Expo West 2025… OK, it wasn’t a classic. It would be hard to characterize anything we saw as “groundbreaking.” Perhaps, however, incremental improvements, global flavors and innovative collaborations are enough to keep the train rolling. For now, anyway. We also sit down with Carolyn Hamlet, the founder and CEO of OKU, a trailblazing brand of energy gummies.

0:25: Nuts & Dates. Noodles & Naan. Collabs & Donuts. Indonesian Sodas & Korean Seaweed. – Yes, Ray attended Expo, where he and the team discussed the growing trend of innovative, better-for-you nut brands and date-based snacks. They also explored exciting new collaborations between emerging food companies. Among the highlights was a U.K.-based ramen brand making its debut in the U.S., along with a rise in ethnically inspired foods and beverages tailored to today’s modern consumer. The conversation also touched on the increasing popularity of convenient, functional desserts that blend indulgence with purpose.

26:10: Interview: Carolyn Hamlet, Founder & CEO, OKU – Carolyn discusses her transition from Wall Street to founding OKU, an energy gummy snack made with green tea, yerba mate and coconut water. As part of our conversation, she talks about how the brand is positioned as an alternative to highly caffeinated products.

Oku, Chuza, Bad Tea Co., Belgian Boys, Biena, Ithaca Hummus, Graza, Urban Noodle, Date Better, Datefix, Niramaya, Firehook, Truff, Fabalish, Mr. Bing, Hostess, Pretzelized, True Dates, Cien Chiles, Evie’s, Wild Fox, Kevin’s Natural Foods, Nommii, Emperor’s Hot Sauce, Drumroll, Good Journey, Palmas, PWR-UP, Geem, Caulipower, Sauz, Wildwonder, Beny Yogurt