Taste Radio

A former software engineer, John Coogan says that programmers are often pondering ways to "automate ourselves out of a job." Coogan, who in 2013 co-founded fast-growing meal replacement products brand Soylent, has a similar perspective when it comes to entrepreneurship. In a recent interview featured in this week's episode of Taste Radio, Coogan, who recently stepped down as Soylent's CTO, said that "as entrepreneurs, we should be thinking about how we can manage ourselves out of a job." Amid the brand's ongoing expansion from direct-to-consumer sales and into retail stores, Coogan explained that it was important for Soylent, "to find people that are essentially the right tool for the job… and that have seen these challenges before." In recent months the company has brought on several experienced CPG executives, including former KeVita chief strategy officer Bryan Crowley as president, to support its retail expansion. Coogan also discussed how Soylent's e-commerce-only model enabled the company "to start collecting data on who our customer was, as well as get product in their hands much faster." Perhaps most importantly, the business strategy presented Soylent with a streamlined path to retail. "You'll have customers that can actually go and drive adoption at retail stores because they've heard about you online," he said. Also included in this episode: a conversation with influential food and lifestyle blogger Olivia Ku. Ku, who has a following of nearly 200,000 users on Instagram, spoke about how brands can best interact with influencers and why successful partnerships require a true sense of "added value" for both parties. And in this week's Elevator Talk, we spoke with Shayne Malone, who is the founder and CEO of Zavu, a brand of cold-pressed, HPP juices made from indigenous Brazilian fruits. Show notes: 2:24: WEED Deal: The hosts discuss the Constellation Brands' recent acquisition of a 9.9 percent stake in cannabis producer Canopy Growth Corporation for $191 million. Constellation, which makes and markets a variety of well-known beer, wine and spirits products,d that the deal is aimed at developing and marketing cannabis-infused beverages that do not contain alcohol. John Craven notes that Constellation is preparing for the gold rush into legal marijuana, assuming relaxed regulation is forthcoming. Jon Landis discusses how current cannabis-infused beverage brands are wading into the market and educating consumers about dosages. 11:15: Interview: John Coogan, Co-Founder, Soylent -- John Coogan is a co-founder of Soylent and served as Soylent's CTO until stepping down a few months ago. He recently sat down with John and Mike for a conversation about his role with the company and how Soylent, which until recently has been as been sold exclusively online, is positioning itself for massive growth at retail. For new brand owners, listen to why Coogan views direct-to-consumer as "super important for early-stage food and beverage companies." 39:18: Interview: Olivia Ku, Founder, LoveHealthOK: Mike Schneider recently met with highly influential food and lifestyle blogger Olivia Ku. In a conversation recorded at the offices of Califia Farms in downtown L.A., Ku explained her path to becoming a social media guru and offered advice on how brands can most effectively engage influencers. 59:45: Elevator Talk: Shayne Malone, Founder/CEO, Zavu: Shane Malone is the founder and CEO of Zavu, a brand of cold-pressed, HPP juices made from indigenous Brazilian fruits, including caju, acerola and cupuacu. Shane spoke with the Taste Radio team at Expo East 2017 about his upstart brand and the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead. Brands in this episode: Dixie Elixirs, Soylent, Califia Farms, Zavu For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact ask@tasteradio.com.

A tech executive-turned-beverage entrepreneur, Kara Goldin has incorporated many of the lessons from her career in Silicon Valley into the development of Hint, an unsweetened, flavored water brand that she launched in 2005. In this week's episode of Taste Radio, we spoke with Goldin about how her experiences in the tech world helped shape the business strategy for Hint, which markets a variety of still and sparkling water products and is nearing $100 million in annual sales. Goldin also explained how she overcame early challenges of a food and beverage industry long dominated by legacy brands, Hint's development of an highly successful e-commerce platform and her belief that a company's "ability to stay close to the customer and understand what the customer thinks about your product is really the key" to winning. Also included in this episode: a conversation with Billy Bosch, who is the co-founder and CEO of protein drink brand Iconic. Bosch discussed his journey as an entrepreneur, offering insight into lessons learned and key takeaways from the past six years. And in this week's Elevator Talk, we spoke with Mikaela Ray is the CEO of Mikaela's Simple Devine, a maker of gluten-free biscotti cookies. This episode is presented by Sovereign Flavors. Show notes: 0:55: Gassed From NACS: Jon and Ray recently returned from Chicago where they attended the annual National Association of Convenience Stores show. Packed to the walls with the usual plethora of energy drinks, salty snacks, soda, and jerky, the hosts talked about some of the new products and brands that caught their eyes, including a few from the deluge of new coffee products exhibited at the event. 7:47: Interview: Kara Goldin, Founder/CEO, Hint -- Goldin discussed her path from a career in tech to the remarkable success of Hint. Included in the conversation are words of wisdom from her 12 years as an entrepreneur, including why brand owners shouldn't "spend too much time around the naysayers and instead "focus on getting traction." She also talked about Hint's powerful direct-to-consumer platform and what she sees as the future for a brand that's nearing $100 million in sales. 40:02: Interview: Billy Bosch, CEO/Co-Founder, Iconic Protein -- Billy Bosch is the co-founder and CEO of Iconic, a protein drink brand launched in 2011. In our interview, Billy discussed the trials and tribulations of a brand immersed in a fast-evolving market for protein drinks. 1:00:04: Elevator Talk: Mikaela Ray, CEO, Mikaela's Simple Devine -- a maker of biscotti cookies that are gluten-free, kosher, Non-GMO and baked with all natural ingredients. We met up with Mikaela at Expo East 2017 and talked about the launch and development of her business. Brands in this episode: Starbucks, Monster, Dunkin' Donuts, La Colombe, High Brew, HeyDay Cold-Brewed Coffee, Bowery Coffee, Califia Farms, La Colombe, Forto, Stok, Caffe Agave, BodyArmor, Aquahydrate, +Red Elixir, Hint, Iconic Protein For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact podcast@bevnet.com.

Earlier this month the Taste Radio team met with GT Dave, the founder of best-selling kombucha brand GT's Kombucha. In an interview recorded for this episode, Dave discussed the origins of GT's, a brand he created 22 years ago and its pioneering role in the fast-growing and high-profile kombucha category. Recorded at the company's headquarters in Los Angeles, Dave explained his belief that most "successful businesses come from a pure place" and stressed that brands should attempt to connect with consumers on a personal, intimate level. He also discussed why the company is constantly innovating and attempting to improve. "Complacency is a part of human nature, but I believe it's also a version of corporate cancer," he said. "As soon as you feel like you're coasting, you've done enough or you're great is when you start fail." Also included in this episode: a conversation with SnackNation founder and CEO Sean Kelly, who discussed the company's approach to optimizing office culture through better-for-you snacks and aspirational brands. In the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we spoke with Lilly Wunsch is the co-founder and COO of 4th & Heart, a maker of ghee-based foods. This episode is presented by Sovereign Flavors. Show notes: 1:20: We're Loko About These Four Things: The hosts chat about their current crushes in food and beverage, including alcoholic seltzers, Sunday night meal prep, innovative cocktail ingredients and new kombucha offerings at Trader Joe's. 12:00: Interview: GT Dave, Founder/CEO, GT's Living Foods -- Dave discussed explained how the brand and company have evolved over the past two decades while remaining independent and staying true to its core values. 43:02: Interview: Sean Kelly, Founder/CEO, SnackNation -- SnackNation is a company that delivers boxes of healthy snacks to business across the U.S. In our conversation, Kelly explains the company's mission to create happier, healthier and more productive people. He also discusses the company's efforts to be known for thought leadership and why he believes a company's core purpose is not birthed, it's "discovered." 1:02:09: Elevator Talk: Lilly Wunsch, Co-Founder/COO, 4th & Heart -- Lilly Wunsch is the co-founder and COO of 4th & Heart, a maker of ghee-based oils, butters and spreads. We met Lilly at Expo East 2017 and discussed the company's mission to "modernize ancient pantry staples." Brands in the episode: Good Wolf Kefir, Vermont Village, Hudson Standard. Drink Maple, GT's Kombucha, Health-Ade Kombucha, Revive Kombucha, Capital Kombucha, Brew Dr. Kombucha, Nauti Seltzer, White Claw Seltzer, Clif Bars, Krave Jerky, Skinny Pop For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact podcast@bevnet.com.

Joy Bauer believes snacking should be simple. Bauer, the nutrition and health expert for NBC's "Today" show and founder of granola bites company Nourish Snacks, is concerned that an ever-increasing number of product certifications and overwrought marketing callouts are confusing consumers. In an interview included in this week's episode of Taste Radio, Bauer stated her belief that most consumers simply want clean labels, easily understood ingredients and delicious flavors, a perspective that inspired her to launch Nourish Snacks. As part of our conversation, Bauer also shared her opinion on what makes for a sustainable food trend versus a passing fad, and discussed the impact that CPG conglomerates are having in the evolving market for snacks. Also in this episode: An interview with Gus Griffin, the CEO of MGP ingredients, a leading producer of premium distilled spirits that has played a critical role in the emergence and development of the craft spirits segment. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we chat with Marcel Gozali, the founder of Avonut, a brand of ready-to-drink, cold-pressed avocado coconut smoothies. Show notes: 1:14: SoCal Sojourn -- Last week Taste Radio hosts John Craven and Mike Schneider traveled to Los Angeles for a few days of podcasting and video work, meeting up with entrepreneurs and executives from across the food and beverage spectrum. Craven and Schneider shared memorable moments and meetings from their trip, including visits to the offices of GT's Living Foods, Bulletproof Labs, SnackNation and Califia Farms. 11:41: Interview -- Joy Bauer, Founder, Nourish Snacks: In our conversation with Bauer, recorded at Natural Products Expo East 2017, she explained her belief in creating nutritious, decadent snacks that don't "feel like a gyp" to consumers. She also discussed how brands can align themselves with current nutritional trends without sacrificing the future and called conglomerates' efforts to reformulate legacy products "a valiant effort." 30:31: Interview -- Gus Griffin, CEO, MGP Ingredients: MGP is a leading producer of premium distilled spirits with a long history of supplying companies large and small with high-quality bourbon, gin and vodka. MGP is particularly known for its prowess as a distiller of rye whiskey and recently launched its own branded portfolio, which includes George Remus Bourbon and Till Vodka. We spoke with CEO Gus Griffin about the new venture as well as MGP's role in the emergence and development of the craft spirits segment. 49:36: Elevator Talk -- Marcel Gozali is the founder of Avonut, brand of ready-to-drink, cold-pressed avocado coconut smoothies. We met Gozali at Natural Expo East 2017 and got the goods on his innovative products and what's next for the brand. Brands in the episode: GT's Kombucha, Califia Farms, Nourish Snacks, George Remus Bourbon, Till Vodka, Avonut For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact podcast@bevnet.com.

Episode 78 of BevNET's Taste Radio podcast features a conversation with Chris Hunter, the co-founder of plant-based protein drink brand Koia and a co-founder of Phusion Projects, the Chicago-based alcoholic beverage company best known as the maker of Four Loko. In our interview, recorded at Natural Products Expo East 2017, Hunter discussed the remarkable rise (and notorious reputation) of Four Loko and why a focus on branding and merchandising was key to its success. Hunter also explained his belief that the natural food and beverage industry is "the most exciting space out there," his role in reframing and positioning Koia as a brand first and foremost, and why entrepreneurs should look to align themselves with experienced, value-added investors and advisors. Also included in this episode: A discussion with Project NOSH senior staff reporter Meagan McGinnes about the FDA's new guidance regarding peanut allergies and how food brands are reacting, innovating and commercializing. We chat with the folks behind Shackleton Whisky, a brand inspired by famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we caught up with Safir Jamal, the CMO of 1 Shot Protein, a brand of shots that contain 24g of clean protein per 3 oz. bottle. Show notes: 1:11 -- Reminders, Upcoming Deadlines -- Early registration is ending for NOSH Live and Brewbound Session. The room block is almost halfway full for BevNET Live. Sponsorship opportunities for the events are still available, including the Taste Radio gold package. BevNET's new Media Kit is now available. Learn more about advertising with BevNET, Project NOSH and Brewbound and Taste Radio. 3:48 -- Pumpkin Spice Life -- 'Tis the season for everything pumpkin spice. What started with lattes and cookies has become a phenomenon in which entire endcaps and aisles are dedicated to pumpkin spice products. Have we reached a saturation point with the flavor? The hosts discuss. 9:04 -- Interview: Chris Hunter, Founder/CEO Koia; Co-Founder, Phusion Projects -- In our interview with Hunter we discussed his background in the beverage business, navigating both the phenomenal success and intense public scrutiny of Four Loko, why he segued into the non-alcoholic beverages with Koia and how he sees the plant-based protein drink category evolving in the coming years. 29:18 -- Trendspotter: The FDA Wants More Kids Eating Peanuts -- Last month FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb released a statement regarding a new qualified health claim that early introduction of peanuts to certain high-risk infants may reduce risk of peanut allergy. We discussed the growing crises around peanut allergies, the FDA's decision to issue the statement and opportunities for kids' brands to leverage the new guidance in marketing and innovation strategies. 43:55 -- Interview -- Tim Jarvis and Jason Moore, Shackleton Whisky -- Scottish spirits company Whyte and Mackay recently announced the launch of Shackleton Whiskey, a brand inspired by famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton, who's known for leading a series of British explorations to the Antarctic. We recently spoke with Tim Jarvis, an environmental explorer and global brand ambassador for Shackleton Whisky, who in 2013 led an authentic retracing of Shackleton's journey, and Whyte & Mackay Single Malt Specialist Jason Moore about the new whisky and their role in its creation and launch on the market. 52:05 -- Elevator Talk: 1 Shot Protein is a brand of shots that contain 24g of clean protein per 3 oz. bottle. We recently caught up with the company's CMO, Safir Jamal, who visited us at BevNET HQ. Brands in this episode: Koia, Four Loko, Not Your Father's, Shackleton Whiskey, Hello Peanut, MyPeanut, 1 Shot Protein. For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact podcast@bevnet.com.

In this week's episode of BevNET's Taste Radio, we're joined by Pat Brown, the founder and CEO of Impossible Foods, a food tech company focused on the development of meat, dairy and fish products derived from plant-based material. Best known as the maker of the Impossible Burger, a juicy, meatless patty that's served in trendy restaurants nationwide, the company has reportedly raised over $300 million to date, including investment from GV and Bill Gates. Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and BevNET sr. brand specialist Jon Landis recently spoke with Brown about the origins and business strategy behind Impossible Burger and his vision for the future of plant-based meat and the brand. Also included in this episode: An interview with Adam Louras, who is the founder of Koa, an innovative, but recently discontinued brand of colorless, calorie- and sugar-free juices. Louras, who is currently the chief operating officer of functional drink company Dirty Lemon Beverages, discussed learning lessons from his journey as a beverage entrepreneur and reflected on stumbling blocks and pitfalls -- including which ones may have been avoidable. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we spoke with Royce Pinkwater, the founder and CEO of Bontá Hydration, a brand of all-natural, low-calorie beverages made with Mediterranean sourced ingredients. Show notes: The Mailbag -- The hosts review questions and comments from Taste Radio listeners. From a venture capitalist in Los Angeles: How can trendy, new brands stay relevant? From a beverage entrepreneur in Chicagoland: Why do you guys like ginger so damn much? Interview: Pat Brown, Founder/CEO, Impossible Burger -- Brown discussed his belief that there is a "fundamental fallacy" that meat has to come from animals and pointed to research that meat-loving consumers would prefer alternative sources. That said, he notes: "Carnivores aren't going to cut us any breaks. If we can't deliver what they want, then it's back to the drawing board for us." He also made a bold claim: "If you make a 1 percent improvement in performance of the food system, you'll save more lives and make more lives better than if you found a cure for cancer." Interview: Adam Louras, Founder, Koa -- In our conversation with Louras, he discussed being stretched thin as both a beverage manufacturer and brand owner, the pitfalls of bootstrapping, and opined on the opportunities now available to brands to launch and incubate online versus traditional routes to market. Elevator Talk: Bontá Hydration is a brand of all-natural, low-calorie beverages made with Mediterranean sourced ingredients. We caught up with founder and CEO Royce Pinkwater at BevNET Live Summer 2017 and she explained the origins of the brand and its positioning on the market. Brands in this episode: Impossible Burger, Koa, Dirty Lemon, Bontá Hydration For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact podcast@bevnet.com.

Episode 76 of BevNET's Taste Radio podcast spotlights a wide-ranging conversation with Spindrift founder and CEO Bill Creelman. Recorded at Spindrift headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Creelman waxed about cutting his teeth in the beverage business and the launch, development and sale of his first company, Stirrings, a maker of premium cocktail mixers. He also discussed how the origins of Spindrift, a fast-growing brand of fruit-infused sparkling water, continue to play a critical role in the brand's evolution and remarkable growth, why the brand is pursuing a "craft" identity in the sparkling water category, and how the company has taken a careful approach to retail partnerships and investment. Also included in this episode: BevNET staff reporter Brad Avery and senior brand specialist Jon Landis examine the emergence of MCT oil. The pair discussed MCT's purported functional benefits, why a growing number of food and beverage brands are infusing the ingredient into new products and how it's being marketed to consumers. And this week's edition of Elevator Talk, we chat with James Fayel, the founder and CEO of Zest Tea, a brand of high caffeine teas. This episode is presented by Algarithm Ingredients. Show Notes: 1:07: Chicken Chips FTW -- The hosts chat about the most interesting and innovative products that they saw at Natural Products Expo East 2017. Jon Landis talks about Wilde's Chicken Chips and Vermont Village drinking vinegar shots; John Craven praises Forager's Good Plant Fat Yogurt, Ithaca Cold-Crafted Hummus and 4th and Heart's snackable butter; Ray lauds Harney & Sons' new Nitro Tea line; Mike Schneider gives a thumbs up to Repurposed Pod's Cacao Juice. 9:06: Interview: Bill Creelman, Founder/CEO, Spindrift -- Creelman shares his background as a beverage entrepreneur, breaking into the business with cocktail mixer brand Stirrings, the launch and evolution of Spindrift and the brand's pivot from craft soda to sparkling water. 47:48: Why is MCT Oil "a Thing" -- Jon Landis and Brad Avery discuss MCT Oil, including how it's sourced, efficacy claims and the ingredient's place within the healthy fat trend. 1:01:14: Elevator Talk -- Zest Tea is a brand of high caffeine teas designed for mental clarity and energy. We caught up with founder and CEO James Fayel at BevNET Live Summer 2017 and he shared some insight into the brand and its innovation pipeline. Brands in this episode: Wilde, Vermont Village, Harney & Sons, Forager, Ithaca Cold Crafted, 4th and Heart, Repurposed Pod, Stirrings, Spindrift, LaCroix, Polar, Bulletproof, Zest Tea For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact podcast@bevnet.com.

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 improvements to its manufacturing facility, greening its factory and adding capacity, as it moves closer to national expansion. The upgrades come as the company aims to moves toward an increasingly successful CPG line from what has been a majority bulk food proposition. Also included in this week's episode: BevNET senior brand specialist Jon Landis and the Project NOSH team of Carol Ortenberg and Meagan McGinnes examine the expanding market for plant-based "meat," including key brands and product categories and the various technologies that driving their development. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we speak with Cindy Kasindorf, who is the co-founder of Remedy Organics, a line of almond milk and plant-based protein blends infused with adaptogenic ingredients. Show notes: 1:27: Celebrity Investment. Let's Get Richer! -- This week it was announced that actress Jennifer Garner joined organic baby food maker Once Upon a Farm as an investor and "co-founder." The hosts examine the evolution of celebrity investment into food and beverage brands and why A-listers like Garner are taking a larger role in strategic decisions. 9:40: Interview: BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman recently drove up to Maine where he met with Aaron Anker and Nat Peirce, who are the co-founders of Grandy Oats, a maker, wholesaler and retailer of organic granola. Anker and Peirce explain how the company has been "lucky and intentional" as one of the pioneers of organic granola products. They also discuss why it's "ok to say 'no'," how the Grandy Oats' authentic brand story has resonated with consumers, and why the company has resisted outside investment. 43:50: Why Is This a Thing: Plant-Based Meat -- An examination of the expanding plant-based "meat" category, including key brands and the technologies behind them. 1:00:26: Elevator Talk -- Cindy Kasindorf, co-founder, Remedy Organics, a line of almond milk and plant-based protein blends infused with adaptogenic ingredients. Cindy and her husband/co-founder Henry participated in New Beverage Showdown 13, which was held in June at BevNET Live Summer 2017. Brands in this episode: Once Upon a Farm, Bai, Aquahydrate, Vitaminwater, Grandy Oats, Beyond Meat, Impossible Burger, Remedy Organics For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions, contact podcast@bevnet.com.

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 podcast@bevnet.com.

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 podcast@bevnet.com.