Taste Radio

Taste Radio hosts Ray Latif, Jacqui Brugliera and Mike Schneider discussed recent headlines on BevNET and NOSH, including how prebiotic soda brand Poppi leveraged its presence on TikTok in support of a recent $13.5 million round of capital, why MTN DEW's limited-edition Flamin' Hot variety works (whether we like it or not) and the potential pitfalls of brand positioned as a better-for-you Hot Pocket. They also riffed on a number of new products, including those marketed by an indoor greenhouse giant, a legacy flour company, a vegan frozen food brand and the maker of beer-centric beef jerky. Show notes: 0:34: Ronaldo Comes Home. Jacqui Is Def Into This 80's Band. Plus, Bings and Jing. -- The episode opened with a chat about t-shirts and an iconic rock outfit, Ray glowing on the heels of a massive shift in global soccer and what makes Poppi's Tik Tok content so compelling. The hosts also spoke about the thoughtful planning and execution of MTN DEW's limited-edition spicy flavor, a recent article on NOSH about chef Ming Tsai's plant-based frozen sammies (aka bings), chatted (again) about the remarkable Fly By Jing and discussed some of their favorite products sampled over the past couple weeks. Brands in this episode: Poppi, Holy Kombucha, MTN DEW, Cheetos, Van Leeuwen, Kraft Foods, Boston Beer Co., Natural Light, Nutpods, Essentia, MingsBings, Hot Pockets, Gotham Greens, King Arthur, Fly By Jing, Clo-Clo, Good Planet, Earth & Star, BrewPub Jerky, HopTea

What do canned cocktails, psilocybin-infused gummies and sex tech have in common? They are all concepts that Vice Ventures has invested in. A seed-stage venture capital fund, Vice Ventures describes itself as "conquering stigmas and striving towards superior returns by investing in good companies operating in 'bad' industries." Launched in 2019 by former equities trader Catharine Dockery, Vice has drawn on its $25 million fund to make investments in 10 companies, including functional beverage brand Recess; Indose, a maker of precision-focused cannabis vaporizers; RTD espresso martini brand Deloce; and Lucy, which markets a line of "cleaner nicotine" gum. In this episode, Dockery joined us for an expansive interview that delved into her interest in "vice" categories, her process for evaluating innovation and novelty and how the fund utilizes non-traditional data to make informed decisions. She also explained why she believes a shakeup in the distribution of alcoholic beverages is on its way, why she spends most of her day engaging in new business pitches and what it takes for a founder to get a second meeting. Show notes: 0:42: Interview: Catharine Dockery, Founder, Vice Ventures -- Dockery spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about Vice Ventures' atypical company retreat, how her father (along with Columbia professor Carl Hart) influenced her perspective on recreational drugs, how university studies in neuroscience and finance paved the way for her career, and the impact of previous career experience -- including a stint at Walmart and raising money for canned wine brand Bev -- had on launching her firm. She also discussed the unusual way that she raised capital for Vice Ventures, why family office "grandpas" buck at the idea of investing in vice categories, why the company's data scientist researched meth use when evaluating an investment opportunity and the common threads in funding decisions. Later, Dockery explained what piques her interest in a first meeting and how she works with founders and operators to achieve their collective goals. Brands in this episode: Bev, Deloce, Recess, Mojo, Wandering Barman, DRNXMYTH

Amid a sweltering summer, Calypso is having its moment in the sun. Self-described as the "originator of the flavored lemonade category," Calypso is in its 36th year in business and sells 20 varieties of its Lemonade, Limeade and Teamonade lines nationwide. Known for its tall 16 oz. glass bottles, Calypso markets its products as made with "real fruit, real sugar and real fruit bits" and "unique 'Taste of the Islands' flavor combinations." Over the past three years, Calypso has generated explosive revenue growth. The company reported a more than 50% sales increase during the first half of 2021, a leap that followed a 62% jump in 2020 and 33% growth in 2019. As a result, Calypso has become the second best-selling brand in the lemonade category. In this episode, we examined the brand's remarkable run in an interview with David Klavsons, the CEO of King Juice, the maker of Calypso, who joined the company in 2017. As part of our conversation, he spoke about how he has positioned Calypso for rapid and consistent growth by leveraging its well-recognized brand, key distribution partnerships and consumer demand for low sugar formulations. Show notes: 0:42: Interview: David Klavsons, CEO, King Juice/Calypso -- BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero sat down with Klavsons spoke about his background and career in CPG, why he views lemonade as a "permissible indulgence," and how he aligned Calypso's legacy with a modern sales and distribution strategy. He also discussed the impact of a label revamp and why the company's emphasis on flavor and zero sugar formulations has paid dividends at retail. Later, he spoke about how Calypso has augmented its operational infrastructure to keep up with demand, outlined sales and retail goals for the near future and how King Juice is considering opportunities to innovate within the functional beverage space. Brands in this episode: Calypso, Hubert's, Snapple, Minute Maid

In this episode, the hosts discussed the implications of major stakeholder and leadership shifts at Health-Ade, examined what BevNET's recently held Cocktail Showdown revealed about how category insiders are evaluating brands in the space and spoke about several innovative and new products, including an elevated PB&J, a wickedly fast-growing plant-based platform and a "simple" brand extension. Show notes: 0:34: A Phish Fan Returns, Brad On Booch and Wandering Wins -- Episode hosts Ray Latif, Jacqui Brugliera, Jon Landis and Brad Avery bantered about "The Boss," why article links matter, in the interplay between established and early-stage brands in emerging categories and why cocktail enthusiasts might want to start following Brad's Instagram page. Brands in this episode: Health-Ade, Zico, Odwalla, Suja, Coca-Cola, Brew Dr., Wandering Barman, Tip Top, Fishers Island Lemonade, Kram Nutrition, Smuckers, Simple Mills, Wicked Foods, Corina's Switchy, The Bitter Housewife, REBBL, Super Coffee, Forthave Spirits

How do you commercialize a concept that's centered around an esoteric ingredient? If you're the founders of Pipsnacks, a brand of heirloom corn-based snacks, you literally start small. Launched in 2012, Pipsnacks debuted with a line of miniature popcorn, the aptly named Pipcorn, which founders Teresa Tsou, Jeff Martin and Jennifer Martin promoted as a better tasting and healthier version of the traditional snack. The product became an instant hit in the company's home market of metro New York and later gained national recognition when it landed on Oprah Winfrey's coveted "Favorite Things" list, followed by an appearance on the business pitch television series "Shark Tank," in which Pipsnacks picked up a $200,000 investment from Barbara Corcoran. In the years since, the brand has evolved into a platform of better-for-you versions of classic salty snacks, including its flagship popcorn, corn dippers, cheeseballs, crackers and cheese crunchies, all of which is made with a base of heirloom corn. Pipsnacks products are available at more than 10,000 retail stores and expected to generate $12 million in sales this year. In an interview featured in this episode, we sat down with Tsou and Jeff Martin, who offered a deep dive into the backstory and development of Pipsnacks, including the brand's unique positioning, how they navigated a tumultuous funding round and a key partnership that has boosted its innovation strategy. Show notes: 0:42: Interview: Teresa Tsou and Jeff Martin, Co-Founders, Pipsnacks -- Tsou, who joined us earlier this year for a panel discussion about how Pipsnacks landed distribution at the founders' dream retailer, and her husband and co-founder Jeff Martin, spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about initial R&D, how they define "heirloom" and how they perceived the potential for Pipsnacks early on. They also discussed the impact of exposure from appearing on Oprah's "Favorite Things" list and "Shark Tank," how they determine roles and responsibilities among three founders and why asking for help was a key lesson following a funding crisis. Later, they discussed how Pipsnacks' alignment with Factory LLC gave the company the ability to rapidly scale, how they communicate the benefits and special nature of heirloom corn to consumers and the upside and downside of being known as "The Shark Tank Popcorn." Brands in this episode: Pipsnacks

How many companies do you know of that operated at a $500 million run rate within five years of their launch? We're guessing it's a handful, at most. Now, factor into that group companies whose business models are centered around food waste, and you'll likely end up with a list of one: Imperfect Foods. Launched in 2015, the San Francisco-based company sells misshapen or mildly flawed produce along with overstocked packaged food and beverages to consumers via a subscription-based online delivery service. Imperfect claims that its prices are 30% less than conventional grocers and that in 2020, it rescued over 52 million pounds of food. Last year marked the fourth consecutive year of triple-digit growth, according to the company, which counts a subscriber base of over 350,000 customers. Investors have taken notice of its rapid rise. Earlier this year, the company announced a $115 million Series D funding round, just nine months after picking up $72 million in new capital, the total of which is intended to bolster its production capacity, accelerate its private label program and enhance customer experience. This episode features an interview with Imperfect Foods co-founder Benjamin Chesler, who created the business alongside former CEO Ben Simon while they were still in college. Our conversation explores the company's roots and mission to reduce food waste on a massive scale, their initial business plan and pitch to early investors and how the company attempts to equally manage social focus and profitability. Chesler also discussed Imperfect's pricing and UX strategies and the process for incorporating branded items into its product selection. Show notes: 0:42: Interview: Benjamin Chesler, Co-Founder, Imperfect Foods -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif sat down with Chesler and discussed their shared history in Greater Boston, the entrepreneur's activism in high school, which continued into college as the co-founder of Food Recovery Network, a student led program that reduces food waste on university campuses. He also spoke about how, as Imperfect Foods' first COO, he established systems that would provide a lasting foundation for the company, the motivation for its customers to subscribe to its service and why it expanded beyond produce and into other grocery items in 2019. Later, Chesler explained how Imperfect communicates quality as a seller of food that would typically be discarded, his style of leadership and his personal involvement in other sustainability initiatives beyond Imperfect Foods. Brands in this episode: Barnana, Nona Lim, Brew Dr. Kombucha

Taste Radio hosts Ray Latif, Jacqui Brugliera and Mike Schneider highlighted several new products and innovative brands sent to the office in recent weeks, including a line of non-alcoholic cocktails billed as "the world's first plant powered social elixirs," thin-cut fruit chips, an avocado-based hot sauce, hydration tonics and everything (bagel) in between. Show notes: 0:34: Easy Tee, Vegumbo, THE Competition for RTD Cocktails… And Oodles of New Products -- The hosts chatted about how to get a free Taste Radio tee, Jacqui's recent gastronomic adventures in New Orleans and why listeners should tune into BevNET's Cocktail Showdown, which will take place on Aug. 12. Later, they riffed on several new products and brands that they've encountered in recent days. Brands in this episode: Big Easy Bucha, Nitro Beverage Co., Kaylee's Culture, Three Spirit, RIND, SESH, Bachan's, Aya Foods, Fly By Jing, Herdez, Health-Ade, Corsa, Wet Hydration, Cedar's, Safe & Fair

Best known for its popular organic popcorn and admired for its commitment to premium ingredients and innovation, LesserEvil is beloved by its consumers and a highly respected snack brand within the food industry. That wasn't always the case. Ten years ago, retail buyers regarded LesserEvil as "a dog with fleas," according to Charles Coristine, who acquired the troubled company in November 2011. A former bonds trader with no experience in the food business, Coristine admits that, at the time, he wasn't fully aware of the severity of the brand's problems. Getting LesserEvil back on track required him to rethink nearly every aspect of the company, which was co-founded in 2005 by actor Gene Hackman and television personality Jim Cramer, from ingredients and manufacturing to retail strategy and product development. Rebuilt as a vertically integrated company that emphasizes gross margin and innovation, LesserEvil eventually found its footing and today sells millions of its eco-friendly bags of organic popcorn and puffed snacks annually. The brand markets seven product lines with two more set to launch later this year and is carried at thousands of retail stores across the U.S. including those of Target, Wegmans, CVS, Costco, Walmart and Whole Foods. In an interview featured in this episode, Coristine spoke about why he decided to buy LesserEvil despite its problematic history, how he assessed the brand's most pressing issues and why buying a manufacturing facility was key to the turnaround strategy. He also explained how to enhance relationships with retail buyers, why personal evolution is highly motivating and why he's a proponent of failing fast. Show notes: 0:43: Interview: Charles Coristine, President & CEO, LesserEvil -- Coristine spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about using the term "founder" to describe his role, the history of LesserEvil and why it had fallen on hard times a few years after its launch. He also explained why co-manufacturing was troublesome and how it led to the decision to purchase a production plant, how retail buyers helped guide innovation strategy and why Coristine is insistent on generating new product concepts despite the majority of the company's revenue coming from popcorn. Later, he discussed how the brand's meaning has evolved in recent years, why he's content with staying under the radar and how it has benefited LesserEvil. Brands in this episode: LesserEvil, Atkins

It's a fair guess that few can recall the last time -- if ever -- that they were excited about visiting a convenience store. That may soon change as Foxtrot Market, a fast-growing chain of hybrid upscale corner stores and cafés -- and one of the most hyped retailers in recent memory -- prepares to open dozens of new locations across the U.S. Founded in 2013, Foxtrot's mission is "redefining convenience for the modern consumer" by aligning the retailer's brick-and-mortar locations with a mobile app that makes its entire inventory available for delivery in less than 60 minutes. The company currently operates nine locations in Chicago along with two each in Dallas and Washington D.C, and boasts a loyal following drawn to its curated product selection -- 40% of which is sourced from small and local businesses -- along with the stores' neighborhood-centric design and aesthetic. In February, Foxtrot announced a $42 Million Series B investment round led by Almanac Insights and Monogram Capital Partners, and included food and hospitality luminaries Momofuku founder David Chang, Sweetgreen co-founder Nicolas Jammet and Whole Foods co-founder Walter Robb. The funding will fuel the launch of 50 new stores, in cities including New York, Austin, Miami, Los Angeles, Boston and Houston. On the heels of the announcement, Foxtrot co-founder and CEO Mike LaVitola joined us for an expansive interview featured in this episode that delved into the origins of the company, how it cultivates an intimate understanding of its consumers and why he believes Foxtrot's online and retail customers are the same people. He also discussed what Foxtrot looks for when adding new brands to its shelves, the evolution of its private label business and why the company is simultaneously going head-to-head with the likes of Starbucks, 7-Eleven and DoorDash. Show notes: 0:42: Interview: Mike LaVitola, Co-Founder & CEO, Foxtrot Market -- LaVitola spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about lessons learned from a forerunner to Foxtrot, communicating the company's business model to consumers and industry professionals and the retailer's target consumer. He also explained how analytical and anecdotal data factor into the Foxtrot's product selection and merchandising strategy, managing logistical challenges as it relates to sourcing and inventory and why not everything the company carries is trendy or "better for you." Later, he discussed why Foxtrot is adding more private label items while staying focused on telling brand stories, the importance of a physical store presence, assessing long-term value when determining the locations of new stores and what he views as the company's biggest threats. Brands in this episode: Dunkaroos, Oreo, Coca-Cola, Olipop, Van Leeuwen, High Road Ice Cream, Haagen-Dazs, Halo Top, Banza

What's on the other side of hyper growth? It's a question that makes Joshua Ellis, the founder of WithCo Cocktails, uncomfortable. But, as he explained in this episode, that's a good thing. A former real estate investor, Ellis saw an opportunity for a brand of high-quality, small-batch mixers and in 2016 launched WithCo, which stands for With Company, as a side project. Made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives, WithCo products are packaged in 16 oz. bottles wrapped in sleek, minimalist labels and come in eight varieties, including old fashioned, honey sour, agave margarita and a ginger mule. After his aggressive 2020 retail plan was upended by the pandemic, Ellis instead weaved together a DIY and paid social marketing strategy that fueled a surge in direct-to-consumer sales. Last year's growth has given way to revenue expectations of $6 million for 2021 and a staff of 25 employees that continues to expand. In an interview featured in this episode, Ellis explained how, despite being the company's sole employee in early 2020, he planned and executed upon a hastily revised business strategy, why he expects that a pandemic-driven shift in at-home drinking occasions will continue, how he's thoughtfully expanding the brand's retail footprint and what he means when he says that he's "building to sell." Show notes: 0:48: Barry, Beer and Bites -- The episode's hosts chatted about John Craven's visit to San Diego, which included a stop at Athletic Brewing Co.'s rapidly expanding facility, a plethora of upcoming Speed Dating events, why entrepreneurs should get their tickets to BevNET Live and NOSH Live ASAP and a variety of new food and beverage products introduced over the past month, including pizza'nadas and an drink intended to arouse. 20:07: Interview: Joshua Ellis, Founder & CEO, WithCo Cocktails -- Taste Radio editor Ray Latif spoke with Ellis about a recent sales milestone for WithCo, why he believes that going from "zero to 100" is a flawed notion and why he designed the packaging to evoke a multi-sensory experience. He also explained how he effectively utilized Instagram hashtags and direct messages to build awareness for and a conversation around WithCo and why he advocates for founders to step out of their comfort zone to better understand various elements of their businesses. Later he discussed how the company works with both independent and chain retail stores and why the "four P's" are guiding how he continues to develop WithCo and prepare it for a potential acquisition. Brands in this episode: WithCo Cocktails, Athletic Brewing, Babe Kombucha, Afia Foods, Brazi Bites, Amy's Kitchen, Free Rain, Spindrift, Corsa, Post Meridiem, Ranch2O, Sideyard Cocktails, Rebru Vodka, Thorn Brewing