Taste Radio

Ben Branson is not the kind of person you'd find at a cocktail party. In fact, he loathes socializing. And, yet, he's deeply invested in its future. Ben is best known as the founder of Seedlip, the pioneering nonalcoholic spirit brand that was at the forefront of the now burgeoning category of zero proof beverages. In 2019, Ben sold a majority stake of Seedlip to beverage alcohol conglomerate Diageo, which, at the time, described the brand as "a global drinks giant of the future." While Ben is still a shareholder in Seedlip and continues to operate as part of its team, he's set his sights on the next stage of development for non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails via a new venture called Pollen Projects. The U.K.-based company introduced two brands this year: Seasn, which markets premium cocktail bitters designed to be "the salt & pepper for drinks"; and Sylva, an innovative take on dark non-alcoholic spirits. Both brands are the heart of Ben's mission to shape "the second wave of moderation," helping people to drink and, in turn, socialize better. In the following interview, I spoke with Ben about his perspective on an evolving market for non-alcoholic beverages and his roles as both godfather and innovator, why he's not trying to supplant legacy spirits and why he's betting big on an unusual sourcing and production model. Show notes: 0:35: Ben Branson, Founder, Seedlip & Pollen Projects - Ben recalls his first appearance on Taste Radio in 2018 and reflects on his 11-year career in non-alcoholic spirits, including why he hated the first six months building Seedlip and what is motivating his work with Pollen Projects. He also explains why he doesn't feel any "external pressure" as leader of the non-alcoholic category, but why he's concerned about brands delivering the quality and flavors that consumers are expecting and how his success with Seedlip has made it somewhat easier to develop new brands. Ben also shares his perspective on legacy beverage alcohol brands launching zero-proof versions, common attributes among "the best" non-alcoholic brands and why some brands "are going to suffer." He also talks about why he's constantly focused on the future of socializing even though he describes himself as "unsocial." Ben also discusses the creation and business strategy of Sylva, his unique approach to ingredients and sourcing and why he chose to market the NA dark spirits brand via a subscription model and how he evaluates investors and new funding opportunities. Brands in this episode: Seedlip, Season, Sylva, RXBAR, David

It turns out that superheroes and 'saints' enjoy beer and cocktails, particularly when the libations are of the non-alcoholic variety. The hosts chat about actor Tom Holland's foray into CPG with NA beer Bero, before riffing on an enlightening collaboration between an up-and-coming wine company and personal care brand. We also feature an interview with Megan Klein, the founder and CEO of Little Saints, an innovative brand of non-alcoholic cocktails infused with functional mushrooms, who recently appeared on "Shark Tank." Little Saints markets several canned cocktails, including a Paloma, Negroni Spritz, Ginger Mule and Spicy Margarita, and also sells a mezcal-inspired spirit called St. Ember. While the products are primarily sold direct-to-consumer, the brand is carried nationally at Sprouts and rapidly expanding distribution at other retail chains. Show notes: 0:25: It's A Wrap. Save Money & Be The Best. Gold, Tom. Red Wine, White Teeth. Swiss Bourbon. Pita & Garlic. – Ray ties a bow on the hosts' recent visit to London and the hosts collectively encourage listeners to save money by registering for our Winter events TODAY and also nominate brands, people and products for our annual awards. They also comment on a handful of collaborations, including one between McBride Sisters wine and Colgate(!), a bourbon flavored by a well-known cocoa brand and a sparkling beverage company that's working with a lauded baking partner. The hosts also share their take on Koia's new kids' drinks, spicy delights from a British brand with Mexican roots, low- and non-alcoholic spirits, and a new line of restaurant-style pita chips that pair perfectly with a new garlic-y condiment (just ask John). 32:59: Interview: Megan Klein, Founder & CEO, Little Saints – Megan discusses how her personal interest in better-for-you adult libations led to the creation of Little Saints. She also speaks about the brand's unorthodox social media strategy, why dropping CBD from the products had a big impact on sales, why the company invests heavily in Meta ads, how Little Saints navigated a controversial issue and how she prepared for an appearance on the ABC business competition show "Shark Tank." Brands in this episode: Little Saints, Trip, Cano Water, MUYU, Bero, McBride Sisters, Swiss Miss, Hotel Tango, Aura Bora, Magnolia Bakery, Koia, Chili Maven, Allora, Quarter Proof, Climbing Kites, Outrageous, Issa's, Momofuku

Biena was at a crossroads. Five years ago, the brand's popular roasted chickpeas were widely distributed at natural and conventional grocery chains, including Walmart, Whole Foods and Target, and the brand was making significant headway in travel retail stores. That year, Biena also completed an $8 million Series B funding round and launched an innovative line of chickpea puffs that helped establish the company as a snacking platform. The pandemic, however, forced founder Poorvi Patodia to adjust its growth strategy. Biena was faced with declining margins and retail channels that were once promising but now unprofitable. Patodia had to make, in her words, "risky decisions." Biena may have changed course, but its focus on financial fundamentals and mainstream consumer appeal helped the brand remain on a sustainable and long-term growth path. In this episode, Poorvi talks about how Biena navigated the challenging period and how a "build to win" philosophy influenced key decisions during the process. She also defines and explains the value of "true differentiation," why the company is pursuing a dual platform strategy and shares her take on when founders should raise capital and how to identify distributors with aligned values. Show notes: 0:35: Poorvi Patodia, Founder & CEO, Biena — Poorvi talks about judging a pitch slam hosted by Naturally New England, Biena's unexpected appearance in a Kristen Bell-led TV show, and why her family keeps her grounded amid the pressures of operating a food business. She also offers her take on PepsiCo's acquisition of Siete and how differentiated brand attributes and mainstream appeal have been key to its success. Poorvi also discusses why Biena re-evaluated every approach and strategy associated with the business during a challenging time for the brand, the data and consumer insights that informed a new platform strategy, and why the company's chip line is focused on functionality and calories versus ingredients. She also explains the importance of testing and learning in small ways, having enough cash on hand and why founders shouldn't worry about margin when choosing a distribution partner. Brands in this episode: Biena, Siete, RXBAR, David

How do U.K. CPG brands compare to their U.S. counterparts? How do the two markets differ? On the ground in London, the hosts discuss their experience at last week's Cheers! The Drinks Summit event and highlight innovative snacks and beverages they encountered at visits to local retail chains and specialty stores. Show notes: 0:25: What Day Is It? Possessive Peeve. Jacqui x Ox Heart. Club Soda. Irony, Sir. Magnesium FTW. Cosmo John. The Nuances & Inspiration. – Jet lag and full days make the hosts bleary-eyed, but they are somehow upbeat and alert. Ray questions the name of a well-known U.K.-based grocery retailers before the hosts discuss notable drink brands and categories, including non-alcoholic analogs, magnesium waters, bottle soups and gut-health sodas. They also talk about the bustling Taste Radio meetup at The Lucky Saint pub and what U.S. brand owners can glean from business strategies of U.K.-based founders. The hosts also talk about BevNET's upcoming live events and why "Ray Latif Live" is in the works. Brands in this episode: Trip, Quorn, Moju, Innocent Drinks, ISH, The Root Co., Vacay, OHMG, Better You, Bonbuz, Ghia, Little Saints, De Soi, Kettle & Fire, Re:Nourish, Brink, Whitebox Cocktails, Olipop, Poppi, Living Things, Minor Figures, Fibe, Belly Dance, Feisty Soda, Barcode, Lucky Saint, Dash Water, Doughlicious, Buff Bake, Knack-Snacks

How do you top a $600 million exit? If you're Peter Rahal, you aim for one that's four times bigger. Anything less, he says, would be a failure. Peter is one of the co-founders of RXBAR, a platform brand of clean ingredient protein snacks created in 2013. Four years after the brand's debut, it was acquired by Kellogg for the aforementioned nine figure sum. Earlier this year, Peter launched David, which is positioned as "a rigorously perfected protein bar." Each bar contains 28g protein, 150 calories, and 0g sugar and is described as containing the most protein per calorie of any brand in the bar category. The products are sold direct-to-consumer for $15 for a 4-pack of each flavor, which include Blueberry Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Double Fudge Brownie, and Cake Batter. In August the company announced a $10 million seed funding round, led by Peter and including Valor Siren Ventures along with longevity expert and bestselling author Dr. Peter Attia and Stanford neuroscientist and podcast host Andrew Huberman. In an interview framed as a series of true or false questions, Peter discusses his obsessive work ethic and leadership style and reflects on the business strategy and decisions that helped RXBAR scale rapidly, including the impact of investing in high quality packaging design and customer service. He talks about how to create "the best business strategy" and what he means when he says that happiness is "irrelevant." Show notes: 0:35: Peter Rahal, Co-Founder, RXBAR & David – Peter explains why, despite having an introverted personality, he tries to be visible and accessible as a founder, whether he's become comfortable with success and why he doesn't necessarily believe that RXBAR's success has to do with time and place. He also discusses his disdain for vacations, why he's a proponent of "servant leadership," why great packaging is the best form of marketing and why investment in customer service will always pay off. Peter also talks about why founders should strive to create accessible and affordable food and why they have to place a target on the bestselling brand in their brand's category and why his investment strategy hinges on a founder's tenacity and mindset. Brands in this episode: RXBAR, David

With Taste Radio's London meetups on the horizon, the hosts have their say on trendy brands, new products and the coming crush of seasonal LTOs. They share their respective takes on David, the high-profile protein bar brand launched by RXBAR co-founder Peter Rahal and whether decaf coffee is about to take off. They also get giddy about green cocktails and a record-breaking advent calendar. Show notes: 0:25: A "Man Cold"? An English Itinerary. Let's Eat David. Welcome Back, Pop. TUR-meric. Jacqui's X-Mas Gift. – John is recovering from a sniffle, but still well enough to take a cross-country day trip. Ray gives a rundown of the hosts' London plans. The Newton crew samples David bars and everyone weighs in on the brand's positioning and potential. Ray congratulates an industry veteran on a "perfect" gig before Mike talks about a turmeric-centric beverage brand and its upcoming package refresh. Jacqui digs on caffeine-free coffee and coffee alternatives and John breaks out an unusual RTD cocktail, while Ray praises Straightaway Cocktails' latest opus. Brands in this episode: Lucky Saint, Trip, Dash, Doughlicious, David, RXBAR, Lemon Perfect, Vita Coco, Jagermeister, Red Bull, Golden Tiger, BodyArmor, Celsius, Olipop, Mud/Wtr, Ryze, Cuppa, Explorer Cold Brew, Gardenista, Nurri, Fancypants, Straightaway Cocktails

For the first 65 years of its existence, Maker's Mark had no innovation department. The legacy whiskey brand, known for its red wax coated bottle necks and premium, yet approachable, bourbon, had long focused on quality and consistency in favor of new product development. The spirits industry, however, is evolving. Consumers are placing greater value on innovative concepts and embracing creative offerings. Meanwhile, Gen Z drinkers are consuming less alcohol than previous generations, but also emphasizing premium experiences when they imbibe. To meet the demands of equally important consumer groups – loyal Maker's Mark customers and modern drinkers new to the brand – the company tasked Beth Buckner, the brand's senior manager of innovation and blending, and Blake Layfield, its senior director and head of innovation, blending and quality, with the stewardship of the bourbon's coveted taste profile and creation of products that will attract novel interest. We sat down with Beth and Blake for an interview that explores their roles and responsibilities and how the standards set by Maker's Mark founder Bill Samuels, Sr. are integral to new product development. As part of our conversation, they discuss a common misconception about science and spirits, how a "taste vision" is the foundation for everything they do at Maker's Mark and why they eschew trendy concepts in favor of nuanced expressions of the bourbon. Show notes: 0:35: Beth Buckner and Blake Layfield, Maker's Mark – Beth and Blake talk about their respective educations and work at Maker's Mark and how they align the chemistry of distillation and aging with the subjective and sensorial aspects of producing bourbon. They also discuss how the distillery's "taste vision" influences their work as product developers and quality control professionals and how much latitude they give themselves if and when they want to veer slightly away from that vision. Beth and Blake also explain where they draw inspiration from; how they are empowered to innovate while incorporating the perspective of the distilling, marketing and sales teams; how trends and consumer behavior factor into their purview and how they are making their own mark at Maker's Mark. Brands in this episode: Maker's Mark, Jack Daniel's, Coca-Cola

What is the impact of PepsiCo's $1.2 billion acquisition of Siete Foods on emerging food and beverage brands? Will the deal entice investors to make more bets on new and innovative concepts? Will everyday Americans benefit from the deal? Lots of questions, and the hosts answer them all. They also discuss upcoming Taste Radio meetups in London (and how to register for them), a budding partnership between nutritional supplement brand AG1 and Starbucks and sample several new products, including an olive-oil-infused granola, royally-named pretzel bites and "super" non-alcoholic aperitivo. Show notes: 0:25: Ray's Intro Voice. What A Trip. Siete Stuns. Haters Be Gone. Green Juice, Redux. King Me. Good To See You Peepal. – The episode opens with a misunderstanding about the U.K and Great Britain and an invitation to our English- and European-based friends and colleagues. The hosts also dive into the PepsiCo/Siete deal and why most are praising the soda and snack giant's acquisition of the Mexican-American food brand, while others are greeting the news with a mild amount of skepticism. They also unpack Starbucks' test of AG1-infused beverages, and sample a Graza/RIND collaboration, an NYC classic made for modern times, a 70's themed drink and a coffee made for active consumers. Brands in this episode: Trip, Dash, King's Hawaiian, Casamara Club Superclasico, RIND, Graza, Aura Bora, Throne Sport Coffee, Peepal People

Jeff Church knows the highs and lows of brand-building like few do. A serial entrepreneur, Jeff co-founded cold-pressed juice pioneer Suja and led its development to a $100 million brand. Jeff also lost over $4 million of his own money in Rowdy Energy, a now defunct energy drink challenger he co-founded with NASCAR driver Kyle Busch. Jeff's experience and perspective on how brands succeed – and the reason they don't – is why we asked him to join us for a live interview as part of an industry networking event in San Diego hosted by BevNET and Taste Radio on Sept. 25. As part of an expansive conversation, Jeff spoke about how he navigated Suja's early development and rapid growth and what he believes was the most impactful decision in determining the brand's success. He also discussed the failure of Rowdy Energy, which launched in 2020 and shut down less than four years later. Jeff, who currently leads an accelerator program for emerging brands, also shared his take on the current landscape for early-stage food and beverage companies, weighing in on the value of innovation, high quality package design, profitability and staffing. Show notes: 0:35: Jeff Church, Co-Founder & Former CEO, Suja – Jeff chats about his background in the beverage industry and why he has focused on building and working with startups. He also talks about the most challenging aspect of operating a food or beverage brand in the first two years of its development, why it's critical to "over communicate" with family members about the hardships of entrepreneurship and why he crafts a business strategy by "starting from where you want to get to and working backwards." He also talks about how skill sets of a brand founder are significantly different from that of a brand manager and why he encourages a "fake it till you make it" mindset. Jeff also discusses the problems that led to Rowdy Energy's demise and why he believes that success is 25% luck and timing, before he answers a series of true or false questions related to early-stage entrepreneurship. Brands in this episode: Suja, Rowdy Energy, Blueprint, Evolution Fresh, Pop & Bottle

The gang's all here… in San Diego. The hosts convene at BevNET's west coast office where they talk about how Fly By Jing nailed its foray into a popular food category and also highlight the debut of a convenient ethnic comfort food brand and Olipop's upgrade on a legacy soda flavor. Show notes: 0:25: "You Know Things." Saucy Stains. - Jacqui kicks things off with her favorite daily affirmations, before Mike explains why food prep got the best of his outfit. The hosts fork and slurp Fly By Jing's new chili crisp noodles and John explains why he is particularly impressed with the brand extension. They also sip on and praise a new instant matzo ball soup and follow up with a sampling of a better-for-you soda in the style of Mountain Dew. Ray highlights a recently announced speaker at the upcoming NOSH Live event in December and talks about its sister shows, BevNET Live and Brewbound Live, before the hosts discuss a new job for a prominent Linkedin personality. Brands in this episode: Fly By Jing, immi, Omsom, Olipop, Nooish, Mountain Dew, Chobani, Avvika, Aloha, Iwon Organic