Episodes

Marcus Sakey, the co-founder of Ritual Zero Proof, spoke about why Diageo invested in his non-alcoholic spirit brand pre-launch, how it became an anchor in an increasingly crowded category, the evolution of its marketing strategy and how he assesses challenges from new and existing brands.

While the volume of videos and images posted daily on popular social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok makes it challenging to capture users’ attention, the hosts highlighted brands that create consistently authentic and entertaining content as a way to break through the clutter.

Alix Peabody, the founder of pioneering canned wine brand Bev, chronicled the three years leading up the acquisition of her company by global wine and spirits company E & J Gallo, how she analyzed the timing and opportunity to sell, and the resulting – and surprising – fallout with confidants.

The hosts discussed the retailer’s new curated endcaps of non-alcoholic RTD cocktails and wine, and why a fast-growing hydration brand has taken a bigger-is-better approach to its packaging. We also spoke with master distiller Will Fabry about his stewardship of CraftCo’s acclaimed spirit brands.

This special edition of the podcast features highlights from interviews with seven founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the second half of 2023.

What can BevNET and NOSH’s most-read news stories of 2023 inform us about the coming year? The hosts reflected on the sites’ top viewed articles from the past 12 months – including White Claw’s upcoming launch of a non-alcoholic line, the Erewhon NYC pop-up that never was and controversy over a kratom-infused shot brand – and what impact the news may have on trends, innovation and emerging categories in 2024. 

Tony Burt, the founder and CEO of super-premium mixer brand East Imperial, spoke about the why a consistent and disciplined emphasis on the brand’s core values has been key to its success, how the company holds the line on pricing and positioning and identifies ideal placement for its products and why it is agnostic about strategic partnerships.

A $900 million M&A deal was a top talking point for the hosts, who also highlighted a $40 million private equity fund focused on investment in emerging brands and opined on both trendy concepts and those of cultural significance. This episode also features an interview with culinary expert and product developer Henry Hill, who spoke about ways that modern brands can optimize flavor and texture.

Sabeena Ladha, the founder and CEO of Deux, spoke about how her prior work experience helped give the a better-for-you sweets brand a head start, why Deux promotes indulgence first and foremost, how the collaborative nature of its social media and influencer strategy has benefited trial, awareness and innovation, and how she navigates the challenge of managing three product lines.

PRIME is a phenomenon. The brand has risen to become a major player in the sports drink category and is generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue. What makes it so special? The hosts unpacked PRIME’s appeal and remarkable success. They also highlighted a viral Doritos-flavored spirit, key details to include in investor pitches and a new Girl Scout cookie-inspired snack.