Taste Radio

There’s big money flowing into emerging concepts… and we have the receipts. Within this episode, the hosts discussed canned wine, plant-based analogs of popular snacks and THC-centric brands. We also discussed influential trends and innovative products in the evolving world of mixology in interviews with past World Class US Bartenders of the Year Jessi Pollak and Adam Fournier along with James Beard-honored mixologist and author Kim Haasarud.  Show notes: 0:45: Mike Trolls, United Rolls. Big Wins For Wine And BFY Brands. Oh, And Combos-Ish. – Mike tried to cover up his soccer team’s historic collapse, before the hosts encouraged listeners to join BevNET’s new Slack community, discussed E&J Gallo’s acquisition of canned wine brand Bev and the news that a VC firm focused on BFY brands raised $34 million for its second fund. Later, Jacqui highlighted a couple high-test cannabis-based beverages and John shared some Combos-like snacks that Mike hasn’t stopped eating since. 18:57: Interview: Kim Hassarud, Founder, Liquid Architecture – Haasarud spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about her role with the USBG, her efforts and advice to support the next generation of bartenders in America, surprising spirit trends and her perspective on growing consumer demand for low- and non-alcoholic cocktails. 39:38: Interview: Andrew Fournier, 2021 USBG World Class Bartender Of The Year/Jessi Pollak, 2022 USBG World Class Bartender Of The Year – Fournier and Pollak discussed their respective experiences competing in the World Class competition, the impact of being crowned champion on their careers, incorporating novel spirits and ingredients into their work and what flavors, textures, formulations are resonating with modern consumers. Brands in this episode: Bev, High Noon, Fishers Island Lemonade, MUD\WTR, Mid-Day Squares, Three Wishes, Legally Highest, Highest Ground Coffee Co., Paqui, Rivalz, Combos, Moku, Seedlip, Johnnie Walker, Ketel One

Afia is on a hot streak. The Mediterranean-inspired frozen food company recently closed on a $3 million funding round and is on the cusp of opening a new 21,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility capable of producing a half a million falafel balls per day. While Afia’s co-founders Farrah and Yassin Sibai are pleased with the brand’s development, they remain grounded in their roots. In this episode, the Sibais reflected on the brand’s humble origins and highlighted a little black book of family recipes that have been passed down by generations and which serves as the foundation for Afia’s products, including falafel, kibbeh and a new line of ready-to-heat entrees. Throughout their six years of business, the Sibais have stayed focused on their vision of creating a brand of nourishing, better-for-you food as a means of empowering consumers seeking healthier options, along with Afia’s team, which includes number of Syrian refugees who have fled war in search of a better life for their families. As part of our conversation, the Sibais explained why they have long relied on self-manufacturing, how adversity placed Farrah “in right place at right time,” why brand and product awareness are equally important, the effectiveness of Instacart ads and instant redeemable coupons, and the completion of Afia’s Series A funding round. Show notes: 0:46: Farrah & Yassin Sibai, Co-Founders, Afia – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif met with the Sibais at Afia’s new production facility in Taylor, Texas where they discussed the company’s dramatic increase in capacity, the impact of personal tragedy and the Syrian civil war in the creation of Afia and how they got off the ground with just $20,000 and a business plan. They also recalled long days in the brand’s first commercial kitchen which was located in the back of a bar in downtown Austin, and eventual move to their first company-owned plant, learning how to engage with and sell to consumers at local farmers' markets, their big break with Texas-based grocery chain H-E-B and subsequent deals with Sprouts and Whole Foods that brought Afia to stores across the U.S. Later, they discussed their marketing strategy and the effectiveness of influencer campaigns, why they don’t invest heavily in data, the development of Afia’s line of frozen entrees and why “the validity of the vision” is most important to the brand’s investors. Brands in this episode: Afia

What parallels exist between music, food and beverage and how can they inform entrepreneurs about innovation strategies? The hosts look to legendary music producer Rick Rubin for answers. We also discuss trends from behind the bar with the 2023 USBG World Class bartender of the year Renato Tonelli and Julie Reiner, the owner of world renowned NYC cocktail restaurants The Clover Club and Leyenda. Show notes: 0:43: Ray Is Pumped, Walmart Is In The House, Consider The Listener’s Perspective, Amaro Sherbet! – Less than two weeks away from BevNET Live Summer 2023, the hosts spoke about the opportunity for attendees to meet one-on-one with buyers from Walmart and Sprouts before discussing how a recent “60 Minutes” interview could help founders strategize for new product development. They also sipped on CBD-infused beverages and better-for-you sports drinks before snacking on amaro-infused sherbet and chilled granola bars. 24:25: Interview: Renato Tonelli, 2023 USBG World Class Bartender Of The Year – Tonelli sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif amid the USBG Presents World Class competition, which was sponsored by beverage alcohol giant Diageo and held in Austin, Texas last month. The event featured 30 of the nation’s top mixologists, each of whom were presented with a series of challenges inspired by current spirit and cocktail trends. Ultimately, the title was earned by Tonelli, a bartender and the beverage training director at esteemed New York City bar Dante. In this interview, he spoke about his experience in the competition, how he sources inspiration and manages pressure and why he’s bullish on non-alcoholic cocktails. 37:02: Interview: Julie Reiner, Owner, The Clover Clover, Leyenda and Milady’s – Judging the USBG World Class competition were industry legends and luminaries, including Julie Reiner, the Brooklyn-based owner of world renowned cocktail bars The Clover Clover, Leyenda and Milady’s. In this conversation, Reiner spoke  about how she uses her influence to promote positive and progressive trends from behind the bar and in patrons’ glasses as well as her interest in RTD cocktails as the co-founder of Social Hour. Brands in this episode: Poppi, vitaminwater, Bai, Wet Hydration, Gatorade, Powerade, Sati Soda, Brez, Squirt, Starry, Sierra Mist, Salt & Straw, Straightaway Cocktails, Mooski, Seedlip

It's been three years since we last featured Poppi co-founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth on Taste Radio, and to say that their brand has grown in that time would be a massive understatement. Poppi, is by all accounts, following in the footsteps of generational brands that came before it, including vitaminwater, Bai and BodyArmor. Launched as Mother Beverage in 2016 and reborn as Poppi in 2020, the gut-healthy drink company markets low-calorie and low-sugar sodas made with fruit, apple cider vinegar and prebiotics. Self-described as a digital-first brand, Poppi has built a thriving business on Amazon and is one of the most followed CPG accounts on TikTok, generating over ​​one billion page views since its debut on the social media platform. Poppi is also sold in over 20,000 stores, including major retail chains like Target, Whole Foods, Sprouts, Publix and Walmart, with plans to expand into an additional 10,000 locations by the end of the year. According to the company, overall revenue rose by 148% in 2022, including a 250% increase in online sales. The remarkable surge helped Poppi to land a $25 million Series B round in December. In this episode, the Ellsworths spoke about the reasons behind Poppi’s explosive growth and how the company is maintaining its torrid pace. As part of our conversation, they discussed their transition into new roles, Poppi’s remarkable trial conversion and repeat purchase rates, Amazon’s key role in marketing strategy and why video is king on social media.  Show notes: 0:46: Interview: Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, Co-Founders, Poppi – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with the Ellsworths about their move from Dallas to Austin, lessons since the launch of Mother Beverage, how a professionalization of Poppi’s organizational structure was challenging at first but ultimately valuable, and the decision to hire a CEO from outside the company. They also discussed the typical Poppi consumer, Allison’s emphasis on TikTok as a way to communicate with new and existing customers, why describing the products as “soda” has had a massive impact on how the brand is marketed and sold, and how advertising on digital platforms, including Amazon and Instacart, drive retail sales. Later, they explained how they attempt to create an emotional connection with consumers, why they don't emphasize “performance marketing” and best practices for creating entertaining video content for social media.. Brands in this episode: Poppi, vitaminwater, Bai, BodyArmor

At what stage of development should brands consider aligning with a celebrity or athlete? How can companies assess the potential value and impact of those partnerships? The hosts shared their perspective on both topics, and also spoke about why niche brands might need to reconsider certain positioning and packaging callouts that have them collectively scratching their heads. Show notes: 0:43: A Swift Dip In Your Bank Account. Ray Seafallon. We’re Coneheads. An NSFW Bev? – John explained why Taylor Swift’s concert tour left a hole in his wallet, before the hosts highlighted an opportunity for BevNET Live attendees to meet one-on-one with buyers from major retailers, including Sprouts, and discussed the recently announced partnership between Health-Ade and Ryan Seacrest. They also spoke about what CPG founders might learn from the movie “Air,” the connection between Muddy Bites and muffin tops, whether #steviafree might be a trending term, Jacqui’s “lovelife” and an NA beer/Netflix collaboration.    Brands in this episode: Health-Ade, Propel, Barcode, Yesly, Utz, Mike’s Hot Honey, Jarritos, Plezi, Muddy Bites, Vina, De La Calle, Love Life, Neuro, Dune, Vital Proteins, Athletic Brewing, Budweiser, Keystone, Michelob, Zima

Mario Carbone, the acclaimed chef and restaurateur, believes that if you’re going to do something, you should strive to be the best at it. That’s – quite literally – the secret to his sauce. The co-founder of globally renowned restaurant company Major Food Group, Carbone is a native New Yorker who learned his craft under the tutelage of some of the city’s best known and admired chefs, including Daniel Boulud and Wylie Dufresne. In 2011, Carbone and business partners Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalaznick launched Major Food Group, which currently operates 27 upscale eateries across the world, anchored by his namesake Carbone restaurants. Two years ago, Major Food Group launched Carbone Fine Food, a brand created to “bring the taste of the iconic, beloved Carbone dining experience” into consumers’ homes. Helmed by CPG veteran and former Rao’s Specialty Foods CEO Eric Skae, the company markets a nine-SKU line of pasta sauces that has rapidly become one of most widely distributed and best selling within the premium sauce category. In this episode, Carbone and Skae spoke about their shared vision and the growth strategy for Carbone Fine Food, how they attempt to incorporate the flair and panache of Carbone restaurants into the brand,  who they identify as the products’ target consumer, their thoughtful pricing and promotional strategy and why they are cautious about new product development. Show notes: 0:46: Interview: Mario Carbone, Co-Founder & Eric Skae, CEO, Carbone Fine Food – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif asked Carbone about his decision to relocate from New York to Miami, how his vision for Carbone Fine Food compares with that of former colleague David Chang and his Momofuku Goods brand and how timing was involved in the rollout of the sauces. Carbone and Skae also discussed the company’s pricing strategy and target consumer and how each fits into retail planning, why quality of ingredients is the brand’s key point of differentiation and how they consider innovation and brand extensions. Brands in this episode: Carbone Fine Food, Rao’s, Momofuku Goods

It may seem counterintuitive, but successful founders are often stung by self-doubt, a topic the hosts discussed in this episode, along with Neil Patrick Harris’ foray into the RTD cocktail business and an unexpected brand collaboration that’s being described as both brilliant and revolting. We also feature the latest edition of Special Ops with Andrew Guard, in which the operations expert shared insights about scaling strategies, how to generate mainstream appeal through flavor and working with non-nutritive sweeteners. Show notes: 0:37: Bev.net, Sprouts Speaks, Target And Tost, Ray Reads IG Comments – John Craven returns to the studio and after a brief chat about his visit to Vermont, the hosts spoke about Outhaus’ big news and the founder’s bout of imposter syndrome, how sparkling beverage brand TÖST landed a big-time partner, and why Ray isn’t a fan of a collaboration between a premium chocolate company and… Velveeta. 27:24: Special Ops with Andrew Guard, Vol. 3 – Andrew Guard of boutique beverage co-packer Right Coast Brands spoke about how founders operating early-stage and emerging businesses can more effectively prepare their brands for scale. He also discussed the link between great flavor and mainstream demand and considerations for working with natural and non-nutritive sweeteners, including monkfruit. Brands in this episode: Tost, Plink, Oat Haus, Corona, Thomas Ashburne, Hoplark, Other Half Brewing, Fila Manila, Kasama Rum, Compartes, Velveeta, Jabin, KitKat, Van Leeuwen, Kraft, Midwest Juicery, Gutsy Kombucha

A sensational number from Post Malone. A$AP Rocky’s critically acclaimed crowd pleaser. And an unexpected hit from Kevin Hart. What may sound like a Spotify playlist is actually a trio of brands built and marketed by Global Brand Equities. Founded in 2019 by Irish expat James Morrissey, Global Brand Equities is focused on developing innovative and creator-led beverage alcohol brands. Morrissey’s vision is to meet modern consumers where they live and drink via a contemporary approach to alcoholic beverages, one that lives at the intersection of media, entertainment and premium experiences. Global Brand Equities has aligned with the aforementioned Malone, Rocky and Hart to launch fast-growing brands Maison No 9 French Rosé, Mercer + Prince Canadian Whisky and Gran Coramino Tequila, respectively. The company also markets Sunny Vodka, a premium spirit co-founded by social media influencers Zack Bia and Stas Karanikolaou. In this episode, Morrissey spoke about how his prior experience in hospitality has shaped his perspective on novel consumer brands, the foundations for mutually beneficial celebrity partnerships, why it is critical to understand and operate within the traditional infrastructure for producing and distributing beverage alcohol brands and the effectiveness of its multi-pronged marketing strategy. Show notes: 0:46: Interview: James Morrissey, Founder, Global Brand Equities – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif met with Morrissey at Global Brand Equities’ office in the Soho neighborhood of Manhattan where they riffed on the entrepreneur’s familiar name and discussed how his background as a club and nightlife promoter in Ireland led him to New York City. He also explained his belief that the beverage alcohol industry had lacked an authentic connection to modern consumers and lacked the type of desirable innovation seen in other industries, why he saw the rosé wine category as ripe for a consumer-facing brand and how he first met and cultivated a relationship with Post Malone. Later, he explained how, despite a crowded space for celebrity-backed liquor brands, he saw opportunities to innovate in the categories of Canadian whiskey and premium tequila and why A$AP Rocky and Kevin Hart were the ideal partners for each, and why moving at “the speed of culture” is key to Global Brand Equities’ marketing strategy.  Brands in this episode: Maison No 9 French Rosé, Mercer + Prince Canadian Whisky, Gran Coramino Tequila, Sunny Vodka, Casamigos, Teramana Tequila

The hosts discussed the news that Michelle Obama has joined kids’ food and beverage company PLEZi Nutrition as a co-founder and strategic partner and spoke about the potential impact of the former first lady’s influence and political connections on the brand’s development. They also highlighted the 10 brands named as part of Target’s third Takeoff Food and Beverage program. Show notes: 0:43: Mike Missed A Lot Of Recesses. You Only Need To Watch Lost Once. Get It In Schools. – Melissa Traverse fills in for John Craven and her excellent seating posture gives way to a chat about fidgeting and Mike’s misbehavior as a youth. The hosts collectively urged early-stage beverage founders to apply for New Beverage Showdown 25, before they spoke about what Michelle Obama will bring to the table in her new role as PLEZi co-founder and why not everyone is pleased with her foray into CPG. Later, they noted that several emerging brands often mentioned on Taste Radio landed a spot in Target’s accelerator program, congratulated two companies whose products are now sold at Erewhon and chatted about several new and notable products, including a golden milk mix, a pouch drink for Gen Z consumers and a better-for-you option for a quick meal. Brands in this episode: Liquid Death, Super Coffee, Vive Organic, PLEZi, Better Chew, Resist Nutrition, Honeycut Kitchen, Glonuts, Immorel, Homiah, Brooklyn Tea, Bumpin Blends, Mocktail Club, Soldadera, Better Sour, Struesli, Anjali’s Cup, Hapi Water, Sea Monsters, Off Limits, Somos Foods, A Dozen Cousins, Talk House Encore

If Expo West and Whole Foods had a baby, it might look something like Pop Up Grocer. A non-traditional retailer in which brand discovery, not sales, is paramount, Pop Up Grocer is the brainchild of veteran CPG marketing executive Emily Schildt. Founded in 2019, the company has built nine limited-run stores in cities across the U.S., each designed to showcase trendy natural and organic brands, particularly those with limited retail distribution or sold primarily direct-to-consumer.  In March, Pop Up Grocer opened its first permanent location in New York City’s Soho neighborhood. The flagship store features a selection of 130 emerging brands that will be rotated on a quarterly basis. The shop also serves as a homebase for Pop Up Grocer, which will continue to open new short-term stores. In this episode, Schildt spoke about the inspiration behind Pop Up Grocer, its role as an “influencer retailer” and advertiser-first business model, how the company evaluates brand performance and why you might be surprised by its curation strategy.   Show notes: 0:44: Emily Schildt, Founder & CEO, Pop-Up Grocer – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif met with Schildt at Pop Up Grocer in Manhattan where she spoke about her work-life balance (or lack thereof) in the weeks leading up to the store’s opening, how her experience at Chobani provided her with a foundation for a career in CPG and how consulting with early-stage entrepreneurs gave way to the lightbulb moment for a pop up retail concept. She also discussed how Pop Up Grocer’s first store proved her thesis about a lack of retail opportunity for small and emerging brands, why she describes the stores as “showcases, first and foremost,” how the company tracks consumer engagement and the selection criteria for adding brands to its shelves. Later, she explained Pop Up Grocer’s influence on major chain retail buyers, how she views and incorporates trends into its business strategy, the retailer’s aesthetic and target consumer, and plans for new short-term and permanent locations. Brands in this episode: Chobani, Lavva, Kind Snacks