Hemp Bevs Take A Hit. Trip Keeps Calm & Raises $40M.

A battle may be over, but has the war just begun? Baked into the deal to reopen the U.S. government is a surprising provision: a ban on intoxicating hemp products. What does this mean for the future of THC-infused beverages? The hosts weigh in. We also sit down with Trip co-founder Olivia Ferdi, whose fast-growing relaxation beverage brand recently announced a $40 million funding round at a valuation of $300 million.

Show notes:

0:25: What A Trip. Retailers, Investors & More. Stigmas & Bans. A Lucky Bet. Beer Jerky. More Mez. -- Ray highlights Trip's explosive growth toward $100 million in revenue this year and previews the upcoming Nosh Live L.A. 2025 event emphasizing its lineup of investors, founders, and retailers shaping the future of food. The hosts then dive into the government spending deal that includes a ban on intoxicating hemp products, expressing their alarm and frustration with the measure. Ray talks about Lucky Energy's $25 million and whether the funding can help the brand make a significant impact in an ultra-competitive category. Mike revisits COB's $5 million raise and the DM that got a tennis icon on board. John introduces Guinness-flavored jerky, Jacqui breaks out cactus-based tortilla chips and THC-infused drinks, Mike shares mesquite-flavored chocolate and peanut butter cups and everyone praises Olyra's brand revamp.

25:47: Interviews from Taste Radio's London Meetup – Olivia Ferdi discusses Trip's rapid U.S. expansion and the brand's mission to bring "calm" amid daily chaos. She also discusses Trip's effort to create an emotional connection with consumers and addresses the challenges of access to capital and the commercial potential of female-led brands. Kathryn Bricken talks about Doughlicious' evolution from nostalgic cookie dough to healthier, globally sold snacks and emphasizes the importance of team culture, creativity, and joy in her brand, while navigating operational challenges like logistics, tariffs, and the challenges of self-manufacturing. Olly Dixon explains how Something in Nothing grew from a personal passion to a premium soda brand, focusing on intentional design, authenticity, and U.S. market growth. He also explains how envisioning global potential from the outset shaped strategic decisions and allowed unexpected opportunities to flourish.

Brands in this episode: Trip, Lucky Energy, C4, Ghost, Celsius, Alani Nu, Sanzo, Guinness, Nopalli, Rhythm THC Beverages, Kush, Mez, Olyra, Cob, Doughlicious, Something & Nothing