asking: has “superfood” lost its luster? Taste Radio’s hosts have their say. We also sit down with MMA icon Quentin “Rampage” Jackson, who is a partner with upstart beverage brand F3 Energy. Show notes: 0:38: No ECL, Thank You. Don’t Sit Next To Ray. A Plurality of Cacao. Sounds Fishy. – Mike trolls Ray about a recent soccer game, it’s clear that Jacqui is the one to call in the event of an emergency, and an early-stage date snack brand sparks a discussion about how the fruit and other superfoods are marketed and sold. The hosts also munch on a new line of corn-based, onion-flavored, ring-shaped snacks (yes, you guessed it) and opine on better-for-you versions of legacy snacks, while Mike gets ceremonial about a new cacao drink and reveals a somewhat strange breakfast habit. 30:14: Quentin “Rampage” Jackson, Partner, F3 – MMA fans are undoubtedly fam

Emma Chamberlain isn’t jaded by the ebb and flow of beverage entrepreneurship. Not yet, anyway. On the contrary, the 22-year-old, who rose to fame as a YouTube creator and has since become one of the most prominent influencers in the world, says that she revels in the daily lessons learned from building her coffee brand, Chamberlain Coffee.  Founded in 2020, Chamberlain Coffee sells whole beans, matcha and instant coffee direct-to-consumer and also markets ready-to-drink dairy-free lattes that are carried by Whole Foods, Albertsons, Walmart and Target.  We sat down with Emma and Chamberlain Coffee CEO Christopher Gallant at the 2024 Beverage Forum, held last week in Manhattan Beach, California, for a conversation about the brand’s development and growth strategy, why its identity is anchored by love and modernity, and how collaborations with other brands is determined by a set of “filters.” This episode also features a conversation with Buster Houston, the vice president of national merchandising for supermar

When the world’s largest retailer launches a private label brand of better-for-you and affordable food and beverage staples, it stands to reason that their customers will benefit. But how will Walmart's new bettergoods brand impact its existing CPG suppliers? The Taste Radio crew weighs in. Show notes: 0:35: A Terrifying Chameleon. Tipping Protocol. BevNET Gandalf. It’s Yeah. – On location at The Beverage Forum in Manhattan Beach, California, Ray and John share a few highlights from the event, including notable interviews recorded from our makeshift Taste Radio studio. Jacqui and Ray briefly recap Naturally San Diego’s third annual Pitch Slam and how a costumed person scared the living daylights of the competition’s host. Jacqui shares a secret about her shopping habits, the hosts collectively opine on Walmart’s latest opus and Mike is urged to bathe… in lemongrass curry. Brands in this episode: Loli’s, BAM, Mesa De Vida, Sipwell, Madly Hadley, Chamberlain Coffee, The Free Spirits Co., Banza, Siete Foods, Cal

A bold and carefree woman. A living embodiment of human adventure. A confident explorer known to travel the world atop a moose. Archer Roose, the fictional character that Marian Leitner created to represent her wine brand in name and label design, is all of those things. One could say the same (except for the moose part) about Elizabeth Banks, the Hollywood multi-hyphenate known for acting roles in the films “The Hunger Games” and “Love & Mercy” and as the director of comedies “Pitch Perfect 2” and “Cocaine Bear.” Aligned in personality and passion for wine, Elizabeth and Archer Roose formally partnered in May 2021, when she joined the company as a co-owner and Chief Creative Officer. Her arrival came seven years after Marian and husband David Waldman launched Archer Roose, a brand developed to “deliver a better, luxurious glass of wine in a conveniently portable, sensibly portioned, and environmentally conscious package.” Archer Roose markets six varieties of wine, including Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec, Pino

In this feature of our sister show BevNET and Nosh's Community Call, seasoned angel investors Nicole Bruno and Gefen Skolnick, alongside Ruth Berhane-Williams, founder of Eritea, who is actively exploring the angel investment landscape. Hear tips for identifying angel investors, understanding their preferences, and nurturing successful partnerships.

Call it the millennial/Gen Z effect. A retro aesthetic is the defining characteristic of modern package design as new brands incorporate the vibe and culture of decades past into product labels. But has the trend made it more challenging for emerging brands to stand out? Show notes: 0:35: Surfing With Turtles. Zen & Coffee. Exceptional Bounce. Broadway Hell. RoWater. — Mike recalls a reptilian adventure from his vacation, John notes Mexico’s war on sugar and his subsistence on ceviche, Ray’s pre-podcast meal is bereft of functional benefits and Jacqui reads from Urban Dictionary before a whiskey sampling of the rarest variety. With BevNET Live right around the corner, the hosts urge listeners to take advantage of an early registration discount, Jacqui talks about tickets for a hot theater show, Mike marvels at MISE and wonders about whether a famous “Shark” has a new water brand. The hosts rib Ray for his love of laserdiscs and collectively discuss virtues and challenges of modern package design. Brands i

Venture capital firm BFG Partners invested in Mid-Day Squares when the brand’s founders were still hand crafting their functional chocolate bars in a Montreal apartment. BFG managing partners Tom Spier and Dayton Miller described their decision as “a leap of faith.” On the surface, it may seem like BFG, which has a track record of investing in high-growth companies, as a somewhat surprising move. But Tom and Dayton note that their evaluation of Mid-Day Squares was – as with every business they fund – based on four key criteria: people, product, brand and strategy. Established in 2014, BFG is focused on investments in better-for-you and sustainable brands seeking seed through Series B rounds of capital. The firm recently announced the activation of its third fund, which according to a February press release, has commitments “already approaching 70%” of its $125 million target size. Fund III follows ones valued at $54 million and $108 million, respectively.  BFG’s portfolio includes stakes in several food and b

As expected, commerce reigned at the annual Coachella music festival, but which food and beverage companies stood out? We have a report. This episode also features conversation with Laura Merritt, the CMO of Diageo Beer Company, who discusses how Guinness’ non-alcoholic Zero variety is helping the brand cultivate a new generation of consumers. 0:35: A Sordid Past. Cat’s Milk. The Bramins. Jacqui’s Spirits. Robin’s Egg Blue. TB12 In 0.5 Sec. – Jacqui chats about personal pub culture before diving into her trip to Coachella and interactions with a handful of brands, including one that slyly promised “a good time.” The hosts briefly discuss Momofuku’s decision to abandon its trademark battle and the proper way to say “pecan,” two products that highlight a new era for cocktail culture, a game-changing package for condiments and, perhaps, the most beautiful color in the world. 32:36: Interview: Laura Merritt, CMO, Diageo Beer Company – Laura is the marketing lead for Guinness, the iconic brand best known for its d

After 15 years at the helm of one of the most admired better-for-you brands in the food industry, Elizabeth Stein is happy to share. The founder and CEO of Purely Elizabeth, which markets natural and organic granola, cereal and oatmeal, Elizabeth has long been at the forefront of incorporating ancient grains, such as chia seeds, quinoa and amaranth, into products that are designed for mainstream consumers.  Since launching in 2009, Purely Elizabeth has gradually expanded beyond its roots in the natural channel and into conventional and mass retailers, including Publix, Target and Walmart. Consumer demand and consistent retail growth has attracted investors. In 2022, Purely Elizabeth announced the close of a $50 million Series B funding round, one that has fueled investment in marketing and product innovation. In this episode, Elizabeth joined us for an expansive conversation in which she shared lessons learned during her journey as food entrepreneur, including how she positioned Purely Elizabeth to stand out

Momofuku built its reputation as a company that was always willing to stir the pot. It may, however, regret stirring this one.  David Chang’s restaurant and consumer brand empire is under fire for sending cease-and-desist letters to brands using its trademarked term “chili crunch,” a move that has elicited rage among some in the food industry who feel that Momofuku is unfairly targeting small, women-owned and minority-led businesses. The hosts leap into the fray with their own takes on this hot and developing story.  They also riff on Japanese TikTok, ASMR videos of people eating, a new spirit brand that, according to the founder, may make your brain “bounce that ass,” and a bevy of new food and drinks, including a non-alcoholic negroni and a brand that has “pretzelized” your favorite snacks. Show notes: 0:35: Soccer Talk Eclipses NCAA History. Everyone Seems Agitated, Except VIPs. Jacqui’s Finger Wink. – Four hours before his beloved Arsenal is set to take the field, Mike is glistening and hydrating. John an

What role can bars and mixologists play in protecting Earth’s fragile environment? It’s a question that Juan Torres Master Distillers, the maker of Torres Brandy, has attempted to answer via an innovative competition. A highly regarded spirits brand based in the Penedès region of Spain, Torres Brandy is the creator of Zero Challenge, an annual international competition whose aim is to promote, identify and reward environmentally friendly solutions in the management of bars and crafting of cocktails. The 2024 Zero Challenge finals were held last month in Barcelona and featured 10 bartenders based in countries from around the world, including Finland, Estonia, Spain, Mexico, Italy, Canada, the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Each presented a project intended to improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact within their bars and included solutions often specific to the impact that climate change is having in their respective regions. They were also challenged to develop a cocktail using Torr

What happens when a small, but influential, retailer unexpectedly closes all of its stores? What’s the impact on suppliers? What does its closure say about the trends it embraced? The hosts share their thoughts on Boisson’s surprising shutdown. They also test out an innovative countertop machine that produces on-demand plant-based milk and highlight a motley crew of RTD beverages (including a tomato-flavored tea and pistachio milk latte) as well as an upstart brand of samosa inspired by Caribbean flavors. Show notes: 0:35: Ray Burgundy. We Had An Inkling. Nu & Tasty. Pure Peruvian. Whiskey And Chicken. Churn, Baby. – The opening script is a bit off, but Ray makes an adjustment. The hosts reflect on their 2023 predictions about the future of dry bottle shops and discuss the news about Boisson “restructuring,” before Mike whipped up oak milk lattes with the press of a button. They also chat about a secret ginger deal caught on video and what keytars have to do with a buzzy lifestyle trend and indulge in a

Marguerite Zabar Mariscal is rarely satisfied. It’s not in her DNA, she says, nor that of the companies she helms: Momofuku, the admired restaurant group founded by David Chang, and Momofuku Goods, a brand of restaurant-quality pantry items inspired by modern Asian cuisine. Marguerite, who took the reins of Momofuku in 2019 and co-founded its consumer brand the same year, describes the companies’ opposition to complacency as “a conscientious objection” that has fueled constant improvement. That mindset helped Momofuku Goods generate $50 million in revenue in 2023, a year in which the brand was available in less than 4,000 retail locations. Despite the remarkable growth of Momofuku Goods, Marguerite is loath to rest on her laurels. She is, however, willing to be patient and cautious – perhaps to a fault – when it comes to the brand’s next stage of development. We spoke with Marguerite about her leadership and management of both Momofuku and Momofuku Goods in an interview recorded at Expo West 2024. Within our

In this special presentation of our sister show, CPG Week by BevNET and Nosh, host and Nosh managing editor Monica Watrous tests reporters Brad Avery and Lukas Southard to see if they can tell the difference between real CPG items and prank products that have shown up in marketing campaigns over the years and the group discusses how allulose is being talked about as “nature’s GLP-1.”

Five years ago, seemingly every food and beverage brand was incorporating CBD into its innovation strategy. Of course, that’s no longer the case. What generated the hype, and what lessons can be drawn from CBD’s rapid rise? The hosts discuss. They also sip and snack their way through an unusual mix of products, including hot dog water (!), crispy beef jerky, candy-flavored coffee and “lox in a box.”  Show notes: 0:35: Build A Birdhouse. No Habla Anything. Jacqui Got NIL. Leprechauns Are Bad. WTF 7-Eleven. – Mike is back from the Big Apple where he was overseeing preparations for BevNET Live Summer 2024, an event that will give attendees plenty of opportunities to meet one-on-one with retailers, including Whole Foods,  and best-in-class service providers. We learn that Ray can’t speak a lick of Spanish, Jacqui’s bracket is busted and why communication about THC is a relative “brez.” The hosts also dive a little too deep into hot dog water, get sauce-y on a couple new-ish products and wonder about eating smoked

It’s not everyday that you get an opportunity to sit down with the CEO of one of the most influential companies in the world, so when given the chance to speak with Ryan Gellert, who has helmed pioneering outdoor apparel and gear company Patagonia since 2020, we jumped at it. We met Ryan at Natural Products Expo West 2024, where he was on hand to help promote and speak about Patagonia Provisions, a company division formed in 2012 that markets responsibly-sourced food and beverages, including a variety of tinned seafood along with kernza-based pasta and beer. Patagonia Provisions is led by general manager Paul Lightfoot, who is also the chair of the board of Regenerative Organic Alliance, a trade association that certifies food made with sustainably sourced ingredients. Ryan has often said that whether the company is selling sporting apparel or smoked mackerel, Patagonia is guided by its mission of being “in business to save our home planet.” It’s a bold declaration and one that carries significant responsibil

Expo West 2024 remains top of mind for the hosts, who discuss how attendees’ perception of innovation and their evaluation of new products has evolved in recent editions of the annual event. They also speak about how a confluence of global flavors and convenient, clean label foods and beverages is a positive sign for the industry as a whole.  Show notes: 0:35: Cognitive Jamon. Expo Trollin’. Call Congress. MENA-Licious. Taco Bell Coffee? Paneer Pops. - On location in Barcelona, Ray chats about a notable cocktail competition and wonders if functional ham could be good for the city’s denizens. John follows up on his Linkedin post about “meaningful innovation” at Expo West, Mike prompts Ray who prompts listeners to call their elected leaders about an often overlooked topic, and the hosts collectively praise the growing accessibility of high quality, culturally-inspired and occasion-based snacks and frozen meals. John can’t stop eating a limited-edition line of chips and recalls when Mike accused a brand of usin

When RIND Snacks debuted in 2018, founder and CEO Matt Weiss won plaudits for creating an innovative and eye-catching brand of upcycled fruit snacks. Six years later, the New York-based entrepreneur is being lauded for transforming RIND into a vertically integrated healthy snack platform. Industry acclaim is nice, but Matt will say that his primary focus is to create lasting value for his company, shareholders and consumers. Last month, RIND, which markets dried fruit snacks and fruit and nut mixes that are sold in retailers across the U.S., announced the acquisition of Small Batch Organics, a Vermont-based manufacturer of granola products. According to a press release about the deal, the combined companies will have a retail footprint that will include 12,000 locations and generate over $25 million in sales by the end of 2024. RIND’s decision to acquire Small Batch Organics is rooted in Matt’s mantra: “do something to drive ever-forward progress.” It’s a statement of intent to which he frequently returned du