Taste Radio

This week, members of the BevNET and NOSH editorial teams joined us for a discussion of some of the major news stories, trends and topics affecting the food and beverage industry in 2019.  Show notes: 0:57: Sustainable Shots, Inter-senal, Send News Now! -- The episode’s hosts open the show with a chat about meeting Taste Radio fans at BevNET Live Winter 2019 and a brand revamp for ginger and turmeric juice brand Monfefo. They also munched on a cornucopia of gourmet cookies from Milk Bar, riffed on Marty’s love for Italian soccer giant Inter Milan and explained why sooner is better when announcing news about new products that will be launched at Expo West 2020. 14:04: 2019 In Review -- BevNET managing editor Martin Caballero sat down with BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman to recap developments in the burgeoning cannabis CPG segment, and to analyze how investments and transactions from the past year will help shape the market in 2020. Later, they were joined by BevNET staff reporter Brad Avery to contextualize the explosive growth of the oat milk and sparkling water categories this year, and by NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg, who discussed the evolution of frozen food and plant-based meats. In closing, Martin chatted with BevNET founder and CEO John Craven about his major takeaways from 2019, including the emergence of premium canned cocktails and the impact of corporate responsibility in modern America. Brands in this episode: Monfefo, Milk Bar, O2, Mooala, La Colombe, Oatly, Califia Farms, Coca-Cola, AHA, Diet Coke, Bubly, CytoSport, LaCroix, Phocus, Vital Proteins, Primal Kitchen, Caulipower, Quaker Oats, Chobani, Health-Ade, Recess, VYBES, Daytrip, Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, Siggi’s, Daiya Foods, Monster Energy, Nestle, Sweet Earth, Stouffer’s, Burger King, Dunkin’, Perfect Bar, Bolthouse Farms, Campbell’s, Ballast Point, Dean Foods, Suja, Hormel Foods, Stumptown, Essentia Water, The Bitter Housewife, Hella Cocktail Co.

Bryan Crowley’s path to the top spot at fast-growing “complete food” brand Soylent was years in the making. A veteran CPG executive, Crowley cut his teeth at Anheuser-Busch and held leadership positions at Mars, Pabst, Veev and KeVita before joining Soylent in 2017. In an interview included in this episode, Crowley spoke about how his career experience shaped his leadership style and helped frame his vision for the future of Soylent. He also discussed how the brand’s mission and growth strategy have each evolved, why it has embraced GMO ingredients and what the notion of “better for you” means for modern consumers. This episode is presented by Flavorman, the beverage architects. Show notes:  2:12: Interview: Bryan Crowley, CEO, Soylent -- At BevNET Live Winter 2019, Crowley sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif to chronicle his career as a CPG executive. He explained why, shortly after earning a degree in journalism, he took a sales role with Anheuser-Busch, one that would serve as both a “rude awakening” and “one of the best experiences of [his] life.” He also discussed the importance of living and breathing the brand that you’re representing, why employees seeking to advance their careers need to fully understand and leverage their strengths and how he landed his first CEO job with vodka brand Veev. Later, he spoke about stepping in as Soylent’s CEO following the departure of the brand’s founders and how he navigated apprehension among some employees concerned about his appointment. He also explained why “poor communication” is the reason that many new leaders struggle, the importance of a “30/60/90” plan, aligning his strategic vision with the cache and reputation of Soylent, why the brand is “pro-science” and why he’s not concerned about criticism about the products’ formulation. Brands in this episode: Soylent, Flying Embers, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Veev, KeVita, Impossible Foods, Beyond Meat

This week, we’re joined by Megan Bent, the founder and managing partner of Harbinger Ventures, a specialized investment firm whose mission is to provide growth equity and strategic resources to the next generation of female entrepreneurs. In an interview included in this episode, Bent spoke about the creation of the firm, initial challenges of getting partners on board and how the impact of the #MeToo movement on the fund’s development.  She also explained why she returns a percentage of fund profits to her founder, how she vets potential portfolio companies and what listeners can do at their own companies to encourage diversity. Show notes: 1:23: Sugar, Honey, Iced Tea. Plus, Booch Bosses at BNL. -- On location at BevNET Live, the hosts chatted about the quality of brands participating in the New Beverage Showdown 18, why Ray was crushing organic energy shot brand Kafina during the show and how attendees responded to BevNET’s two-day takeover of the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Mike also spoke about his interaction with the founder of sparkling tea brand Kite and Ray remarked on an impromptu meeting of kombucha entrepreneurs during the event. 8:05: Megan Bent, Founder & Managing Partner, Harbinger Ventures -- Bent sat down with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg at the 2019 Mobile Innovation Summit where she discussed her background in investment banking and why launching Harbinger was about “rethinking some of the fundamentals in how capital is invested.” She also explained why launching the firm was harder than she expected, why she believes the experience was similar to that of entrepreneurs attempting to fundraise and why she gives 10% of profits to portfolio companies. Later, Bent spoke about her rationale for bringing on a male managing partner, why “the best thought leadership comes from organizations that show a diverse set of thinking that’s across gender, backgrounds, experiences [and] ages” and how the firm evaluates brands for investment. She also explained why funding decisions are “probably more relational than anything else” and why she encourages “bite-sized actions” to support greater diversity in business. Brands in this episode: Kafina Energy, Kite, Greenbelt Kombucha, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Humm Kombucha, Health-Ade, Revive Kombucha, GT’s Living Foods, Evol, Siggi’s, Little Secrets

When it launched in 2009, Purely Elizabeth was one of a handful of brands that shifted taste expectations for nutrient-dense foods. Known for infusing ingredients like quinoa, chia seeds and hemp into granola and snack bars, the brand’s focus on delivering great tasting food has remained constant. The execution, however, has evolved. In an interview included in this episode, founder Elizabeth Stein shared how the company has strategized around opportunities and challenges within a rapidly growing market for natural foods. Show notes:  2:46: Interview: Elizabeth Stein, Founder/CEO, Purely Elizabeth — Stein sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at NOSH Live Winter 2019 for an expansive conversation about the origins of Purely Elizabeth, beginning with her childhood ambition to become the CEO of Disney, and why she believes that that the brand “found her.” She also spoke about how the creation of the brand’s top-selling granola was “an accident,” lessons from going national in Target only to be pulled a few months later, and how the company is addressing growing competition from private label and store brands. Later, she explained why the company has remained independent and how she stays motivated after ten years in business. Brands in this episode: Purely Elizabeth

In this episode, we’re joined by Zoe Feldman, the director of Chobani Incubator. Launched in 2014, the unit invests in and supports purpose-driven, early-stage companies that share Chobani’s philosophy of creating “Delicious, Nutritious, Natural, and Accessible” food.  Since joining the company in 2018, Feldman has emphasized the incubator’s focus on diversity as part of its selection criteria and “to give folks a seat at the table.” “I view my role now as a person who’s part of a marginalized community, as an LGBT person, to say ‘I understand how it feels to be viewed as the other,’” she said. “And I also understand  how it feels to be a woman in a room full of men, which was certainly the majority of my career in [venture capital], and have people make assumptions about you before they even talk to you.” As part of our conversation, Feldman spoke about how prior experiences as an executive at PepsiCo and in venture capital shaped her perspective on the importance of diversity in business and why “representation is hugely critical” to the future of the industry. Show notes: 0:34: The Brew, The Crew and The Dough -- The episode’s hosts convened at NOSH Live Winter 2019 in Santa Monica and reflected on highlights from day one of the conference and those of the concurrent Brewbound Live Winter 2019 show, including the thrilling Brewbound Pitch Slam competition and NOSH’s Sampling Experience and Expo. 8:05: Interview: Zoe Feldman, Director, Chobani Incubator -- Feldman sat down with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and spoke about cutting her teeth in the food and beverage industry as part of PepsiCo’s emerging brands unit, why she regrets attending graduate business school and reflected on her four years as a venture capitalist. She also explained why the Chobani Incubator was the right fit for the next stage of her career and how she’s using her voice and platform to support marginalized communities. Later, she explained why the incubator’s goal is to “over-index on diversity” and support the development of micro-business communities across the U.S., and she also shared the advice she has for brand owners and executives that might be afraid to have “the diversity conversation.” Brands in this episode: Chobani, Whoa Dough

It’s fair to say that Bev isn’t your average wine brand, and that Alix Peabody isn’t your average beverage entrepreneur.  Peabody is the 28-year-old founder of Bev, a wellness-focused canned wine brand that aims to change the narrative around how women are projected and perceived by the alcohol industry and redefine traditional ways of doing business in a space long dominated by men. Peabody launched Bev in 2017 after cashing out her 401K and buying 300 gallons of rosé wine. Despite her ambition, she had no prior experience in the beverage business and struggled early on; at one point Peabody was debt-ridden, broke and living on a friend’s couch. However, perseverance paid off and Bev eventually found its stride, along with a powerful partner in Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, which led a $7 million investment round in the brand earlier this year. In an interview included in this episode, Peabody spoke about about aligning mission and brand, staying the course during tough times, how the company strategizes around digital content and how she’s becoming comfortable as the face of Bev. This episode is presented by Blue Pacific Flavors. Show notes:  3:18: Interview: Alix Peabody, Founder/CEO, Bev — In a call with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif, Peabody spoke about overcoming “imposter syndrome,” why she never planned on becoming a beverage entrepreneur and why she views Bev as a media company that sells wine. She also explained why, despite very challenging times, she never thought to quit, how she made inroads to tech investors, and how she attempts to redefine “old school” ways of doing business. Later, she discussed the meaning of the slogans “Break the Glass” and “Made By Chicks” and how the company assesses opportunities to align with other brands and organizations. Brands in this episode: Bev, Red Bull

In this episode, we’re joined by the founders of two U.K.-based companies, each of whom have built successful brands by adopting a back-to-the-basics approach to product development and marketing. Launched in 2014, The Primal Pantry is a paleo-inspired snack brand that markets plant-based protein and energy bars made with just a handful of ingredients, including tree nuts and fruit. Suzie Walker, a former nutritionist and executive with Nestlé, founded the company on the belief that the bar category was lacking a product made with high quality, whole food ingredients. In our interview, Walker spoke about how she overcame early production challenges, effective ways of communicating with and learning from consumers and why it’s okay to make a mistake, as long as you don’t make it twice.  London-based Dalston’s is a brand of better-for-you sodas and sparkling waters crafted with real fruit, no artificial ingredients and low or no added sugar. The products are sold throughout the U.K. and have a growing presence in the U.S. with chainwide distribution at The Fresh Market and 1,000 Publix locations. As part of our conversation with Dalston’s co-founder Dan Broughton, he breaks down the company’s business strategy, why he views the brand as well-positioned to take advantage of the evolving landscape for non-alcoholic beverages and his belief that the product should do the talking. Show notes: 1:29: Good Chips, Always Be On Brand -- BevNET CMO Mike Schneider and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif chatted about better-for-you chips, ways to impress judges in the upcoming New Beverage Showdown 18 competition, what attendees of BevNET Live and NOSH Live should have on their person during the shows and why you might want to polish up your Instagram account. 8:20: Interview: Suzie Walker, Founder, The Primal Pantry -- Walker sat down with BevNET CMO Mike Schneider at the 2019 Bread & Jam Festival in London and discussed her foray into entrepreneurship, including how she identified and partnered with a co-packer that could make products to her specifications, and why early success was tempered by a lack of preparation. She also explained how being “open and honest about making a mistake… gave us a reason to communicate with our customers,” how the brand is engaging consumers on Instagram and how the company balances its e-commerce and traditional retail strategies. 27:41: Interview: Dan Broughton, Co-Founder, Dalston's -- BevNET’s John Craven and Mike Schneider met with Broughton at the 2019 Bread & Jam Festival where he discussed the genesis of Dalston’s, its roots as a cola company and why it transitioned to craft soda. He also spoke about why the company created a sparkling water line, why he believes that there’s “no right time or wrong time” to enter the U.S. and how RXBAR and Spindrift have impacted Dalston’s marketing and branding strategies. Later, he  talked about the brand’s new non-alcoholic gin and tonic product and how it fits into the platform. Brands in this episode: The Primal Pantry, Dalston’s, The Good Crisp, Beyond Meat, Nestle, Innocent Drinks, Spindrift, San Pellegrino, Starbucks, RXBAR

Like most people, Joel Warady, the General Manager and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of allergen-friendly brand Enjoy Life Foods, doesn’t like bland snacks.  He admits, however, that Enjoy Life didn’t always win on flavor and acknowledges the considerable challenge of creating delicious products without using dairy, gluten, nuts or other common food allergens. Nevertheless, he says that, for Enjoy Life to grow, the brand has to deliver just that to capture modern consumers expecting great-tasting food regardless of function or benefit. “If you taste [a product] and you have to convince yourself, ‘well, that’s not bad,’ that product’s not going to succeed,” he said in an interview included in this episode. A focus on flavor is one of the key reasons that Enjoy Life, which markets a range of sweet and savory snacks, has become the leading brand in the fast-growing business of “free from” foods. Warady has been with the company since its launch in 2001 and has played an integral role in the brand’s development. A former board chairman, he’s overseen the company’s marketing department since 2011, and in his current role he’s responsible for the development and execution of the brand’s sales and marketing strategies.  As part of our conversation, Warady spoke about the genesis and evolution of Enjoy Life, which was acquired by snack giant Mondelez International in 2015, explained why the company embraces a “think digital, act analog” business strategy and why standards matter at every stage of growth. Show notes:  2:39: Interview: Joel Warady, General Manager, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Enjoy Life Foods -- Warady met with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg at the 2019 Mobile Innovation Summit in Denver and discussed the origins and mission of Enjoy Life, the brand’s early success at natural retailers and how it won over buyers and customers at conventional grocery stores. He also spoke about the company has fared post-acquisition, how his role has evolved in recent years and why he believes that “talking to consumers all the time” has been critical to Enjoy Life’s success. Later, he discussed the company’s focus on developing great tasting products and how it communicates long ingredient lists to consumers, why it’s okay to fail as long as you fail fast, and why he urges entrepreneurs to “stay true to what you believe.” Brands in this episode: Enjoy Life Foods

In this episode, we’re joined by the founders of two innovative U.K.-based companies, cold brew coffee and oat milk brand Minor Figures and non-alcoholic brewery Infinite Session, who detailed their respective strategies for winning at home and abroad. Launched in 2014, Minor Figures is known for its super-premium beverages, pastel packaging and playful illustrations. The brand is widely available in the U.K. and has a significant foothold in Australia along with a small, but expanding, presence in the U.S. In our interview, co-founder Stuart Forsyth spoke about why he describes the package design as an “exercise in restraint,” and why Minor Figures takes a brand-first approach to marketing. He also discussed how the company is leveraging the U.S. coffee community to build awareness and distribution, and how it’s managing growth in three global markets. Later in the episode, we sit down with Chris Hannaway, the co-founder of Infinite Session, which was launched in 2018. The brand has won acclaim and built a loyal following in the U.K. for its full-flavored beer and lighthearted marketing. In our interview, Hannaway spoke about his background in non-alcoholic beverages and the creation of Infinite Session. He also explained why the products are designed to reach “flex sober” consumers and discussed the metrics for evaluating brand strategy. Show notes: 1:44: Investors Want to Meet You. But Check Your Breath. -- The episode’s hosts riffed on Ray’s Worcester accent, crunched on upcycled chips and discussed the usefulness of Purell and Listerine breath strips at BevNET Live and NOSH Live. They also spoke about effective ways to network with investors at the events and why early-stage entrepreneurs should engage with strategic incubators, including Coca-Cola’s Venturing & Emerging Brands and General Mills’ 301INC units. Later, BevNET reporter Brad Avery offered insight into the recently announced partnership between beer giant Molson Coors and beverage incubator L.A. Libations. 17:05: Interview: Stuart Forsyth, Co-Founder, Minor Figures -- Forsyth met with BevNET CMO Mike Schneider at the 2019 Bread & Jam Festival in London for a conversation about Minor Figures, including the brand’s inception and how the current iteration of its package design was conceived. He also discussed how the company communicates coffee terroir  to consumers and how the team determined the right time to expand into international markets. Later, he explained why he views the brand’s U.S. distribution strategy as “dangerous” and why it maintains a consistent product lineup across all markets. 36:24: Interview: Chris Hannaway, Co-Founder, Infinite Session -- Schneider also sat down with Hannaway at the Bread & Jam Festival where they discussed the genesis of Infinite Session, the brand pillars and growing consumer interest in non-alcoholic beer. They also spoke about the formulation of Infinite Session products, how they’ve iterated upon the packaging, the evolution of the NA beer market and the company’s plans to enter the U.S. Brands in this episode: Infinite Session, Minor Figures, Kor Shots, Hubba Bubba, Tic Tac, Big League Chew, Combos, Whoppers, Pimp Juice, Moxie, Cocaine Energy, In-N’-Out, Pulp Pantry, Olipop, Dixie Elixirs, Bottleshot Brew, Dalston’s, Ugly Drinks, Dash Water, The New Primal, Owl’s Brew, Wave Soda, Gloe, Clearly Kombucha, Keep Cup, Frosted Flakes, Heineken, Athletic Brewing, WellBeing Brewing,  Mikkeller, St. Peter’s, Brew Dog, Overly, Budweiser, Shock Top, John Smith’s, Boddingtons, Guinness

Having founded the much admired and influential Dogfish Head Brewery nearly 25 years ago, Sam Calagione is known among his colleagues as one of the godfathers of craft beer. He’s also a highly respected businessman who has authored several best-selling books about entrepreneurship, including “Brewing Up A Business” and “Off-Centered Leadership.” In an interview included in this episode, Calagione reflected on his experience building Dogfish Head, which in May merged with Samuel Adams maker The Boston Beer Co. in a deal valued at $300 million. As part of our conversation, he spoke about the history of Dogfish Head, how he identified white space for the “off-centered” beer brand and what the threat of bankruptcy taught him about being prepared for down times. He also explained why the company eschews traditional advertising in favor of a dialogue-based marketing approach, why he urges entrepreneurs to write business plans about how “small their businesses can possibly be” and whether wealth has changed his perspective on life. This episode is presented by Flavorman, the beverage architects. Show notes:  2:24: Interview: Sam Calagione, Founder, Dogfish Head Brewery -- Calagione sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif for an expansive conversation about his life and career, including his rebellious youth and how he got his feet wet in the beer business. He also spoke about raising money to launch Dogfish Head, why there will always be room for businesses that focus on quality, consistency and differentiation and how he balances his love for brewing with the responsibilities of administration. He also explained why he’s a staunch advocate for the word “craft,” why “goodness” is a pillar of Dogfish Head’s business philosophy, why he refers to employees as “co-workers” and how personal interaction with consumers is key to to its marketing strategy. Later, he discussed his thought process and the timing of the merger with Boston Beer Co. and shared both the biggest regret and proudest moment of his career. Brands in this episode: Dogfish Head, Schlitz, Treehouse Brewing Co., Deschutes, Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly Hard Seltzer, Angry Orchard