Taste Radio

If you are going to have the occasional indulgent dessert, at least make sure it's worth indulging on. Greg Fleishman, a veteran CPG executive and co-founder of organic baking kit brand Foodstirs, has made that the simple guiding principle of Foodstirs, the organic baking kit brand he helped launch alongside co-founder Galit Laibow and actress Sarah Michelle Gellar in 2014. Launched as a direct-to-consumer subscription service before expanding into retail, the brand has set out to disrupt a sleepy baking mix category with innovative products that merge high-quality, sustainable ingredients and indulgent flavors. In an interview with the Foodstirs founders included in this episode of Taste Radio, Gellar explained that they view themselves as customers of the brand as much as owners, an outlook that's shaped how Foodstirs considers innovation and ingredients. "I think we've elevated sourcing when it comes to baking," Gellar said. "I feel very confident in saying there is no baking mix whose ingredients cannot only be sourced as ethically [and] that tastes as delicious as ours. It's been a personal mission for us. And when I say personal mission, I mean that literally." Listen to our full interview with Gellar, Laibow and Fleishman in which they discuss Foodstirs' rapid growth, the brand's approach to new product development and innovation, and why they see the brand as taking a new tack on fresh for center store grocery. Also included in this episode: a conversation with Dan Schorr, the founder and CEO of provocative ice cream brand Vice Cream. As part of our discussion, Schorr explained how his personal journey as marketing executive and cancer survivor has shaped the business and marketing strategy behind the "unapologetically indulgent" Vice Cream brand, which has grown quickly in the two years since its launch and now available in more than 5,000 grocery stores across the U.S. We also review a spate of significant name leadership changes and corporate earnings reports with BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero and chat with Matt Oscamou, the co-founder of Weller, a brand of hemp-infused coconut bites in the latest edition of Elevator Talk. Show notes: 2:21: Bust a Move -- The hosts banter about the recent office expansion at BevNET HQ. Landis chats about his recent visit to probiotic beverage company Urban Farm Fermentory. The hosts also discuss the speaker lineups at BevNET Live and NOSH Live. 11:28: Interview: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Galit Laibow & Greg Fleishman, Co-Founders, Foodstirs -- Speaking of our live events… if you attended or livestreamed our NOSH Live Winter 2016 conference you may recall our interview with the founders of Foodstirs, a maker of organic baking kits. In the time since Foodstirs has ramped up its retail presence and extended its product mix. Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg met up with Sarah, Galit and Greg at Natural Product Expo West 2018 where they spoke about the mission, positioning and business strategy behind the brand. 35:29: Interview: Dan Schorr, Founder/CEO, Vice Cream -- A provocative ice cream brand is trying to scoop the competition with an "unapologetically indulgent" approach. It's called Vice Cream, and there's a compelling backstory to the brand and founder, Dan Schorr, who visited BevNET HQ for a conversation about the origins of Vice Cream and its unorthodox approach to marketing. 59:57: In the Newsroom -- BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero joins the podcast to discuss notable leadership changes and earnings reports in the non-alcoholic beverage business. 1:03:12: Elevator Talk: Matt Oscamou, Co-Founder, Weller -- Weller, a brand of sweet and savory hemp-infused coconut bites, is promoted as "a new kind of wellness." We caught up with co-founder Matt Oscamou at Expo West 2018, where he gave us the pitch on Weller and how it's attempting to make its mark in the snack aisle, all included in this edition of Elevator Talk.

Here's a hypothetical question: What if we were to tell you that one could start a food company and in less than five years sell it for $600 million? Would that be something you'd be interested in? (That was a rhetorical question.) As unlikely as it sounds, that's exactly what happened to Peter Rahal, the co-founder and CEO of RXBAR. Launched in 2013, RXBAR, which markets clean label protein bars, quickly became one of the fastest growing snack brands in the U.S. The company had net sales of approximately $120 million in 2017 and in October was acquired by the Kellogg Company for the aforementioned $600 million. We recently sat down with Rahal to discuss the incredible growth of RXBAR, including the decision that sparked a major turning point for the brand, and how being "miserably uncomfortable for the past five years" has helped him grow as a leader. Here's another hypothetical question: what if you could buy a countertop appliance that would enable you to make RXBARs at home? How about one that could make your favorite style of beer? Well, you're in luck! That's if you want the magic beer machine, not the protein bar one; that doesn't exist…. yet. Founded in 2010, PicoBrew is a fast-growing maker of automatic brewing appliances designed for small craft beer producers and homebrewers. Co-founder and CEO Bill Mitchell joined us for an interview about how the appliances are disrupting the beer industry's traditional three-tier system, the company's long-term vision is and how he expects it to evolve and expand into other beverage categories. Now, how about a snack with that homebrewed beverage? Consider AvoLuv, a new brand of chips made from avocados. Founder and CEO Eric Healy spoke with us about the development and business strategy behind AvoLuv and what he's looking for from investors -- all included in the latest edition of Elevator Talk. Show notes: 2:35: Trendspotting In South America -- Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg recently returned from a trip to Chile and Argentina and shared her thoughts on food culture, interesting ingredients, and novel brands in the two countries. The hosts also chat about recent visits to BevNET HQ from the founders of Ruby Rockets and Nitro Beverage Co. and encourage other brand owners to make a trip to see us. 9:58: Interview: Peter Rahal, Co-Founder/CEO, RXBAR -- Six months after the sale of RXBAR, Peter Rahal spoke with Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg about the launch and rapid development of the company. Among topics of discussion: how Rahal, a self-described introvert, was forced into uncomfortable situations that eventually made him a better leader; how the brand's revamp was a "leap of faith" and why Rahal believed that the company "couldn't play the same game, from a design perspective, as everyone else," and "needed to take a risk." 39:13: Interview: Bill Mitchell, Co-Founder/CEO, PicoBrew -- In its eight years on the market, PicoBrew has has attracted significant interest from consumers, professional brewers and investors, having raised $20 million from 50 funding partners, including Zx Ventures, the global incubation arm of Anheuser-Busch InBev. Mitchell sat down with Brewbound editor Chris Furnari and discussed the company's origins and business strategy, including how it plans to disrupt the market for hyperlocal craft beer. 1:04:39: Elevator Talk: Eric Healy, Founder/CEO, AvoLuv -- We met Eric Healy at Natural Products Expo West 2018, where the founder and CEO spoke with us about his avocado-based snack brand AvoLuv and the innovation behind its unique products. Brands in this episode: The Not Company, RxBar, Coronado Brewing Co., Rogue Ales, Avoluv

Courtney Reum wants food and beverage entrepreneurs to ask themselves one question: how can I make my company more 'techable'? Reum is the co-founder of M13, a brand development and investment firm focused on "accelerating businesses at the nexus of consumer products, technology, and media." Founded in 2016, M13 has investments in many well-known brands, including Lyft, Pinterest, Blue Bottle Coffee, Pressed Juicery and Snap. In an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio, Reum, who along with brother Carter launched M13 following the sale of their spirit brand Veev, spoke about his belief that the fundamentals for food and beverage business are evolving and, how companies can use technology to directly reach and better understand their consumers. "We're getting so much data where it's easier than ever to find your tribe, to get cohort data, that almost every brand its techable to some degree," Reum said. Hear much more from Reum in our interview, including lessons from the rapid development of Veev, how brands can best identify white space in a crowded consumer products marketplace and M13's philosophy regarding investment and incubation. Also in this episode: A conversation with Wing Lam, the wild and winsome co-founder of Wahoo's, the iconic Southern California-based restaurant chain which serves Mexican cuisine tinged with Brazilian and Asian flavors. Lam discussed how Wahoo's, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, has maintained and nurtured the spirit of its first location as it has expanded and how the company, known for its partnerships with surfers and surf-focused brands, identifies authentic partnerships. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we're joined by Simon Cheng, the CEO and co-creator of Pique Tea, a brand of "cold brewed tea crystals" that dissolve in water. Show notes: 2:23: From One Costa to the Another -- A couple of our esteemed hosts took some much deserved time off last week. Mike was in Costa Rica while John Craven visited Santa Monica; the pair discussed notable libations and foods during their travels. Ray chatted about attending a premiere event for the HBO drama "Westworld," and the show's partnership with Westward Single Malt Whiskey, described as "a grain-to-glass celebration of the American pioneer spirit." 9:18: Interview: Courtney Reum, Co-Founder, Veev/M13 -- Recorded at M13 offices in Beverly Hills, Courtney Reum discussed the backstory and mission behind the investment/incubation/accelerator firm. As part of the conversation, Reum explained how M13 was created "as a company for starting companies where we use a playbook approach of repeatable behaviors… to demonstrate success across different brands and categories" and why they "really believe in the convergence of consumer brands, media and tech." 43:33: Interview: Wing Lam, Co-Founder, Wahoo's -- If you've spent any time in Southern California and hankered for a fish taco, you've probably been to Wahoo's. We sat down with co-founder Wing Lam at the company's location in Torrance, Calif and discussed how Wahoo's which just celebrated its 30th anniversary and has over 60 locations in the U.S. and one in Japan, has grown over the years and how it's become an institution in surfer/extreme sports community. 1:00:06: Elevator Talk: Simon Cheng, CEO/Co-Founder, Pique Tea -- Simon Cheng is the CEO and co-creator of Pique Tea, the maker of "cold brewed tea crystals" that dissolve in water. We caught with Simon at Expo West 2018 and connected for this edition of Elevator Talk. Show notes: Brands in this episode: Westward Single Malt Whiskey, KeVita, Pressed Juicery, Kite Hill, Blue Bottle Coffee, Daily Harvest, Rebloom, Chomps, Pique Tea

A self-described "entrepreneurial junkie," Lance Collins -- despite remarkable success in the beverage business -- is itching for his next fix. Collins, the creator of Fuze, Nos, BodyArmor and Core, is already quite wealthy, so why is he still chasing the juice (so to speak)? In an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio, Collins explained that he's addicted to the next big idea and to see it succeed, believes that he has to run faster than anyone else. "My whole thing is, it's not the big eat the small, it's the fast eat the slow," Collins said. "And we're really fast in our decisions, and I think we make the right ones." Listen to our full-length conversation with Collins in which he spoke about his amazing journey as an entrepreneur, which includes both staggering success and colossal failure (think $10 million losses), his approach to branding and innovation and why he aims to be "the pulse before the trend." Also included in this episode: An interview with Jordan Silbert, who is the founder and CEO of Q Drinks, a premium cocktail mixer brand that has played a key role in the growth and evolution of the category and, by extension, the carbonated beverage aisle as a whole. Silbert spoke about Q Drinks' role ushering in a new era for cocktail mixers, why he's careful with every dollar, and the advisors and mentors that helped shape the brand's success. Show notes 1:27: Kiwis and Coffee -- Food and beverage samples were aplenty this week and the hosts noshed and sipped on a few interesting products, including those from new healthy snack brands and cold brew coffee makers. 9:52: Interview: Lance Collins, Founder, Fuze/BodyArmor/Core -- The hosts visited über entrepreneur Lance Collins, who's the founder of iconic beverage brands Fuze, Nos, BodyArmor and Core, at his home in Beverly Hills, where they spoke about his incredible career, lessons learned and his passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. 38:24: Interview: Jordan Silbert, Founder/CEO, Q Drinks -- It's been a decade since he launched the premium cocktail mixer brand, and while he admits that he's not the most patient entrepreneur Silbert has played the long-game nonetheless. Hear how financial discipline, hustle and perseverance has paid dividends for Q Drinks. Brands in this episode: Rind Snacks, Point Blank Cold Brew, Sandows, Riff Cold Brew, Beacon Blend, Growing Roots, Fuze, Nos, BodyArmor, Core, Q Drinks

The notion that one might have to sacrifice some flavor when choosing healthier food options never entered Daphne Oz's mind. An influential chef, New York Times-bestselling author, and Emmy Award-winning television host of ABC's "The Chew," Oz has for years sought to dispel the notion that healthy eating means depriving oneself of tasty food. "I've spent my career trying to make people understand that eating well, fueling your body, letting your body thrive on good food -- it should be delicious. It should not be a sacrifice; it should feel like an indulgence," Oz said in an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio. That perspective was a big part of her motivation to invest in Pure Spoon, a maker of high pressure processed organic purees for babies and children. In our conversation, Oz, who also joined Pure Spoon as its Chief Innovation Officer, praised the brand and its products as representative of the fresh, flavorful and eminently healthy food that consumers will embrace given the opportunity to try them. She also discussed how, as a writer, TV personality and social media influencer, she attempts to educate consumers about healthy eating in an authentic and meaningful way. Also in this episode: an Elevator Talk double feature with pitches from the founders of two innovative food brands -- No Evil Foods and Ayoba-Yo -- and accompanying feedback from the hosts. This episode is presented by RISE Brewing Co. Show notes: 1:59: ATX, Pies and Videotape -- Ray chats about a recent visit to Austin and notes the city's embrace of homegrown brands, including Waterloo, Mighty Swell, HeyDay, High Brew and Shiner. Landis talks about a new video that details the application process for BevNET Live's New Beverage Showdown. Craven explains what we do with samples that come into the office: added to our databases, photographed for social media, reviewed, consumed. Mike and Ray note that the samples often offer a glimpse into emerging trends. 10:05: Interview: Daphne Oz, Chief Innovation Officer, Pure Spoon; Former Host, The Chew -- Daphne Oz is a chef New York Times-bestselling author, and Emmy Award-winning television host, and chef who co-hosted the ABC show "The Chew" for six seasons. She recently joined Pure Spoon, a brand of healthy HPP organic purees for babies and kids as the company's Chief Innovation Officer. Mike Schneider met up with Oz at Natural Products Expo West 2018 where they spoke about her roles as an influencer and industry expert and her transition to entrepreneurship with Pure Spoon. 37:24: Elevator Talk: We've got another extended edition of Elevator Talk, featuring Sadrah Schadel, Co-Founder, No Evil Foods, a brand of plant-based meat products, and Wian van Blommestein, the owner of Ayoba-Yo, a brand of South African meat snacks. Brands in this episode: Waterloo, Mighty Swell, HeyDay Coffee, High Brew Coffee, Shiner, Topo Chico, Pure Spoon, No Evil Foods, Ayoba-Yo

Here's a novel recipe: Start with equal parts of Amazon and Whole Foods. Add a dash of Costco. Blend and serve. What's in front of you is a healthy serving of Thrive Market, and co-founder and co-CEO Nick Green wants everyone to have a plate. An e-commerce, membership-based retailer, Thrive Market was founded in 2015 with a mission "to make the world's highest quality natural and organic products affordable for every American family." For an annual fee of $60, members get access a broad range of grocery items priced 30–50 percent below retail and shipped free. The model appears to be working: to date, Thrive has attracted over a half-million members with an average annual income of $70,000, according to Green, who joined us for an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio. As part of our conversation, Green spoke about Thrive's rapid development and the convergence of trends that have made the platform attractive to investors, brands and consumers. He also explained that while social mission-driven businesses often have "an inherent dynamic tension in between that mission and the business," for Thrive "they're actually the same thing." "If we make healthy living affordable for everyone, there's tens of billions of dollars [worth of] business to be built," Green said. "And if we succeed in building that business, we're going to have done something really good." Also in this episode, we hear short business pitches from the founders of a couple upstart companies -- Dave Burchianti, the founder of sparkling juice brand Hubble and Mary Kosir, the founder of WholeMe, a brand of whole food snacks -- in the latest edition of Elevator Talk. The pitches are followed by feedback and constructive criticism from the hosts. This episode is presented by RISE Brewing Co. Show notes: 2:07: They're Much Better Live -- The hosts chat about the upcoming BevNET Live and NOSH Live Summer 2018 events along with features and content highlights for the shows. 9:24: Interview: Nick Greene, Co-founder & Co-CEO, Thrive Market -- Thrive is an e-commerce membership-based retailer offering natural and organic food products at reduced costs. BevNET and Project NOSH editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman met with Thrive co-founder and co-CEO Nick Green at Natural Products Expo West 2018 where they discussed the company's business model and rapid development. 37:59: Let's hear from the founders of a couple upstart companies in an extended edition of Elevator Talk, followed by thoughts and some constructive criticism on their pitches. First up is Dave Burchianti, the founder of sparkling juice brand Hubble followed by Mary Kosir, the founder of WholeMe, a Minneapolis-based brand of whole food snacks. Brands in this episode: Hubble, WholeMe

Will and Jaden Smith are global icons who's popularity transcends both film and music and across multiple generations of fans. So why have they taken a cautious approach to promoting JUST Water, the sustainable water brand co-founded by the Smiths in 2015? "This was a brand that was missionized and born of a child's care. We wanted to make sure that wasn't something that was overshadowed by celebrity endorsement," Will Smith said in a recent interview included in this episode of Taste Radio. As part of our conversation, Will and Jaden discussed how their roles as co-founders of JUST Water have evolved and how they're strategically using their media platforms to support the development of the sustainable water brand. This episode also includes an Elevator Talk extravaganza, featuring elevator pitches from the founders of four upstart food and beverage brands -- Honey Mamma's, Phit, Doctor D's and Naughty Noah's -- along with accompanying feedback from the hosts. This episode is presented by Ruby Rockets. Show notes: 1:28: The Celeb Effect: The hosts discuss the impact and evolution of celebrity investment in food and beverage brands, including Vitaminwater, Bai, Street King, Soda Shaq and Newman's Own. 8:09: Interview: Will & Jaden Smith, Co-Founder, JUST Water -- BevNET staff reporter Brad Avery sat down with Will and Jaden Smith at Natural Products Expo West 2018 where the global icons discussed their role as investors in and advocates for JUST Water, the brand's recent move into flavored SKUs and how they're using their media platforms to support the development of the sustainable water brand. 21:49: Elevator Talk: We're just weeks away from the summer 2018 editions of BevNET Live and NOSH Live and with them, the events' signature brand competitions, the New Beverage Showdown and NOSH Pitch Slam. We thought it a good opportunity for an extended edition of Elevator Talk where we'll hear from a few upstart brands and offer a few words of feedback on their pitches. Christy Goldsby, the CEO/founder, Honey Mama's, which makes honey-sweetened, cacao-based snacks Christopher Moss, the CEO of Phit, a brand of alkaline water enhancers Stuart Dimson, the co-founder, Dr. D's, a maker of sparkling probiotic beverages JimmyTay Trinh, the founder of Naughty Noah's, a brand of Vietnamese instant Pho noodle soups. Brands in this episode: JUST Water, Vitaminwater, Bai, SK (Street King) Energy, Danny DeVito's Limoncello, Soda Shaq, Newman's Own, Honey Mama's, Phit, Doctor D's, Naughty Noah's

Over 200 times a year, Spartan hosts grueling, endurance-testing obstacle races that often leave its participants muddy, bloody and exhausted -- and they happily fork over hundreds of dollars for the privilege. The man behind this Spartan mask is Joe De Sena, a former Wall Street trader and extreme athlete who launched the company in 2007 after deciding he needed to start his own competition in order to satisfy his fitness goals. With over one million annual participants, Spartan has grown beyond the races themselves and into a platform brand that encompasses a lifestyle, philosophy and training and nutrition program, an evolution that feeds into De Sena's overriding mission. "If I want to change 100 million lives, I've got to change lives of people that don't do the races, that are sitting on the couch but somehow get our message," he said. In an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio, we spoke with De Sena about Spartan's origins, its emergence and rapid growth and how it has cultivated meaningful relationships with its followers and sponsors. As Spartan, as well as its cultural counterparts CrossFit and Tough Mudder, have emerged, their participants and active consumers as a whole have increasingly sought convenient sources of nourishment and hydration. Nuun, a fast-growing maker of hydration tablets and powders, has become part of the fitness routines for many athletes, drawn by the products' portability and fast-acting benefits. This episode includes a conversation with Nuun CEO Kevin Rutherford, who spoke about its development as a company and brand and its approach to marketing and innovation. Episode 103 is presented by Ruby Rockets. Show notes: 1:52: A Whole Lotta Hydrogen -- Project NOSH recently reported on news that Whole Foods Market has laid off a swath of store level and regional marketing teams. Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg, who wrote the story and once worked at Whole Foods, offers her perspective on the layoffs and how they will affect customers' in-store shopping experience and impact brands. On the BevNET front, assistant editor Marty Caballero discussed his in-depth article on hydrogen water and how brands are presenting the functional attributes of their respective products, as well as their packaging and retail strategies. 11:43: Interview: Joe De Sena, Founder/CEO, Spartan -- A lot of food and beverage entrepreneurs are refugees from other careers who get into the business because they're seeking nutrition for their extreme sports activities. Well guess what -- so are the founders of those extreme sports, like Joe De Sena. Jeff Klineman, the editor-in-chief of BevNET and Project NOSH, recently met with De Sena to discuss his creation: Spartan, the world's largest obstacle race and endurance brand. Spartan runs more than 200 grueling races a year, it's got a television contract with NBC, and has become a fitness and lifestyle movement that's attractive to participants and consumer brands alike. 37:19: Interview: Kevin Rutherford, CEO, Nuun -- Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero recently sat down with Rutherford, who spoke about the evolution of Nuun, which launched 14 years ago. Rutherford discussed Nuun's innovation strategy and company culture, in which he noted "I think you need diversity of thought, but it shouldn't be inconsistent with your mission and what you believe as a company." Brands in this episode: HFactor, HTwo, Dr. Perricone's, HyVIDA, GT's Kombucha, FitAID, SmartWater, Clif, Nuun

In the decades since its introduction in 1935, Jägermeister has earned a reputation as an iconic staple of boozy nights out and hard partying. So why is the German liqueur brand now embracing a softer side of its heritage and history? In an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio, Jeff Popkin, the CEO of Mast-Jägermeister U.S., explained why the brand, while still wildly popular as a shot, is attempting to win over new consumers, broaden its appeal and, ultimately, generate new sales by reframing itself as a high-quality liqueur that can be enjoyed in a variety of occasions. Popkin, who's been at the forefront of several emerging non-alcoholic beverage trends as an executive with Red Bull and Vita Coco, is leading a careful effort to maintain Jägermeister's valuable core identity during the repositioning. "If there's a party, Jägermeister is there in the U.S. today -- no question about that," he said. "There's no white knuckles to get the story out there and change it. It's all going to happen within the natural footprint of Jägermeister." Also included in this episode: An interview with Jeanette Ogden, a food blogger and social media maven known for her popular Instagram account, Shutthekaleup. We sat down with Ogden at Natural Products Expo West 2018 and discussed her journey as an influencer, how she cultivates her online personality and her approach to building an authentic relationship with natural food and beverage brands. This episode also includes an interview with the co-founders of The Coconut Cult, an acclaimed vegan coconut-based yogurt. Noah Simon-Waddell and James Harkin spoke about their approach to building a lifestyle brand and how they've established a thriving community of supporters and followers via social media. This episode is presented by Symrise Califormulations. Show notes: 1:35: Potent Potables -- The hosts chat about interesting libations and and tasty treats sent to the office over the past couple weeks, including Spindrift, Smart Sweets, Mike's Mighty Good Craft Ramen, CideRoad, Hello Water, Hal's New York Seltzer and Alter Eco. 10:53: Interview: Jeff Popkin, CEO, Mast-Jägermeister U.S. -- A veteran beverage executive who led sales for Red Bull and was the CEO of Vita Coco - U.S., Jeff Popkin is currently at the helm of another iconic brand: Jägermeister. In an interview recorded at its headquarters in White Plains, N.Y., Popkin discussed the company's efforts to spur new sales by reframing Jägermeister as a brand to "celebrate the best moments of your life," while maintaining its core identity and the importance of innovation for CPG brands, noting that "when you look at the attention span of a consumer… you've got to be quick and you've got to be dynamic." 38:32: Interview: Jeannette Ogden, Founder, Shutthekaleup -- A leading influencer in the worlds of fitness, wellness and natural foods, Jeannette Ogden has over 260,000 followers of her Instagram account, Shutthekaleup. The platform is where she, her husband AJ and son Elliot -- aka "Bub" -- share their daily eats, drinks, workouts and adventures. Along the way, she shares recommendations of brands and products and explains how they fit into a healthy lifestyle. We sat down with Ogden at Natural Products Expo West 2018 and talked about her journey as influencer, how she cultivates her online personality and her approach to working with natural food and beverage brands. 1:02:39: Interview: Noah Simon-Waddell & James Harkin, Co-Founders, The Coconut Cult -- A darling of the influencer world, The Coconut Cult markets a vegan coconut yogurt that's stocked at high-end health food stores along the coasts. Despite its premium price -- $25 for a 16 oz. jar -- the brand has amassed a cult-like following among its consumers. Co-founders Noah Simon-Waddell and James Harkin explained how their efforts to create experiential moments for consumers fits with their intent "to create a religion, essentially," out of the brand.

Ryan Caldbeck has two words for brands planning to raise capital in 2018: be careful. With billions of dollars in play in the red-hot CPG space, Caldbeck, the co-founder and CEO of funding platform CircleUp, is advising brands to take extra caution when vetting potential investment partners. He believes that while funding opportunities for food and beverage companies are the most abundant since launching the firm in 2013, he's concerned about the lack of a strategic component in the money that is currently flowing in from large private equity firms and tech-focused venture capital firms. "They will pay close to zero attention from the $2 billion fund that just invested $10 million; they won't know their name," Caldbeck said of some large investors. "Now you've partnered with someone that's not going to give you the support beyond capital." In an interview included in this episode of Taste Radio, Caldbeck noted that "the tailwinds and the structural dynamics for early-stage consumer companies -- call it $1-$15 million in revenue -- are extremely attractive" for investors of all kinds. Yet, he urged fast-growing companies to "think about the incentives of the investor or the partner that you're working with" and ask "who else have you worked with that looks like me?" "And when you can drill down on who else they've worked with that has similar growth drivers of your business, you'll find an investor or a partner that's right for you," he said. Within the food industry, few categories are attracting more investment than plant-based and lab-grown meat. The Good Food Institute (GFI), a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of plant-based meat brands, is helping to support the growth of many companies in the space. This episode includes a full-length conversation with GFI co-founder and executive director Bruce Friedrich, who details the origins of the organization (it was "literally a religious calling," he said) and how it supports scientific research and investment in the clean meat space. In this week's edition of Elevator Talk, we meet with Nansee Kim-Parker, the founder and CEO of Yoot, a brand of ready-to-drink herbal root teas made with herbs and spices. This episode is presented by Saffron Road. Show notes: 2:05: Waxing on West -- The hosts chat about their biggest takeaways from Expo West 2018, including how the show reflected a shift in the retail landscape and route-to-market for natural brands and showcased the sophistication and rapid maturity of many early-stage/pre-launch companies. 16:47: Interview: Ryan Caldbeck, CEO/Co-Founder, CircleUp -- We sat down with Caldbeck at the 2018 Winter Fancy Food Show, where he offered his perspective on the landscape and climate for CPG investment. 42:28: Interview: Bruce Friedrich, Co-Founder/Executive Director, The Good Food Institute -- Also joining us at the Fancy Food Show was Friedrich, who spoke about the the rapidly emerging plant-based meat space and where the category is headed. In our conversation, he detailed a clash in perspective with some in vegan community, why GFI is stressing "clean meat" as the preferred nomenclature versus "lab-grown," regulatory hurdles for clean meat and how improved technology and taste is helping to win over consumers. 1:13:26: Elevator Talk: Nansee Kim-Parker, Founder, Yoot -- Inspired by the traditions of Ayurvedic Herbal Medicine and Chinese Herbal Medicine. Yoot is a brand of herbal root teas brewed from superfood herbs. We caught up with founder Nansee Kim-Parker who dug into the roots of her brand in this edition of Elevator Talk. Brands in this episode: Beyond Meat, JUST, Impossible Foods, Tyson Foods, Maple Leaf, Field Roast, Tofurky, Boca, Memphis Meats, Gardein, Finless Foods, Good Catch Foods, Yoot Tea