Taste Radio

Earlier this month the Taste Radio team met with GT Dave, the founder of best-selling kombucha brand GT’s Kombucha. In an interview recorded for this episode, Dave discussed the origins of GT’s, a brand he created 22 years ago and its pioneering role in the fast-growing and high-profile kombucha category.

Recorded at the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles, Dave explained his belief that most "successful businesses come from a pure place" and stressed that brands should attempt to connect with con

Joy Bauer believes snacking should be simple. Bauer, the nutrition and health expert for NBC's "Today" show and founder of granola bites company Nourish Snacks, is concerned that an ever-increasing number of product certifications and overwrought marketing callouts are confusing consumers. In an interview included in this week's episode of Taste Radio, Bauer stated her belief that most consumers simply want clean labels, easily understood ingredients and delicious flavors, a perspective that inspired her to launch Nourish Snacks. As part of our conversation, Bauer also shared her opinion on what makes for a sustainable food trend versus a passing fad, and discussed the impact that CPG conglomerates are having in the evolving market for snacks. Also in this episode: An interview with Gus Griffin, the CEO of MGP ingredients, a leading producer of premium distilled spirits that has played a critical role in the emergence and development of the craft spirits segment. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we chat with Marcel Gozali, the founder of Avonut, a brand of ready-to-drink, cold-pressed avocado coconut smoothies. Show notes: 1:14: SoCal Sojourn -- Last week Taste Radio hosts John Craven and Mike Schneider traveled to Los Angeles for a few days of podcasting and video work, meeting up with entrepreneurs and executives from across the food and beverage spectrum. Craven and Schneider shared memorable moments and meetings from their trip, including visits to the offices of GT's Living Foods, Bulletproof Labs, SnackNation and Califia Farms. 11:41: Interview -- Joy Bauer, Founder, Nourish Snacks: In our conversation with Bauer, recorded at Natural Products Expo East 2017, she explained her belief in creating nutritious, decadent snacks that don't "feel like a gyp" to consumers. She also discussed how brands can align themselves with current nutritional trends without sacrificing the future and called conglomerates' efforts to reformulate legacy products "a valiant effort." 30:31: Interview -- Gus Griffin, CEO, MGP Ingredients: MGP is a leading producer of premium distilled spirits with a long history of supplying companies large and small with high-quality bourbon, gin and vodka. MGP is particularly known for its prowess as a distiller of rye whiskey and recently launched its own branded portfolio, which includes George Remus Bourbon and Till Vodka. We spoke with CEO Gus Griffin about the new venture as well as MGP's role in the emergence and development of the craft spirits segment. 49:36: Elevator Talk -- Marcel Gozali is the founder of Avonut, brand of ready-to-drink, cold-pressed avocado coconut smoothies. We met Gozali at Natural Expo East 2017 and got the goods on his innovative products and what's next for the brand. Brands in the episode: GT's Kombucha, Califia Farms, Nourish Snacks, George Remus Bourbon, Till Vodka, Avonut For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact [email protected].

Joy Bauer believes snacking should be simple. Bauer, the nutrition and health expert for NBC’s “Today” show and founder of granola bites company Nourish Snacks, is concerned that an ever-increasing number of product certifications and overwrought marketing callouts are confusing consumers. In an interview included in this week’s episode of Taste Radio, Bauer stated her belief that most consumers simply want clean labels, easily understood ingredients and delicious flavors, a perspective that inspir

Episode 78 of BevNET's Taste Radio podcast features a conversation with Chris Hunter, the co-founder of plant-based protein drink brand Koia and a co-founder of Phusion Projects, the Chicago-based alcoholic beverage company best known as the maker of Four Loko. In our interview, recorded at Natural Products Expo East 2017, Hunter discussed the remarkable rise (and notorious reputation) of Four Loko and why a focus on branding and merchandising was key to its success. Hunter also explained his belief that the natural food and beverage industry is "the most exciting space out there," his role in reframing and positioning Koia as a brand first and foremost, and why entrepreneurs should look to align themselves with experienced, value-added investors and advisors. Also included in this episode: A discussion with Project NOSH senior staff reporter Meagan McGinnes about the FDA's new guidance regarding peanut allergies and how food brands are reacting, innovating and commercializing. We chat with the folks behind Shackleton Whisky, a brand inspired by famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we caught up with Safir Jamal, the CMO of 1 Shot Protein, a brand of shots that contain 24g of clean protein per 3 oz. bottle. Show notes: 1:11 -- Reminders, Upcoming Deadlines -- Early registration is ending for NOSH Live and Brewbound Session. The room block is almost halfway full for BevNET Live. Sponsorship opportunities for the events are still available, including the Taste Radio gold package. BevNET's new Media Kit is now available. Learn more about advertising with BevNET, Project NOSH and Brewbound and Taste Radio. 3:48 -- Pumpkin Spice Life -- 'Tis the season for everything pumpkin spice. What started with lattes and cookies has become a phenomenon in which entire endcaps and aisles are dedicated to pumpkin spice products. Have we reached a saturation point with the flavor? The hosts discuss. 9:04 -- Interview: Chris Hunter, Founder/CEO Koia; Co-Founder, Phusion Projects -- In our interview with Hunter we discussed his background in the beverage business, navigating both the phenomenal success and intense public scrutiny of Four Loko, why he segued into the non-alcoholic beverages with Koia and how he sees the plant-based protein drink category evolving in the coming years. 29:18 -- Trendspotter: The FDA Wants More Kids Eating Peanuts -- Last month FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb released a statement regarding a new qualified health claim that early introduction of peanuts to certain high-risk infants may reduce risk of peanut allergy. We discussed the growing crises around peanut allergies, the FDA's decision to issue the statement and opportunities for kids' brands to leverage the new guidance in marketing and innovation strategies. 43:55 -- Interview -- Tim Jarvis and Jason Moore, Shackleton Whisky -- Scottish spirits company Whyte and Mackay recently announced the launch of Shackleton Whiskey, a brand inspired by famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who's known for leading a series of British explorations to the Antarctic. We recently spoke with Tim Jarvis, an environmental explorer and global brand ambassador for Shackleton Whisky, who in 2013 led an authentic retracing of Shackleton's journey, and Whyte & Mackay Single Malt Specialist Jason Moore about the new whisky and their role in its creation and launch on the market. 52:05 -- Elevator Talk: 1 Shot Protein is a brand of shots that contain 24g of clean protein per 3 oz. bottle. We recently caught up with the company's CMO, Safir Jamal, who visited us at BevNET HQ. Brands in this episode: Koia, Four Loko, Not Your Father's, Shackleton Whiskey, Hello Peanut, MyPeanut, 1 Shot Protein. For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact [email protected].

Episode 78 of BevNET’s Taste Radio podcast features a conversation with Chris Hunter, the co-founder of plant-based protein drink brand Koia and a co-founder of Phusion Projects, the Chicago-based alcoholic beverage company best known as the maker of Four Loko. In our interview, recorded at Natural Products Expo East 2017, Hunter discussed the remarkable rise (and notorious reputation) of Four Loko and why a focus on branding and merchandising was key to its success.

Hunter also explained his belief tha

In this week's episode of BevNET's Taste Radio, we're joined by Pat Brown, the founder and CEO of Impossible Foods, a food tech company focused on the development of meat, dairy and fish products derived from plant-based material. Best known as the maker of the Impossible Burger, a juicy, meatless patty that's served in trendy restaurants nationwide, the company has reportedly raised over $300 million to date, including investment from GV and Bill Gates. Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and BevNET sr. brand specialist Jon Landis recently spoke with Brown about the origins and business strategy behind Impossible Burger and his vision for the future of plant-based meat and the brand. Also included in this episode: An interview with Adam Louras, who is the founder of Koa, an innovative, but recently discontinued brand of colorless, calorie- and sugar-free juices. Louras, who is currently the chief operating officer of functional drink company Dirty Lemon Beverages, discussed learning lessons from his journey as a beverage entrepreneur and reflected on stumbling blocks and pitfalls -- including which ones may have been avoidable. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we spoke with Royce Pinkwater, the founder and CEO of Bontá Hydration, a brand of all-natural, low-calorie beverages made with Mediterranean sourced ingredients. Show notes: The Mailbag -- The hosts review questions and comments from Taste Radio listeners. From a venture capitalist in Los Angeles: How can trendy, new brands stay relevant? From a beverage entrepreneur in Chicagoland: Why do you guys like ginger so damn much? Interview: Pat Brown, Founder/CEO, Impossible Burger -- Brown discussed his belief that there is a "fundamental fallacy" that meat has to come from animals and pointed to research that meat-loving consumers would prefer alternative sources. That said, he notes: "Carnivores aren't going to cut us any breaks. If we can't deliver what they want, then it's back to the drawing board for us." He also made a bold claim: "If you make a 1 percent improvement in performance of the food system, you'll save more lives and make more lives better than if you found a cure for cancer." Interview: Adam Louras, Founder, Koa -- In our conversation with Louras, he discussed being stretched thin as both a beverage manufacturer and brand owner, the pitfalls of bootstrapping, and opined on the opportunities now available to brands to launch and incubate online versus traditional routes to market. Elevator Talk: Bontá Hydration is a brand of all-natural, low-calorie beverages made with Mediterranean sourced ingredients. We caught up with founder and CEO Royce Pinkwater at BevNET Live Summer 2017 and she explained the origins of the brand and its positioning on the market. Brands in this episode: Impossible Burger, Koa, Dirty Lemon, Bontá Hydration For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact [email protected].

In this week’s episode of BevNET’s Taste Radio, we’re joined by Pat Brown, the founder and CEO of Impossible Foods, a food tech company focused on the development of meat, dairy and fish products derived from plant-based material. Best known as the maker of the Impossible Burger, a juicy, meatless patty that’s served in trendy restaurants nationwide, the company has reportedly raised over $300 million to date, including investment from GV and Bill Gates. Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and BevNE

Episode 76 of BevNET's Taste Radio podcast spotlights a wide-ranging conversation with Spindrift founder and CEO Bill Creelman. Recorded at Spindrift headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Creelman waxed about cutting his teeth in the beverage business and the launch, development and sale of his first company, Stirrings, a maker of premium cocktail mixers. He also discussed how the origins of Spindrift, a fast-growing brand of fruit-infused sparkling water, continue to play a critical role in the brand's evolution and remarkable growth, why the brand is pursuing a "craft" identity in the sparkling water category, and how the company has taken a careful approach to retail partnerships and investment. Also included in this episode: BevNET staff reporter Brad Avery and senior brand specialist Jon Landis examine the emergence of MCT oil. The pair discussed MCT's purported functional benefits, why a growing number of food and beverage brands are infusing the ingredient into new products and how it's being marketed to consumers. And this week's edition of Elevator Talk, we chat with James Fayel, the founder and CEO of Zest Tea, a brand of high caffeine teas. This episode is presented by Algarithm Ingredients. Show Notes: 1:07: Chicken Chips FTW -- The hosts chat about the most interesting and innovative products that they saw at Natural Products Expo East 2017. Jon Landis talks about Wilde's Chicken Chips and Vermont Village drinking vinegar shots; John Craven praises Forager's Good Plant Fat Yogurt, Ithaca Cold-Crafted Hummus and 4th and Heart's snackable butter; Ray lauds Harney & Sons' new Nitro Tea line; Mike Schneider gives a thumbs up to Repurposed Pod's Cacao Juice. 9:06: Interview: Bill Creelman, Founder/CEO, Spindrift -- Creelman shares his background as a beverage entrepreneur, breaking into the business with cocktail mixer brand Stirrings, the launch and evolution of Spindrift and the brand's pivot from craft soda to sparkling water. 47:48: Why is MCT Oil "a Thing" -- Jon Landis and Brad Avery discuss MCT Oil, including how it's sourced, efficacy claims and the ingredient's place within the healthy fat trend. 1:01:14: Elevator Talk -- Zest Tea is a brand of high caffeine teas designed for mental clarity and energy. We caught up with founder and CEO James Fayel at BevNET Live Summer 2017 and he shared some insight into the brand and its innovation pipeline. Brands in this episode: Wilde, Vermont Village, Harney & Sons, Forager, Ithaca Cold Crafted, 4th and Heart, Repurposed Pod, Stirrings, Spindrift, LaCroix, Polar, Bulletproof, Zest Tea For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact [email protected].

Episode 76 of BevNET’s Taste Radio podcast spotlights a wide-ranging conversation with Spindrift founder and CEO Bill Creelman. Recorded at Spindrift headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Creelman waxed about cutting his teeth in the beverage business and the launch, development and sale of his first company, Stirrings, a maker of premium cocktail mixers. He also discussed how the origins of Spindrift, a fast-growing brand of fruit-infused sparkling water, continue to play a critical role in the brand's evoluti

Taste Radio episode 75, presented by Virun, features a compelling conversation with Aaron Anker and Nat Peirce, who are the co-founders of Grandy Oats, a maker, wholesaler and retailer of organic granola. BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman met with Anker and Peirce at Grandy Oats' headquarters in Hiram, Maine, where the trio spoke about the company's development and evolution since its launch in 1979. Over the past two years, Grandy Oats, which has remained independent since its founding, has invested in improvements to its manufacturing facility, greening its factory and adding capacity, as it moves closer to national expansion. The upgrades come as the company aims to moves toward an increasingly successful CPG line from what has been a majority bulk food proposition. Also included in this week's episode: BevNET senior brand specialist Jon Landis and the Project NOSH team of Carol Ortenberg and Meagan McGinnes examine the expanding market for plant-based "meat," including key brands and product categories and the various technologies that driving their development. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we speak with Cindy Kasindorf, who is the co-founder of Remedy Organics, a line of almond milk and plant-based protein blends infused with adaptogenic ingredients. Show notes: 1:27: Celebrity Investment. Let's Get Richer! -- This week it was announced that actress Jennifer Garner joined organic baby food maker Once Upon a Farm as an investor and "co-founder." The hosts examine the evolution of celebrity investment into food and beverage brands and why A-listers like Garner are taking a larger role in strategic decisions. 9:40: Interview: BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman recently drove up to Maine where he met with Aaron Anker and Nat Peirce, who are the co-founders of Grandy Oats, a maker, wholesaler and retailer of organic granola. Anker and Peirce explain how the company has been "lucky and intentional" as one of the pioneers of organic granola products. They also discuss why it's "ok to say 'no'," how the Grandy Oats' authentic brand story has resonated with consumers, and why the company has resisted outside investment. 43:50: Why Is This a Thing: Plant-Based Meat -- An examination of the expanding plant-based "meat" category, including key brands and the technologies behind them. 1:00:26: Elevator Talk -- Cindy Kasindorf, co-founder, Remedy Organics, a line of almond milk and plant-based protein blends infused with adaptogenic ingredients. Cindy and her husband/co-founder Henry participated in New Beverage Showdown 13, which was held in June at BevNET Live Summer 2017. Brands in this episode: Once Upon a Farm, Bai, Aquahydrate, Vitaminwater, Grandy Oats, Beyond Meat, Impossible Burger, Remedy Organics For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact [email protected].