Taste Radio

Todd Carmichael wants to add a bit more sparkle to your water. But not the kind you’re used to. Nearly three decades after he co-founded pioneering third-wave coffee brand La Colombe, Carmichael is once again breaking new ground with the launch of innovative “shimmering water” brand Loftiwater. Launched in December, Loftiwater debuted a few weeks after Carmichael stepped down as CEO of La Colombe. In the months leading up to and following his departure, Carmichael, a serial innovator, spent dozens of hours in his basement lab attempting to find a way to create a different, better kind of sparkling water experience.  The result was Loftiwater, a new brand of sparkling – but importantly, not carbonated – water. Instead, the company uses a blend of gases to create what it describes as “a galaxy of sweet velvety microbubbles.” Packaged in 14 oz. plastic bottles and available in six flavors, the drinks contain no calories, sugars or preservatives, yet are “deceptively sweet,” according to the brand’s website. In an interview featured in this episode, Carmichael spoke about the reasons behind his decision to leave La Colombe, how the pandemic influenced his mindset and inspired a fresh start, his ambitious vision for Loftiwater as a third option for restaurant diners and why the brand’s early start included a chartered plane to Venezuela. Show notes: 0:44: Todd Carmichael, Co-Founder, La Colombe & Loftiwater – Carmichael and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif began their conversation by riffing on the roller coaster that was 2021, their “dress down” business attire and why the La Colombe co-founder loves “The Matrix.” Carmichael also explained why he’s more driven by obsession than fear, why he believes that “if it’s easy to climb a mountain, you shouldn’t be climbing it,” how he landed on sparkling water as the basis for his next beverage brand and how he intends to drive trial for Loftiwater. Later, he spoke about why he describes Loftiwater as “The Third Water,” why he’s optimistic about the future of La Colombe despite his departure, why he chose to build a production facility rather than work with a co-manufacturer and the musical analogy for explaining why he decided to stay in the beverage business. Brands in this episode: La Colombe, Loftiwater, Vitaminwater, BodyArmor, Stirrings, Spindrift

In Taste Radio’s final episode of 2021, the hosts spoke about why entrepreneurs launching new and innovative concepts need to consider the addressable market for their brands and products in 2022. They also discussed the news that a high-profile kombucha company has leapt into the growing pool of probiotic sodas, a fast-growing snack brand’s recent raise and a number of notable products that crossed their desks over the past week. Show notes: 0:37: Seltzers, Snacks And Scoops – The episode hosts, which included BevNET/NOSH reporter Adrianne DeLuca and BevNET managing editor Martín Caballero alongside Taste Radio regulars Ray Latif and Jacqui Brugliera, chatted about their respective college experiences, go-to-market strategies for innovative brands and whether probiotic sodas can win over consumers who shun kombucha. They also riffed on better-for-you chips, palate-pleasing juice shots and celebrity-aligned ice cream brands. Brands in this episode: Poppi, Culture Pop, Health-Ade, Olipop, Humm, The Good Crisp, Pringles, So Good So You, Vive Organic, Aura Bora, Taika, Ben & Jerry’s, Babybel, Munchrooms, Tom & Luke, JD’s Vegan

This special edition of the podcast features highlights from interviews with six founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the second half of 2021. Our guests include award-winning television host, chef and writer Andew Zimmern; Vanessa Pham, the co-founder and CEO of Omsom;  Erewhon chief growth officer Kabir Jain; Catherine Dockery the founder of Vice Ventures; Foxtrot Market co-founder and CEO Mike LaVitola; and Danielle LiVolsi, the founder and CEO of Nuttzo. Show notes: 0:42: Interview: Andrew Zimmern, Host, "Family Dinner" – We kick things off with award-winning television host, chef and writer Andrew Zimmern, whose latest TV series “Family Dinner” is now in its second season. In the following clip, pulled from our episode featured on November 30, Zimmern spoke about why he believes that great brands don’t necessarily need to be the best brands, why he believes elitism is hampering solutions to issues of food accessibility and affordability, and his position that GMOs – applied within reason – continue to play an important role in the food system.   8:32: Interview: Vanessa Pham, Co-Founder & CEO, Omsom – Next, we’re joined by Vanessa Pham, the co-founder and CEO of Omsom, an innovative brand of starter kits for cooking Asian dishes at home. In a clip pulled from an episode featured on October 26, Pham spoke about about the inspiration for and meaning behind Omsom, why she and her co-founder and sister Kim set out to build a brand for all consumers, why observers may be mistaken into thinking the company has a niche focus and how Omsom’s PR strategy has been effective in attracting national media attention. 16:12: Interview: Kabir Jain, Chief Growth Officer, Erewhon – We continue with Kabir Jain, the chief growth officer of upscale L.A.-based grocery chain Erewhon. In the clip, from our episode published on November 9, Jain explained why Erewhon describes itself as an “idea,” how the retailer defines innovation, why he describes brand selection as both “an art and science,” and the reasons that the company will say “yes” to some brands and “no” to others. 24:12: Interview: Catherine Dockery, Founder, Vice Ventures – Next, we feature Catherine Dockery, the founder of seed-stage venture capital fund Vice Ventures, which describes itself as “conquering stigmas and striving towards superior returns by investing in good companies operating in ‘bad’ industries.” In the included clip, from an episode published on August 31, Dockery explained what piques her interest in a first meeting and how she works with founders and operators to achieve their collective goals. 27:45: Interview: Mike LaVitola, Co-Founder & CEO, Foxtrot Market – We continue with Mike LaVitola, the co-founder & CEO and Foxtrot Market, a fast-growing chain of hybrid corner stores and cafés that is redefining convenience for modern consumers. In a clip pulled from an episode aired on July 27, LaVitola discussed how the company communicates its business model to consumers and industry professionals, the retailer’s target consumer, how it cultivates an intimate understanding of its customers and how analytical and anecdotal data factor into the Foxtrot’s product selection and merchandising strategy. 36:58: Interview: Danielle LiVolsi, Founder/CEO, Nuttzo – Finally, we close with a conversation with Danielle LiVolsi, the founder and CEO of Nuttzo, a brand of premium nut- and seed-based butters. In a clip pulled from an episode published on October 19, LiVolsi discussed why self-care is great for ideation, the benefits of bootstrapping and why she fears regret more than she does failure.  Brands in this episode: Spindrift, Jeni’s, Fly By Jing, Omsom, Dunkaroos, NuttZo

Years ago, Taco Bell implored people to “make a run for the border.” It’s a slogan that probably irked Hector Saldivar, a Mexican born entrepreneur who views fast food tacos and burritos as poor representations of his country’s cuisine and culture. Moreover, he believes that menu items like those at Taco Bell have misled generations of Americans into thinking that Mexican food is cheap, greasy and lacking in nutritional value.  It’s one of the reasons that Salitivar launched Tia Lupita, a brand rooted in the flavors of his mother’s kitchen and better-for-you, sustainable ingredients. Tia Lupita markets a flagship line of clean label hot sauces, along with grain-free and low carb tortillas and tortilla chips that are made with a base of cactus flour. The brand, whose logo features a caricature of Hector’s bespectacled mother with a pink curling roller in her hair, is carried at retailers including Whole Foods and Central Market, and recently landed chain-wide distribution of its hot sauces at H-E-B.  In an interview featured in this episode, Saldivar spoke about how Tia Lupita has positioned itself as both a modern and authentic Mexican food brand, how he’s attempting to educate consumers around one of the brand’s key ingredients, the retail strategy for three distinct product lines and what he’s learned as an immigrant entrepreneur. Show notes: 0:44: Hector Saldivar, Founder/CEO, Tia Lupita – Saldivar spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about why he was especially excited about Tia Lupita being on shelf at H-E-B, why the first words in his LinkedIn bio are “I am an immigrant” and how recipes link generations of Mexican families. He also explained his decision to leave a corporate role at a large food company in order to launch Tia Lupita, using the brand’s logo and labels to counter stereotypes about Mexican culture, and why the company is focused on updating and innovating authentic food. Later, he discussed his perspective on the growing number of better-for-you Mexican food brands and how Tia Lupita is promoting nutritional value as a way to differentiate itself from competitors, his mother’s surprising admission about the brand’s hot sauces, identifying white space for lower calorie tortillas, why he describes the company’s tortilla chips as “a happy accident” and how he addressed an ever-present elephant in the room. Brands in this episode: Tia Lupita, Siete

Back at the BevNET HQ and WCB (West Coast Branch) offices, Taste Radio’s hosts reflected on the nine-day, three-event, four-competition extravaganza that was Brewbound Live, NOSH Live and BevNET Live. As part of their conversation, the hosts discussed the value of in-person networking, connecting with entrepreneurs for the first time after two years of virtual meetings and why some attendees were surprised by Ray’s height. Later, the hosts chatted about the decision of a well-known entrepreneur to step down as CEO of his company and riffed on new products that came to market over the past month. Show notes: 0:38: Home Again, Ray ≠ Roy, The Most Beloved Person In Food & Bev – While happy to be home, Ray was confused as to why event attendees believe he looks like a certain character from the TV show “Ted Lasso.” The hosts praised and thanked Stephanie Haughey, a Whole Foods veteran who is known in the food and beverage community for championing and mentoring early-stage brands. They also celebrated the founders of ginger beverage brand Ginsation, True Scoops, a maker of DIY ice cream and Essential Candy, which markets hard candy infused with essential oils and spoke about why the industry applauded Ugly Drinks co-founder Hugh Thomas’ decision to exit the company to focus on self-care. Brands in this episode: Natural Delights, True Scoops, Ginsation, Essential Candy, Nemi, Nana Joes, Waju, Funkytown Brewery, Kokada, Golden Rule, Hiyo, Super Coffee, Athletic Brewing Co., Poppi, Dokkebier, Ugly Drinks, Organifi

An early-stage investment in Sweetgreen helped set the table. Now, Maxine Kozler Koven is focused on funding companies whose brands will complete the meals of future generations.  Koven is the co-founder and co-managing partner of LDR Ventures & Consulting, a female-led, California-based venture capital and management consulting firm. LDR invests in and advises consumer brands, technology and service companies at the seed and Series A level. In addition to Sweetgreen, the firm’s portfolio includes stakes in online grocery platform Thrive Market, organic herbal tea brand Shaka Tea, better-for-you meal kit company Territory Foods and Moku, a brand of mushroom-based jerky.    LDR’s primary focus is providing mentorship and investment in companies led by female and BIPOC entrepreneurs. The goal, according to the firm, is to address systemic shifts and emerging behavioral trends, and simply “make people’s lives better.”   In an interview recorded at BevNET Live Winter 2021, we spoke with Koven, who was a speaker and judge as part of the event’s New Beverage Showdown 22 competition, for an insider’s perspective on LDR’s funding history and investment philosophy. As part of our conversation, she spoke about the importance of nurturing the development of early-stage founders, the relevance of innovation when evaluating new concepts and her answer as to why there has been an historical lack of funding for female-led companies. Show notes: 0:44: Maxine Kozler Koven, Co-Founder & Co-Managing Director, LDR Ventures & Consulting – Koven and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif chatted about her first experience at BevNET Live and notable conversations from the event, their shared history as graduates of Boston University and how her background as a music/talent manager relates to her roles as an investor and advisor. She also spoke about how she met the founders of Sweetgreen and evaluated the company’s business model, why LDR’s ethos evolved as the firm met new founders and why Koven says that LDR invests in brands “for the reasons that they might not get investment from traditional VC firms.” Later, she explained why LDR invested in Thrive Market despite its very lean beginnings, how the deal with Shaka Tea came together and what impressed Koven about the founders, missing out on investing in Health-Ade, enlisting a sampling team from across the U.S. as part of the process for evaluating new brands, why she encourages more wealthy people to invest in early-stage startups and why consistent communication between entrepreneurs and investors is key to a successful relationship.  Brands in this episode: Sweetgreen, Shaka Tea, Moku, Thrive Market, Sourse, Zico

He’s one of the most successful brand creators in the wine and spirits industry, but, until recently, Brett Berish avoided the limelight.  Twenty-two years ago, Berish, whose family has long ties to the spirits business, launched Sovereign Brands, a brand development company that’s responsible for the massively successful super-premium Champagne label, Ace of Spades, and premium cognac D’usse. Hip-hop icon Jay-Z acquired the former in 2014 and also bought a stake in D’usse, which is now co-owned by rum giant Bacardi. Sovereign’s reputation for creating winning concepts continued with Luc Belaire, a line of French sparkling wines that, according to measured sales data, is the fastest growing premium sparkling wine brand in the U.S. and the fastest-growing French sparkling wine in the world. The company also owns Bumbu, a critically acclaimed craft rum from Barbados and the best-selling brand in the U.S. premium rum category, as well as McQueen and the Violet Fog, a small-batch gin from Jundiai, Brazil. Despite his remarkable success, Berish’s most valuable lessons came from failure. Reflecting upon the gravely  challenging times during his career has motivated him to become a more visible presence in the spirits industry with the aim of mentoring and advising young entrepreneurs about what it takes to persevere amid constant setbacks and struggles. In the following interview, Berish chronicled his journey as an entrepreneur, including what he learned from his failed vodka brand, why he urges entrepreneurs to trust their instincts and how innovation and category fit into his philosophy as a brand creator. He also spoke about how he aligned with iconic hip-hop artists, including Rick Ross, to promote and grow Sovereign-owned brands, and why he recently decided to partner with one of the largest wine and spirits companies in the world. Show notes: 0:42: Interview: Brett Berish, Co-Founder, Sovereign Brands – Berish spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about his family’s lineage in beverage alcohol, his vision of creating 100% agave-based tequila while in high school, the inspiration behind Sovereign and the origins of its name and why he believes the company’s focus has remained the same since its inception. He also discussed why he sold a minority stake in Sovereign to Pernod Ricard, explained why not trusting his instincts led to the demise of his first brand, why hearing “no” motivates him, the importance of establishing  authenticity in celebrity partnerships and why he doesn’t have a specific strategy when it comes to retail channels. Later, he spoke about why he “loves” failure, how he overcame significant financial struggles early into his career and why transparency is the key to communication with his team. Brands in this episode: Ace of Spades, D’Usse, Luc Bellaire, Bumbu, McQueen and The Violet Fog

Over the course of 22 seasons hosting his “Bizarre Foods” television series, Andrew Zimmern ingested salted tuna sperm, dung beetle and cow urine, among hundreds of other peculiar delicacies. While a certain amount of shock value helped draw millions of viewers to the show, at its core Bizarre Foods was an exploration in how people of different cultures gather, eat and drink. It’s a theme that extends to his latest series “Family Dinner,” in which Zimmern breaks bread with families across the U.S. in an effort to better understand the cultural, regional and historical facets of what and how Americans eat. In many ways, “Family Dinner” is the culmination of Zimmern’s culinary journey as a chef, food writer and media personality. His travels and exposure to global cultures and cuisines have provided him with compelling insight into the underpinnings of modern society, one that he shares with others at dining tables across America, and in an interview featured in this episode. As part of an expansive conversation, Zimmern spoke about takeaways from his recent travels and meals at Americans’ homes, how Covid has changed at-home dining and traditions, his work as a mentor to early-stage entrepreneurs in his home state of Minnesota and why he believes that great brands don’t necessarily need to be the best brands. He also addressed criticism for a sponsored Instagram post which featured a legacy meat brand, why he condemns organic labeling and why he’s bullish on the benefits of some genetically modified ingredients. Show notes: 0:37: Interview: Andrew Zimmern, Host, Family Dinner – The conversation kicked off with Zimmern and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif riffing on the former’s fluffy beard and the origins of his love for Minnesota. Zimmern also spoke why he has an affinity for certain brands, why he believes elitism is hampering solutions to issues of food accessibility and affordability and his position that GMOs – applied within reason – continue to play an important role in the food system. Later, he discussed the genesis of “Family Dinner,” why he’s fascinated about learnings from millennials and Gen Zers and offered his perspective on plant-based meat and the future of the category.  Brands in this episode: Spindrift, Fly By Jing, Jeni’s, Hillshire Farm, Cham Dipping Sauce, Heinz, Hamburger Helper, Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat, Eat JUST

On the cusp of our Winter 2021 events, Taste Radio’s hosts discussed the speaker agendas for NOSH Live and BevNET Live, which include retail executives from Erewhon, Whole Foods, Foxtrot and Earth Fare, along with founders of several high-profile brands, such as Fly By Jing, Dreampops and Super Coffee. They also highlighted notable new brands and products, including wellness shots, vegan snacks, an innovative “shimmering sparkling water” and the largest peanut butter cup in the world. This episode also features an interview with Dave Carpenter, who is the master blender for Redemption Whiskey. Promoted as “leading the rye revival,” Redemption markets a range of super-premium whiskies that are intended for modern drinkers to rediscover rye and the spirit’s storied history in the U.S. by way of complex, yet approachable expressions. As part of our conversation, Carpenter spoke about how Redemption has aligned its marketing and innovation strategies with the palates and lifestyles of modern consumers, why its distillation process isn’t included in the brand’s story, how its bottle shapes and package design play important roles in how customers perceive the brand and the company’s approach to finding the balance between premium and value when it comes to pricing. Show notes: 0:47: Talkin’ Turkey, BTS At The WCB, Water, Shots and Nuts -- The hosts discussed their respective Thanksgiving dinner plans and Ray’s annoyance with the holiday’s traditional centerpiece, what attendees can expect from a packed speaker lineup at NOSH Live and BevNET Live, why they’re impressed with Todd Carmichael’s foray into the water business and a “wholly” impressive line of plant-based snacks and meal. 22:16: Interview: Dave Carpenter, Master Blender, Redemption Whiskey -- After a brief chat about Carpenter's impressive mustache, he and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke about what differentiates rye from other whiskies and the boom, decline and reemergence of the spirit in the U.S. Carpenter also discussed Redemption’s on- and off-premise education strategy, why a growing number of master blenders have degrees in chemical engineering and whether trends fit into the brand’s innovation planning. Later, he explained how subtleties in Redemption’s bottles are intended to speak volumes and why the brand’s flagship product is priced relatively affordably for a premium whiskey. Brands in this episode: Country Archer, Tea Drops, Fly By Jing, Vita Coco, Pop & Bottle, Hella Cocktail Co., Loftiwater, Siii Water, Magic Mind, So Good So You, Vibi+, Oat Haus, Elephant Amaro, Reese’s, Wholly Veggie, Troop Beverage Co., Gigantic Candy, Hubs Peanuts, Miami Cocktail Co., Goop, Redemption Whiskey

Raise your hand if you bought a wellness/functional juice shot in the last 18 months. We’re guessing more than a few hands went up, and it’s not surprising. Demand for the products, often formulated with immunity-boosting ingredients such as turmeric, ginger and elderberry, surged during the pandemic. As a result, the category, which was once composed of a handful of brands sold at natural grocers, has attracted a growing number of upstart and established companies to the space. Mainstream retailers have also taken note and many have incorporated juice shots into their cooler sets. Despite booming demand and an increasingly competitive landscape, pioneering wellness shot brand Vive Organic has remained consistent in its focus, according to co-founder JR Simich. Adherence to the brand’s core values, which include a commitment to high quality ingredients and consumer-driven innovation, helped drive Vive to prominence in the natural channel and, later, to nationwide distribution at mainstream retailers including Safeway, Target, CVS and Walmart.  In an interview featured in this episode, Simich spoke about how Vive has kept its focus and why it has been so important to the brand’s development. He also discussed his role among the company’s three founders, why staying on message helped land a long-term partnership with Whole Foods, the impact of its creative and efficient trade show strategy and why aligning with founders of like-minded brands has benefited Vive’s ability to land new distribution and retail placement. Show notes: 0:39: Interview: J.R. Simich, Co-Founder, Vive Organic — Simich spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about how he and his co-founders assessed the opportunity for a wellness shot brand, how Vive enhanced its test-and-learn sales strategy and why passion played a key factor in the company’s initial placement at Whole Foods. He also explained how a trade show strategy built on the brand’s recovery benefits helped win over key figures in the industry, how the company’s product line has evolved and how Vive attempts to educate consumers about esoteric ingredients. Later, he explained how sharing notes with other natural brand founders provided important insights about mainstream retailers, his level of concern that strategic companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsico are divesting from refrigerated brands and his perspective on growing competition in the wellness shot category. Brands in this episode: Vive Organic, FloWater, Little West, Goodmylk, Later Days Coffee Co., Better Booch, K Tonic Kombucha