Taste Radio

On this week's episode of Taste Radio, Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and BevNET's Jon Landis are joined by Scott Norton, founder of natural condiment brand Sir Kensington's. Fueled by a mission to create "condiments with character," the New York-based company, which was acquired by food and consumer product giant Unilever in April, is using a commitment to clean ingredients and responsible sourcing to reshape how consumers think about ketchup, mayonnaise and the entire condiment category. In our conversation, Norton discusses the company's "inside-out" approach to marketing, how a strong company culture can bring tangible business results, and how a shared sense of responsibility to consumers has strengthened the company's new relationship with Unilever. Also in this episode, Brewbound assistant editor Justin Kendall and BevNET managing editor Ray Latif talk with John Reardon, founder and CEO of Deep Ellum Brewing; and Gwen Burlingame, founder of lactose-free ice cream brand Minus the Moo, is our next guest on Elevator Talk. Show Notes: :00 Intro hosts: Mike Schneider, Jon Landis Mike and Landis contemplate doing "Phishcast" with Ray and John out of the office, but quickly jump into "What are you eating?". :32 "What Are You Eating?" Jon and Mike discuss doing one thing well with Brooklyn Brine as the example. They also discuss a new flavor of Soylent. 6:00 Interview Jon Landis, Carol Ortenberg interview Scott Norton, Co-Founder, Sir Kensington's who talks about the roots of Sir Kensington's, how they are planning to growth of the brand, their distribution channels and how they connect with their audiences. 35:57 Interview Ray Latif and Justin Kendall of Brewbound interview John Reardon, Founder & CEO, Deep Ellum Brewing at Brewbound Session. Deep Ellum Brewing Company is in Dallas, Texas and has grown steadily since opening in 2011 and is now the fifth largest regional craft brewery in Texas, according to the Brewers Association. John talks about maturing from "chasing the cool factor" to brewing as a supplier, pacing to 45,000 barrels, diversifying the offering by adding spirits, fighting to make Texas craft-friendly and chasing your passion. 1:03:00 Elevator Talk with Gwen Burlingame, Founder, Minus the Moo Lactose-free ice cream? Sign us up. Brands in this episode: Sir Kensington's, Brooklyn Brine, Soylent, Deep Ellum Brewing, Minus the Moo For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact podcast@bevnet.com

On this week's episode of Taste Radio, BevNET CEO John Craven joins Brewbound editor Chris Furnari for a conversation with Andy Thomas, CEO of the Craft Brew Alliance. As the head of one of the largest craft beer companies in the U.S., Thomas oversees a portfolio that includes Kona, Widmer, Redhook and others. During his segment, Thomas shares insight into topics such as the commercial evolution of the category, the importance of being patient with innovations (and where to find the inspiration to fuel them), and how the proliferation of small craft breweries is challenging companies to cultivate stronger, more unique brand identities. Also in this episode: BevNET staff writer Brad Avery asks: "why is this a thing?" of the colonial-era fermented drink switchel; an interview with author and cook Michael Ruhlman; and another edition of Elevator Talk, with featured guest L.A. McCrae, founder and chief visionary officer of North Carolina-based Black Star Line Brewing. Editor's note: In the midst of recording Thomas' interview during last month's Brewbound Session in New York City, we mistakenly referred to Craft Brew Alliance as the "second-largest publicly traded beer company in the U.S." We of course meant the second-largest craft beer company" and blame the welcome reception beers for our gaffe.

This week's episode of the Taste Radio podcast includes a feature conversation with Alex Galindez, the CEO of Runa, a maker of guayusa-based teas and energy drinks driven by social and environmental causes. Galindez, a veteran marketing executive in the food, beverage and media industries, discussed how she's drawing on strategies and lessons from past roles to elevate communication of Runa's social mission and brand story to a broader audience. Also in this episode: members of the BevNET and Project NOSH team chatted about the most interesting or unique food or beverage that they saw at the recently held 2017 Summer Fancy Food Show; an interview with B. Bonin Bough, the host of CNBC's "Cleveland Hustles" and a digital and social media expert who spearheaded roles in each discipline with PepsiCo and Mondelez; and the latest edition of Elevator Talk, featuring Tickle Water founder and CEO Heather McDowell.

For this week's episode of the Taste Radio podcast, we're bringing you an Independence Day-length conversation with Gary Hirshberg, the co-founder and chairman of dairy company Stonyfield Farm and a highly influential figure in the organic food movement. Hirshberg shares war stories ranging from the company's pastoral beginnings, to its decade-long struggle for financing, and on to its eventual sale, mining them for wisdom that will resonate with any food and beverage professional. Also included in this episode: the latest edition of Elevator Talk, in which we profile Elaine Morrison, the founder of collagen elixir brand Eviva.

In short, the life of Todd Carmichael can be defined by his zealous thirst for adventure and his unbridled passion for coffee. Brevity, however, doesn't quite capture the scope of Carmichael's incredible journey as the co-founder and CEO of super-premium coffee company La Colombe. His story is deserving of ample time, and in an interview for the Taste Radio podcast, we sat down with Carmichael for an extensive conversation on everything from his origins in the coffee business and vision for La Colombe, to his former role as the young personal attache to a Saudi prince and his record-breaking trek across Antarctica. Also included in this episode of the podcast: a segment with BevNET editor-in-chief Jeffrey Klineman examining Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods and potential ramifications of the deal; an interview with Andy Ellwood, the president of Basket, a shopping app that uses crowdsourced data to help consumers find the best prices on grocery items; and the latest edition of Elevator Talk with Venessa Dobson, founder of artisanal popcorn brand Pop Art Snacks.

KeVita co-founder and former CEO Bill Moses is keeping busy. In the seven months since PepsiCo's acquisition of KeVita, a maker of probiotic drinks and kombucha, Moses has been actively investing in and advising a range of early-stage food and beverage companies. This edition of the Taste Radio podcast features an interview with Moses, who discussed the key elements of his investment philosophy and his work with upstart brands, including Koia and ChiaViva. Recorded at the NOSH Live Summer 2017 conference, held earlier this week in New York City, Moses also reflected the growth and development of KeVita and the trials and tribulations of being a beverage entrepreneur. This week's episode also includes a breakdown of notable news, trends, innovation and new products discussed at NOSH Live and BevNET Live Summer 2017, which was held on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the latest edition of Elevator Talk.

Over his three decades as an executive and consultant in the natural products industry, Bob Burke has been recognized as one of the foremost experts in the space. This episode of the BevNET Podcast features a wide-ranging conversation with Burke, whose career includes 11 years in sales and marketing at organic dairy giant Stonyfield Farm and nearly 20 years as an advisor to early-stage and entrepreneurial food and beverage companies. Along with a discussion about the evolution of the natural foods industry and its transformative impact on the grocery business, Burke shared his thoughts on the keys to success for startups and how he defines truly innovative ideas. The episode also includes a recap of the Sweets and Snacks Expo, which was held last week in Chicago, and a chat with Nico Enriquez, the co-founder of alcoholic ginger beer brand Farmer Willie's, who joined us for the latest edition of "Elevator Talk."

In this episode of the BevNET Podcast, we sat down with Mark Mahoney, the co-founder and CEO of premium cocktail mixer brand Powell & Mahoney, who joined us for a discussion about his background as a beverage entrepreneur, the rapid development of the premium mixer space and what's next for the thriving category. This episode also includes a segment with BevNET editor-in-chief Jeffrey Klineman, who examined recent investment deals in the food and beverage industry, including First Beverage Ventures' investment in a mezcal company, Castanea Partners' acquisition of a majority stake in craft brewery The Bruery and a new round of funding for fast-growing snack brand Hippeas, one that included actor Leonardo DiCaprio. We also spoke with Loco Coffee Co. co-founder Dan Bresciani for the latest edition of "Elevator Talk."

Earlier this month, BevNET CEO John Craven met with Juice Press founder Marcus Antebi and chairman Michael Karsch at the cold-pressed juice chain's Long Island City headquarters and production facility, where the trio recorded a wide-ranging interview for this episode of the BevNET Podcast. Antebi, who launched Juice Press in 2010 and now presides over a chain of 62 stores across the Northeast, explained his belief that "common innovation is complete" and that it's incumbent upon food and beverage manufacturers to up the ante with nutrient-dense ingredients and formulations. That mindset is the overarching mantra at Juice Press and the driver of its business and innovation philosophy ("we're constantly reinventing the wheel," Antebi said), which he and Karsch discussed in detail. Also included in this episode: the debut of a new, regular segment called "Why is This a Thing?" in which we examine emerging trends in the food and beverage industry. In this edition, BevNET senior brand specialist Jon Landis and staff reporter Brad Avery discussed the Soylent phenomenon. From its science fiction aesthetic to its post-food philosophy, Landis and Avery broke down how the meal replacement company used a Silicon Valley mindset to turn a routine functional product into an offbeat, cult lifestyle brand with a dedicated audience. This podcast also includes the latest "Elevator Talk" segment, which profiled Caroline Huffstetler, the founder of nut milk brand Nutty Life.

Tim Sperry spent nearly 25 years as an executive at Whole Foods and was a key figure in the company's ascent from a small grocery chain to a household name and natural foods powerhouse. Eleven years removed from his role as the company's director of grocery, Sperry is concerned that Whole Foods' merchandising prowess and brand identity have fallen into neglect -- and he's not alone. The retailer has lost some of its luster with customers, suppliers and investors, and the news is filled with talk of a shakeup of the company's business strategy or an outright takeover. In this episode of the BevNET Podcast, Sperry, along with Carol Ortenberg, the editor of BevNET sister site Project NOSH, discussed Whole Foods' efforts to revitalize its brand and assuage key investors in light of its announcement of changes to its board of directors, category management, and the launch of a loyalty program. Sperry and Ortenberg offered their take on what the changes could mean for food and beverage suppliers and whether Whole Foods will continue to be a critical launching pad for innovative brands and their products. Also included in this episode: the debut of a new, regular segment called "Trendspotter," in which we discuss timely news topics and recent headlines about the food and beverage industry. The inaugural segment includes a discussion about soda tax legislation across the U.S. and how a debate about the fermentation process and health benefits of kombucha is shaping that category. We also met up with Justine Monsul, the co-founder of juice shot brand Monfefo, who joined us for an edition of "Elevator Talk."