Taste Radio

In episode 72 of Taste Radio, we feature a conversation with Poorvi Patodia, who is the founder and CEO of Biena, a fast-growing maker of roasted chickpea snacks. Just five years since its launch, Biena is distributed at 15,000 locations across the U.S. and available at Whole Foods, Target, Sprouts and Stop & Shop. Patodia outlined her vision for roasted chickpeas and how the combination of familiar snack flavors and a healthy, whole food option continues to win over investors, distributors, retailers and consumers. She also discussed why Biena attempts to operate more like a tech firm than a food company and the decision to launch a co-branded line of snacks with Weight Watchers. Also included in this episode: BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman and sr. brand specialist Jon Landis explored the world of retail activation through encounters with the High Brew Liner, a giant bus turned into sampling cafe that is on tour throughout the summer. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we talk with Rob Burns, the co-founder of Night Shift Brewing, a craft beer maker based in Everett, Mass. Show Notes: 1:07: Would You Like to Sample My Yams? -- In-store sampling has long been an effective path to trial consumption. But some demos are executed better than others. What are ways that you've been impressed by a sampling opportunity? Any experiences that you've found particularly impressive… or bad? The hosts discussed the importance of brand advocacy, enthusiasm and engagement and the burdens of retailer required sampling. 7:27: Interview: Poorvi Patodia, founder and CEO, Biena -- Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and BevNET managing editor Ray Latif met with Biena founder/CEO Poorvi Patodia and discussed about the company's rapid rise and how she's shepherded its growth amid surging demand for healthy, plant-based snacks. Patodia also discussed why she runs Biena more like a tech firm than a food company and learning lessons from her first few years as an entrepreneur. 43:19: Interview: Mari Johnson, EVP of Marketing, High Brew Coffee -- Inside the High Brew Liner, we spoke with Johnson about the aims and techniques that would cause a company to sink money into this kind of experiential investment, and recorded some of the interactions that come when a team explores different ways to grow awareness and drive trial. 1:00:13: Elevator Talk: Robert Burns, Co-Founder, Night Shift Brewing -- We meet up with Burns, who co-founded Night Shift Brewing, a fast-growing craft brewery based in Everett, Mass. Brands in this episode: Drink Maple, Sound Sparkling Tea, Biena, High Brew Coffee, Night Shift Brewing. For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact podcast@bevnet.com.

Doug Zell believes in "chasing perfection with the hope of never catching it." That concept guides the core mission of Intelligentsia, a super-premium coffee roaster and retailer that Zell co-founded 22 years ago. In a conversation included as part of this week's episode, Zell expounded on how Intelligentsia's relentless pursuit for improvement permeates its retail and packaged coffee business. He also discussed why the "totality of the impression" carries so much significance for the company, the notion that "quality will always find an audience," and shared lessons learned from over two decades in business. Also included in this episode is an interview with Tyler Gage, who co-founded guayusa beverage brand Runa and is the author of a new book called "Fully Alive." The book chronicles his immersion in Amazonian indigenous spirituality and its life-changing impact on him and his company. We also spoke with Miriam Novalle, the owner of CBD beverage company High Tea Today, in the latest edition of Elevator Talk. Show notes: 1:17: So, Shall We Chat About Instagram? -- Instagram continues to emerge as an influential social media platform for food and beverage brands. The hosts share their take on key elements of an effective Instagram strategy. Mike Schneider suggests that companies start simple, engage conversation, and "be on brand." Jon Landis noted that Instagram has become a powerful platform for indie photographers and creative partnerships. John Craven believes that images should be visually appealing, where the product doesn't take away from the photo itself. Ray likes photos of food and beverages that whet the palate. 5:44: Interview: Doug Zell, Co-Founder, Intelligentsia Coffee -- Doug Zell is the co-founder of Intelligentsia, a specialty coffee roaster and retailer with cafes, and production facilities in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York and most recently added a cafe and training lab in Watertown, MA, right down the road from BevNET headquarters. We discuss his background in the coffee business, how Intelligentsia distinguished itself as a super-premium coffee brand, keys to its success, and lessons learned from the company's 22 years in business. 42:19: Interview: Tyler Gage, Co-Founder, Runa -- Tyler discusses his new book, "Fully Alive," which tells the story about a "successful young entrepreneur's immersion in Amazonian indigenous spirituality." Gage discusses how the infusion of shamanistic principles in life and work helped him to build a successful, socially responsible company and live a purposeful life, and why he believes in vulnerability as an important aspect of business. 1:05:03: Elevator Talk -- Miriam Novalle is the owner of High Tea Today, a maker of cold brew tea infused with organic CBD. Brands in this episode: Intelligentsia, Runa, Tio Gazpacho, High Tea Today For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact podcast@bevnet.com.

Episode 70 of BevNET's Taste Radio podcast spotlights a recent conversation with Jeff Church, the co-founder and CEO of Suja, a maker of organic beverages, including high-pressure processed juices, drinking vinegars, and kombucha. At the helm since 2012, Church has guided Suja's remarkable ascent as the leading brand in a highly competitive cold-pressed juice category and was instrumental in its partnership with the Coca-Cola Co., which in 2015 acquired a 30 percent stake in the company. Recorded at Suja's vast production facility in San Diego, Church opined on the role of luck in business, why a thorough understanding of consumer demand is critical to success, and explained how "the rule of twos" helped steer the company through its growth and development. Also included in this episode: BevNET assistant editor Marty Caballero and senior brand specialist Jon Landis examined the emerging market for kefir and discussed key brands, sub-segments, including water kefir and plant-based varieties, consumer confusion, and recent controversy regarding its definition. The episode also includes the latest edition of Elevator Talk, with featured guest Bronya Shillo, the founder of spiked lemonade brand Fishers Island Lemonade. Show notes:

This week's episode of Taste Radio features a wide-ranging conversation with Krave Jerky and Sonoma Brands founder Jon Sebastiani. Recorded at the 2017 Summer Fancy Food Show, Sebastiani delved into his background in the food and beverage industry as an heir to a legacy wine family and talked about what spurred him to strike out on his own with Krave. He reflected on the meteoric growth of the meat snack brand, which launched in 2009 and was acquired by The Hershey Co. in 2015 for $240 million, and how he used the proceeds to create Sonoma Brands, a CPG incubator and venture fund that develops and partners with innovative food and beverage brands. Also included in the episode: an interview with veteran marketing executive Greg Fleishman, who is the CEO and co-founder of boutique marketing firm Purely Righteous Brands. Having worked with a range of innovative brands in his 20-year career, including Fuze, Bear Naked, Kashi and Suja, Fleishman opined on why successful entrepreneurs always have a "hunger and humility to learn." He also discussed why consumers are becoming more attuned to sustainable farming practices and "food justice" and shared his perspective on the potential for cannabis-based CPG products. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we speak with Julie Ndjee, co-founder/EVP of Neilly's Foods, an upstart maker and distributor of healthy and natural cuisine featuring flavors of Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America. Show Notes: 0:44: Intro to the episode and hosts Ray Latif, John Craven, Jon Landis and Mike Schneider, who chat about which drinks and snacks in the office attract the most interest and why and which ones get the cold shoulder. Mike talks about the appeal of trying new brands and line extensions while Jon offers his take on the elements of effective packaging and branding. John explains why approachability and easily understood beverages often win in the office and Ray discusses the advantage of nutritious, low-calorie and low-sugar formulations. 8:36: Interview -- Ray and John sit down with Jon Sebastiani, the founder of Krave Jerky and founder and CEO of CPG incubator and venture fund of Sonoma Brands. Sebastiani talks about working as part of his family's wine business and decision to launch Krave; the emergence of premium meat snacks and what's next for the category; how Sonoma's team of former operators offers a competitive edge/advantage to other venture capital funds. 37:42: Interview -- John speaks with Greg Fleishman, a 20-year marketing executive who is currently the co-founder and CEO of Purely Righteous Brands LLC, which is a boutique consultancy dedicated to fostering the growth of "green space" health food & beverage companies. 1:01:35: Elevator Talk -- Meet Julie Ndjee, the co-founder and EVP of Neilly's, a maker and distributor of healthy and natural cuisine from around the world. Brands in this episode: Krave Jerky, Zupa Noma, Dang Foods, SmashMallow, Fuze, Bear Naked, Kashi, Temple Turmeric, Suja, Foodstirs, Sambazon, Neilly's For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact podcast@bevnet.com.

This week's edition of Taste Radio features an interview with Jennie Ripps, the co-founder and CEO of Owl's Brew, a maker of tea-based cocktail mixers and tea-and-beer Radlers. In our conversation, Ripps spoke about the development of Owl's Brew, which has been at the forefront of the premium cocktail mixer category since its launch in 2013. She also discussed the company's relationship with Zx Ventures, the global incubation arm of Anheuser Busch, which is an investor in the brand, including how Owl's Brew evaluated the opportunity to work with a strategic partner and what Zx brings to the table beyond financial investment. Also included in this episode of the podcast: Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and BevNET senior brand specialist Jon Landis sat down with Pete Speranza, who is a New Business Development Principal with General Mills' business development and venture capital arm 301INC, to discuss the group's mission and its investments with emerging food and beverage brands. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we chat with Jason Petrou, the founder of organic energy drink brand Clean Energy Organics. Show Notes: 0:29: Intro to hosts -- Ray Latif, John Craven, Jon Landis and Mike Schneider. The show begins with a chat about recent travels and what we've been munching and sipping on of late. John talks about his West Coast trip and his kombucha consumption, Jon talks about how a donut brand is taking advantage of opportunities at Phish shows. Mike talks about Sap!, a line of carbonated maple and birch waters, and Ray chats about Oral IV shots. Ray suggests we try Ethan's apple cider vinegars shots live and in action. 6:37: Interview -- Ray and John sit down for a conversation with Jennie Ripps, the CEO and co-founder of Owl's Brew, a maker of tea-based cocktail mixers and radlers. Jennie spoke about the launch and development of her company and its recent partnership with Zx Ventures, the global incubation arm of Anheuser Busch. 28:40: Interview -- Jon and Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg speak with Pete Speranza, a New Business Development Principal with 301INC, which is the business development and venture capital arm of General Mills. Pete spoke about the mission of 301INC and some of its investments and work with emerging brands. 53:52: Elevator Talk -- Meet Jason Petrou, Founder of CEO Beverages, a line of low-sugar, low-calorie, coconut water-based, organic energy drinks. We caught up with Jason at BevNET Live Summer 2017 to hear about CEO's new flavors and what he is geeking out on within the beverage industry. Brands in this episode: Revive Kombucha, Health-Ade Kombucha, Boochcraft, Kombucha Dog, Suja, Owl's Brew, Sap!, Oral I.V., Ethan's, Tio Gazpacho, CEO Beverages For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact podcast@bevnet.com.

On this week's episode of Taste Radio, Project NOSH editor Carol Ortenberg and BevNET's Jon Landis are joined by Scott Norton, founder of natural condiment brand Sir Kensington's. Fueled by a mission to create "condiments with character," the New York-based company, which was acquired by food and consumer product giant Unilever in April, is using a commitment to clean ingredients and responsible sourcing to reshape how consumers think about ketchup, mayonnaise and the entire condiment category. In our conversation, Norton discusses the company's "inside-out" approach to marketing, how a strong company culture can bring tangible business results, and how a shared sense of responsibility to consumers has strengthened the company's new relationship with Unilever. Also in this episode, Brewbound assistant editor Justin Kendall and BevNET managing editor Ray Latif talk with John Reardon, founder and CEO of Deep Ellum Brewing; and Gwen Burlingame, founder of lactose-free ice cream brand Minus the Moo, is our next guest on Elevator Talk. Show Notes: :00 Intro hosts: Mike Schneider, Jon Landis Mike and Landis contemplate doing "Phishcast" with Ray and John out of the office, but quickly jump into "What are you eating?". :32 "What Are You Eating?" Jon and Mike discuss doing one thing well with Brooklyn Brine as the example. They also discuss a new flavor of Soylent. 6:00 Interview Jon Landis, Carol Ortenberg interview Scott Norton, Co-Founder, Sir Kensington's who talks about the roots of Sir Kensington's, how they are planning to growth of the brand, their distribution channels and how they connect with their audiences. 35:57 Interview Ray Latif and Justin Kendall of Brewbound interview John Reardon, Founder & CEO, Deep Ellum Brewing at Brewbound Session. Deep Ellum Brewing Company is in Dallas, Texas and has grown steadily since opening in 2011 and is now the fifth largest regional craft brewery in Texas, according to the Brewers Association. John talks about maturing from "chasing the cool factor" to brewing as a supplier, pacing to 45,000 barrels, diversifying the offering by adding spirits, fighting to make Texas craft-friendly and chasing your passion. 1:03:00 Elevator Talk with Gwen Burlingame, Founder, Minus the Moo Lactose-free ice cream? Sign us up. Brands in this episode: Sir Kensington's, Brooklyn Brine, Soylent, Deep Ellum Brewing, Minus the Moo For sponsorship opportunities, feedback and suggestions contact podcast@bevnet.com

On this week's episode of Taste Radio, BevNET CEO John Craven joins Brewbound editor Chris Furnari for a conversation with Andy Thomas, CEO of the Craft Brew Alliance. As the head of one of the largest craft beer companies in the U.S., Thomas oversees a portfolio that includes Kona, Widmer, Redhook and others. During his segment, Thomas shares insight into topics such as the commercial evolution of the category, the importance of being patient with innovations (and where to find the inspiration to fuel them), and how the proliferation of small craft breweries is challenging companies to cultivate stronger, more unique brand identities. Also in this episode: BevNET staff writer Brad Avery asks: "why is this a thing?" of the colonial-era fermented drink switchel; an interview with author and cook Michael Ruhlman; and another edition of Elevator Talk, with featured guest L.A. McCrae, founder and chief visionary officer of North Carolina-based Black Star Line Brewing. Editor's note: In the midst of recording Thomas' interview during last month's Brewbound Session in New York City, we mistakenly referred to Craft Brew Alliance as the "second-largest publicly traded beer company in the U.S." We of course meant the second-largest craft beer company" and blame the welcome reception beers for our gaffe.

This week's episode of the Taste Radio podcast includes a feature conversation with Alex Galindez, the CEO of Runa, a maker of guayusa-based teas and energy drinks driven by social and environmental causes. Galindez, a veteran marketing executive in the food, beverage and media industries, discussed how she's drawing on strategies and lessons from past roles to elevate communication of Runa's social mission and brand story to a broader audience. Also in this episode: members of the BevNET and Project NOSH team chatted about the most interesting or unique food or beverage that they saw at the recently held 2017 Summer Fancy Food Show; an interview with B. Bonin Bough, the host of CNBC's "Cleveland Hustles" and a digital and social media expert who spearheaded roles in each discipline with PepsiCo and Mondelez; and the latest edition of Elevator Talk, featuring Tickle Water founder and CEO Heather McDowell.

For this week's episode of the Taste Radio podcast, we're bringing you an Independence Day-length conversation with Gary Hirshberg, the co-founder and chairman of dairy company Stonyfield Farm and a highly influential figure in the organic food movement. Hirshberg shares war stories ranging from the company's pastoral beginnings, to its decade-long struggle for financing, and on to its eventual sale, mining them for wisdom that will resonate with any food and beverage professional. Also included in this episode: the latest edition of Elevator Talk, in which we profile Elaine Morrison, the founder of collagen elixir brand Eviva.

In short, the life of Todd Carmichael can be defined by his zealous thirst for adventure and his unbridled passion for coffee. Brevity, however, doesn't quite capture the scope of Carmichael's incredible journey as the co-founder and CEO of super-premium coffee company La Colombe. His story is deserving of ample time, and in an interview for the Taste Radio podcast, we sat down with Carmichael for an extensive conversation on everything from his origins in the coffee business and vision for La Colombe, to his former role as the young personal attache to a Saudi prince and his record-breaking trek across Antarctica. Also included in this episode of the podcast: a segment with BevNET editor-in-chief Jeffrey Klineman examining Amazon's acquisition of Whole Foods and potential ramifications of the deal; an interview with Andy Ellwood, the president of Basket, a shopping app that uses crowdsourced data to help consumers find the best prices on grocery items; and the latest edition of Elevator Talk with Venessa Dobson, founder of artisanal popcorn brand Pop Art Snacks.