Taste Radio

The hosts discussed the rise of high-profile creator-led brands and their transcendence beyond celebrity ties. They also reflect on a PSL season that started way too soon and the strategy behind functional brands that market both energizing and calming products. We also feature the latest installment of The Goat Pen, our regular series with Carlton Fowler, the co-founder and managing partner of early-stage investment firm Goat Rodeo Capital. Show notes: 0:42: Brad Is Back. "A Different Style Of Celebrity." Craven Won't Leggo of Eggo Cream. – After a year-long hiatus BevNET reporter Brad Avery returned to the podcast and shared his perspective on the evolution of creator-led brands, including Chamberlain Coffee, Prime and Feastables. The hosts collectively bemoaned the early start to pumpkin spice products and continued the conversation on a few notable brands and products mentioned in recent episodes. 25:00: The Goat Pen with Carlton Fowler, Vol. 3 – Fowler spoke about Campbell's acquisition of Rao's owner Sovos Brands, why he's bullish on hard tea and the potential for Monster Energy and Dunkin's respective forays into the category, his perspective on how to most effectively set expectations and navigate disagreements between investors and entrepreneurs and the trajectory for CBD-infused food and beverage brands. Brands in this episode: Chamberlain Coffee, Prime, Alani Nu, Feastables, Starbucks, Eggo, Bennu Bev Co., Bang Energy, Kin Euphorics, Milk Bar, Magnolia Bakery, Fabalish, Rao's, Monster Energy, Dunkin', Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Luna Bay, Jiant, JuneShine, PBR, La Colombe

The term "white space" is often used by entrepreneurs as a reason for launching a new brand. A void exists in a particular food or beverage category, and founders will claim that their products fill it. But what if others, notably investors and retailers, don't see that opportunity? That's the question that Shadi Bakour and his co-founders faced when they launched PATH, a bottled water brand that uses refillable aluminum containers, and it's fair to say that they have answered the query. Founded in 2015, PATH has become one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the U.S. Its products – which include still, sparkling and alkaline varieties – are sold at over 50,000 retail locations nationwide, including CVS, 7-Eleven, Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Sprouts and Wegmans. In September 2022, PATH announced a $30 million Series A funding round led by Altos Ventures along with investment from celebrities Kevin Hart, Ryan Seacrest and Guy Fieri. In this episode, Bakour spoke about the inspiration for PATH and how he and his co-founders set about commercializing the concept, how he they won over retail buyers, beginning with 7-Eleven, the company's alignment with San Francisco Airport retailers and Natural Products Expo West, the impact of limited-edition and licensed products and which parts of the business were most attractive to investors. Show notes: 0:35: Interview: Shadi Bakour, Co-Founder/CEO, PATH – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Bakour about PATH's collaboration with Barbie before he discussed lessons from his days as an Uber and Lyft driver, navigating the a rocky start with the company's first co-manufacturer and how convenience factors into the marketability of PATH. He also spoke about how the brand landed its first few retailers, how he was able to negotiate an Expo West sponsorship at a reduced rate, PATH's bottle as a billboard, and what he's learned about becoming a better leader and manager of people. Brands in this episode: PATH Water

Is it groundbreaking or headed for infamy? The hosts sample several new products made with controversial (or, perhaps, objectionable) ingredients and flavors and assess the mainstream potential for each. This episode also features an interview with Alex Conyngham, the co-founder of Slane Irish Whiskey, who discussed the duality of building a modern brand that's rooted in tradition. Show notes: 0:33: Who Needs Ray? She Is The Champion, My Friends. Leggo My Eggo (Or Not). Cannabis & Kava. – With Ray on vacation, John took the reins, Jacqui spoke about her camogie skills and Melissa shared notes on recent and highly informative episodes of Community Call. They also sipped on some breakfast-inspired booze ("a real wallop to the ol' system"), munched on seaweed salad and discussed how kava might follow in the footsteps of another controversial ingredient. 24:45: Interview: Alex Conyngham, Co-Founder, Slane Irish Whiskey – Conyngham met with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at spirits convention Tales of the Cocktail, held in July, and spoke about the development of Slane, which has emerged as a brand that lives at the intersection of music, sustainable farming and premium liquid, and how he communicates that positioning within the competitive landscape for Irish whiskey. Brands in this episode: Slane Irish Whiskey, Eggo, Genius Juice, Atlantic Sea Farms, Kooshy, Bennu

Sketch comedian. Ghostbuster. Vodka entrepreneur. It's all in a life's work for the remarkable Dan Aykroyd. An original cast member of "Saturday Night Live," Aykroyd is perhaps best known for the film franchise "Ghostbusters" in which he plays Ray Stanz, the proton pack-wearing ghoul fighter, a role that he will reprise in an upcoming sequel. He's less recognized, however, as the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka, a globally distributed, ultra-premium spirit brand identified by its distinctive skull-shaped bottle. Launched in 2008, Crystal Head Vodka is atypical of celebrity-backed spirits in that its association with Aykroyd is not front and center. Although he does meet-and-greet events with consumers and occasionally goes on sales calls, the brand was designed and developed to be sold on its own merits. It's a point of pride for Aykroyd who praised the company's emphasis on business fundamentals and premium positioning. In this episode, Aykroyd spoke about cutting his teeth in beverage alcohol as an importer of Patron tequila, how Crystal Head Vodka enhances its resonance with the heavy metal community, how he attempts to establish an authentic relationship with consumers, and, why, despite the company's long standing independence, he may be interested in aligning with a certain luxury-centric conglomerate. Show notes: 0:48: Interview: Dan Aykroyd, Co-Founder, Crystal Head Vodka – Aykroyd chatted with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about Crystal Head Vodka's limited-edition "Paint Your Pride" bottle before discussing the brand's origins, the inspiration behind the skull package and its initial reception among retailers and bar directors. He also explained how he's built sustainable relationships with distributors, what makes him an effective salesman and why he believes that his celebrity has a limited impact on the brand's past and future. Later, he spoke about the delineation of roles and responsibilities among the company's ownership team and what postal work has to do with their harmonious relationship, why his friend and fellow actor Bill Murray doesn't drink Crystal Head Vodka (a sister whiskey brand is another story) and answered an infamous question with a "little g." Brands in this episode: Crystal Head Vodka, Patron, Casamigos, Teremana

They talk the talk, but does Gen Z walk the walk? The hosts discuss the generation's complicated relationship with food and whether their values actually impact purchasing decisions. This episode also features an interview with Jorge Antonio Salles, the third-generation master distiller for iconic tequila brand El Tequileño. Show notes: 0:36: We're Bagged Out. Japan Via Montreal. Walk The Talk? Not Exactly. Mike Is Only Sleeping. – Surrounded by two dozen promotional canvas bags and coolers, the hosts assessed the value of such satchels and why brands might be better off sending samples instead of swag. Melissa returned from Montreal with a bushel of crunchy Japanese snacks while Mike tapped Google for some assistance with translation. The hosts also spoke about a recent study that revealed how societal pressures and social media affect Gen Z consumers and later praised brands of chocolate covered bananas, THC-infused drinks and breakfast biscuits. Also, Ray clarified that sleeping is not fasting. 37:35: Interview: Jorge Antonio "Tony" Salles, Master Distiller, El Tequileño – Tony Salles is the master distiller for iconic tequila brand El Tequileño. Described as "Mexico's Best Kept Secret," El Tequileño distills 10 expressions of tequila along with a soon-to-be released Extra Añejo variety. In this interview, Salles spoke about how the company incorporates its heritage and emphasis on quality and craft into its communication strategy, how modern consumers fit into its innovation strategy and the impact of a limited-edition product on brand awareness. Brands in this episode: El Tequileño, Pitaya Foods, Sailor Jerry, Madre Mezcal, Gigantic Candy, Belgian Boys, Teremana Tequila, Courvoisier, Tilia Wines, Wild Planet, Fresh Fizz, Revol Greens, Velvet Llama, Riff, Flow Water, Diana's Bananas, Jackson's Chips, TBD, Olyra

Hakki Akendiz, an immigrant who became a successful entrepreneur and lauded philanthropist, is living the American Dream. He also for years experienced the plight of living without housing. His business, Champion Pizza, gives a voice to both. Akendiz arrived in the U.S. from Turkey over 20 years ago. He had no illusions about a gilded path, but didn't anticipate the challenges that befell him. Akendiz slept on park benches and lived in shelters and restaurant basements, worked menial jobs and was even robbed of his life's savings. And, yet he persevered, opening his first pizzeria in 2009 and gradually added nine more, each built with reinvested earnings. Amid a worsening homelessness epidemic, Akendiz has prioritized giving back as a pillar of Champion Pizza's business model. Every week over the past eight years, Akendiz and his team have set up on West 34th Street in Manhattan where they share pizza and other food, clothing and medication to homeless people. In total, Champion Pizza has donated millions of dollars worth of pizza, but Akendiz intends to give more. In this episode, Akendiz spoke about his remarkable journey, why he credits hard work to his success and downplays the impact of luck, why supporting a social mission starts with building a sustainable and profitable business and how business owners can most effectively support the homeless community. Show notes: 0:43: Interview: Hakki Akdeniz, Owner, Champion Pizza – Akdeniz spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about a disastrous start to life in the U.S., learning the craft of pizza making while living in a boiler room and why he forgives a former partner who stole thousands of dollars intended to open a restaurant. He also explained why his first pizzeria almost left him bankrupt, how winning a pizza competition changed the trajectory of his career and why he never wavered when opening his second location, despite assault and the threat of violence from rival owners. Later, he discussed why having a goal means having a plan and the simple strategy for helping those in need. Brands in this episode: Champion Pizza

What does Campbell Soup's planned acquisition of Rao's owner Sovos Brands suggest about the M&A environment for food and beverage CPG? The hosts discussed the deal and also chatted about several new, notable and innovative products. This episode also features an interview with Gregory Lowe II and Jason Miller, the founder and CEO and president of sales, respectively, of fast-growing coconut water brand 100 Coconuts. Show notes: 0:39: Mark Your Calendars. Grilled Cheese For Breakfast? Someone Has A New BevNET Nickname. – The hosts encouraged listeners to register for upcoming meetups at BevNET's HQ and WCB (West Coast Branch) and let folks know via our community Slack channel before munching on grilled cheese bites. They also chatted about the utility of carton-based packaging, the impact of the Campbell Soup/Sovos deal for emerging brands, heaped praise on limited edition, co-branded mini cupcakes, devoured chocolate-covered berries and ruminated on who deserves an avion sobriquet. 30:51: Gregory Lowe II, Founder/CEO & Jason Miller, President of Sales, 100 Coconuts – Founded in 2019, 100 Coconuts markets Vietnamese-sourced, not-from-concentrate coconut water packaged in 11 oz. aluminum cans. The brand's flagship Pure variety is sold at select Publix, HEB, Walmart, Vitamin Shoppe and Target locations. In this interview, Lowe and Miller spoke about the origins of 100 Coconuts, how taste has helped differentiate its products from those of competing brands, the key elements of its formidable retail strategy, how to identify communication that resonates with consumers and how 100 Coconuts collaborated with TikTok to develop a co-branded product. Brands in this episode: 100 Coconuts, A Friendly Bread, Pacific Foods, Rao's, Noosa, Michael Angelo's, Baked by Melissa, Entenmann's, Tip Top Cocktails, Skittles, French's, Giadzy, TruFru, Nature's Fynd, Kate Farms, Lucky F*uck, Richard's Rainwater, Honey Mama's

How do breakout brands, particularly those that operate in trendy categories, build sustainable businesses? They cultivate authentic relationships with consumers by delivering on attributes they're seeking. It's how Wilderton, a maker of small-batch, non-alcoholic spirits crafted from raw botanicals, is paving its path. Founded by Oregon craft spirits veterans Brad Whiting and Seth O'Malley, Wilderton launched in December 2020. The company markets three signature expressions that are distilled using globally sourced wild plants. The products boast the complexity and experience of a traditional spirit yet without alcohol. As sober curious lifestyles take hold in parts of the U.S., Wilderton has emphasized its distinctive ingredients and innovative distillation methods, an approach that is consistently winning over both teetotallers and spirit consumers seeking a high quality alcohol alternative. In this episode, Whiting and O'Malley spoke about their interest in non-alcoholic spirits, how they view Wilderton as differentiated from similarly positioned brands, why taste is key when communicating product attributes and how to support, if not champion, other companies within the emerging category. Show notes: 0:43: Interview: Brad Whiting & Seth O'Malley, Co-Founders, Wilderton – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif met with Whiting and O'Malley at the 2023 Tales of the Cocktail convention where they spoke about Wilderton's new distillery and tasting room in Hood River, Oregon, their respective backgrounds in the spirits industry and why distilling non-alcoholic beverages isn't as complicated as it might sound. They also explained why they developed Wilderton to be an option for a variety of consumers, why they don't create analogs of traditional spirits and how they educate the trade about how to use and promote the products. Later, they spoke about growing competition within the emerging segment of non-alcoholic spirits and shared their perspective on partnerships with strategic firms and legacy beverage alcohol companies. Brands in this episode: Wilderton, Pendleton Whisky, Clear Creek, Big Gin, Hood River Distillers, Seedlip, Athletic Brewing Co.

The hosts discussed a celebrity foodie's new glitzy brand of $10/box pasta, the debut of a black-owned and gastronomic-inspired brand of toaster pastries at Target, French's sweet limited-time partner and a brief recap of the recently held 2023 Tales of The Cocktail convention. Also featured is the latest edition of Special Ops with Andrew Guard, in which the operations expert shares his take on both opportunities and challenges that are impacting new and emerging beverage and food companies. Show notes: 0:40: A Refreshing Take On "Tales." Giada x Olive Garden. NYC Peeps, We're Calling In A Favor. – John and Mike returned from their respective visits to Southern California while Ray got back from New Orleans and discussed trends and takeaways from bar hospitality and spirits event Tales of The Cocktail. The hosts reacted to Giada De Laurentiis' foray into CPG and the debut of French's mustard-flavored Skittles (it's a TikTok thing) and chatted about founder visits to the office and a few new brands, including Ghetto Gastro. 28:17: Special Ops with Andrew Guard, Vol. 3 – In the third installment of our regular series with Guard, the Right Coast Brands founder reflects on products featured in BevNET's New Beverage Showdown 25 competition held in June, why mushrooms have become the "it" ingredient and how they're incorporated into new foods and beverages and innovative concepts that he and his team are bringing to life, including a kava-based drink and a refreshing hard tea. Brands in this episode: Saint James Tea, Lyre's, Ritual Zero, Bosscal Mezcal, El Tequileno, Glenmorangie, Johnnie Walker, Giadzy, Barilla, Prince Pasta, French's, Skittles, Nuttin Ordinary, Wehl Plant Drops, Ghetto Gastro, Gunna Drinks, Chubby Snacks, Bashi, Cape Tide Hard Tea

Juliet is the result of two entrepreneurs who thought outside the box… by getting rid of the box. Launched in July 2022, Juliet is a first-to-market brand of multiserve wine founded by longtime friends Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher. Unlike boxed varieties, the wine is encased in a cylindrical container with a black strap that is designed to evoke the style and sophistication of a luxury handbag. Juliet markets three varietals – Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Dry Rose – each sold in 1.5L packages that retail for $35. Positioned as an upscale brand, Juliet is also designed to appeal to consumers that value sustainability but who don't want to compromise on taste and quality. In this episode, Luvera and De Niro Pipher spoke about how they assessed the opportunity to disrupt a legacy category, why developing a unique package was central to the planning process and how they have won over retailers by positioning Juliet as an upscale lifestyle brand. Show notes: 0:43: Interview: Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher, Co-Founders, Juliet – Luvera and De Niro Pipher spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about why they use the term "boxed wine" to describe Juliet, their challenging, but ultimately correct decision to change package designers and how they utilized their respective skill sets to map out an initial business strategy. They also discussed Juliet's target consumer and what they've learned about how customers perceive the brand since its launch, how influencers fit into the company's marketing strategy and their perspective on support for women-led brands in the wine industry. Brands in this episode: Juliet Wine