Episodes

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.

Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, the co-founders of better-for-you meat snack brand Chomps, discussed how their consistent emphasis on strong unit economics and profitability, along with an ambition to thoughtfully and patiently develop a billion-dollar brand, have positioned Chomps to become a prime-time player in healthy snacking and how the pandemic impacted their decision to bring in an institutional investor, despite their long reluctance to do so.

Back home and in the studio, the hosts shared additional highlights — and unexpected sights – from Expo West 2023, including introductions to several innovative and early-stage brands. Also, Mason Dixie Foods founder/CEO Ayeshah Abuelhiga discussed lessons learned as an entrepreneur, including those about raising capital, customer service, and sexism and bias in the food industry, among other topics.

Melissa Facchina, the co-founder of growth equity firm Siddhi Capital, spoke about the pervasiveness of "bad information" circulating on Linkedin and her belief that the vast amount of capital invested in food and beverage brands over the past decade has been to the detriment of the industry. She also explained why a great operations strategy is the key to making healthy food more accessible, and how she defines “a rockstar, unbelievable company.”

On the ground in Anaheim, California, Taste Radio’s hosts reflected upon the first two days of an exhilarating Natural Products Expo West 2023 and highlighted standout new brands and products exhibited at the show, along with those featured at the Snaxshot X BevNET and MENA CPG meetups held during the week.

Distinguished physician, professor and author Dr. Robert Lustig spoke about how overconsumption and poor quality food are root causes of chronic illness and the role that innovative food and beverage companies can play in effecting change. And in the latest edition of The Maxi Minutes, investor Maxine Kozler Koven discussed why women-owned CPG brands are facing a lack of sustained investment, and ways for the industry to collectively address the problem.

On the cusp of Expo West 2023, the hosts highlighted a handful of meetups they’ll be attending at the annual event, including the first for new industry organization MENA CPG. They also discussed a recent study that links health issues to a commonly used sweetener, a platform to build awareness for early-stage brands and a bevy of new products, including two backed by internet and pop music icons.

Neka Pasquale, the founder of ultra-fresh and plant-centric food and beverage brand Urban Remedy, explained why embracing change and having an open mind, without compromising on values, are keys to the brand’s long-term success. She also touched on the company’s close relationship with Whole Foods, how and why consumer perception of plant-based food has shifted in recent years and why “be it, don’t say it” dictates branding and label design.

BevNET’s director of community Melissa Traverse joined Taste Radio hosts Ray Latif and Jacqui Brugliera for a discussion about a new source for valuable industry info, ways that our team can connect with and highlight Expo West exhibitors and a high-profile CEO’s shocking exit. They also spoke about a hot brand’s big retail win, luscious limited-time offerings and had a frank chat about the Whole30 diet and intermittent fasting.

Prior to the investment firm’s second annual Global Health Forum, we spoke with Ross Iverson, Brent Drever and Steve Young of Manna Tree for a trio of conversations about the urgency of making healthy and affordable food available to more people, why entrepreneurs are faced with shifting expectations for profitability and top line growth, their assessment of consumer confidence and spending and what emerging food trends are on their radar.