On the cusp of Expo West 2023, the hosts highlighted a handful of meetups that they’ll be attending at the annual event, including the first for MENA CPG, a new industry organization with a mission to elevate entrepreneurs and professionals of Middle Eastern and North African heritage who have been historically underrepresented and unrecognized in the food and beverage industry. 

They also discussed a recent study that links health issues to a commonly used sweetener, a platform for early-stage brands to build awareness, and a bevy of new products, including two backed by internet and pop music icons.

Show notes:

0:45: Bands Named After Cities And Continents. SXSW Since The ‘86. Call Him Mr. Deez. – The episode opened with a chat about Europe’s most popular song and why Ray might be the anchor for Taste Radio’s bowling team. John discussed the potential impact of a study claiming that consuming significant amounts of erythritol may raise the risk of heart attack and stroke, a relatively simple way to raise the attention of industry gatekeepers, John’s attempt to go viral on TikTok, a $50 six-pack of strawberries and Ed Sheeran’s spicy foray into CPG.

Brands in this episode: Mid-Day Squares, CENTR Enhanced, Wunder Eggs, Via Carota, Athletic Brewing, Super Coffee, Feastables, Andes Mints, Nguyen Coffee Supply, Pop & Bottle, Tucson Tamale, Oishii, Tingly Ted, Veroni, Farming Karma