Taste Radio

A co-founder of Boston Beer Co., the maker of Samuel Adams, Rhonda Kallman has seen her share of success. Yet while she’s been to the top of the mountain, she’s also seen its nadir. Despite the ups and downs of her nearly three decades in the beverage business, she’ll tell you that there’s been one constant: there’s no substitute for entrepreneurship.

Kallman‘s latest project, Boston Harbor Distillery, extends a career that began in 1984 when she partnered with Jim Koch to create the now iconi

Nothing says 4th of July like BBQ, fireworks and a special edition of Taste Radio. In this episode we highlight the insights and business lessons from four remarkable leaders who joined us on the podcast in the first half of 2018:JUST founder and CEO Josh Tetrick offered his take on systemic problems within the current food system and the singular operating principle that drives JUST's mission. REBBL CEO Sheryl O'Loughlin spoke about the role of empathy and compassion in building successful teams and relationships, and why expressing vulnerability is a critical component of leadership. We also listened as Jagermeister CEO Jeff Popkin explained the importance of being authentic and transparent with consumers, and RXBAR co-founder and CEO Peter Rahal discussed the steps leading up to a major turning point for the brand -- one that is often credited for its remarkable success. Show notes: 2:11: You've Got Mail -- The hosts respond to emails sent in by Taste Radio listeners and answer questions about upcycling food waste and working with manufacturing/co-packing partners. 9:50: Josh Tetrick, Founder/CEO, JUST -- Formerly known as Hampton Creek, JUST merges biotechnology and plant-based ingredients to create environmentally friendly foods, and is best known for its vegan mayo and cookie dough. The company recently introduced a vegan scrambled egg product and is currently working on lab-grown and plant-based meat. Tetrick originally joined us in Episode 95. 20:18: Sheryl O'Loughlin, CEO, REBBL -- Throughout her 25-year career as an entrepreneur and executive, O'Loughlin has been known a passionate leader with a deep commitment to social responsibility. Prior to joining REBBL, she led Clif Bar as its CEO for nearly 10 years and later co-founded and helmed organic baby food company Plum Organics. O'Loughlin was originally featured in Episode 97. 30:35: Jeff Popkin, CEO, Mast-Jagermeister -- With over two decades of experience in the beverage business, Popkin has been at the forefront of several emerging drink trends having held key leadership roles at Red Bull and Vita Coco. Popkin, who was originally featured in Episode 102, is currently the CEO of Mast-Jaegermeister U.S. 35:52: Peter Rahal, Co-Founder/CEO, RXBAR -- Launched in 2013, RxBar quickly became one of the fastest growing nutrition bar brands in the US, with net sales of approximately $120 million in 2017. RXBAR was famously acquire last year by the Kellogg Co. for $600 million. Rahal originally joined us in Episode 109. Brands in this episode: WTRMLN WTR, Misfit Juicery, JUST, REBBL, Clif Bar, Plum Organics, Jagermeister, Red Bull, Vita Coco, RXBAR

Nothing says 4th of July like BBQ, fireworks and a special edition of Taste Radio. In this episode we highlight the insights and business lessons from four remarkable leaders who joined us on the podcast in the first half of 2018:JUST founder and CEO Josh Tetrick offered his take on systemic problems within the current food system and the singular operating principle that drives JUST’s mission. REBBL CEO Sheryl O’Loughlin spoke about the role of empathy and compassion in building successful teams and re

How does an industry insider gauge the viability of up-and-coming trends? Well, if you're Bill Weiland, you draw upon decades of experience... and you absolutely consult with your dogs. A veteran of the natural food business for nearly 40 years, Weiland is the founder and CEO of Presence Marketing, the largest independent broker for natural and organic brands in the U.S. He's also the co-founder of BIGR Ventures, a growth equity fund focused on promising early-stage natural and organic products, and whose portfolio includes fast-growing brands REBBL, High Brew Coffee and Bonafide Provisions. In an conversation recorded at BevNET Live Summer 2018, we spoke with Weiland about cutting his teeth in natural foods, his perspective on how the industry has "grown up," how he identifies disruptive brands and concepts and, as noted, why his dogs play such an important role in cultivating the product mix for Presence. Also in this episode: An interview with Alex Whitmore, the founder and CEO of premium chocolate maker Taza Chocolate. Recorded at Taza's facility in Somerville, Mass., Whitmore discussed the story behind the brand, how its focused and uncompromising approach to quality has differentiated Taza from the competition, the evolution of its product mix, and why only recently the company decided to accept outside investment for the first time. This episode is presented by Simply Soupreme. Show notes: 2:44: Cocktails and Dreams (and Pâté and Chocolate): The hosts chat about a recent visit to and tour of the Taza Chocolate factory, mange on organic charcuterie from Les Trois Petits Cochons and test out a countertop cocktail machine called Bibo Barmaid. 13:00: Interview: Bill Weiland, Founder/CEO, Presence Marketing: In a wide-ranging interview, Weiland discussed his background and how he cut his teeth in the food and beverage business, key figures and mentors that helped shape his career, surprising trends and categories that have taken hold in food and beverage, and opportunities and challenges for natural and organic brands as e-commerce retail continues to expand and evolve. 36:38: Interview: Alex Whitmore, Founder/CEO, Taza Chocolate: An influential name in premium chocolate, Taza churns out its bold flavored, organic chocolate using the same stone-ground production methods since it launched 2006. The brand has been at the forefront of the premium chocolate category, driven by high quality standards in sourcing and ingredients. At the company's production facility, located just a few miles from BevNET HQ, Whitmore spoke about Taza's origins, the development of its brand and vertical integration strategy, and the company's approach to innovation. Brands in this episode: Les Trois Petits Cochons, Bibo Barmaid, Taza Chocolate, REBBL, Bonafide Provisions, Ancient Nutrition, Eternal Water, High Brew Coffee

How does an industry insider gauge the viability of up-and-coming trends? Well, if you’re Bill Weiland, you draw upon decades of experience... and you absolutely consult with your dogs.

A veteran of the natural food business for nearly 40 years, Weiland is the founder and CEO of Presence Marketing, the largest independent broker for natural and organic brands in the U.S. He’s also the co-founder of BIGR Ventures, a growth equity fund focused on promising early-stage natural and organic products, and wh

When it debuted in 2005, Perfect Bar was a tough sell to retailers unfamiliar with the concept of a refrigerated protein bar. But Leigh and Bill Keith, who co-founded the brand along with four other siblings and developed the products based on a family recipe that uses healthier ingredients, slowly achieved traction for Perfect Bar through persistence and a focused business strategy. The brand is now carried at thousands of retail chains across the country and is the leader of the blooming set. We caught up with Leigh and Bill at NOSH Live Summer 2018 and discussed the company's journey to become, in their words, a 13-year overnight success, and how intense sampling efforts and grassroots metrics were critical to the brand's development. The British novelist and author William Thackeray is quoted as saying that "Successful people aren't born that way. They become successful by establishing the habit of doing things unsuccessful people don't like to do." But what are those things, those habits? We'll be asking that very question to many successful entrepreneurs in new and upcoming episodes of the podcast, starting with Daina Trout, who is the co-founder and CEO of leading kombucha brand Health-Ade. In an interview recorded at BevNET Live Summer 2018, Daina discussed specific habits that have helped her achieve repeatable, positive outcomes and avoid routine mistakes. Also in this episode: A review of recent top headlines in the beverage business with BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero. Show notes: 2:45: BTS at BevNET Live/NOSH Live -- The hosts discuss a few behind-the-scenes stories from the NOSH Live sampling experience, beta-testing and brand introductions at BevNET Live (Rise Brewing Co., meet Rise Kombucha!), Mike's sticker pranks and more. 12:50: Interview: Bill & Leigh Keith, Co-Founders, Perfect Bar -- BevNET CMO Mike Schneider met with Bill and Leigh at NOSH Live Summer 2018 where they spoke about the brand's origins and founding story, the innovative way that Perfect Bar sourced data in its early days, how changes in grocery and creativity were crucial in its growth and the importance of the family story for branding. 43:00: In the Newsroom -- BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero joins the podcast to discuss the recent decision by Howard Schultz to step down as chairman of Starbucks, and Miller Coors' acquisition of San Francisco-based kombucha brand Clearly Kombucha. 46:44: Interview: Daina Trout, Co-Founder/CEO, Health-Ade Kombucha -- Trout explains how a monthly strategy day and one-on-one weekly manager meetings have supported the company's growth and her development as a leader and why accepting every media opportunity turned out to be a bad habit that she has since changed. Brands in this episode: Hella Cocktail Co., Evy Tea, Rise Brewing Co. Rise Kombucha, Perfect Bar, Starbucks, Clearly Kombucha, Canvas, Health-Ade Kombucha

When it debuted in 2005, Perfect Bar was a tough sell to retailers unfamiliar with the concept of a refrigerated protein bar. But Leigh and Bill Keith, who co-founded the brand along with four other siblings and developed the products based on a family recipe that uses healthier ingredients, slowly achieved traction for Perfect Bar through persistence and a focused business strategy. The brand is now carried at thousands of retail chains across the country and is the leader of the blooming set. We caught up

A disillusioned accountant quits his job and enters the coffee industry, where he builds a thriving direct-to-consumer business selling high-test coffee beans -- that's the short take on Mike Brown, the founder and CEO of Death Wish Coffee. But there's a longer tale to be told, and in this week's episode we sat down with Brown, who launched Death Wish in 2012, to talk about his unconventional brand, which is promoted as "The World's Strongest Coffee." In our conversation, Brown discussed the company's origins and early struggles, the evolution of its e-commerce strategy and approach to community-building, and the amazing story of how Death Wish scored a free Super Bowl ad. To pair with the coffee, we also have a serving of pancakes. While Aunt Jemima and Bisquick may be the two best known brands in what's traditionally been a sleepy category, retailers aren't sleeping on Birch Benders, which launched in 2011 and markets traditional and functional pancake mixes, including its best-selling Paleo variety. The fastest-growing brand in the category across all channels, Birch Benders products are now available nationwide in more than 8,000 retailers, including Target, Whole Foods, Safeway, Sprouts. We spoke with founders Matt LaCasse and Lizzi Ackerman about how they identified and assessed the market opportunity for a premium pancake mix, why gut instinct is a key component of the brand's innovation strategy and how they overcame a global egg shortage that nearly derailed a critical retail partnership. Show notes: 1:24: NYC, VC, NBS: On location at BevNET Live Summer 2018, the hosts remarked on a pervasive sense of enthusiasm at the event, discussed John Craven's interview with Vita Coco co-founder and CEO Mike Kirban, and shared their thoughts on a few of the participants from New Beverage Showdown 15. 8:50: Interview: Mike Brown, Founder/CEO, Death Wish Coffee -- In our interview, recorded in the Taste Radion studio at BevNET HQ, Brown spoke about what makes the company's e-commerce strategy so effective and explained why customer acquisition is "all about a relationship." He also explained how a feature on "Good Morning America" almost ruined the brand, the company's all-in approach to winning a free Super Bowl ad, and why he believes that "brands will have to be the media companies of the future." 39:22: Interview: Matt LaCasse and Lizzi Ackerman, Co-Founders, Birch Benders -- Recorded at NOSH Live Summer 2018, LaCasse and Ackerman explained how they identified an opportunity to innovate in the pancake mix category and how they achieved traction with the brand. They also discussed the role of data in business planning and new product development and why "at the end the day, you have to trust your gut about things." Ackerman also explained why it's important for entrepreneurs to "get a little over your head sometimes." 59:36: Tribute: Anthony Bourdain -- Ray and Mike shared their thoughts on the recent passing of Bourdain, a cultural and culinary icon whose influence was felt across the food and beverage world. Brands in this episode: Vita Coco, Origin Almond, Death Wish Coffee, Birch Benders

A disillusioned accountant quits his job and enters the coffee industry, where he builds a thriving direct-to-consumer business selling high-test coffee beans -- that’s the short take on Mike Brown, the founder and CEO of Death Wish Coffee. But there’s a longer tale to be told, and in this week’s episode we sat down with Brown, who launched Death Wish in 2012, to talk about his unconventional brand, which is promoted as “The World’s Strongest Coffee.” In our conversation, Brown discussed the com

Even as one of the pioneers of the super-premium coffee set often referred to as "third-wave," Blue Bottle founder James Freeman says he was never interested in being ahead of the curve. For Freeman, creating an innovative and lasting brand is "about working on the negative space." Joining Taste Radio for a conversation in this week's episode, Freeman explained how Blue Bottle has built a unique platform differentiated by ultra high quality products and service by "figuring out what is there and shouldn't [be] rather than figuring out is not there and should be there". The strategy has attracted a loyal consumer base, as well as a powerful strategic partner in Nestlé , which last year acquired a majority stake in the company for a reported $500 million. Listen to our full-length interview with Freeman, who also discussed the origins and development of Blue Bottle, his perspective on the premiumization of coffee and his vision for the future of the company. Also included in this episode: a conversation with Jesse Merrill, who's attempting to change the perception of cottage cheese with innovative and fast-growing brand Good Culture. Merrill explained the company's approach to creating an elevated consumption experience, detailed the two core values that guide its innovation strategy and discussed why he believes in an attitude vs. aptitude hiring process. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we spoke with Melissa Mutterspaugh, the founder of Mountain Mel's, a maker of medicinal herbal teas formulated for holistic health and well-being. Show notes: 2:02: NOSHing Live: On location at NOSH Live Summer 2018, the hosts discuss products and presentations featured at the event. 10:05: Interview: James Freeman, Founder, Blue Bottle Coffee -- Freeman spoke with BevNET assistant editor Martín Caballero about the remarkable journey of third-wave coffee roaster and retailer Blue Bottle Coffee. Freeman discussed the company's business and innovation strategy, Starbucks' influence on the coffee business; why he believes "enthusiasm is infectious," and his dream to "drive across the U.S. and never stop for an inadequate coffee." 37:16: Interview: Jesse Merrill, CEO/Co-Founder, Good Culture -- In an interview with Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg, Merrill spoke about how the Good Culture has attempted to change the perception of cottage cheese by creating an elevated consumption experience, the two core values that guide its innovation strategy and why he believes in an attitude vs. aptitude hiring process. 1:02:20: Elevator Talk: Melissa Mutterspaugh, Owner, Mountain Mel's -- Mountain Mel's is a maker of medicinal herbal teas formulated for holistic health and well-being. From mental clarity and stress relief to digestion and immunity, each variety of the brand's loose leaf teas is designed for a specific function. We spoke with Mutterspaugh about the mission and growth strategy for her budding brand. Brands in this episode: Bohana, Highland Farm Foods, Rind Snacks, Watermelon Road, Peeled Snacks, Athletic Brewing Co., Blue Bottle Coffee, Peet's Coffee, Starbucks, Activate Drinks, Good Culture, Mountain Mel's