Episodes

Jacqui Brugliera reported on the food and beverage scene at Coachella 2023, the hosts discussed whether #watertok is a faux controversy and riffed on several notable snacks and libations. We also meet Raffi Vartanian and Patrick Johnson, the co-founders of Ziba Foods, a mission-driven brand of Afghani-grown nuts, seeds and dried fruits that maintains an ethical supply chain from farm to bag.

Noah Simon-Waddell and Ari Raz, the co-founder and CEO, respectively, of The Coconut Cult, explained how they have positioned the plant-based probiotic yogurt brand for scale and mainstream success while maintaining its values and vision, including the impact of meaningful and authentic social content and its direct correlation to surging and organic sales growth.

Does pickleball need its own beverage brand? Why is Jennifer Lopez, who doesn’t drink alcohol, getting into the booze business? The hosts discuss… Also in this episode: Elavi co-founders Michelle Razavi and Nikki Elliott explain how they launched a package revamp for less than $200, and a conversation with Goat Rodeo Capital co-founder Carlton Fowler, an active investor in emerging and growth-stage companies.

Becca Millstein, the co-founder and CEO of Fishwife, a stylish brand of sustainable tinned seafood lauded by Whole Foods buyers and “Vogue” magazine editors alike, discussed the impact of its striking label design on trial and word-of-mouth marketing, scaling a niche concept and how she navigated and learned from a potentially devastating sourcing crisis.

Taste Radio’s hosts pondered the potential of innovative, imaginary concepts; examined why discontinued brands and products, including a line of high-profile energy shots, failed to make it; and riffed upon a bevy of new snacks and drinks. This episode also features an interview with Alexandra Dempster and Isabelle Steichen, the co-founders of Lupii, an innovative platform brand that markets lupini bean-based foods.

Mark Olivieri, the CEO of OWYN, a brand of plant-based protein and nutrition beverages projected to generate $85 million in 2023 revenue, discussed the role that data has played in its development and trajectory, how the company sources and implements a variety of information and insights into its business strategy and what he attributes to success at driving repeat purchase.

This week, the hosts discussed the relevance and sustainability of consumer trends and how to identify fads versus enduring concepts, extolled the virtues of Taste Radio VIP and highlighted two upcoming can’t-miss industry events. This episode also features an interview with Honest Tea/Eat The Change co-founder Seth Goldman, who discussed lessons learned from 25 years as an entrepreneur.

Culinary icon Padma Lakshmi, who is an investor in lassi brand Dah!, spoke about why she doesn’t make a distinction between delicious and better-for-you food, how her role in the company aligns with her advocacy for ethnic cuisine and her criteria for investing in consumer brands. This episode also features an interview with Sanzo founder Sandro Roco who shared what he’s learned about leadership, raising growth capital and working with mass retailers like Target.

A bursting-at-the-seams episode of Taste Radio includes the hosts’ arguments for and against online grocery shopping, a brief report on a permanent pop-up, a candy brand’s unrecognizable revamp and why they’re bullish on banana flavor, but not blue colored beverages. The team also shared their take on seed-centric sweets, cascara’s communication breakdown and their enthusiasm for ethnic drinks and snacks.