Taste Radio

On the ground in Anaheim for Natural Products Expo West 2022, the Taste Radio team reflected on a pulsating first day at the annual trade show, which returned live for the first time since 2019. They also commented on notable brands and products exhibited in the event's bustling North Hall and Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace Tent, including innovative plant-based, probiotic and savory sips and snacks. Show notes: 0:25: We Have A TikTok House. It's Really Bacon, Right? Yes, There's A Drinkable Kimchi. – The team explained why their Airbnb's back patio would be a perfect backdrop for TikTok videos, reflected on the palpable energy and excitement felt in the aisles at Expo West and talked about why the event was a useful platform for both booth and "backpack" exhibitors. They also gushed about an upstart chocolate brand and a couple early-stage and innovative beverage companies, why a plant-based bacon threw everyone for a loop, Jacqui's review of a vegan caviar and which two functional drink brands are now leaping into the growing pool of pops. Later, they chatted about a striking new line of probiotic beverages, a mouthwatering ube spread and a preview of things to come from GT's Living Foods. Brands in this episode: Super Coffee, Happy Moose Juice, Doozy Pots, Sir Owlverick's Coffee, Bon AppeSweet, Wildwonder, Waju, Avafina Organics, Planterra Foods, Joolies, Whisps, De La Calle, Vina, Teaonic, Vive Organic, Spindrift, Mother In Law's, Sana, Savorly, Qula, Xicama, Fila Manila, Little Green Cyclo, GT's Living Foods

Shire City Herbals was in need of a reset. Founded in 2011, Shire City Herbals is a maker of wellness tonics and best known for its flagship fire cider. Despite building a loyal customer base and broad retail footprint, Shire City seemed to be regressing in recent years. Between a costly and headline-grabbing lawsuit and a disorganized retail strategy, Shire City was mired in missteps and missing opportunities to grow. Kim Allardyce, who had joined the company in 2017, was well aware of the problems but also the potential of Shire City. The solution, she believed, was an emphasis on professionalization. Shire City had been in perpetual startup mode and needed to establish new guidelines and guardrails for the business, particularly amid changes in the retail landscape for food and beverage. In an interview featured in this episode, Allardyce who took the reins as CEO in January of 2021, spoke about how she assessed Shire City's biggest issues, the importance of and challenges in winning over the company's founders and stakeholders when advocating for change and how a refocused retail strategy meant millions in new online sales. This episode also features an interview with Vittorio Marzotto, the director of business development for Santa Margherita USA. Representing the fourth-generation of Santa Margherita, the leading pinot grigio brand in the U.S., Vittorio chronicled the brand's history and impact of his great-grandfather's efforts to build a sustainable agri-business in post-World War II Italy. He also discussed how Santa Margherita, which recently celebrated the 60th Anniversary of its pinot grigio, has modernized its messaging to reach new consumers and how the company plans to continue upon its legacy via innovation and acquisition. Show notes: 1:04: Kim Allardyce, CEO, Shire City Herbals – Allardyce joined Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at BevNET headquarters where they recalled attending a Red Sox game with "The Beverage Whisperer," her first role with Shire City and how a multi-year trademark drained the company of time and resources. She also explained how she analyzed the performance and potential of the company and brand, unraveling an unproductive retail deal, why becoming Amazon-savvy was of critical importance and why the timing was right to step into the CEO role. Later, she discussed the importance of setting roles and responsibilities, what she envisions for the brand's future and why she might not be the right person to run the company down the line. 30:41: Vittorio Marzotto, Sr. Director of Business Development, Santa Margherita USA – Marzotto spoke with Ray about a major milestone in his life along with those of the Santa Margherita, how his great-grandfather implemented his vision for a sustainable agri-business focused on produce and his novel approach for vinifying pinot grigio grapes. Marzotto also discussed how the company has attempted to educate consumers about quality vs. prices it relates to pinot grigio, the evolution of the brand's marketing and what Santa Margherita's recent acquisition of Oregon's ROCO Winery portends for the company. Brands in this episode: Shire City Herbals, Santa Margherita

When it came to bagels, Aimee Yang felt like she only had two unappealing options. Yang explained that if she were to eat a bagel, she'd rue having consumed a food loaded with calories and refined carbohydrates. If not, she'd be upset at having to pass on one of her favorite things to eat. What if, she pondered, it were possible to create a bagel with traditional taste and texture but that contained significantly less carbohydrates, sugar and calories? Finding the answer would cost $1 million and took an incredible stroke of luck, but Yang eventually identified what might be described as the holy grail of food tech. Her company, BetterBrand, touts a process described as "grain-changing technology" to create a bagel that has the same amount of net carbs as two banana slices, the same sugar content as a celery stalk, and the same amount of protein as four eggs. The product is aptly called BetterBagel. The breakthrough technology has helped BetterBrand attract significant attention among mainstream and trade media and also land several high-profile investors. Last year, the company closed on $2.5 million in new capital in a round led by Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian's Seven Seven Six fund. BetterBrand has also attracted investment from actress Emmy Rossum, actor Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sean Thomas,the grandson of Wendy's founder Dave Thomas. In an interview featured in this episode, Yang spoke about how she analyzed the opportunity to create a better-for-you bagel, why raising her first $1 million was both remarkable and lamentable and the rationale for launching BetterBagel last year. She also discussed the fortuitous way she met several investors, what she wanted to convey in branding and package design and why she embraces constant iteration. Show notes: 0:51: Aimee Yang, Founder & CEO, Better Brand – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif and Yang discussed their favorite bagel toppings (they were divided on one), how she broke a funding record among sole female founders and her roots in entrepreneurship, which began with "childhood loan sharking." She also explained why the idea for BetterBrand was "one of one," when she knew the company's technology was commercially scaleable and why she was initially hesitant to accept outside investment beyond the pre-seed round. Later, she discussed the rationale for buying the company's URL, how Alexis Ohanian encouraged her to adopt a "software mindset" as it relates to brand and product evolution and why the notion that "everything is possible'' is key to BetterBrand's mission and communication strategy. Brands in this episode: BetterBrand, Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat

Following a two-week period that saw five beverage brands collectively add nearly $60 million in new funding, BevNET reporter Brad Avery joined the Taste Radio team for a discussion about each deal and how the companies are planning to deploy the capital. They also spoke about the increasing prevalence of food and beverage conglomerates internally developing on-trend concepts while taking branding and design cues from entrepreneurial companies. And with the launch of Expo West 2022 just 10 days away, the hosts urged attendees and exhibitors to share news about their plans for the event with BevNET and NOSH. Show notes: 0:37: Did Anyone Buy A Lottery Ticket? #THCTuesday, Indulgent Butters And A Terrific Trademark – The episode opens with a chat about twos, how entrepreneurs can help Brad and why brands that share information make our lives easier. They also discussed the launch of Post Holdings' new keto-focused cereal brand and why big companies are seemingly making fewer bets on small brands. Later, the hosts chatted about several new and noteworthy products, including brain-boosting bars, indulgent almond butter, clean ingredient smoothies, THC-infused chips and… Glonuts. Brands in this episode: Sanzo, Barcode, Cann, KOS, Bizzy Coffee, Sweet Leaf Tea, Waterloo, Incredi-Bowl Cereal, Off Limits, Magic Spoon, BodyArmor, Soulboost, Tsumo, Glonuts, Brainiac Foods, Clean Energy Smoothies, Colive Olive Oil, District Snacks

"Give customers what they want" is a simple, yet often overlooked, business maxim. For Joe Wagner, the founder of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, it's the cornerstone of a business philosophy that has made him one of the most successful wine entrepreneurs in history. A fifth generation winemaker with a passion for Pinot noir, Wagner introduced his first brand, Belle Glos, over two decades ago. Wagner developed Belle Glos while eschewing traditional growing techniques and winemaking processes specific to Pinot noir, a methodology shared by his second brand, Meiomi. Launched in 2006, Meiomi is known for its bold and robust flavors and encourages consumers to "go with your palate," a credo intended to empower people to drink wine they enjoy, as opposed to the recommendations of sommeliers and critics. The strategy delivered, and Meiomi rode a wave of demand that culminated in a $315 million non-asset sale to beverage alcohol conglomerate Constellation Brands in 2015. Wagner utilized the proceeds to build out Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, a portfolio company he launched in 2014 that features several Pinot noir-centric brands, including Belle Glos, along with fast-growing labels Elouan Wines, Napa Valley Quilt and Böen. In an interview featured in this episode, Wagner spoke about the origins of his approach to winemaking and how he thoughtfully aligned his style with growing consumer demand for bold red wines. He also explained why he's not affected by criticism from some within the wine industry, how reducing the price of Meiomi was key to mainstream adoption of the brand and how that brand's sale was guided by his desire to pave the way for his family's next generation of winemakers. Show notes: 0:51: Joe Wagner, Founder, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions – Wagner spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about his six kids, how he manages his personal and professional responsibilities and his family's lineage in the wine industry. He also discussed a newspaper profile that examined his role in the evolution of the wine business, the challenges of working with Pinot noir early into his career and how the movie "Sideways" impacted awareness and demand for the varietal and his demand-based approach to the development of Meiomi. Later, he explained how a morbid subject was an important consideration in the sale of Meiomi, how the acquisition created "balance" for his company and staff and why his work with Copper Cane is about providing his children with a similar opportunity that his father gave him. Brands in this episode: Belle Glos, Meiomi, Caymus, The Prisoner Wine Company, Elouan Wines, Napa Valley Quilt, Böen

When Kat Cole was appointed president and COO of fast-growing wellness brand Athletic Greens in December, the company highlighted her role in reviving and, in some ways, revolutionizing Cinnabon. Yes, that Cinnabon, which Cole led for several years before taking the reins of parent company Focus Brands, a multinational owner and operator of several fast-casual restaurants chains including Auntie Anne's, Moe's Southwest Grill and Jamba Juice. On the surface, it might have been surprising to some that the former top executive of a company that sells cloying, indulgent and less-than-healthy food would be the right fit for Athletic Greens, which is known for its highly nutritious powdered beverages. However, in speaking with Cole, it becomes clear that her experience and business acumen, particularly in brand analysis and omnichannel strategy, could be applied to nearly any consumer industry. In an interview featured in this episode, Cole spoke about her decade-long tenure at Focus and her plans to support continued growth at Athletic Greens, which last month raised $115 million at a valuation of over $1 billion. As part of our conversation, Cole explained how she evaluated the potential for Cinnabon as a CPG brand, why she urges entrepreneurs to build a community around their brands, her personal investment philosophy and why Athletic Greens is incorporating NFTs and Web3 into its next stage of development. Show notes: 0:51: Kat Cole, President & COO, Athletic Greens – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif and Cole riffed on her passion for Burning Man and ​​oregano sinus spray, how she evaluated where Cinnabon had "permission to travel" as a CPG brand, the sustainability of its growth trajectory amid better-for-you trends and why indulgence still matters. She also discussed how wellness has always been an important part of her life and a key aspect of her funding strategy as an angel investor, why she credits Athletic Greens' ability to build a community of consumers as critical to its success, how the company is attempting to educate new customers via cost-benefit messaging and how she efficiently consumes large amounts of information using a variety of ways and sources. Brands in this episode: Athletic Greens, Cinnabon, Sanzo, Immi, House of Wise

The Taste Radio team discussed a range of current topics including the implications of a groundbreaking countertop appliance that, according to the manufacturer, will be able to create a near-infinite number of beverage types at the push of a button; how Expo West exhibitors can amplify their presence at the show via BevNET and NOSH; and whether a YouTube megastar can leverage his online fame to sell chocolate bars IRL. They also spoke about a major funding deal for a fast-growing drink brand, a couple acquisitions in the better-for-you tea and meat snacks categories and offered high praise for several new snacks and beverages. Show notes: 0:37: Trek Tech, Beast Mode, Deal Time And Tempered Tastes – The hosts riffed on how Jacqui celebrated a milestone while high in the sky; why Mike is the logical, if not actual, "Trekkie" of the group; why taste will be the ultimate factor in Cana Technology's forthcoming "beverage printer"; and why BevNET and NOSH Insiders will benefit from our pre-Expo West prep. They also spoke about how brands like Olipop are redefining soda for younger generations and offered congratulations to two sets of entrepreneurs on recent exits, all while enjoying some CBD infused beverages, better-for-you potato snacks, non-alcoholic cocktails and, of course, Honey Mama's. Brands in this episode: Olipop, Shaka Tea, King's Hawaiian, 4505 Meats, Feastables, Spudsy, Cloud Water, RXBAR, Andy Capp, Preston's Ginger Beer, Flyers Cocktail Co., Romeo Gin, Sanzo, Honey Mama's, Athletic Greens

Ghia, a pioneering brand of non-alcoholic cocktails, takes its name from an Italian car designer who wanted his vehicles to convey the sophistication of a Ferrari while being as accessible as Fiat. It's not surprising that the beverage brand's aesthetic and business strategy are similar in nature. Founded by former Glossier executive Mélanie Masarin, Ghia aligns three fast-growing beverage trends: premium ingredients, ready-to-drink cocktails and alcohol-free alternatives. Inspired by Mediterranean aperitivo culture, Ghia made its debut in June 2020 with flagship product The Aperitif, a glass-bottled, still beverage made with Riesling grape juice, gentian root, lemon balm, fig and elderflower. Ten months later, the company launched Le Spritz, a ready-to-drink, single-serve can made with Ghia's signature formula and blended with sparkling water, yuzu and rosemary. In September, Ghia extended the brand once more with Ghia Ginger, a ginger-infused version of Le Spritz. Lauded for its sleek package design, novel formulation and resonance with sober-curious consumers, Ghia is currently sold at several hundred retailers and direct-to-consumer via its website. In an expansive interview featured in this episode, Masarin provided a deep dive into the origins, development and launch of Ghia, including the influence of her previous work experience at Goldman Sachs and Glossier, how the company pivoted when its plans to build as an experiential brand were sidelined by the pandemic and why she's not thrilled about social media despite her prowess on Instagram. She also shared a remarkable story about how she won over Ghia's brand and package designer, why "growing up in the right way" often means pumping the brakes and why she's optimistic about achieving a lofty professional goal in the near future. Show notes: 0:51: Mélanie Masarin, Founder & CEO, Ghia - Masarin spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about her recent travels in Mexico and Ghia's new headquarters in Los Angeles, her documentation of the brand's development via an Instagram stories compilation and why she has so many reservations about social media. She also discussed the origins of the brand name, the importance of her experience at Goldman Sachs and gaining a financial skill set at the investment bank, how focusing on creating "IRL" experiences at Glossier helped create a new way for customers to interact with the company and how she conceptualized Ghia beginning with her own personal lifestyle. Later, she recounted literally chasing down a branding expert for A-list musicians and convinced his firm to take on Ghia as a client, how Sweetgreen co-founder Nicolas Jammet became a key advisor to the company and why she's both excited and guarded about the rising tide for non-alcoholic beverages. Brands in this episode: Ghia, Sweetgreen

Adam Bremen embodies the belief that "anything that's worth doing is tough." Born with cerebral palsy, Bremen has used an electric wheelchair his entire life. His focus, however, has never been about the limitation of his physical abilities. Rather, Adam's mantra has always been "It's about what you can do, not what you can't." After 15 years in sales at financial services company Charles Schwab, Bremen launched CanDo, a company with a stated mission "to inspire and empower everyone to live a healthier lifestyle every day." In 2019, CanDo launched Keto Krisp, a brand of protein bars inspired by Bremen's experience with the keto-based diet in which he lost 65 pounds. In the two years since its debut, Keto Krisp, which is promoted as low in carbohydrates and sugar and as having a superior taste to existing bar products, is available at Whole Foods, Wegmans, Walmart, Sprouts, and select Costco locations across the U.S. In an interview featured in this episode, Bremen shared the details of his compelling life story and how a positive mental attitude and a passion for inspiring others led to the creation of Keto Krisp. He also discussed his prowess and process for winning over retail buyers, how he identified a CEO that aligned with Keto Krisp's focus and business strategy and why he's more focused on the journey of entrepreneurship than a specific end goal. This episode also includes the first installment of a new series of short interviews called "The Maxi Minutes," which features Maxine Kozler Koven, the co-managing director of Los Angeles-based investment firm LDR Ventures. The Maxi Minutes is part of a broader focus for Taste Radio to incorporate voices from investors, distributors, co-manufacturers and other professionals representing the service and support side of the food and beverage industry. Show notes: 1:00: Adam Bremen, Founder, Keto Krisp – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif and Bremen chatted about their respective siblings and how the brother of Keto Krisp founder has had a powerful influence on his life since childhood. Bremen also discussed the origins of his passion for surfing, why he wasn't overly concerned about the challenges of entrepreneurship in the food industry and where he saw white space for a keto-centric bar brand. Later, he explained why he always "puts himself in the [retail] buyer's shoes," how he won over a Publix buyer, why he regarded a pandemic pivot as an opportunity and how CanDo will evolve beyond the keto diet. 34:27: The Maxi Minutes with Maxine Kozler Koven – In this brief discussion, Koven spoke with Latif spoke about her first experience at BevNET Live, insights about retail and distribution gleaned from a cross country road trip and advice for entrepreneurs on how to give their best elevator pitch. Brands in this episode: Keto Krisp

On the heels of the Coca-Cola Co.'s latest foray into alcoholic beverages, the Taste Radio team discussed the potential for Simply Spiked and assessed the mission and mechanics of a new industry group focused on promoting low-sugar, better-for-you CPG brands. They also reviewed major investment deals in the meat stick and hard kombucha categories and riffed on new and notable products, including a line of non-alcoholic aperitifs launched by musician Katy Perry. Show notes: 0:37: Deja Vu. Snap Into A… Chomps? Ice Cream On Everything – It's A Thing. – The hosts realized that they have a couple trademarks to file, discussed the prospects for Coke's first hard lemonade brand and wondered about whether a seven-brand trade group is truly "aces." Later, Ray hated on a legacy snack brand and shared the delights of an organic hard seltzer line and Lunar New Year-themed spirit, Mike and Jacqui praised the surging growth of better-for-you alternatives and they all weighed on how to use a horde of ice cream. Brands in this episode: Simply, Fresca, Topo Chico, Super Coffee, High Key, Olipop, Lemon Perfect, Koia, Enlightened, Three Wishes, Slim Jim, Chomps, Flying Embers, Remy Martin, De Soi, Soda Bossa, Planted, Plant Snacks, Sfoglini