Taste Radio

The tagline for Ithaca Craft Hummus is simple and direct: “This Hummus Tastes Fresh.” For founder/president Chris Kirby, the mission to build a disruptive yet profitable brand is just as clear cut. Launched in 2013, Ithaca’s ultra fresh flavor -- derived from cold-pressed ingredients and non-thermal pasteurization -- has helped the brand build a consumer following and gain placement in thousands of retail stores across the country, including Wegmans, The Fresh Market and Publix. Throughout Ithaca’s development, Kirby has emphasized a scrappy approach to growth that’s based on strong relationships with his co-packer and retail partners. The result has been a lean, profitable operation that is now one of the fastest-growing hummus brands in the U.S..  In an interview included in this episode, Kirby spoke how he identified white space in the hummus category and what he learned during four years of operating his own production facility. He also urged entrepreneurs to be thoughtful about their retail relationships and deliberate about expenses, and discussed why he hires people that are highly self-sufficient. Show notes: 1:16: There’s Gold In This Discussion About U.K. Brands and “No-gronis” -- The hosts convened for a wide-ranging chat about John and Mike’s visit to London, where they attended the recently held Bread and Jam festival. Along with BevNET/NOSH brand specialist Melissa Traverse, they discussed the investment environment and sourcing challenges for U.K.-based food and beverage brands, and what it takes to go to market in the U.S. They also riffed on gold-plated Kit Kat bars, dessert hummus and John’s impressive grasp of soccer lingo. Finally, they spoke about the latest edition of BevNET Magazine, news and incentives related to BevNET Live and NOSH Live and what the future might hold for non-alcoholic cocktails.  18:15: Interview: Chris Kirby, Founder/President, Ithaca Craft Hummus -- Kirby sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at BevNET HQ, where he spoke about his background as a trained chef, the formulation of Ithaca hummus and why it initially benefited the brand to stay narrow and focused on velocity instead of store count. He also explained why producing the hummus in-house was the “most difficult four years” of his life, and how the experience was critical to the brand’s relationship with co-packer and equity partner LiDestri Foods. Later, he discussed Ithaca’s marketing and communication strategy, how the brand strives to “make it easy” for fans to become ambassadors, and how carefully crafted success stories have been key to landing placement at new retailers. Finally, Kirby spoke about why profitability “has always been a really important piece” of his business strategy and why he advises entrepreneurs to be “very intentional about what you’re spending and why.” Brands in this episode: Ithaca Craft Hummus, GT’s Kombucha, Delighted by Desserts, Tribe Hummus, Sabra, Joseph’s Hummus, Cedar’s, Kit Kat, Ugly Drinks, TaDah Foods, Kind Snacks, The Bitter Housewife, Bitters & Soda, Seedlip, White Claw, Everleaf Drinks, Three Spirit, Fix8 Kombucha

If you’ve ever sipped on a craft cocktail, chances are that the drink was influenced by one of a handful of bars at the forefront of modern mixology. That short list includes Death & Co., a venerated haunt in New York City’s East Village that has become a mecca for cocktail enthusiasts. Known for its inventive libations and sleek ambiance, Death & Co.’s focus on delivering an elevated drinking experience has made it an archetype for premium bars and indirectly paved a path for the rise of high quality packaged cocktails. In an interview included in this episode, Death & Co. co-founder Alex Day spoke about the inception of the bar, which has since opened a second location in Denver and is nearing completion on an outpost in Los Angeles, and the company's thoughtful approach to innovation and branding. He also explained why articulating Death & Co.’s style is an “ongoing  process,” how consulting taught him the importance of creating systems, why patience is key to its recruitment process and why the company considers itself a content creator as much as a bar. Show notes: 2:41: Interview: Alex Day, Co-Founder, Death & Co. -- BevNET’s John Craven and Mike Schneider met with Day at his home in Portland, Maine where he spoke about his foray into the cocktail scene, how he eventually became a co-founder of Death & Co. and why “cocktail socialism” drives the bar’s innovation strategy. He also explained why “we have to consider the Instagram moment” and how the company works with influencers, why a collective interview is part of the hiring process, the Picasso quote that defines his approach to planning and why Death & Co.’s Denver and Los Angeles locations are not replicas of the New York City bar. Later, he discussed why “maintaining the brand’s integrity is  challenging,” whether there is a bubble in the craft cocktail scene, why you should never “follow trends out of fatigue,” and why some of the best bartenders he’s trained have been baristas. Brands in this episode: Beefeater Gin

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashleigh and Trey Lockerbie, the co-founders of organic kombucha brand Better Booch, who joined us for a conversation about the good, the bad and the ugly of a brand revamp. In March, the Los Angeles-based company unveiled a new look designed to broaden its appeal and position itself as a more premium, craft offering. It wasn’t, however, an overnight process; the Lockerbies spent nearly two years developing  the new brand identity. Despite many frustrating moments, the work helped shaped a brand strategy that now serves as the foundation for Better Booch’s future. As part of our conversation, the Lockerbies spoke about the decision and timing of the revamp, how they gradually uncovered brand elements that were incorporated into the new packaging and how they communicated their vision to design partners. Show notes: 1:16: The Facts About NACS -- In Atlanta for the 2019 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) show, the episode’s hosts, including BevNET’s Martín Caballero and Brad Avery and NOSH’s Beth Kaiserman, shared their takeaways from the annual event. The discussion included how plant-based meat flavors in snacks are creating a premium experience and price point for C-stores, mushroom jerky bleeding into the channel, Coke’s eye-opening energy play, how beverage conglomerates are building upon brand equity and tapping into hot trends, and the emergence of multi-functional energy drinks. 18:15: Interview: Ashleigh & Trey Lockerbie, Co-Founders, Better Booch -- BevNET CMO Mike Schneider met with the Lockerbies in Los Angeles where they discussed their backgrounds as former traveling musicians and the role that a family member’s health struggles played in the creation of the kombucha brand. They also explained why they were an industry pioneer of kombucha in cans, how they evaluated the original label design and why competitors motivated them to launch a revamp. Later, they spoke about why defining brand pillars of “create, cure, cultivate and educate” was critical to the redesign, how their branding partners helped extract key elements of the Lockerbies’ vision for Better Booch, and whom they relied upon for honest feedback about the new look. Brands in this episode: Better Booch, Cheetos, RXBAR, Oreo, Twix, Kit Kat, Krispy Kreme, Vegan Rob’s, Pirate’s Booty, Crunchsters, Savory Wild, Shrooms, Coca-Cola Energy, Monster Energy, Honest Tea, Dunkin’ Donuts, Odwalla, Smartwater, Red Bull, Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Starbucks, Pure Leaf, Califia Farms, La Colombe, Keurig, High Brew, Forto, Peet’s, Bai, Ashoc Energy, Bang Energy, Outlaw Energy, GT’s Kombucha, Koe Kombucha, Revive Kombucha

This week, we’re joined by Greg Vetter, the co-founder of Tessemae’s, which produces organic dressings and condiments made with simple and clean ingredients. Vetter and his two brothers launched the brand in 2009 and got off to a hot start; in its first week at Whole Foods, Tessemae’s broke the retailer’s record for sales in a single week. In the years that followed, Tessemae’s continued its rapid rise and was pegged as one of the next great natural food companies. Things cooled off, however, and while it’s still a well-respected brand with tens of millions in annual sales, Tessemae’s has faced a number of challenges to its growth, including a reduced retail footprint and supplier lawsuits. In an interview included in this episode, Vetter spoke about Tessemae’s impressive start and how a decade in development has come with huge wins and unexpected losses. He also explained why his “positively intense” approach to business is not for everyone, the undesirable association with “bro culture,” why he has some regrets about revealing sales projections, and why he believes that “the key to this game is surrounding yourself with people that you really trust and have your best interests at heart.” Show notes:  3:04: Interview: Greg Vetter, Co-Founder/CEO, Tessemae’s -- Vetter met with Taste Radio editor Ray  Latif in Baltimore, where he spoke about about his background, the brand’s origins and the unorthodox way in which he won placement at Whole Foods. He also explained why a local rib restaurant will forever be supplied with free Tessemae’s products, why the company launched a production facility, and why he blames VMG general partner Wayne Wu for labeling him as a “bro.” Later, he discussed why “no one kind of likes the Vetter Brothers,” the investment from Under Armor founder Kevin Plank’s venture capital firm, the dangers of bad employees and advisors, and explained why “the universe turned down” two potential acquisitions of the company. Brands in this episode: Tessemae’s, Kind Snacks, Starbucks

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by entrepreneur and investor Mark Rampolla for a discussion on the positive habits that have shaped his personal life and career. As part of our conversation, Rampolla, who is the founder of Zico coconut water and the co-founder of venture capital firm Powerplant Ventures, spoke about why he consistently reviews long and short-term goals and the importance of thoughtful communication with employees and colleagues. He also explained why daily huddles are key for highly effective organizations and why getting to bed early every night might be the most underrated habit of all. Show notes: 1:04: The New Rotary Club, What’s Oat Is New and TRL -- BevNET/NOSH brand specialist Melissa Traverse joined the regular hosts for a freewheeling conversation about her previous work experience at Whole Foods, how to use LinkedIn effectively, and the range of oat-milk based products featured at Expo East 2019. They also discussed the upcoming Bread & Jam Festival in London and a Taste Radio-hosted meetup for food and beverage entrepreneurs during the event. Later, they spoke about BevNET’s upcoming Winter 2019 conferences, which will include an inaugural Taste Radio Live session, and riffed on the potential for “ultra filtered” dairy milks. 18:58: Interview: Mark Rampolla, Founder, Zico; Co-Founder, Powerplant Ventures -- Rampolla spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at Expo East 2019 about how he considers long-term goals, why it’s critical to write them down and look at them daily, and why he regrets not following the practice while building Zico. Later, he discussed why every first conversation with employees included the question “What are you trying to do with your life?” why he believes that “there’s no substitute for in-person communication with people,” and why he schedules daily huddles at 10:07 AM. Finally he revealed the worst advice he ever received and why getting enough sleep allows him to be at his absolute best. Brands in this episode: Mikoyo’s, Oatly, Van Leeuwen, La Colombe, Rise Nitro Brewing Co., Bluestone Lane, Chameleon Cold-Brew, Califia Farms, Goodio, Raaka, Minor Figures, Fitjoy, A2 Milk, Organic Valley, Beckon Ice Cream, Zico Coconut Water, REBBL, Core Hydration, Runa, Juicero

There’s an old saying that “leaders are born, not made.” That might be true, but even for the most innate leaders, wouldn’t it be helpful to learn from others’ experiences? Alan Murray thought so. As a young executive working for carton manufacturer Tetra Pak, Alan wrote a guide for people in similar roles about how to lead effectively and position themselves for success.  The guide has served as the foundation for Murray’s career; after a tenure as CEO of Tetra Pak North America, he is now the CEO of Next Foods, the maker of probiotic-infused food and beverage brand GoodBelly. In an interview included in this episode, Murray spoke about his approach to leadership, including how to manage people that might be smarter than you, and the three critical things that he believes all successful CEOs should master. Later, he discussed GoodBelly’s influence on the evolution of the probiotic food category, how the brand has refined its positioning and communication strategy and what elicited the company’s partnership with General Mills. Show notes:  2:51: Interview: Alan Murray, CEO, GoodBelly -- Murray sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at Natural Products Expo East 2019 for a conversation that began with his passion for surfing and the unusual way that he landed a job at Unilever. He also discussed how ambition and leverage played into his first CEO role at Tetra Pak, how observing others helped frame his own leadership style, and why sitting at the reception desk and hanging out by the coffee machine is key to understanding company dynamics. Later, he explained why it’s important to have a global perspective, what motivated him to join GoodBelly, how the company has honed in on its core consumers, why better food is critical to reducing health care costs, and why he believes that it’s incumbent upon consumers to ask doctors about healthy eating habits. Brands in this episode: GoodBelly, Silk, Whitewave Foods

This week, we’re joined by Grant Gyesky, the co-founder and CEO of Rise Nitro Brewing Co., a fast-growing brand that has made waves in the emerging segment of nitro-infused coffee. Launched in 2015, Rise is known for its high-quality, organic nitro cold brew coffee and innovative line extensions, including citrus-infused coffee and oat milk lattes. The company has gradually expanded distribution beyond its home market in New York, and in May landed placement in over 2,000 Walmart stores across the U.S.  In an interview included in this episode, Gyesky spoke about the brand’s genesis and development, how he and his co-founders determined their roles in the company and the challenges of being a first time CEO. He also discussed how Rise considers innovation and distribution amid a rapidly growing coffee category, why first-time entrepreneurs often make better decisions than industry veterans, and why it’s critical to choose the right advisors. Show notes: 1:22: Expo East, Advice on Advisors, and Road Sodas -- On location at Natural Products Expo East 2019, the hosts riffed on the amount of CBD-infused products at the show, why modern CPG brands have a longer runway for success, and a booch brand’s brillant booth. They also discussed the importance of aligning with the right advisors and how a gas leak exposed Mike’s thieving ways. 14:24: Interview: Grant Gyesky, Co-Founder/CEO, Rise Nitro Brewing Co. -- Gyesky spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about the accidental creation of Rise, the reason for his tardy arrival to BevNET Live Summer 2017, and how the company elicited feedback about the brand via its cafe in New York City. He also explained why he was hesitant about taking on the role of CEO, the pressure to innovate, why Starbucks has been a boon for the brand, and why being a first-mover is often challenging. Later, he discussed how key retailers with locations outside of the company’s geographical focus were key to Rise’s growth, why entrepreneurs should be wary of letting advisors “feel that they can control the business,” investors’ differing views of the coffee category, and how he thinks about work-life balance.  Brands in this episode: Medterra, Humm Kombucha, Goldthread, Sunwink, Waku, Kaylee’s Culture, Rise Nitro Brewing Co., Starbucks

Steve Hughes’ influence on the development of the natural food industry is impressive. As the founder and former CEO of Boulder Brands, he helped develop and nurture a range of next-generation natural food companies, including evol and Smart Balance as well as pioneering gluten-free brands Udi's and Glutino. Following the sale of Boulder Brands to Pinnacle Foods in 2015, Steve co-founded Sunrise Strategic Partners, an investment firm that has acquired stakes in several innovative and fast-growing brands such as Kodiak Cakes, Cali’flour, Coolhaus and Maple Hill Creamery. In an interview included in this episode, Hughes reflected upon his career and his role in shaping the current market for natural food. He also discussed Sunrise’s investment philosophy, why the funding environment for natural CPG companies is “capitalism at its absolute best,” and what he sees as the most exciting development for consumer brands. Show notes:  2:26: Interview: Steve Hughes, Founder, Boulder Brands/Sunrise Strategic Partners -- Hughes met with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg in Denver, Colorado and spoke about how roles as an executive with ConAgra, Celestial Seasonings and WhiteWave Foods laid the foundation for Boulder Brands, which he founded in 2005. Later, he explained why brands that grow from $10 million to $100 million in sales will encounter “a lot of speed bumps and rakes to step on,” and discussed his admiration for the founders of Sunrise portfolio brands Cali’Flour and Kodiak Cakes. Hughes also discussed why e-commerce has been a game-changer in how brands market and sell to target consumers. Brands in this episode: McCormick Spices, ConAgra, Celestial Seasonings, Silk, Frontier Natural Products, Simply Organic, Boulder Brands, Bobo’s, Vital Farms, Kodiak Cakes, Little Secrets, Healthy Choice, Udi’s, Glutino, Cali’flour, Coolhaus, Maple Hill Creamery, Whitewave Foods, evol, Earth Balance

In this episode, we’re joined by Mike Cessario, the founder and CEO of Liquid Death, a canned water brand whose heavy metal vibe and edgy marketing has generated considerable online buzz and attracted  funding from a range of prominent investors. As part of our interview, Cessario spoke about the rapid rise of Liquid Death, which earlier this year raised $1.6 million in a seed round that included Dollar Shave Club founder/CEO Michael Dubin and Twitter co-founder Biz Stone, and how his experience as an ad exec and as a creative director for Netflix played into the creation of the brand. He also explained why he views Liquid Death as a rebuke to extreme marketing, and how the company attempts to communicate authenticity. Show notes: 1:18: We Open With Hope and Beth -- NOSH’s Beth Kaiserman, who joined the team in April, discussed her experience as a food writer and reporter, and, along with the show’s regular hosts, riffed on non-alcoholic beer, better-for-you Bugles, non-dairy dip, and negronis, among other topics. 13:33: Interview: Mike Cessario, Founder/CEO, Liquid Death -- In a call with BevNET reporter Brad Avery, Cessario discussed the development of Liquid Death, which was born out of his passion for music, design and counter-culture. He spoke about cutting his teeth in the beverage industry as the founder of a brandy company and how he drew upon his experience for the creation and launch of Liquid Death. Later, he explained why upstart CPG companies must “do and say things that big brands would never do,” and how his team is attempting to dissect and harness broad appeal for Liquid Death. Finally, he talked about the surprising reaction to the brand’s “Sell Your Soul” campaign. Brands in this episode: Infinite Session, From the Ground Up, Hope Foods, Picnik, Prymal, MALK, Granny Squibb’s, Liquid Death, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Monster Energy, Red Bull, Full Throttle, Bang Energy, LaCroix

If you were an entrepreneur whose company was recently acquired for millions of dollars, what would be your next move? If you said, “Get on a boat and sail the Carribbean,” then you’re in good company. That was David Smith’s plan. After 13 years on the grind, Smith, the co-founder of organic tea brand Sweet Leaf Tea, was ready to relax.  But after a few months at sea, he grew restless and soon found himself drawing up plans for a new business: cold brew maker High Brew Coffee, launched in 2013. Drawing upon the experience and team Smith cultivated at Sweet Leaf, High Brew got off to a fast start and has since become one of the top-selling brands in the competitive cold brew segment.  In an interview included in this episode, Smith reflected upon his 20 year journey as a beverage entrepreneur, cutting his teeth with Sweet Leaf and his lifelong friendship with the brand’s co-founder Clayton Christopher, and why culture was “everything” at the company. He also discussed his next act with High Brew and how his prior experience influenced the launch and development of the brand, as well as the importance of planning for growth and why he believes that, no matter how well you plan, mistakes are unavoidable. This episode is presented by Flavorman, the beverage architects. Show notes:  2:39: Interview: David Smith, Founder/CEO, High Brew Coffee -- In a call with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif, Smith spoke about his foray into entrepreneurship and why his homebase in Austin has long been a hotbed for innovative startups. He also discussed learning on the job as the co-founder of Sweet Leaf, the simple, yet effective, communication and marketing strategies for the brand, the rule of thumb for vetting potential employees and whether he was satisfied with the sale of tea company. Later, he explained why, despite Starbucks’ dominance in RTD coffee, he saw an opportunity to launch High Brew, how past relationships and alliances played into the development of the brand, and why innovation has been key to its growth. Brands in this episode: High Brew Coffee, Sweet Leaf Tea, Nestea, Lipton, AriZona, Starbucks