Taste Radio

Five years ago, seemingly every food and beverage brand was incorporating CBD into its innovation strategy. Of course, that's no longer the case. What generated the hype, and what lessons can be drawn from CBD's rapid rise? The hosts discuss. They also sip and snack their way through an unusual mix of products, including hot dog water (!), crispy beef jerky, candy-flavored coffee and "lox in a box."

Show notes:

0:35: Build A Birdhouse. No Habla Anything. Jacqui Got NIL. Leprechauns Are Bad. WTF 7-Eleven. – Mike is back from the Big Apple where he was overseeing preparations for BevNET Live Summer 2024, an event that will give attendees plenty of opportunities to meet one-on-one with retailers, including Whole Foods, and best-in-class service providers. We learn that Ray can't speak a lick of Spanish, Jacqui's bracket is busted and why communication about THC is a relative "brez." The hosts also dive a little too deep into hot dog water, get sauce-y on a couple new-ish products and wonder about eating smoked salmon on a plane.

Brands in this episode: Vybes, Recess, Trip, Calexo, Magic Cactus, Brez, Squirt, Fresca, Sprite, Togronis, Crystal Head Vodka, Tip Top Cocktails, Post Meridiem, International Delight, Reese's, Dunkin' Donuts, Chameleon Cold-Brew, Carbone, Le Sauce, Booda Perfect Energy, Acme Smoked Fish, BearMaple, Yay's

It's not everyday that you get an opportunity to sit down with the CEO of one of the most influential companies in the world, so when given the chance to speak with Ryan Gellert, who has helmed pioneering outdoor apparel and gear company Patagonia since 2020, we jumped at it.

We met Ryan at Natural Products Expo West 2024, where he was on hand to help promote and speak about Patagonia Provisions, a company division formed in 2012 that markets responsibly-sourced food and beverages, including a variety of tinned seafood along with kernza-based pasta and beer. Patagonia Provisions is led by general manager Paul Lightfoot, who is also the chair of the board of Regenerative Organic Alliance, a trade association that certifies food made with sustainably sourced ingredients.

Ryan has often said that whether the company is selling sporting apparel or smoked mackerel, Patagonia is guided by its mission of being "in business to save our home planet." It's a bold declaration and one that carries significant responsibility and dedication to a cause that seems increasingly challenging.

In this episode, Ryan speaks about his leadership of Patagonia, which began during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern U.S. history. He and Paul also explain how Provisions fits into the company's present and future, why an esoteric ingredient is at the foundation of its innovation strategy and how leaders of early-stage and emerging brands can actively incorporate sustainability and environmental responsibility into their business strategies.

Show notes:

0:35: Ryan Gellert, CEO, Patagonia & Paul Lightfoot, GM, Patagonia Provisions – The leaders talk about their respective experiences at Expo West (Ryan is a newbie, Paul is a veteran), Ryan highlights the importance of community and purpose in how he operates as a CEO before Paul discusses the origins of Patagonia Provisions, its three brand pillars and extensive use of perennial grain kernza. They also speak about Patagonia's pricing strategy and how it factors into the company's efforts to affect change, how educating consumers about sustainability and planetary health is central to its business and how communicate that information on product labels and how entrepreneurs can benefit from working with regenerative organic farmers and having a deep understanding of their supply chains.

Brands in this episode: Patagonia Provisions

Expo West 2024 remains top of mind for the hosts, who discuss how attendees' perception of innovation and their evaluation of new products has evolved in recent editions of the annual event. They also speak about how a confluence of global flavors and convenient, clean label foods and beverages is a positive sign for the industry as a whole.

Show notes:

0:35: Cognitive Jamon. Expo Trollin'. Call Congress. MENA-Licious. Taco Bell Coffee? Paneer Pops. - On location in Barcelona, Ray chats about a notable cocktail competition and wonders if functional ham could be good for the city's denizens. John follows up on his Linkedin post about "meaningful innovation" at Expo West, Mike prompts Ray who prompts listeners to call their elected leaders about an often overlooked topic, and the hosts collectively praise the growing accessibility of high quality, culturally-inspired and occasion-based snacks and frozen meals. John can't stop eating a limited-edition line of chips and recalls when Mike accused a brand of using a famous logo on its cans without permission and Jacqui gives props to paneer.

Brands in this episode: Torres Brandy, Homiah, Doosra, Afia, Jimmy Dean, Mason Dixie Foods, Red's All Natural, Rudi's, Deep Indian Kitchen, Aahana's, Yaza Labneh, Anne's Toum, Better Sour, Ziba Foods, Maazah, Crafty Counter, Fabalish, Sunnie, Kokada, Teddy Grahams, Bob Evans Farms, Graza, Torres Potato Chips, Uncle Matt's, Milo's, Beekeeper Coffee, Grounded, Sach Foods, Rind Snacks

When RIND Snacks debuted in 2018, founder and CEO Matt Weiss won plaudits for creating an innovative and eye-catching brand of upcycled fruit snacks. Six years later, the New York-based entrepreneur is being lauded for transforming RIND into a vertically integrated healthy snack platform. Industry acclaim is nice, but Matt will say that his primary focus is to create lasting value for his company, shareholders and consumers.

Last month, RIND, which markets dried fruit snacks and fruit and nut mixes that are sold in retailers across the U.S., announced the acquisition of Small Batch Organics, a Vermont-based manufacturer of granola products. According to a press release about the deal, the combined companies will have a retail footprint that will include 12,000 locations and generate over $25 million in sales by the end of 2024.

RIND's decision to acquire Small Batch Organics is rooted in Matt's mantra: "do something to drive ever-forward progress." It's a statement of intent to which he frequently returned during our interview at Natural Products Expo West 2024, held in Anaheim from March 12-16, 2024. As part of our conversation, Matt explains why he wanted to develop RIND as a platform snack brand from the outset; how he attempts to maximize the value of outside capital; how the company used alt-retail channels, foodservice, and travel stores to drive cash flow; and why investing early in brand ethos and a polished product has consistently paid dividends.

Show notes:

0:35: Matt Weiss, Founder & CEO, RIND Snacks — Taste Radio editor Ray Latif admires Matt's hoodie game, the decision to acquire Small Batch Organics and why financial resources are focused on innovation, staffing and "operational excellence." He also explains with "Kill 'Em With Rindness" is key to the company's sales strategy, the value of bootstrapping before raising outside capital, his belief in "the one thing that never goes out of style in business," and how he discussed the plan to vertically integrate RIND with its investors.

Brands in this episode: RIND Snacks, Small Batch Organics, Lesser Evil

And, breathe... having combed the cavernous halls of a gargantuan Natural Products Expo West 2024, the hosts had plenty to discuss. From innovative new products and fast-growing categories, to trendy ingredients and exhibitor enthusiasm, this episode provides their first recap of an incredible event.

0:35: We're By The Pool, But Never Touch The Water – The BevNET Airbnb is a fine, if imperfect, venue for the recording. The hosts resist close talkers and agree that Ray sounds like Sting (well, maybe that's just Ray's opinion). An emerging brand gives us the ultimate version of Dunkaroos, better-for you candy and soda (and a couple candy bar brands) are top of mind, but what the heck is Astragalus? A quick refresh, before feasting on plant–based and traditional forms of dumplings, bao and kimbobs.

Alec's Ice Cream, Glonuts, Taika, Leisure Project, Brutal Snacks, Kokada, Doosra, Xinca Foods, Rooted Fare, Humble Potato Chips, Uncle Ray's, Ya Oaxaca!, Harken Sweets, Gigantic Candy, Snickers, Laffy Taffy, Starburst, Joyride, YumEarth, Elavi, Olipop, Poppi, Culture Pop, Nixie Sparkling Water, Humm Kombucha, Kor Shots, Pop Off Soda, Rockaway Soda, Moss, Jolly Moss, Better Booch, Pockets Chocolates, Blue Bottle, delOrigen, Hiyo, Prime Hydration, BodyArmor, Omni Foods, Sobo Foods, Ocean's Halo, Sozo, Mizo

The cultural relevance of reality TV stars is typically short-lived. Kyle Cooke, however, is playing the long game.

Best known as a cast member on Bravo's popular television series "Summer House," Kyle is also the founder of Loverboy, a fast-growing brand of premium sparkling hard teas, spritzes and canned cocktails launched in 2018. Loverboy is prominently featured on "Summer House" as it has throughout the show's past five seasons during which Kyle has given viewers an inside look into the brand's development.

"Summer House" has been a boon for building awareness and eliciting trial of Loverboy, but Kyle points out that the brand wouldn't have the traction it does without delivering on the better-for-you ingredients and flavor that consumers are increasingly seeking out from RTD alcoholic beverages. Consumer demand has generated plenty of retailer interest; the brand is currently available nationally at Kroger, Whole Foods and Total Wine & More.

In this interview, Kyle speaks about how he has cultivated an authentic connection between Loverboy and its consumers, how ingredient quality generates new interest, the reason that merchandise has become a key profit center for the company, and why, despite having 470,000 followers on Instagram, he wants to "make a better effort" on social media.

Show notes:

0:35: Kyle Cooke, Founder & CEO, Loverboy – Kyle and Taste Radio editor Ray Latif reminisce on their first meeting as contestant and host of BevNET's first Cocktail Showdown competition, why he prefers the title of "entrepreneur" more than "reality TV star," and how his dedication to being a television personality is directly related the development of Loverboy. He also explains how the company converts novelty interest into loyal consumers, what dictates brand aesthetic, why he's confident in Loverboy's ability to compete with the leading hard tea brand and how he assesses alignment between Loverboy consumers and viewers of "Summer House." Later, Kyle talks about how merchandise "cements Loverboy as a lifestyle brand" and why his celebrity sometimes works against him in pitch meetings.

Brands in this episode: Loverboy, Twisted Tea, Mid-Day Squares, Nectar Hard Seltzer

A recent Forbes article sparks the hosts' passionate discussion about the role that food and beverage conglomerates should play in the health and wellness of American consumers, both now and in the future. They also opine on whether JuneShine's acquisition of Flying Embers is good for the hard kombucha category, chat about Expo West preparation and highlight a handful of new spicy, sweet and savory snacks and libations.

Show notes:

0:35: Super Random. Unofficially Ready. A Majority Stake. What To Do About UPF. Karma, Cake. – Jacqui's thrifty sensibilities kick things off, before the hosts talk about NOSH's multi-part guide to Expo West and offer their two cents on a big 'booch deal and why it makes sense. Errol Schweizer's opinion piece about why now is the time to reinvent processed foods has Ray once again leaping onto his soap box, stirring the pot and pointing fingers, while John, Jacqui and Mike offer their own perspectives on the subject. Ray shares a new snack and dip with John, Mike gets everyone's tongue tingling, Jacqui has a perfect snack for Coachella and a new line of "petit" and easy bake cakes gets a big thumbs up.

Brands in this episode: Oatly, Pacific Foods, Juneshine, Flying Embers, Crooked Owl, Saffron Road, Stouffer's, Hungry Man, Annie's, Simple Mills, Banza, Trix, Iggy's, Ithaca Hummus, Utz, Mike's Hot Honey, Tingly, Koko & Karma, Gateaux, C4

Former monk. Wellness influencer. Podcaster. Beverage entrepreneur.

Jay Shetty, who is one of the most well-known and respected names in the field of self-improvement, is all of those things. But it's an emphasis on purpose – in everything he does – that best defines him.

Jay is the author of two New York Times bestselling books, including "Think Like a Monk," and host of On Purpose, one of the most popular podcasts in the U.S. He's known as a life coach to the stars, praised by the likes of Gwenyth Paltrow, Matt Damon, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck. He also has a vast following on social media, with over 15 million followers on Instagram and nearly 5 million subscribers on YouTube.

In 2021, Jay and his wife Radhi Devlukia-Shetty, herself a popular fitness and plant-based foods influencer, launched Sama, a brand of tea sachets made with natural and adaptogenic ingredients. That concept evolved into Juni, a four-SKU line of ready-to-drink sparkling teas made with a "Super 5" blend of adaptogens and nootropics, including green tea, lion's mane, acerola cherry, reishi mushroom and ashwagandha. The beverages, which contain no sugar and five calories per 12 oz. can, recently landed chainwide distribution at Sprouts.

In this episode, Jay speaks about how Juni fits into his purview for mental health and physical wellness, 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. He also explains why three "F"'s are key to Juni's positioning and marketing strategy and what he means when he says that happiness is "overrated."

Show notes:

0:35: Jay Shetty, Co-Founder, Juni – Shetty speaks with Taste Radio host and editor Ray Latif about his affinity for weekends and why boredom isn't a bad thing, before engaging in a rapid fire game of word association (hear his take on purpose, love, authenticity, leadership and entrepreneurship). Jay then discusses the origins of Juni and its ties to his childhood, the use of adaptogenic ingredients, his expectations vs. reality of starting a beverage business, how the brand is attempting to make "goodness" accessible, fun and versatile and why he urges entrepreneurs to "have real clarity on why you're doing what you're doing and what that is." He also talks about Juni's rebrand, why he believes in the adage "the obstacle is the way," how he incorporates Juni into his social media content and the effectiveness of different social platforms on building awareness and driving trial. Later, he explains why he's interested in listening to this interview in a few years, whether he perceives stress differently now that he is a beverage entrepreneur and why he "revels in uncertainty."

Brands in this episode: Juni

Legacy brands are hard to replace. Consumers trust these products, often because flavor, texture and mouthfeel are known and reliable. And, yet, they've also shown an increasing willingness to swap familiar snacks and libations with those that are lower in calories or sugar and promoted as better-for-you. That dynamic is becoming even more significant among natural and organic brands that have developed products that taste remarkably similar to – and, in some cases, better than – the familiar items that have become refrigerator and pantry staples.

In this episode, the hosts highlight several entrepreneurial brands that are winning over consumers and retail buyers with healthier ingredients and comparable taste to that of traditional counterparts. They also discuss Liquid Death's Death Dust, a new line of drink powders that (surprise, surprise!) have generated some controversy.

Show notes:

0:35: John Isn't A Star Wars Guy. Blue Damn Raspberry. Stickers Of Approval. Expo Secrets Revealed. – John returns to the studio after a few days at the Magic Kingdom (yes, Disney does cocktails), Ray gives him a welcome home present and shocks the other hosts with his praise for candy of a certain flavor. Mike once again gets frustrated with perfection and explains why DNS praise will likely be in demand at Expo West, Ray and Jacqui tease a secret schedule at the event, the hosts collectively crunch on pita chips and pasta snacks and wonder if "Death to Plastic" is passé.

Brands in this episode: Joyride Candy, Elavi, Fuel, Remedy Organics, Fruit Riot, Better Sour, Behave Candy, Smart Sweets, Pepperidge Farm, Revive Kombucha, Ruby, Zesty Z, Stacy's Pita Chips, Vintage Italia Penne Straws, S'noods, Liquid Death, Prime

An innovative brand of high-protein, low-carb and vegan ramen, immi defines disruption. Known for its neon-yellow branding and unconventional social marketing, immi launched in 2021 and has developed a loyal community of consumers who view it as a healthier option than traditional ramen.

Available in six varieties, immi is currently sold in over 2,000 retail locations nationally, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, HEB, The Fresh Market and Wegmans. Immi has pulled in nearly $14 million in outside capital, including funding from R&B icon Usher and professional tennis star Naomi Osaka.

It might be easy to view immi's rapid start and assume that its founders have done most things right. But as with many young brands, a lot of things went wrong before immi eventually found its footing. Patience, the founders' overarching vision to "create a nourished and happier world," and consistently reminding themselves that challenges may lay ahead have been keys to the company's current trajectory.

In this episode, co-founder Kevin Lee spoke about how immi's emphasis on community building has paid off, how the brand recovered when its first batch of products were poorly received, why the company doesn't stress about a financial return on its investment in social media and why monthly strategy calls end with urgency about the unknown.

Show notes:

0:35: Kevin Lee, Co-Founder, immi – Kevin spoke with Taste Radio editor Ray Latif about why immi has generated so much enthusiasm within the industry, why he urges founders to place equal focus on community-building and brand-building and how honest, open communication with its consumers and investors helped the company navigate an early misstep. He also discussed immi's fundraising strategy and why it's selective about choosing investment partners, the brand's unorthodox approach to content creation and why #hopecore is a key theme, how its admired "ramen on the street" social series finally found an audience and his admission that fear is personally challenging but an important aspect of business planning.

Brands in this episode: immi, Bloom Nutrition