Taste Radio

Does the announcement of a new $135 million fund offer any indication about the flow of new capital in food and beverage? The hosts discuss and also highlight a Poppi-infused snack, Walgreens' private label prowess and some "notable" folks.

This episode features an interview with five entrepreneurs, including the founders of Little Spoon, Four Sigmatic and O2, who are drawing upon their extensive experience, networks and resources to support emerging brands via a new venture called CPG Fast Track.

Show notes:

0:35: Yosemite's Erewhon. Pop-Guac. No-tables. Mo' Money. Nice! Naked & Famous. Feed Bags. – Jacqui recounts her visit to one of America's most famous parks and its well-stocked general store, the Newton crew misread a snack recipe and poured soda into guacamole, and the hosts chat about Nosh's praise for "notable" leaders and influencers in the food industry. They also reflect on Siddhi Capital's launch of a second fund and what it means for emerging and growth-stage brands, share their takes on a well-known drug store's private label brand and compare it to those of Walmart and others, and highlight a few new products, including ramen-flavored popcorn and a canned cocktail with a nude-ish name.

37:06: CPG Fast Track Co-Founders – Launched by five industry executives – Dave Colina, founder and CEO of O2 Hydration; Jason Feifer, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur magazine; Lisa Barnett, the co-founder of Little Spoon,; Markus Karjalainen, co-founder of Four Sigmatic; and Matthew Gartland, co-founder and CEO of SPI Media – CPG Fast Track works with entrepreneurs who are beyond the proof point phase of their businesses and beginning to scale retail presence and distribution. In this conversation, we speak with the quintet about how they are utilizing their collective experience to provide mentoring and additional forms of training to carefully selected groups of founders.

Brands in this episode: O2 Hydration, Little Spoon, Four Sigmatic, Fishwife, Heyday Canning, MiLa, Mason Dixie Foods, Once Upon A Farm, Better Sour, RXBAR, DeeBee's Organics, Chomps, Poppi, Peepal People, Doosra, Paro, Momofuku, Mid-Day Squares, immi, Aura Bora, Caulipower, Olipop, Taika, Nomad Snacks, Tip Top, San Diego Bar, Gorilla

It's one of the fastest growing natural food brands in recent years, but better-for-you snack maker LesserEvil still has plenty of room to scale. Literally. The vertically integrated company just opened its second production facility in its home state of Connecticut, one it views as the next step towards expansion into mainstream retailers.

Best known for its organic popcorn and identified by the cherubic Buddha-like icon on the front of every bag, LesserEvil debuted in 2005. Its current trajectory, however, began in 2011 when former bond trader Charles Coristine acquired the company, which, at the time, was nearly bankrupt. In the time since, LesserEvil has become a nationally distributed brand that is available at Whole Foods, Target, Publix, Walmart, Costco and Sprouts.

In addition to popcorn, the brand markets a broad range of snacks, including its corn-based "Space Balls" and onion ring-inspired "Moonions," as well as those made for kids and toddlers. The products are made without seed or vegetable oils and are USDA certified organic and/or Non-GMO Project Verified.

In this episode, Charles talks about the company's self-manufacturing model and how it relates to retail strategy, innovation and gross margin, why making organic foods affordable is both moral and fiscally wise and what he's learned about staffing, leadership and branding.

Show notes:

0:35: Charles Coristine, CEO, LesserEvil – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif speaks with Charles at LesserEvil HQ in Danbury, Connecticut about the brand's foray into the club channel, the reasons for its"slow and methodical" approach to growth and why he's getting more comfortable using the title of "founder." Charles also talks about why he's in the production facilities "multiple times a day," his increased focus on operations and his belief that "everything can be learned and it's all just about attitude." He also explains why great brands are grounded in authenticity; how demand planning impacts ingredient sourcing, sales strategy and innovation pipeline; and why LesserEvil markets products designed for specific age groups. Charles also talks about how being vertically integrated allows the company to sell its products at affordable prices, why he believes founders need to be "super scrappy" if they want to self-manufacture, why he's wary of "over-hiring," and the most rewarding part of his journey as CEO.

Brands in this episode: LesserEvil, Rind Snacks, SOMOS Foods

There's high praise, some head-scratching and outright dismay in this innovation-centric episode of Taste Radio. Among the highlights: an upstart labneh brand and a Gen Z-inspired line of better-for-you soda. Less appealing: a corporation's commodification of ethnic foods and global flavors.

Show notes:

0:25: It Sounds Phishy. Mike Gets A Treat. No Cap. A Tiny Moment. Oh, Ben. Spicy Bread. – Mike is back and shares some deets about a THC-fueled concert before he gets his chance to sample a viral frozen dessert. Ray realizes that a new beverage brand is not for him and that its clever name went over Jacqui's head. The hosts wonder whether labneh can go mainstream and are agitated by two new brand extensions launched by Ben's Original. They also chat about high-flying gummies and shots, avocado bread (!) and why European wheat makes all the difference.

Brands in this episode: GoodPop, Ore-Ida, No Cap!, Bezi Labneh, Yaza, Ben's Original, Gorilla, Fable, Magic Cactus, Flyers Cocktail Co., Calexo, Brez, Cadence, Novo Brazil, Revival Einkorn, Ceybon, The Avocado Bread Co.

When Miguel Leal and his co-founders launched the modern Mexican food brand Somos Foods in 2021, they believed they were introducing a "Goya for millennials." It turns out that Somos was more suited to be a "Rao's for all consumers."

Miguel is the CEO of Somos Foods, which he founded with Kind Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky and Rodrigo Zuloaga, who, like Miguel, is a former Kind executive. Somos markets clean ingredient "simmer sauces," salsa, rice and beans produced in Mexico and made using traditional techniques, according to the brand. The products are distributed in over 11,000 retail doors, including Target, Publix, Whole Foods Market, Walmart and Albertsons.

While the founders' original concept – to "re-envision Mexican cuisine in the U.S. with a focus on authenticity, convenience, and sustainability" – has remained consistent, the communication of that message has evolved. Somos is now positioned as a brand for "Mexican meal solutions."

Miguel says that the shift required the company to rethink nearly every aspect of the business, including marketing and product development. The undertaking was challenging and, at times, humbling for Miguel and his co-founders, each of whom have decades of experience in the food industry.

In this episode, Miguel speaks about the genesis of Somos, how he and the team came to the realization that the brand needed to adjust its positioning, mistakes that, in hindsight, were avoidable, identifying areas for improvement in how the products tasted and were named, and how their timeline for an potential acquisition has changed significantly.

Show notes:

0:35: Miguel Leal, Co-Founder & CEO, Somos Foods – Taste Radio editor Ray Latif visits with Miguel at Somos HQ in Stamford, Connecticut where the entrepreneur chats about the brand's new simmer sauces, his roots growing up on the Mexico/U.S. border and how his profession career is anchored in food marketing. He also explains how the creation of Somos came from he and his co-founders being "frustrated with the options at US grocery," how they erred in trying to build the brand in a similar way to how Kind Snacks was built, why he compares Somos to Legos and the meaning behind its name. Miguel also discussed the company's emphasis on simple messaging and easy food prep for consumers, why he thought that at the outset that "in 3-5 years Somos could be a great acquisition target" and how he communicated the shift in strategy to the company's investors.

Brands in this episode: Somos Foods, Kind Snacks, Cholula, Goya, Rao's

Sweet. Savory. Celeb. The hosts check all the boxes in an episode that looks at how consumers evaluate authenticity between brands and celebrity endorsers.

We also feature an interview with Stephanie Reda, the director of brand development for fast growing snack and seltzer brand Hal's New York. Stephanie outlines the history of Hal's and discusses the brand's retail and distribution strategy. She also talks about Hal's marketing and social media initiatives, and how her role has evolved as Hal's enters its 10th year in business.

Show notes:

0:25: All Alone. At Sea. The OG Combo. Discounts Are Great. Gin & JLo. Recess Time. Cowcohol. – Ray finds himself in a rare spot, while John and Jacqui rock the WCB studio. The hosts highlight one of the most interesting sweet and savory combinations in recent years before pointing out an easy way to save money this fall. They also reflect on an article penned by BevNET spirits editor Ferron Salniker about celebrity-backed beverage alcohol brands and how credibility plays into consumers' purchasing decisions. Ray praises a new non-alcoholic RTD cocktail and shares an oddly-named vodka while Jacqui features a brand of THC seltzers.

35:53: Stephanie Reda, Director of Brand Development, Hal's New York – Stephanie is the director of brand development for Hal's New York, which markets flavored seltzers, ginger ale and salty snacks, including potato chips, popcorn and pretzels. Launched in 2014, Hal's is known for its folksy, old-school branding and that products are a common sight at bodegas throughout New York City. Hal's is also distributed at several chain retailers, including Target, Whole Foods and 7-Eleven.

Brands in this episode: Hal's New York, Ore-Ida, Good Pop, Casamigos, Teramana, Cabo Wabo Tequila, Delola, Gin&Juice, The Long Drink, Recess, Nutcase, Crescent 9, TMK Distilling

How does a 156-year-old business continually evolve to meet the needs and palates of modern consumers? It's a question that Amy Guittard, the CMO and fifth-generation owner of Guittard Chocolate, often thinks about.

Based in the Bay Area, Guittard is a family-owned and operated chocolate company founded in 1868. Guittard's primary business is as a supplier of premium chocolate to some of the world's most recognizable candy and sweets brands along with large and independent bakeries. Guittard also markets a consumer brand and sells baking chips, chocolate bars and cocoa powder.

Following a six-year career at Clif Bar, Amy joined Guittard in 2012 and has led brand strategy, building and refining the company's platform initiatives. She's also played a key role in its innovation strategy, supporting the development of products that have enhanced the offerings of Guittard's business customers.

In this episode, Amy speaks about the duality of her role as both a steward and agent of change for Guittard, the challenge of competing with both small, artisanal brands and large conglomerates, how she helped the company navigate a major threat to its core business and how she thinks about creating more affordable and accessible products for consumers.

Show notes:

0:35: Amy Guittard, CMO, Guittard Chocolate - Amy and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif talk about their respective experiences visiting Fancy Food Show conventions as children before she shares a brief history of Guittard Chocolate. Amy also explains Guittard's emphasis on business-to-business sales, how an "evolution of artistry" helps customers create better products and why she describes the company as being "the smallest of the big guys and the biggest of the small guys." She also discusses Guittard's leadership structure and how it benefits innovation and business development, her path from Clif Bar to CMO of her family's business and how the arrival of Scharffen Berger in the U.S. kickstarted a significant pivot and the need for transparency among company employees.

Brands in this episode: Guittard Chocolate, Clif Bar, Scharffen Berger

It's a "buy or sell" episode as the hosts opine about the future of online grocery shopping, fish sticks, and whether kombucha can recapture some of its magic (and sales). They also discuss Athletic Brewing Co.'s recent $50 million financing round and highlight a few fizzy and spicy new products.

Show notes:

0:25: Boatin'. No Stage In S.D. M&Athletic. Bruised Peaches. White(fish) Space. Hops For Breakfast. – An hour before the Newton-based team set sail on Boston Harbor, the hosts chat about John's upcoming interview as part of a Naturally San Diego meetup on July 17 and the reasons why Athletic Brewing hasn't been acquired… yet. They also share their personal preferences on buying produce using a smartphone or keyboard, why Ray thinks there's big potential for a sleepy frozen segment and whether current challenges in the kombucha category can be overcome. Later, Jacqui gets Parch-ed, Ray is impressed with a new sparkling water brand, Mike unveils an upscale condiment and John samples a morning brew.

Brands in this episode: Athletic Brewing, Gorton's, Elavi, Peepal People, Olipop, Poppi, De La Calle, GT's Living Foods, Fishwife, Paro, Chai Box, Kola Goodies, Nguyen Coffee Supply, Health-Ade, Revive, Humm Kombucha, Kevita, AriZona Beverages, Truff, Parch, Cure Hydration, Hoplark

During our conversation with Simon Ford, the co-founder of revered spirit brand Fords Gin, he recited an adage that could be inscribed on the walls of any successful company: "People don't do business with brands, they do business with people."

He's lived by the maxim throughout a 20-plus year career that includes experience in wine retail, bartending, spirits marketing, and, of course, entrepreneurship.

In 2012, Simon and master distiller Charles Maxwell launched The 86 Company, a portfolio of high-quality and versatile spirits, including Fords Gin, developed to set a standard for modern bars and mixologists. Fords Gin emerged as one of the definitive brands represented at high-end cocktail bars around the world and was key to the acquisition of The 86 Company by beverage alcohol giant Brown-Forman in 2019.

In this episode, Simon speaks about how a diverse background in spirits and hospitality helped him create extensive connections within each industry, what he means when he says that he "never pitches business," the reasons behind successful – and unsuccessful – relationships, his belief that naivety is a gift and how he cultivated a strategic partnership with Brown-Forman.

Show notes:

0:35: Simon Ford, Co-Founder, Fords Gin – Simon, who met with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif at Bar Convent Brooklyn 2024, talks about how his grandmother's book of traditional cocktail recipes and his first sip of gin helped guide his interest in spirits and what he considers to be the keys to a great brand story. He also shares his preference between negronis and martinis, how Fords Gin differentiated itself via package design and why he values industry expertise as an entrepreneur. Simon also explains why he loved the experience of selling the company and working with Brown-Forman and offers a few suggestions on esoteric bands or musicians that people should listen to, particularly on vinyl.

Brands in this episode: Plymouth Gin, Fords Gin

In a bursting-at-the-seams episode of Taste Radio, the hosts reflect and ruminate on Lionel Messi's Prime-killer, "condiment couture," Boisson-bashing and sausage salvation. They also get vitaminwater vibes from a brand's recent revamp and highlight a handful of new beverages, including a sparkling tea and a decaf espresso martini.

Show notes:

0:25: Taste No Raydio. Fashion Meets Catsup? Wet & Mas. A Martini With No Jitters. – Ray praises the team for filling in while he was OOO before everyone weighs in on a new Heinz and Kate Spade collaboration (and share their favorite condiments) along with Johnsonville's attempt to make the internet a more positive place. The hosts also comment on Boisson's reboot and why the non-alcoholic beverage retailer may want to take a second swing at it, how Prime's problems have opened the door for challenger brands, and several small format drinks all of which pack a punch.

Brands in this episode: Heinz, Johnsonville, Mas+ by Messi, White Claw, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Prime, Wet Hydration, Vitaminwater, Twrl Milk Tea, Little Saints, Ooso Tea, Dr Pepper, Michele's Granola, Simpli, Madwoman Cocktails

This special edition of the podcast highlights interviews with six founders, creators and innovators who joined us on Taste Radio during the first half of 2024. Our guests include Chamberlain Coffee founder Emma Chamberlain; Elizabeth Banks and Marian Leitner, co-owners of Archer Roose; Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert; Alix Peabody, founder of Bev; Jay Shetty, co-founder of Juni; and Super Bowl champion NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the lead investor of Throne Sport Coffee.

Show notes:

0:31: Interview: Emma Chamberlain, Founder, Chamberlain Coffee – We kick things off with Gen Z icon and Chamberlain Coffee founder Emma Chamberlain. In this clip from an episode published on May 7, Emma spoke about why the brand's identity is anchored by love and modernity, and how collaborations with other brands are determined by a set of "filters."

4:55: Interview: Elizabeth Banks & Marian Leitner, Co-Owners, Archer Roose – Next up we have Elizabeth Banks & Marian Leitner, the co-owners of fast-growing canned wine brand Archer Roose. In a clip pulled from an episode featured on April 30, Elizabeth and Marian spoke about how they incorporate a sense of adventure, breaking rules and relatable humor into Archer Roose' marketing strategy, and why entering Target meant swinging at a pitch they could hit.

8:45: Interview: Ryan Gellert, CEO, Patagonia – We keep it going with Ryan Gellert, the CEO of pioneering outdoor apparel and gear company Patagonia. In this clip, from our episode published on March 26, Ryan discussed how leaders of early-stage and emerging brands can actively incorporate sustainability and environmental responsibility into their business strategies.

13:16: Interview: Alix Peabody, Founder, Bev – Next we have Alix Peabody, the founder of Bev, a stylish brand of canned wines that was acquired by E & J Gallo in June 2023. In this clip, pulled from an episode published on January 9, Alix spoke about how taking a brief respite to focus on her mental health impacted perceptions of her as a leader and Bev's ability to land new investment and a potential return to entrepreneurship.

19:00: Interview: Jay Shetty, Co-Founder, Juni – We continue with popular wellness influencer and podcaster Jay Shetty, who is the co-founder of sparkling tea brand Juni. In this clip from an episode aired on March 5, Jay explained the criteria he uses to identify alignment with potential business partners, and how the intersection of human behavior and evolution of social media impacts consumer habits and their motivation to try new things.

26:14: Interview: Patrick Mahomes, Lead Investor, Throne Sport Coffee – Finally, we hear from NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, who is the lead investor in upstart RTD coffee brand Throne Sport Coffee. In the following clip from an episode published on May 21, Patrick spoke about how he and company founder Michael Fedele aligned on the company's business plan and strategy and how he is highlighting his consumption habits to build an authentic relationship with consumers.

Brands in this episode: Chamberlain Coffee, Archer Roose, Patagonia, Bev, Juni, Throne Sport Coffee, BodyArmor