Taste Radio

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

This week's episode features interviews with the leaders of four entrepreneurial companies -- PathWater co-founder and CEO Shadi Bakour, Lumi Juice founder/CEO Hillary Murray, Aloha CEO Brad Charron, and Origin Almond founder/CEO Jake Deleon -- reflecting on advice that, in hindsight, they should have avoided. Show notes: 1:21: Socks, Snacks, Pickles and Plant-Based Protein -- The episode's hosts chatted about an upcoming movie featuring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers, chewed on stuffed date snacks and discussed the emergence of snackable pickles. They also spoke about a proposed bill that would limit how brands can market plant-based meat and why the Livestream Studio at NOSH Live Winter 2019 might make you famous. 16:27: Interview: Shadi Bakour, CEO, PathWater -- Bakour, who co-founded reusable water bottle brand PathWater in 2015, reflects upon the variety of advice he's received over the past four years, discussed why good advice and investment usually go hand-in-hand and urged entrepreneurs to vest their equity. 19:00: Interview: Hillary Lewis Murray, Founder/CEO, Lumi Juice -- When Murray pitched her plan for cold-pressed juice and shot brand Lumi Juice in New Beverage Showdown 6 at BevNET Live Winter 2013, the competition's judges advised her not to launch a manufacturing facility. In this interview, she explained why she didn't take their advice and discussed the result of her decision. 24:10: Interview: Brad Charron, CEO, Aloha -- Charron, a veteran CPG executive who also joined us for an interview in Taste Radio Insider Ep. 12, advised against conforming to company culture at the sake of personal identity and explained why "being yourself" is critical for innovative thinking. 28:18: Interview: Jake Deleon, Founder/CEO, Origin Almond -- A former marketing executive with Procter & Gamble and Starbucks, Deleon launched his cold-pressed almond juice brand in 2016. In our interview, he explained why early-stage entrepreneurs should be wary of the advice to "go with your gut." Brands in this episode: Liquid Death, Colt45, Velveeta, Native State Foods, Little Secrets, Unreal Candy, Grillo's Pickles, Rick's Picks, McClure's Pickles, Pulp Pantry, Hodo Foods, Sweet Earth Enlightened Foods, PathWater, Lumi Juice, Aloha, Chobani, Origin Almond

These days, it's commonplace to see vegan restaurants in cities across America. Just a few years ago, however, few options existed and the ones that did weren't very good, according to T.K. Pillan, the chairman and co-founder of fast-casual restaurant chain Veggie Grill. A former tech entrepreneur, Pillan sold his web development company in 2004 and set out to create a destination for delicious vegan food with wide consumer appeal. He and co-founder Kevin Boylan opened the first Veggie Grill location in Irvine, California in 2006 and the store was an instant hit. Thirteen years later, Veggie Grill now has 37 locations and is planning to operate 50 stores by 2020. Pillan is also a partner with Powerplant Ventures, which invests in disruptive plant-centric concepts. In an interview included in this episode, Pillan spoke about his transition from tech to food, how the first Veggie Grill got off the ground and why the company has taken a patient approach to expansion. He also explained why it's critical for co-founders to be aligned on vision and values, what means to be "a good investor" and discussed the evolution of plant-based food brands. Show notes: 2:44: Interview: T.K. Pillan, Co-Founder, Veggie Grill/PowerPlant Ventures -- NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg spoke with Pillan about his background in business, how he became passionate about food as medicine and the "light bulbs" that led to the creation of Veggie Grill. He also 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, resolving challenges at Veggie Grill's second location and why he describes growth plans as "a double-edged sword." Later, he explained why hiring a CEO was key to managing expansion, why he believes "alignment is 1% and execution is 99%" and how Veggie Grill evaluates brand partnerships. Pillan also spoke about his work with PowerPlant Ventures, opportunities to innovate in plant-based food and his thoughts about Burger King's plant-based Impossible Whopper. Brands in this episode: Beyond Meat, Follow Your Heart, Daiya, Gardein, REBBL, Ripple, Beanfields, Health Warrior, Impossible Foods

James McMaster, the CEO of Huel, a fast-growing brand of nutritionally complete meal replacement powders and RTD beverages, doesn't mind a little chaos. At the helm of a brand whose products are sold in 80 countries and are expected to generate over $50 million in sales in 2019, McMaster compares the U.K.-based company's growth to that of an amusement park ride. "You're on this roller coaster and you're trying to keep it under control, but you like it being slightly out of control so it can breathe and reach its potential," McMaster said in an interview included in this episode. "At the same time, you have to keep building foundations behind you." Founded in 2015, Huel, which derives its name from "human" and "fuel," has built a thriving direct-to-consumer business in Europe and the U.S. While e-commerce is the brand's primary focus, Huel has gradually introduced distribution to brick-and-mortar retailers in order to broaden accessibility and awareness of its products. As part of our conversation, McMaster spoke about how Huel has managed growth in multiple countries, the challenges that come with rapid expansion and why formal referral programs are central to its consumer acquisition strategy. Show notes: 1:25: 'Tis The Season For Sampling, Slams and Showdowns — The episode's hosts chatted about the upcoming BevNET Live and NOSH Live Winter 2019 conferences and opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase their brands and products at the events. They also spoke about upcoming deadlines for the NOSH Live's Pitch Slam and BevNET Live's New Beverage Showdown competitions and tips on how brands can work with retailers during the busy holiday season. 13:18: Interview: James McMaster, CEO, Huel -- In an interview recorded at the 2019 Bread & Jam Festival in London, McMaster spoke with BevNET CMO Mike Schneider about his work experience prior to joining Huel and why he was drawn to the company's purpose-driven mission. He also discussed brand's target consumers, why its foray into the U.S. came with a few growing pains, and lessons from launching in other countries. McMaster spoke about keys to effective communication across global offices and why Huel created a "culture book" for its employees, why direct-to-consumer has been so successful for the brand and what he views as the evolution of and potential for the category of meal replacement foods and beverages. Brands in this episode: Huel, Gü, Ella's Kitchen, UP&GO

Known as the "Consumer Reports of cooking," America's Test Kitchen has supplied intricately researched recipes, tips and recommendations to millions of home chefs since 1980. Born as a magazine publisher, the company launched an eponymous television show in 1999 and has since become a prolific content producer that publishes 15 new cookbooks annually, in addition to streaming video and a kids platform. In an interview included in this episode, David Nussbaum, the chairman and CEO of America's Test Kitchen, spoke about how the company has maintained a loyal following amid a changing landscape for food and media, how it evaluates its role as a thought leader, and how trends, competition and technology factor into its future. This episode is presented by Flavorman, the beverage architects. Show notes: 2:27: Interview: David Nussbaum, Chairman/CEO, America's Test Kitchen — In an interview recorded at America's Test Kitchen headquarters in Boston, Nussbaum spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about his path from a wide-eyed journalism major to the head of a cooking media empire. He also discussed why trust is the company's most important asset, why America's Test Kitchen spends $10,000 to test a recipe before publishing it and how competition factors into its business strategy. Later, he explained why "we don't do anything without knowing our consumers' needs, wants, desires [and] likes," his strained relationship with former America's Test Kitchen host Christopher Kimball and (the rare occasion) when bucking research worked. Nussbaum also spoke about the company's popular live events and its investment in streaming and podcast platforms, offered his thoughts on cannabis in the kitchen and made a remarkable admission about his personal interest in cooking.

In this episode, we're joined by Kelly Heekin and Ben Schmidt, the co-founders of premium hydration beverage brand Hoist, who discussed their strategy for mainstreaming a niche concept. Founded in 2009, Hoist was developed to be a more palatable version of Pedialyte, which in recent years has attracted a following among adults who use the products as rapid-hydration recovery drinks. Heekin and Schmidt said that while Hoist was ahead of its time, they were willing to be patient and wait for the market to catch up to the opportunity. "To be successful in this industry, you have to have the staying power and the ability to adapt," Schmidt said. "It's not going to be an overnight success, that's for sure." The co-founders explained how they incubated the brand for years in their backyard of Cincinnati, which allowed them to learn from mistakes before embarking on a national launch. That strategy is bearing fruit: Hoist is currently available in 10,000 retail locations across the U.S. As part of our interview, Heekin and Schmidt spoke about the genesis of Hoist and how they communicated their vision to stakeholders. They also explained why they haven't taken any outside capital and how the brand has won placement and a loyal following at military retail stores. Show notes: 1:40: Martín, Maradona and Mad Tasty -- The hosts discussed a new documentary about legendary soccer player Diego Maradona, whether Mike's blue sweater made him look more like Jason Seaver or Fred Rogers, and a canned negroni that everyone seemed to like. They also spoke about why some brands are using the word "hemp" in place of CBD, the rise of caffeinated sparkling waters, and how to meet everyone that you'd want to meet at BevNET Live. 15:55: Interview: Kelly Heekin and Ben Schmidt, Co-Founders, Hoist -- In an interview recorded at the 2019 National Association of Convenience Stores show, Heekin and Schmidt spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about how seeing Pedialyte consumed on NFL sidelines spurred the creation of Hoist, and the timing of the brand's launch. They also discussed Hoist's initial positioning as a hangover recovery drink and its eventual revamp and why most consumers don't care about the science behind functionality. Later, they explained how they attracted two industry heavyweights to join their board, and how they built a strong presence at U.S. military bases. Brands in this episode: Tip Top Cocktails, Mad Tasty, Ugly Drinks, Sunshine Beverage Co., Hiball, Guru Energy, Hoist, Essentia, Pedialyte, Gatorade, Powerade, BodyArmor, Starbucks, Aquahydrate

When asked about her company's innovation strategy, Rachel Drori, the founder/CEO of popular direct-to-consumer food brand Daily Harvest, highlighted the concept of "co-creating." "When our community asks, we deliver," she said in an interview included in this episode. "We don't walk, we run and move fast when innovating." That "co-creating" process involves a constant and thoughtful dialogue with its customers and has supported Daily Harvest's rise to one of the fastest growing food companies in the U.S. In just four years, it has amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers and attracted several high-profile investors, including Goop founder and Oscar-winning actress Gwenth Paltrow and tennis icon Serena Williams. In 2017, the company raised $43 million in a Series B round to help it scale its direct-to-consumer model. As part of our conversation, Drori spoke about Daily Harvest's mission and rapid growth, the sophisticated way that the company uses social media to rapidly innovate and iterate and why the team "celebrates failure." Show notes: 2:33: Interview: Rachel Drori, Founder/CEO, Daily Harvest -- Drori spoke with NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg about her work experience prior to launching Daily Harvest, why she "had to kiss a lot of frogs" before finding the right investment partners for the company and why she chose a direct-to-consumer model. She also explained why "we don't see ourselves as a food company" and how a former role in hospitality taught her that customer service "is not just about meeting needs, but anticipating them." Later, she discussed why social media is "not just a one-way relationship," and how "data is just part of the story" in understanding consumer needs. She also spoke about Daily Harvest's "Filling Station" pop-up store, why the company employs a "squad model" and why she believes that hiring is "as much art as it is science." Brands in this episode: Daily Harvest