Taste Radio

In this episode, we're joined by Matt Weiss, the founder/CEO of RIND Snacks, who discussed his approach to building the skin-on dried fruit brand while maintaining his full-time job. An investment analyst by profession, Weiss launched RIND in 2018. In our interview, he explained that, while he saw an opportunity to disrupt the dried fruit category with a premium brand, he was hesitant to quit his well-paying career and initially treated RIND as a "side hustle." He noted, however, that regardless of the time and resources he was willing to devote to the brand, "it was very clear [he] had to put my best foot forward." With that in mind, he crafted a thoughtful business strategy that helped guide RIND's development over the next two years. "There really is an opportunity to develop and grow and get critical mass that doesn't feel like you have to hedge your bets," he said. "You don't need a huge team to launch. You can rely and grow using a lot of outsourced partners in the beginning. And you actually can run a small business on the side for a finite period of time." Weiss's planning has paid off: RIND is currently distributed at hundreds of independent and natural chain retailers across the Northeast and has a fast-growing online business as well. As part of our conversation, Weiss spoke about how he evaluated RIND's market potential and key point of differentiation and how he assessed the financial and opportunity costs of entrepreneurship. He also explains the benefits of launching a business later in life, the importance of open and honest communication with his employer while incubating RIND and why he believes in "relentless networking." Show notes: 1:37: Chewing Chum, Skeletons In The... Cabinet? -- The episode opens with the hosts chatting about the nuances of a new decade, how BevNET brand specialist Melissa Traverse enjoyed a saucy holiday and a new brand of fruit jerky with a fishy-sounding name. Later, they spoke about the learning curve for entrepreneurs new to the food and beverage industry, Melissa's past experience working as a flight attendant (one of 34 jobs she's had in her life) and why attendees of the 2020 Winter Fancy Food Show should direct message us on Instagram (@bevnetmike, @melissa_traverse, @bevtrayde). 15:00: Interview: Matt Weiss, Founder/CEO, RIND Snacks -- Weiss visited BevNET HQ and sat down with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif for a conversation about the origins of RIND, including his grandmother's role in its genesis and why he believed that the brand needed "to be distilled to a very simple premise and value proposition." He also discussed the importance of having great branding and packaging out of the gate, why he viewed RIND's first two years as its proof of concept phase and why, despite keeping his day job, he saw himself as working without a safety net. Later, he extolled the virtues of involving his family in the brand, the value of pitch slam competitions and why he urges colleagues to "be constantly learning professionally." Brands in this episode: Fly By Jing, Brooklyn Delhi, Frank's Red Hot, Chum Fruit Bites, Ceres Juices, Rind Snacks, Caulipower, Harmless Harvest, Purely Elizabeth, Nantucket Nectars

Seven years ago, Josh Zad opened Alfred Coffee, a stylish cafe nestled among the luxury boutiques in the Melrose Place neighborhood of West Hollywood. Conceived with the intention of creating a comfortable space and "Instagrammable" moments for its customers, the store quickly became a popular destination among social and celebrity influencers. Alfred has since established itself as a prime example of how to marry brick-and-mortar retail with a memorable digital presence, having grown to 16 locations across the U.S. and Japan. In an interview included in this episode, Zad explained that Alfred's success and appeal is derived from its foundation as "a creative platform" focused on customer experience, rather than as a coffee brand. "It's about the lifestyle," he said. "We have a broader message that goes in many different directions. The personality is there, and we try to reflect that on social media. It's not about 'Is this the perfect latte art, yes or no?'" Today, Zad is aiming to replicate Alfred's success with Calidad Beer, a brand of Mexican-style lagers that, like his coffee company, lives at the intersection of design, storytelling and consumer experience. As part of our conversation, Zad spoke about how, despite no formal training in coffee or branding, he's built one of the most beloved coffee chains in Southern California, why he believes that the company isn't "doing anything groundbreaking," the secret to Alfred's "customer-first" focus and how he defines success for Calidad. Show notes: 2:46: Interview: Josh Zad, Founder, Alfred Coffee/Calidad Beer -- Zad met with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at Alfred headquarters in West Hollywood and kicked off their conversation with a brief chat about Alfred's unusual "ban" on NBA star Kawhi Leonard, Alfred's average customer and how he became an expert in delivering unique consumer experiences. Zad also spoke about why the company invests heavily in culture, why being nimble is key to being consistently better than its competitors and why he views himself as Alfred's "creative director" and not its CEO. Later, he discussed why he wants Alfred to be synonymous with L.A., why he's not interested in launching a cannabis brand, how he views Calidad as a direct offshoot of Alfred and why he wants the can's color to be the most eye-catching element of its design. Zad also spoke about key mentors in his career and what he likes most about being a boss. Brands in this episode: Alfred Coffee, Oatly, Blue Bottle, Stumptown, Starbucks, Sugarfina, Vybes, Calidad Beer, Corona, Pacifico Beer

This special edition of Taste Radio Insider highlights actionable insights and advice from interviews with six founders, creators and investors who joined us on the show during the second half of 2019. Our guests include Zico founder and Powerplant Ventures co-founder Mark Rampolla; Zoe Feldman, the director of the Chobani Incubator; Rick's Picks founder and CEO Rick Field; Mike Cessario, the founder and CEO of Liquid Death; Harbinger Ventures founder Megan Bent and Chris Kirby, the founder of Ithaca Craft Hummus. Show notes: 1:28: Mark Rampolla, Founder, Zico; Co-Founder, Powerplant Ventures -- We kick off the episode with Mark Rampolla, the founder of Zico coconut water and the co-founder of plant-centric CPG investment firm Powerplant Ventures. In the following clip, pulled from our interview with Rampolla in Ep. 53, he discussed how he sets and reviews long-term goals, why it's critical to write them down and look at them daily, the importance of thoughtful communication and alignment with employees and colleagues and why daily huddles are key for highly effective organizations. 9:18: Zoe Feldman, Director, Chobani Incubator -- Next up is Zoe Feldman, who is the director of Chobani Incubator, which invests in and supports purpose-driven, early-stage companies. We spoke with Feldman for an interview featured in Ep. 63, and in the following clip she spoke about how she's using her voice and platform to support marginalized communities and shared the advice she has for brand owners and executives that might be afraid to have "the diversity conversation." 15:10: Rick Field, Founder/CEO, Rick's Picks -- Let's continue with Rick Field, the founder and CEO of premium pickle brand Rick's Picks. Field joined us in Ep. 42, and in this clip he urged potential and early-stage entrepreneurs to understand the minutiae that comes with building a food brand, why it's not a part-time endeavor and why he describes entrepreneurship as being an "army of one." 19:23: Mike Cessario, Founder/CEO, Liquid Death -- Next is 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. In an interview from Ep. 51, Cessario explained why upstart CPG companies must stand for something, the importance of conveying "small," why customer acquisition is about getting people to "invest in your brand" and how to establish proof of concept for an untested idea. 27:16: Megan Bent, Founder & Managing Partner, Harbinger Ventures -- We continue with 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. We spoke with Bent in Ep. 64 and in this clip, she explained how Harbinger vets potential portfolio companies, the "trifecta" that she looks for in growing brands and why she encourages entrepreneurs to establish a "common language" with potential investors. 34:40: Chris Kirby, Founder/President, Ithaca Craft Hummus -- Wrapping up this episode is Chris Kirby, the founder and president of fast-growing brand Ithaca Craft Hummus. In this clip, pulled from an interview featured in Ep. 55, Kirby explained how he identified white space in legacy food category, why carefully crafted success stories have been key to landing placement at new retailers and why he advises entrepreneurs to be "very intentional about what you're spending and why." Brands in this episode: Zico, Chobani, Rick's Picks, Liquid Death, Ithaca Craft Hummus

In this highlight episode culled from interviews with six of the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who joined us on the podcast during the second half of 2019, we examine the role that relationships play in the development of great businesses. Our guests include "The Beverage Whisperer" Ken Sadowsky, Whole30 founder and CEO Melissa Hartwig Urban, Grillo's Pickles founder and CEO Travis Grillo, Veggie Grill co-founder T.K. Pillan, Dogfish Head Brewery founder Sam Calagione and Bev founder and CEO Alix Peabody. Show notes: 1:50: Ken Sadowsky, The Beverage Whisperer -- We kick off the show with Ken Sadowsky, who is affectionately known as "The Beverage Whisperer." A longtime investor and advisor to many high-profile and category leading brands, including Vitaminwater, Vita Coco, Bai, Hint and Califia Farms, Ken is one of the industry's best known and most respected insiders. In the following clip, pulled from our interview with Sadowsky in Ep. 174, he explained how he assesses opportunities to align with and invest in early stage brands, how he advises entrepreneurs on packaging and design, and why he warns that indecisiveness can lead to big mistakes. 10:11: Melissa Hartwig Urban, Co-Founder/CEO, Whole30 -- Next up is Melissa Hartwig Urban, the co-founder and CEO of popular 30-day lifestyle program Whole30. Since its launch in 2009, Whole30 has become a cultural phenomenon that has attracted millions of followers, many of whom adhere to its paleo-centric guidelines even after they complete the program. In this clip, pulled from our interview in Ep. 184, Urban explained why most of her work time is spent direct messaging with members of the Whole30 community, the importance of accessibility, and how she's learned that "you can't let perfect be the enemy of good." 20:18: Interview: Travis Grillo, Founder/CEO, Grillo's Pickles -- We continue with Travis Grillo, the founder and CEO of premium pickle brand Grillo's. From his humble beginnings selling pickles out of a small food cart, Grillo's has grown into a nationally distributed brand carried at several major chains and one that generates tens of millions of dollars in sales annually. In a clip from our wide-ranging interview with Grillo, which we featured in Ep. 175, he spoke about why he positioned Grillo's as a lifestyle brand, how he considers new hires and investment and why he's just as likely to take advice from a homeless person as he would from a billionaire. 30:42: Interview: T.K. Pillan, Co-Founder, Veggie Grill/PowerPlant Ventures -- We keep things going with T.K. Pillan, the chairman and co-founder of fast-casual restaurant chain Veggie Grill and investment firm PowerPlant Ventures. Thirteen years since opening its first location, Veggie Grill now has 37 stores and is planning to operate 50 locations by next year. In the following clip, from our interview with Pillan in Ep. 188, he discussed the common theme in all of his businesses, why it's critical for co-founders to have a clear understanding of roles and complementary skill sets, why he described growth plans as "a double-edged sword" and what it means to be "a good investor." 41:41: Sam Calagione, Founder, Dogfish Head Brewery -- Next we have some words of wisdom from Sam Calagione, the founder of iconic craft beer brand Dogfish Head. We spoke with Calagione in Ep. 189 and in the following clip, he 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. He also discussed why "goodness" is a pillar of Dogfish Head's business philosophy, why he refers to employees as "co-workers" and why he urges entrepreneurs to figure out how "small their businesses can possibly be." 47:44: Alix Peabody, Founder/CEO, Bev -- Last, but not least, we have Alix Peabody, the 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. In this clip pulled from Ep. 191, Peabody 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. Brands in this episode: Whole30, Grillo's, Veggie Grill, Dogfish Head, Bev

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