Episodes

From artisanal foods to craft spirits, this episode explores the evolving landscape for specialty food and distilled beverages. Rabobank’s Steven Rannekleiv discussed the emerging market for craft spirits and how the the investment community is evaluating the space. Specialty Food Association President Phil Kafarakis spoke about how the term specialty food has evolved in recent years and the ingredients and formulations that are shaping the future of the industry.

In this episode, nutpods founder/CEO Madeline Haydon explained how she laid the groundwork for a thriving DTC business and why focusing on high quality customer service has anchored the brand’s ecommerce strategy. Also, an interview with social media maven Nicole Cogan who spoke about best practices for sponsored social campaigns and how influencer marketing has evolved in recent years.

Larry Kahn, a partner and managing director with private equity firm Beechwood Capital, spoke about the courtship process between brands and potential capital partners, what entrepreneurs should and shouldn’t say in a funding pitch and why investors loathe surprises. Also: a review of recent beverage investment and acquisition deals involving Tio Gazpacho, Revive Kombucha and Dirty Lemon.

In this episode, we explore trends that may shape the food and beverage industry in 2019 through the lens of our BevNET and NOSH editorial teams. We also sit down with HotShot Coffee founder Danny Grossfeld, who discussed the development of his innovative brand of heated, canned coffees and his memorable appearance on “Shark Tank.”

GT’s Living Foods founder GT Dave discussed why being an “artistic sponge” supported the company’s development, spoke about his approach to working with competitors and emphasized the importance of authenticity. Also: an interview with Karen Nation, the founder/CEO of no-bake protein bar mix brand Creation Nation, which was victorious in NOSH’s Live Pitch Slam 5.

Aloha, a brand of organic, plant-based protein bars and powders, was on the brink of saying goodbye to the market. In an interview, we spoke with Aloha CEO Brad Charron about how he developed and executed a turnaround for the brand after joining the company in 2017, and why addressing issues with company culture was critical to his mission. We also meet with Dean Eberhardt and Andrew Markley, the co-founders of HopTea, who were victorious in BevNET Live’s New Beverage Showdown 16.