Taste Radio

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 this week's episode of BevNET's Taste Radio, we're joined by Matt Thomas, the founder and CEO of Townshend's Tea Company and Brew Dr. Kombucha. In a conversation with BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero, Thomas discussed the origins of Townshend's, a premium tea retailer based in Portland, Ore., and its development of Brew Dr., which has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the breakout kombucha category. Thomas explained how a tea-forward approach to formulation continues to resonate with new and consumers and has positioned Brew Dr. to achieve explosive growth at retail. The brand is represented nationally at Trader Joe's and available throughout the Pacific Northwest and along the West Coast at retailers including Target and Costco. Also included in this episode: A conversation with Dan and Genevieve Brazelton, who are the founders of Improper Goods, the parent company of RAFT Botanical cocktail syrups and The Bitter Housewife, a brand of small-batch, aromatic bitters. The husband-and-wife team spoke with Caballero about the company's focus of creating approachable ingredients with broad appeal. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we speak with Kenneth Park, the founder and CEO of Detox Water, a brand of bioactive aloe water enhanced with electrolytes and vitamins. This episode is presented by Virun. Show notes: 1:24: Has Juicero Squeezed Its Last Drop? -- On Friday, Juicero announced that it would suspend sales of its countertop cold-pressed juice machines and produce packs and offer refunds to customers. The hosts discuss the company's woes and speculate on the timing and decision to shut down. 10:20: Interview: Matt Thomas, the founder and CEO of Townshend's Tea Company and Brew Dr. Kombucha -- Thomas discusses the backstory behind Portland, Ore.-based Townsend's Tea and how its focus on premium tea is the foundation for Brew Dr., which is made with using whole tea and no extracts or added juice. "We want to make this stuff like tea and ferment it like kombucha," Thomas stated. He also noted how Brew Dr.'s distinctive tea-forward flavor profile differentiates the brand among competitors, and explained how the company keeps up with the Brew Dr.'s incredible growth. 34:19: Interview: Dan and Genevieve Brazelton, founders, Improper Goods -- The Brazeltons discussed their business and innovation strategy, which focuses on creating cocktail ingredients that are accessible for everyday consumers. Dan spoke about giving "consumers the permission to experiment," by using familiar and approachable flavors. Genevieve explained why the company shifted its emphasis on sales from on-premise retailers to direct-to-consumer and wholesale business. 56:24: Elevator Talk: Kenneth Park, founder and CEO, Detox Water -- Detox Water recently announced new distribution in 1,500 new retail locations across the U.S. including 750 Kroger banners. The company is also on the cusp of closing a Series A round of funding reported to be in the $2-3 million range. Detox Water is also expanding its product line with a couple new line extensions that will be introduced at Expo East. Brands in this episode: Juicero, Brew Dr. Kombucha, GT's Kombucha, KeVita, Raft Syrups, The Bitter Housewife, Detox Water For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact [email protected].

In this week’s episode of BevNET’s Taste Radio, we’re joined by Matt Thomas, the founder and CEO of Townshend’s Tea Company and Brew Dr. Kombucha. In a conversation with BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero, Thomas discussed the origins of Townshend's, a premium tea retailer based in Portland, Ore., and its development of Brew Dr., which has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the breakout kombucha category. Thomas explained how a tea-forward approach to formulation continues to resonate

This week's episode of Taste Radio features a captivating interview with veteran beverage executive with Joth Ricci, a veteran beverage executive Joth Ricci with one of the most diverse, interesting and impactful track records of anyone in the industry. Over a 17-year career, Ricci has held roles as president of Stumptown Coffee, president and CEO of Jones Soda and managing director with beverage investment and advisory firm First Beverage Group. BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero recently traveled to Portland, Ore. to meet with Ricci, who is currently the president of Adelsheim Vineyard, a pioneering winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley, and a board member at a number of fast-growing companies in the Pacific Northwest, including Brew Dr. Kombucha and Dry Sparkling. As part of their conversation, Ricci discussed his path to Adelsheim and shared insights into parallels between previous roles and beverage categories, how premiumization has changed the coffee business and why he believes there's more to come for innovation in cold brew. Ricci also offered his take on why Portland has emerged as an incubation hub for innovative food and beverage trends. Also included in this week's episode: Brewbound editor Chris Furnari and assistant editor Justin Kendall joined us to discuss recent M&A deals in craft beer, how they unfolded and their potential impact amid an industry in transition. And this week's Elevator Talk features Deborah Aiza, the founder of Sweet'tauk, a brand of organic, cold-pressed lemonade. Show notes: 1:08: Intro: We're at Whole Foods. We're at Whole Foods. Wait, Is There an Echo In Here? -- Monday marked a new day for Whole Foods. The natural retail giant, whose acquisition by Amazon was approved by shareholders and federal regulators last Thurs., touted lower prices for many of its "best-selling staples" including organic bananas, salmon, organic eggs, almond butter, and grass fed beef. Amazon's influence was promoted on product signage and sales displays for its Echo hands-free smart speaker ("Farm Fresh" read witty banners for the devices). The hosts discuss their take on the updates. 6:53: Interview: Joth Ricci, President, Adelsheim Vineyard -- BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero recently traveled to Portland, Ore. and met with Joth Ricci, a veteran beverage executive who is currently the president of Adelsheim Vineyard. Joth discussed his path to Adelsheim, parallels between the businesses of coffee and wine, why entrepreneurs need to "learn to say 'no'" and Portland's role as an incubation hub for innovative food and beverage trends. 41:39: Segment: A discussion with Brewbound editor Chris Furnari and assistant editor Justin Kendall join on recent M&A deals in craft beer, including Constellation Brands acquisition of Florida-based brewery Funky Buddha, San Francisco-based Magnolia Brewing's acquisition by a group led by New Belgium Brewing Company, Sapporo Holdings' purchase of Anchor Brewing, and Anheuser-Busch's acquisition of Hiball, which markets energy drinks, sparkling waters, cold brew coffees and sister brand Alta Palla, a brand of non-caffeinated juices and seltzers. 1:00:59: Elevator Talk: Deborah Aiza, Founder, Sweet'Tauk Lemonade -- Sweet'tauk is a brand of organic, cold-pressed lemonade based in Montauk, N.Y. Brands in this episode: Adelsheim Vineyard, Stumptown Coffee, Jones Soda, Starbucks, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Dry Sparkling, Ninkasi Brewing, Funky Buddha, Magnolia Brewing, Anchor Brewing, Hiball, Alta Palla, Sweet'Tauk Lemonade. For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact [email protected].

This week’s episode of Taste Radio features a captivating interview with veteran beverage executive with Joth Ricci, a veteran beverage executive Joth Ricci with one of the most diverse, interesting and impactful track records of anyone in the industry. Over a 17-year career, Ricci has held roles as president of Stumptown Coffee, president and CEO of Jones Soda and managing director with beverage investment and advisory firm First Beverage Group. BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero recently traveled t

In episode 72 of Taste Radio, we feature a conversation with Poorvi Patodia, who is the founder and CEO of Biena, a fast-growing maker of roasted chickpea snacks. Just five years since its launch, Biena is distributed at 15,000 locations across the U.S. and available at Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts and Stop & Shop. Patodia outlined her vision for roasted chickpeas and how the combination of familiar snack flavors and a healthy, whole food option continues to win over investors, distributors, retailers and consumers. She also discussed why Biena attempts to operate more like a tech firm than a food company and the decision to launch a co-branded line of snacks with Weight Watchers. Also included in this episode: BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman and sr. brand specialist Jon Landis explored the world of retail activation through encounters with the High Brew Liner, a giant bus turned into sampling cafe that is on tour throughout the summer. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we talk with Rob Burns, the co-founder of Night Shift Brewing, a craft beer maker based in Everett, Mass. Show Notes: 1:07: Would You Like to Sample My Yams? -- In-store sampling has long been an effective path to trial consumption. But some demos are executed better than others. What are ways that you've been impressed by a sampling opportunity? Any experiences that you've found particularly impressive… or bad? The hosts discussed the importance of brand advocacy, enthusiasm and engagement and the burdens of retailer required sampling. 7:27: Interview: Poorvi Patodia, founder and CEO, Biena -- Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and BevNET managing editor Ray Latif met with Biena founder/CEO Poorvi Patodia and discussed about the company's rapid rise and how she's shepherded its growth amid surging demand for healthy, plant-based snacks. Patodia also discussed why she runs Biena more like a tech firm than a food company and learning lessons from her first few years as an entrepreneur. 43:19: Interview: Mari Johnson, EVP of Marketing, High Brew Coffee -- Inside the High Brew Liner, we spoke with Johnson about the aims and techniques that would cause a company to sink money into this kind of experiential investment, and recorded some of the interactions that come when a team explores different ways to grow awareness and drive trial. 1:00:13: Elevator Talk: Robert Burns, Co-Founder, Night Shift Brewing -- We meet up with Burns, who co-founded Night Shift Brewing, a fast-growing craft brewery based in Everett, Mass. Brands in this episode: Drink Maple, Sound Sparkling Tea, Biena, High Brew Coffee, Night Shift Brewing. For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact [email protected].

In episode 72 of Taste Radio, we feature a conversation with Poorvi Patodia, who is the founder and CEO of Biena, a fast-growing maker of roasted chickpea snacks. Just five years since its launch, Biena is distributed at 15,000 locations across the U.S. and available at Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts and Stop & Shop. Patodia outlined her vision for roasted chickpeas and how the combination of familiar snack flavors and a healthy, whole food option continues to win over investors, distributors, retailers and c

Doug Zell believes in “chasing perfection with the hope of never catching it.” That concept guides the core mission of Intelligentsia, a super-premium coffee roaster and retailer that Zell co-founded 22 years ago.

In a conversation included as part of this week’s episode, Zell expounded on how Intelligentsia’s relentless pursuit for improvement permeates its retail and packaged coffee business. He also discussed why the “totality of the impression” carries so much significance for the company,

Episode 70 of BevNET's Taste Radio podcast spotlights a recent conversation with Jeff Church, the co-founder and CEO of Suja, a maker of organic beverages, including high-pressure processed juices, drinking vinegars, and kombucha. At the helm since 2012, Church has guided Suja's remarkable ascent as the leading brand in a highly competitive cold-pressed juice category and was instrumental in its partnership with the Coca-Cola Co., which in 2015 acquired a 30 percent stake in the company. Recorded at Suja's vast production facility in San Diego, Church opined on the role of luck in business, why a thorough understanding of consumer demand is critical to success, and explained how "the rule of twos" helped steer the company through its growth and development. Also included in this episode: BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero and senior brand specialist Jon Landis examined the emerging market for kefir and discussed key brands, sub-segments, including water kefir and plant-based varieties, consumer confusion, and recent controversy regarding its definition. The episode also includes the latest edition of Elevator Talk, with featured guest Bronya Shillo, the founder of spiked lemonade brand Fishers Island Lemonade. Show notes: