Taste Radio Insider

In this episode, Ben Mand, the CEO of super-premium coconut water brand Harmless Harvest, discussed the evolution of the company’s business and innovation strategy. We also spoke with Michele Simon, the founder and executive director of the Plant Based Foods Association, about the changing landscape for plant-based foods.

After spending $500 million to acquire a majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee, it might be surprising to hear that Nestlé is content to let the premium roaster and retailer “just be.” Blue Bottle CEO Bryan Meehan spoke about the company’s relationship with Nestlé, its purposeful innovation strategy and efforts to enhance consumers’ experience with coffee. Also in this episode: an interview with former N’Sync star Lance Bass, who recently launched a cocktail mixer brand.

Hint founder/CEO Kara Goldin discussed the role of Hint’s brick-and-mortar retail store in supporting the company’s omnichannel strategy. She also spoke about best practices for e-commerce and why data from online sales is critical to understanding Hint’s audience. Also: a conversation with James Le Compte, the CEO of To’ak, an ultra-premium chocolate brand based in Ecuador.

Tiesta Tea co-founder/CEO Patrick Tannous explained why hitting the pavement and building strong relationships with retail buyers has been critical to the development of his company. Robert Jakobi, a serial food entrepreneur and founder of better-for-you soup company Bou, chronicled his journey from the U.K. to the U.S. and discussed differences in how business works within the two countries.

In this episode, we discuss retail strategies with the entrepreneurs behind two innovative companies -- Pete Maldonado, the co-founder of fast-growing meat stick brand Chomps, and Paul Evers and Steve Barham, the co-founders of upstart coffee brand Riff Cold Brewed -- who open up the playbook on everything from Trader Joe’s to tap rooms.

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.