Taste Radio

Bend, the small, yet fast-growing city in Central Oregon, has become a haven for entrepreneurship. Although the local economy had been driven by the lumber industry for over a century, Bend has in recent years seen an influx of innovative companies -- from tech to food and beverage -- launched within its borders. According the office of Oregon's Secretary of State, Bend registers more new businesses each year than any other city in the state. Entrepreneurs often point to the Bend lifestyle, which is steeped in outdoor sports, snow activities and craft beer, as part of the city's appeal and why a variety of business and consumer publications have ranked Bend as one of the best small cities to live and work in the U.S. In a recent visit to Bend, we met with a few of its food and beverage entrepreneurs and community leaders to learn more about the reasons behind its emergence as a business capital on the West Coast. Note: a few of our interviews were re-recorded via phone due to an unfortunate loss of the original audio, hence a slight variation in sound quality. Show notes: 1:24: Sweetening You Up With... Shots? -- The hosts tested out a product called Nature's Wild Berry, which claims to make "anything sour, tart or acidic taste extremely sweet" after chewing on it 30 seconds. They also discussed the deluge of new functional shots coming to market and what brands are doing to stand out. 10:34: The Business of Bend -- We explored the city's evolution as a hub for entrepreneurship in a series of interviews with founders of several Bend-based food and beverage companies, including Picky Bars, Humm Kombucha, Riff Cold Brewed, Deschutes Brewery and Jem Organics. Brands in this episode: Vital Proteins, Fermenting Fairy, Bibi Beverages, BrainGear, Sol-ti, Vybes, Picky Bars, Humm Kombucha, Riff Cold Brewed, Deschutes Brewery, Jem Organics

As the saying goes: if life gives you lemons, make lemonade. But what if life gave you 800 million pounds of ugly, but perfectly edible watermelons? If you're Jody Levy, you make WTRMLN WTR, a brand of cold-pressed watermelon juice beverages. A serial entrepreneur and design expert, Levy has overseen the evolution of WTRMLN WTR from a single product to a platform brand whose products are available at over 25,000 locations nationwide. Leading with a mission of sustainability and natural hydration, WTRMLN WTR has attracted funding from prominent investors from within the beverage industry as well as from a number of celebrities, including NBA star Chris Paul and music icon Beyoncé, who praised the company's desire to "deliver accessible wellness to the world." In the following interview, Levy spoke about her background in branding and design and how it fueled the creation of WTRMLN WTR. She also discussed how ignorance can be an asset as a beverage entrepreneur, why it's important to admit what you're not good at and what you love to do, and why she describes her career as a "journey of synchronicity." Show notes: 2:38: Interview: Jody Levy, Co-Founder, WTRMLN WTR -- In an interview recorded at Natural Products Expo West 2019, Levy spoke about the importance of her family nurturing her artistic spirit and the role it continues to play throughout her life. She also discussed the important mentors and influential artists, including the Eames brothers and Buckminster Fuller, who helped shape her perspective in creating WTRMLN WTR. She also explained why "running a beverage company is like getting hit in the face by a 2x4 every day," why connecting with investors on a personal level led to deals with Rohan Oza and Beyoncé and what battling Lyme disease taught her about work-life balance. Brands in this episode: WTRMLN WTR

This episode features interviews with two entrepreneurs that are advancing the conversation for cannabis-infused food and beverage brands: Jonathan Eppers, founder and CEO of Vybes, and Kristy Knoblick Palmer,co-founder and COO of Kiva Confections. A tech executive-turned-beverage entrepreneur, Eppers joined us for a discussion about the launch and development of Vybes, a CBD-infused water brand that leads with the tagline "Mind + Body Function." Eppers discussed why he's embraced CBD, why "borrowing brand equity" has been key to Vybes' marketing strategy and what's in store for 2019. Our interview with Palmer focuses on her budding business of Kiva Confections, a maker of cannabis-infused chocolates, mints and gummies. Launched in 2010, Kiva products are sold at cannabis dispensaries in five states, including its home market of California. In our interview, she spoke about the Kiva's origins, its branding strategy, how the company differentiates its products and how it drives trial. She also discussed the evolution of the cannabis industry and the mainstreaming of cannabis products, while also offering advice to entrepreneurs looking to break into the space. Show notes: 1:34: WTF is Smoobucha? -- The hosts riffed on a bunch of new products sent to the office over the past week, including Odwalla's new smoothie and kombucha blend, and how food and beverage brands are attempting to educate consumers about responsible use of cannabis-infused products. 11:14: Interview: Jonathan Eppers, Founder/CEO, Vybes -- In an interview recorded in West Hollywood, BevNET's Mike Schneider and John Craven spoke with Eppers about his career prior to the launch of Vybes, which included work with eHarmony and Google and the launch of a startup called RadPad. He also discussed Vybes' branding and marketing strategy, the company's thoughtful approach to distribution, and offered his take on isolate vs. full spectrum CBD. 27:10: Interview: Kristi Knoblich Palmer, Co-Founder/COO, Kiva Confections -- Palmer sat down with BevNET's Mike Schneider and Jeff Klineman at Natural Products Expo West 2019 for a conversation about Kiva and its development as one of the leading THC-infused food brands. Palmer spoke about Kiva's mission to offer consumers a better edible experience, the rapid growth of the cannabis industry, how the company infuses its core values into packaging and why she believes that food will help expand opportunities for THC consumption. She also discussed effect-based marketing, why "budtenders" often guide consumer decisions, and made a prediction about federal legalization of cannabis. Brands in this episode: Vybes, Kiva Confections, Odwalla, WTRMLN WTR, Banzo Bites, Smari, Klackers, Kiito, Lumen

Kodiak Cakes CEO Joel Clark will be the first to admit that entrepreneurship isn't a part-time job. For years, he tried to run the pancake mix brand, which launched in 1995 and is based on a family recipe, as a side-business while pursuing a graduate degree and consulting career. There were struggles, late nights and more than a few headaches, mistakes and missed opportunities. Despite the challenges, Kodiak Cakes earned a loyal consumer following and a steady streak of retail wins. Clark, however, knew that the brand couldn't tread water forever. For Kodiak Cakes to truly succeed, he'd have to be all in. His commitment helped turn a tiny business selling products to a handful of mom-and-pop shops into the top-selling category brand at Target, one that eclipsed $100 million in sales last year. In an interview included in this episode, Clark spoke about his journey and how perseverance, innovation and swimming in the "Shark Tank" played into the evolution and success of Kodiak Cakes. Show notes: 2:38: Interview: Joel Clark, CEO, Kodiak Cakes -- We sat down with Clark for an interview recorded at Natural Products Expo West 2019, where Kodiak Cakes was launching a new line of protein-infused graham crackers. As part of a wide-ranging conversation, Clark spoke about the origins of Kodiak Cakes and its early years spent bootstrapping. He also discussed how the brand landed its first major retail partner, how he operated Kodiak Cakes and supported himself during lean years and why he was always thinking about a backup plan. He also explained how the company's first hire eventually became its president, how to empower employees and why innovation means more than developing new products. Later he spoke about how the brand's flagship offering came to being, the impact of appearing on "Shark Tank" and the decision to partner with a venture capital firm. Brands in this episode: Kodiak Cakes

If you want to get the attention of Boulder Food Group (BFG), a venture capital firm that recently launched a new $100 million fund, having a memorable package design is a good way to start. Launched in 2014 by industry veterans Tom Spier and Dayton Miller, BFG has made early-stage investments in several innovative and socially conscious food and beverage brands, including Chameleon Cold-Brew, Caulipower, Birch Benders and MALK. In an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio, Spier explained why visual appeal is a key factor in BFG's investment criteria and paramount to the success of young brands. "If you can deliver the right visual representation -- and then also the taste and the price -- you can steal a disproportionate amount of category share with that combination," Spier said. "But if you're lacking the visual appeal, that gets to be a lot more difficult. So we really do try to identify brands that really are beautiful, unique, memorable -- brands that are going to get a consumer to stop in a store, take a look, pick it up and, hopefully, buy it." Also in our interview, Spier and Miller discussed their backgrounds in food and beverage, how BFG curates its portfolio and what they view as the value-added nature of the firm. They also spoke about why BFG likes "to scale into [its] investments" and shared their perspective on innovative concepts and what brands need to bring to the table in an investor meeting. Show notes: 1:40: Post-Show, Now Is The Time for More Expo-sure -- The hosts reflected on Expo West 2019, and discussed the importance of brands to maintain momentum from the show, particularly if they launched new products at the event. Also: Mike re-enacted a spicy adventure and spoke about a couple new cascara products featured at Expo West. 10:03: Interview: Tom Spier & Dayton Miller, Managing Partners, Boulder Food Group --- As part of our interview, recorded at Expo West 2019, Spier and Miller spoke about Boulder Food Group's investment philosophy and how it evaluates and identifies synergies with entrepreneurial brands. They also discussed the environment for food and beverage investment and how it has evolved in recent years, and the data that can make or break an investor pitch. Brands in this episode: Fire Cider, Fermenting Fairy, Riff Cold Brewed, Up to Good, Chameleon Cold-Brew, Olipop, MALK, CAULIPOWER, 4th and Heart, Birch Benders

Show of hands — if you sold your company for $286 million, would you go back to work for the new owner? We're guessing there's not many arms raised. For Justin Gold, however, leaving the company he founded in 2004 after it was acquired by Hormel Foods in 2016 was never an option. Justin's, a pioneering brand of better-for-you nut butters and snacks, is not just his namesake — it's his legacy and one that continues to grow. "The brand stands for something," he said in an interview included in this episode. "It has values. It has personality. It has charisma. But those values all hinge on me. And if I'm there, it really drives the connection back to the consumer, back to the retailer, back to the broker, back to the person -- and that's really important. It gives the brand a life outside of just a product." In our interview, Gold spoke about his decision to stay with Justin's after the Hormel acquisition. He also discussed the brand's evolution and how a new take on a familiar snack and a key hire were game-changers for Justin's. Gold also explained his belief that making a lot of money and having a mission to change the world are not mutually exclusive. Show notes: 2:34: Interview: Justin Gold, Founder, Justin's -- In our interview, recorded at Natural Products Expo West 2019, Gold spoke about his current role with the company following its acquisition by Hormel Foods, and his why he's "still the heart of the organization." He also explained his perspective that Justin's was a "10-year overnight success," the decision to align with Hormel, and what he views as the keys to innovation and improving the food system. Gold also discussed the growth of the brand following the hire of Peter Burns as CEO and what he learned from the longtime industry executive, and finally, how he hopes consumers perceive Justin's. Brands in this episode: Justin's, Reese's, Hormel Foods

Just three and a half months since its debut, Recess, a sparkling water brand infused with CBD and adaptogens, has generated an incredible amount of buzz. Profiled in mainstream media outlets, including The New York Times, Forbes and CNBC, Recess has been dubbed the "LaCroix of CBD" and within days of its launch the products were backordered for weeks. So what's behind the hype? In an interview included in this episode, Recess founder/CEO Benjamin Witte spoke about the brand's creation and how he set it up for a fast start. He also discussed the company's long-term mission, why Recess is marketing a solution rather than an ingredient, and why he believes the best way to succeed as a beverage company is not to think like one. Show notes: 1:36: A Sea of CBD (and Investors) at Expo West -- On location in Anaheim for Natural Products Expo West 2019, the hosts discussed a significant shift in how entrepreneurs and investors interact at the annual trade show. They also spoke about new CBD products exhibited at the annual trade show and confusion about how the ingredient is promoted. They also riff on a few notable food and beverage brands featured on day one of Expo West. 21:44: Interview: Benjamin Witte, Founder/CEO, Recess -- In an interview recorded Recess's office in New York City, Witte spoke about his relationship with CBD and how it got him into the beverage business. He also discussed why he views Recess as a "recreational wellness brand" and plans to expand with digital and physical versions. He also explained why he believes that today, "brands are built on your phone," how Recess "designs feelings" and the lessons from the brand' pop-up show in Manhattan. Brands in this episode: Recess, Wilde Brands, Revive Kombucha, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Rowdy Mermaid, Olipop, Wonder Drink, Humm Kombucha, Hella Cocktail Co., The Maple Guild, Sunwink, Waku, Goldthread, Fatworks, Q Soo, Sol Cuisine, Shrooms, Pan's Mushroom Jerky, Kitu, Spudsy, Riff Cold Brewed, Red Bull, Monster Energy, Rockstar Energy

When it launched in 2013, Boxed, an online retailer of bulk goods, had all the hallmarks of a tech startup. Audacious idea? Check. Parents' garage as the company office? Check. Low probability of success? Check. Unlike many startups, however, Boxed has thrived since its debut. The company, dubbed the "Costco for millennials," reached $100 million in sales in 2016 and has attracted interest from a variety of investors, who've injected over $243 million into the business. Last year Kroger reportedly made an offer to buy Boxed for a half-billion dollars. So how has Boxed, which is less than six years old, achieved this position? We recently sat down with the company's co-founder and CEO Chieh Huang to get the answers. In our conversation, he spoke about his background and why the acquisitions of Whole Foods and Jet.com were critical to the development of the company. He also discussed the evolution of mobile commerce, the importance of user experience and customer service, and how Boxed curates its product assortment and utilizes consumer data. And in one of the most notable moments of our conversation, Huang explained why he believes the future of online food shopping "will feel like Netflix." Show notes: 2:42: Interview: Chieh Huang, Co-Founder/CEO, Boxed -- In an interview recorded at Boxed headquarters in New York City, Huang discussed the company's origins and why its current office may look familiar to those in the tech community. He also explained why bulk retailing makes sense from an economic standpoint, why Boxed only carries 1,600 items, and the consumer- business-driven reasons behind the growth of online shopping. Huang also spoke about his unorthodox interviewing process, why he doesn't view co-workers as "family," and how he defines success. Brands in this episode: Smartwater

Over the course of his career, Ryan Lewendon, a partner with influential CPG law firm The Giannuzzi Group, has worked with hundreds of CPG brands, including Vitaminwater, Krave Jerky, Vita Coco and BodyArmor. His experience has provided him with a window into how successful entrepreneurs think and operate. In an interview included in this episode, Lewendon offered his perspective on the elements of a winning brand and what it takes to succeed. As part of our conversation, he discussed how to avoid some of the early mistakes that can haunt entrepreneurs down the line and the keys to effective networking, plus tips on considering the valuation of your company and working with celebrities. He also shared why he believes next year may be the wrong time to launch a food or beverage company. Also in this episode: BevNET's Martín Caballero and Brad Avery take us inside the latest issue of BevNET Magazine, which includes feature stories on the coffee category, flavors and functional ingredients and the spirits industry. Show notes: 1:44: From NYC to Cabo to Expo West: The hosts chat about Ray's recent visit to NYC, where he recorded several podcast interviews, including with Fever-Tree North America CEO Charles Gibb and Boxed co-founder/CEO Chieh Huang and made a visit to Recess IRL, an experiential pop-up shop launched by the CBD-infused sparkling water brand. Later on, John Craven spoke about his visit to BevNET's San Diego office and meeting with a couple hard kombucha entrepreneurs. The hosts also encouraged attendees of the upcoming Natural Products Expo West 2019 to follow @bevnet, @noshdotcom and @bevnettasteradio for pics of new products and brands featured at the event. 15:09: Interview: Ryan Lewendon, Partner, The Giannuzzi Group -- Lewendon has been with the firm since its inception in 2010, and has helped hundreds of companies navigate growth at every stage of their development, and advised entrepreneurs from initial launch through to a multi-million dollar exit. In a wide-ranging interview recorded at The Giannuzzi Group office in Manhattan, Lewendon discussed his background in the food and beverage industry and why the firm's "business model is to get fired every year." He also offered his perspective on why networking is all about building relationships, the dangers of treating equity "as too much of a currency," why there's no magic formula for valuations of small companies, how to approach celebrities about getting involved with your brand and why he thinks that if you're thinking about starting a food or beverage company, you should not wait till 2020. 43:11: Inside The Latest Issue of BevNET Magazine -- Published last week, the January/February 2019 issue of BevNET Magazine includes articles penned by BevNET's Martín Caballero and Brad Avery, who shared insights and additional analysis about the content. Brands in this episode: Recess, Fever-Tree, Junshine, Novo Brazil, Boochcraft, Luna Bay Kombucha, RightRice, Banza, BodyArmor, Calidad Beer, Alfred Coffee & Tea, Once Upon a Farm, Foodstirs

Fever-Tree North America CEO Charles Gibb describes himself as "globally mobile," and, based on his resume, that's an apt description. Although he's lived and worked in New York for nearly a decade, his career in the spirits industry has included executive-level roles based in cities across Europe and Australia. In an interview included in this episode, Gibb said that the experience has helped shape his leadership of Fever-Tree North America, the U.S.-based subsidiary of the super-premium mixer brand. "When you live in a country, you really understand what drives [and] motivates the people," he said. "You appreciate the cultural diversity, the differences, and you get newfound respect for people and the way they live their lives." As part of our wide-ranging interview, Gibb spoke about his work in the spirits business leading up to Fever-Tree, including a high-profile role as the President and CEO of Belvedere Vodka. He also discussed how his experience in British Army taught him about the importance of communication and humor, spoke about the evolution of the global market for spirits and mixers and why he believes that Fever-Tree can be a brand for all consumers. Show notes: 2:43: Charles Gibb, CEO, Fever-Tree North America -- Gibb helms Fever-Tree's American outpost, which opened its doors in 2018 and has rapidly paid dividends for the company. According to Fever-Tree, U.S. sales grew by 21 percent year-over-year since the new office opened. In this interview, Gibb discussed the development and growth of the subsidiary and the opportunity for premium mixers in the U.S. He also spoke about how his prior experience in the spirits business prepared him for the role and recalls how his experience as an officer in the British Army and perspective from living in cities around the world have molded his leadership style. Sidenote: Gibb explained what a "prat" is and why you wouldn't want to be described as one. Brands in this episode: Fever-Tree, Belvedere Vodka, Hennessy