Taste Radio

In this special presentation of our sister show, BevNET & NOSH’s Community Call, industry veteran Arnulfo Ventura shares his winning blueprint for achieving exponential growth in CPG. Discover the tactics to propelling growth and strategically positioning a brand for acquisition.

Has “organic” lost its sheen? Based on Nielsen IQ data presented by Whipstitch Capital’s Nick McCoy, it would appear so. A veteran food and beverage investment banker, McCoy spoke at a recent event in Vail, Colorado hosted by private equity firm Manna Tree. As part of a presentation on deal flow and trends in the natural products industry, he revealed a shift of the most important product attributes for consumers of natural brands, and how Gen Z and Alpha’s current spending patterns can inform brands about where to invest their resources. The Manna Tree event also featured fireside chats with General Mills M&A director Andrew Petz and Holly Adrien, who leads natural and organic strategy for Kroger and is the retailer’s innovation manager, each of whom shared insights about their respective roles amid an evolving landscape for natural products. Ray attended the event and shared takeaways in this episode, which also includes the hosts’ assessment of Nutrabolt’s investment in supplement brand Bloom Nutrition and the acquisition of plant-based creamer brand nutpods. The hosts also riffed on a handful of new products, including Heath-Ade’s new soda brand Sunsip. Show notes: 0:35: When In Vail, Vest Up. Time To Invest In Sustainable Packaging? A Good Match. Jacqui’s Peas. – The hosts commented on Ray’s unusual outfit and lack of ski plans before he gave a summary of business presentations from Manna Tree’s Leadership Summit, held earlier in the week. Amid the synopsis, they chatted about why a high-profile cereal company was struggling to find an acquirer, best practices for connecting with retailer buyers and a few expectations for Expo West. Ray shared his take on Health-Ade’s latest attempt at soda, while John and Mike spiced things up with new hot sauces and chili crisps and Jacqui shared her passion for peas. Brands in this episode: Gotham Greens, Health-Ade, The New Primal, Good Culture, Verde Farms, C4, Bloom Nutrition, nutpods, Sunsip, Red Clay, Truff, Muci, Bhuja, Magic Spoon

By his own admission, Will Nitze doesn’t give great advice. His nearly 41,000 Linkedin followers, however, likely have a different opinion. Will cut his teeth in CPG in 2017 when he launched IQBAR, a pioneering brand of protein bars infused with adaptogenic ingredients that are said to improve cognitive function. The company has since created a portfolio of brain health-centric product lines, including zero–sugar hydration powders and instant mushroom coffee. IQBAR is carried in over 10,000 locations, including Walmart, Sprouts, Wegmans, BJ's Wholesale, Vitamin Shoppe and H-E-B. Over the past six years, Will has chronicled his experience as an entrepreneur via daily posts on Linkedin where he shares words of encouragement and lessons learned from building an upstart brand. But he’s careful to contextualize insights and advice – including those about IQBAR’s successful ecommerce strategy and its unorthodox approach to financing – as specific to his business and not necessarily applicable to other brands. Nevertheless, he has the attention of many founders who praise his candid takes on the food and beverage industry. Will is equally forthright in the following interview, in which he shares and explains his perspective on everything from fundraising (“Bootstrapping is the worst thing you can do.”) and staffing (“How can we build a $50 million brand with a staff of six?”) to retail strategy (“Choose channels that scale well.).  Show notes: 0:43: Interview: Will Nitze, Founder & CEO, IQBAR – Nitze spoke about his recent move from Boston to Miami and why IQBAR has always been a remotely operated company, how posting daily content on Linkedin has helped grow his following and why he’s cautions founders active on the platform not to confuse some information with actionable advice. He also explained how trial and error has been the best education on how to build a brand, the value of e-commerce success in landing distribution at brick and mortar retailers, how his realization that “people don’t really want brain food” impacted business strategy and why he hates hiring employees. Later, he explained why you can’t negotiate well without telling really good stories, how innovation impacts investor interest and how to assess timing when launching brand extensions. Brands in this episode: IQBAR, Nutpods, Reese’s

Trademarks are important. Just ask MrBeast. The hosts discussed how a permanent injunction against the YouTuber’s Feastables brand could have been avoided. They also spoke about the impact of Uber’s shocking decision to shut down alcohol delivery service Drizly, a notable take on ultra-processed food, and the divide between those that crunch beer mints and those who don’t. Yes, beer mints. This episode also features an interview with Mike and Janell Bass, the co-founders of Ponyboy Slings, a brand of ready-to-drink craft bourbon cocktails, who shared insights and advice on how to prepare for and win a pitch slam competition. Show notes: 0:41: New Cap. $1.1 Billion - It’s A Writeoff! The Demonization Of UP Food. Snackable Croutons. – Ray’s new hat went unnoticed, but Drizly’s looming closure was anything but. Jacqui commented on an eye-opening take on ultra-processed food penned by Nosh’s Monica Watrous and the hosts collectively said the phrase “Deez Nuts” approximately 50 times. They also snacked on croutons and date pops (or are they bites?), sipped on non-alcoholic espresso negronis and ate Miller Lite-flavored breath fresheners. 26:46: Interview: Mike and Janell Bass, Co-Founders, Ponyboy Slings –  Mike and Janell Bass are the founders of Ponyboy Slings, an upstart brand of bourbon-based canned cocktails that won BevNET’s 2023 Cocktail Showdown. In this interview, they spoke about how they assessed the opportunity to participate in the competition, why aligning presentation and stage performance was critical to their victory, how creating a list of potential judges’ questions was a key part of their preparation, and why they encourage pitch slam contenders to practice their pitch while washing dishes. Brands in this episode: Ponyboy Slings, Heaven’s Door Spirits, Feastables, Dee’s Nuts, Rise Brewing Co., Mountain Dew, Liquid Death, AriZona Beverages, Heyday Canning, Kooshy, Joolies, Myna, St. Agrestis, Bad Idea, Miller Lite, Altoids

What compelled Diageo, one of the largest CPG companies in the world, to invest in non-alcoholic spirit brand Ritual Zero Proof, which at the time of the funding deal was pre-launch and operating in a nascent category? The short answer is that it gave them — and, more importantly, their consumers — options. Launched in 2019, Ritual Zero Proof is a brand of non-alcoholic spirits crafted from natural botanicals and designed to mimic the flavor and burn of a classic spirit. The brand markets gin, whiskey, tequila, rum and aperitifs and is available nationally at retailers including Total Wine and Binny's Beverage Depot, as well as select Kroger banners and Hy-Vee locations.  Shortly before the debut of Ritual Zero Proof, the brand received a minority investment from global beverage alcohol company Diageo via its partnership with Distill Ventures, a venture capital firm and accelerator that invests in disruptive distilled spirit companies and non-alcoholic beverage brands.  In a press release about the deal, Ritual Zero Proof co-founder Marcus Sakey noted that “Americans want more choice,” and that non-alcoholic spirits represent an endurable shift in consumers’ ability to choose what and when they want to drink, a statement echoed by executives at Diageo and Distill Ventures.  In this episode, Sakey spoke about the impact of Ritual Zero Proof’s business strategy, liquid and branding in how Distill Ventures evaluated the company. He also spoke about how the brand became an anchor in an increasingly crowded category, the evolution of its marketing strategy, and how he assesses challenges from and advantages over new and existing brands. Show notes: 0:43: Interview: Marcus Sakey, Co-Founder, Ritual Zero Proof – Sakey spoke with Taste Radio editor about Ritual Zero Proof’s recent partnership with restaurant chain Uno Pizzeria & Grill and why he isn’t abstaining from alcohol during “Dry January.” He also discussed the inspiration behind the brand, the undrinkable original kitchen recipe, how hustling to get the attention of a Distill Ventures executive paid off, why sampling is often challenging but critical to converting skeptics and building relationships with consumers, and how the company considers ways to improve taste and aroma.  Brands in this episode: Ritual Zero Proof, Athletic Brewing, Guinness

It’s often said that compelling social media content is one of the most cost-effective forms of marketing for consumer brands. But the volume of videos and images posted daily on popular social platforms like Instagram and TikTok makes it challenging to capture users’ attention. In this episode, the hosts highlighted brands who create consistently authentic and entertaining content as a way to break through the clutter and develop a sustainable connection with their audiences. Show notes: 0:35: Wrestleball, X Ain’t The Spot, Ray Loves Wendy’s, Dank & Dry, The Year of Better-For-You Chex Mix? – Within the first five minutes of the episode, John shared his strange social media habits, Jacqui said that she? likes “roughing people up” and Ray explained why he thinks Twitter (err X) is toxic. The hosts heaped praise on several brands whose social media strategies they admire, and pointed out specific posts as examples of how to generate humor and enthusiasm in authentic ways. They also sampled a Whistlepig’s non-alcoholic, cannabis terpene-infused bottled cocktail, a spicy honey and an even spicier hot pot condiment, and discussed the variety of new Chex Mix-style products coming to market. Brands in this episode: Fly By Jing, Deux, Omsom, Elavi, Gay Water, immi, WhistlePig, Ol’ Stiles, Mike’s Hot Honey, Sauz, Marimix, Hot Pot Queen, Chex

When an entrepreneur sells their company, it’s usually a cause for celebration. But when Alix Peabody, the founder of pioneering canned wine brand Bev, sold her company to global wine and spirits conglomerate E & J Gallo, she knew that not everyone would be cheering. Launched in 2017, Bev is known for its chic label design, better-for-you positioning and promotion of “empowerment and inclusivity in beverage and beyond.” E & J Gallo obtained exclusive U.S. distribution rights for Bev in February 2021 and acquired the company last June. At the time, Peabody hailed “Gallo’s values and commitment to women and diversity in the industry [as] exemplary of the exact change we aim to create.” It seemed like an ideal partnership, but Peabody quickly found herself isolated from many of her closest friends, co-workers and advisors who were unhappy with her decision to sell Bev. In this episode, Peabody chronicled the three years leading up to Bev’s acquisition, how she analyzed the timing and opportunity to sell the company, and the surprising fallout with confidants. She also reflected on how taking a brief respite to focus on her mental health impacted perceptions of her as a leader and Bev’s ability to land new investment, and talked about a potential return to entrepreneurship. Show notes: 0:43: Interview: Alix Peabody, Founder, Bev – Peabody and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif recalled their first conversation in 2019, before the entrepreneur spoke about her recent travels and why she returned to Instagram after a self-imposed, months-long hiatus. She also discussed Gallo’s interest in acquiring Bev, and why her reluctance to raise millions in new funding was a key factor in her decision to sell, which was also impacted by the challenge of separating her personal and professional relationships. Peabody also talked about the loneliness of entrepreneurship, how a two-month work break to address stress and anxiety yielded a surprising reaction by some colleagues and why she believes that the “best friend you can always rely on should be no one but yourself.” Brands in this episode: Bev

When Target embraces emerging categories, we take notice. The hosts discussed the retailer’s new curated endcaps of non-alcoholic cocktails and wine and what it means for the nascent set of zero-proof beverages. They also spoke about why Nosh is broadening its coverage (and tapped a new leader to helm the vertical) and how a fast-growing hydration brand and popular sparkling water company have each taken a bigger-is-better approach to their packaging,  This episode also features an interview with Will Fabry, the master distiller for CraftCo, a Michigan-based portfolio company that owns several acclaimed spirit brands, including  Jos. A. Magnus and Fox & Oden. Fabry spoke about CraftCo’s distilling philosophy, how it operates at the intersection of production, consumer demand and pricing, and how he attempts to improve upon and become more proficient in his role. Show notes: 0:40: More Green Juice & THC. LinkedIn Loves Monica. A ‘Perfect’ Upgrade. Kids + Tuna… Hmmm. – The hosts shared their thoughts on healthy habits for 2024 and chatted about Nosh’s expanded lens and the warm reception online for its new managing editor, Monica Watrous. They also spoke about Lemon Perfect’s move to a larger bottle and Spindrift’s similar shift, why they're not convinced that a tuna company’s attempt to woo kids will work and a sports drink brand’s new line of better-you-sodas. 28:24: Interview: Will Fabry, Master Distiller, CraftCo – A 20-plus year veteran of the culinary industry, Fabry joined CraftCo in 2018. In our conversation, he spoke about the impact of Michigan’s climate in how the company’s spirits are finished, how he and his team are consistently meeting the high expectations that consumers have come to expect from CraftCo brands, and how he managed Covid-driven supply chain challenges. Brands in this episode: Trader Joe’s, Evolution Fresh, Pressed Juicery, Biena, The Good Crisp, Lesser Evil, Lemon Perfect, Spindrift, De Soi, Ghia, Kin Euphorics, Surely, Nooma, Coppercraft, Jos. A. Magnus, Fox & Oden

This special edition of the podcast features highlights from interviews with seven founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the second half of 2023. Our guests include John Fieldly, the chairman and CEO of Celsius; Maya Kaimal, the founder and chief creative officer of Maya Kaimal Foods; Dan Aykroyd, the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka; Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, the co-Founders of  Juliet; Tom Colicchio, a partner with Colicchio Kitchen; and Chris Hunter, the co-founder and CEO of Koia. Show notes: 0:31: Interview: John Fieldly, Chairman and CEO, Celsius – Let’s kick things off with John Fieldly, the chairman and CEO of fast-growing energy drink brand Celsius. In this clip, pulled from an episode published on September 19, John spoke about how financial discipline is embedded in company culture, why ambition is key to maintaining the brand’s momentum and how he navigates disagreements with investors and shareholders. 9:57: Interview: Maya Kaimal, Founder, Maya Kaimal Foods – Next up we have Maya Kaimal, the founder and chief creative officer of Maya Kaimal Foods, a groundbreaking brand of Indian-inspired sauces, condiments and ready-to-eat dishes. In a clip pulled from an episode featured on November 28, Maya explained how the company operates and innovates at the intersection of data, trends and retailer needs, how she aligned with an investor that could support her vision, and what she’s learned about hiring the right – and wrong – people. 20:36: Interview: Dan Aykroyd, Co-Founder, Crystal Head Vodka – Let’s keep it going with actor, comedian and entrepreneur Dan Aykroyd, the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka, an ultra-premium spirit brand identified by its distinctive skull-shaped bottle. In this clip, from our episode published on August 22, Dan spoke about what makes him an effective salesman and why he believes that his celebrity has a limited impact on the brand’s past and future. 25:44: Interview: Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, Co-Founders, Juliet – Next we have Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, the co-founders of Juliet, a premium brand of multiserve wine encased in an innovative cylindrical container. In the following clip, pulled from an episode published on August 1, Allison and Lauren explained why developing a unique package was central to the planning process, and discussed their challenging, but ultimately correct, decision to change package designers. 31:29: Interview: Tom Colicchio, Partner, Colicchio Kitchen – We continue with renowned chef, restaurateur and “Top Chef” judge Tom Colicchio, who is also a partner with premium sauce and condiment brand Colicchio Kitchen. In this clip, pulled from an episode aired on July 18, Tom spoke about how he defines “good food” and why he’s hesitant about adding an ethnic-themed line.  35:57: Interview: Chris Hunter, Co-Founder/CEO, Koia – Finally, we hear from Chris Hunter, the co-founder and CEO of plant-based beverage company Koia. In the following clip, pulled from an episode published on November 14, Chris spoke about the importance of setting goals in both his personal life and in business, the company’s first month of profitability and why he warns entrepreneurs about short-term trends within the investment community. Brands in this episode: Celsius, Maya Kaimal Foods, Crystal Head Vodka, Juliet, Colicchio Kitchen, Koia

What can BevNET and NOSH’s most-read news stories of 2023 inform us about the coming year? The hosts reflected on the sites’ top viewed articles from the past 12 months – including White Claw’s upcoming launch of a non-alcoholic line, the Erewhon NYC pop-up that never was and controversy over a kratom-infused shot brand – and what impact the news may have on trends, innovation and emerging categories in 2024.  Show notes: 0:35: B-Ball Brad. Mainstreaming Ultra. Who’s Gonna Drink That? Controversial Kratom. – Mike’s quick break from his soccer-themed brunch inspired us to learn more about Brad’s lifetime Celtics’ fandom. The hosts spoke about a news story that is featured in two of NOSH’s top 10 most read articles of 2023 before kicking the tires on White Claw 0%, who will be the likely consumers of the beverage and whether its arrival will be a boon to the emerging market for alcohol-alternative drinks. They also discussed the launch of a new entrepreneur-led venture fund, and the controversy surrounding the functional ingredient kratom and how a high-profile lawsuit is shaping its future. Brands in this episode: White Claw, Aura Bora, Liquid Death, Luna Bay, Per Se, Ghia, Melati, Bonbuz, De Soi, Calexo, Drippy, Magic Cactus, Vital Proteins, Koia, Skinny Pop, Birch Benders, Cooper Spirits, Sweet Leaf Tea, Perfect Snacks, Feel Free