Episodes

Jane Miller and Adam Hertel, the CEO and Chief Sales Officer, respectively, of Rudi's, discussed their plan to breathe new life into the legacy bakery brand, how they identified its most pressing issues, why they are emphasizing innovation and how Rudi’s is working closely with retail partners to develop new products that can resonate with new and existing consumers.

In the midst of our Winter 2023 events, the hosts highlighted the brands that triumphed in the NOSH Pitch Slam along with BevNET’s Cocktail Showdown and New Beverage Showdown. They also spoke about the palpable energy and enthusiasm at the events and why a new generation of THC-infused beverages indicates a promising future for cannabis drinks.

Jimbo Someck, the founder of natural grocery chain Jimbo’s, chronicled the origins of his interest in organic food and retail, how he and his team evaluate novel ideas and products, and how he leverages his influence to promote values that he is passionate about, including regenerative agriculture.

The hosts discussed a planned merger between upscale corner store retailers Foxtrot Market and Dom's Kitchen & Market, munched on international snack brands and recalled a time when BevNET briefly entered the bar business.

Maya Kaimal, the founder and Chief Culinary and Creative Officer of Maya Kaimal Foods, a groundbreaking brand of Indian-inspired sauces, condiments and ready-to-eat dishes, spoke about how her company operates and innovates at the intersection of data, trends and retailer needs, aligning with an investor that could support her vision; and what she’s learned about hiring the right – and wrong – people.

It’s not often that a high-profile investment deal is announced just before a major holiday, but we got lucky this week. After discussing the news that Kim Kardashian’s private equity firm SKYY Partners has invested in upscale condiment brand TRUFF, the hosts munched on a new brand of cookies launched by popular Twitch streamer Pokimane and dove into a growing pool of caffeine-free energy drinks.

Cy Cain, the co-founder and CEO of Straightway Cocktails, an award-winning brand of super-premium bottled and canned cocktails, explained how years of preparation gave the company a strong foundation on which to build, why passion and opportunity equally drive the business forward and how he assesses a broader opportunity to reach consumers in other beverage alcohol categories.

We’ve all seen the cute, clever and occasionally terrifying images created using ChatGPT and other AI generators. But can CPG companies utilize these apps in a meaningful way? The hosts discussed potential ways that AI might help make certain processes more efficient. They also spoke about why a food brand’s recent packaging revamp is excellent in every way and riffed on a spicy and sporty LTO.

Chris Hunter, the co-founder and CEO of plant-based beverage brand Koia, spoke about the importance of setting goals both in his personal life and in business, lessons from an aggressive retail strategy early into the brand’s development, why self-manufacturing is the key to profitability and the company’s future, and how to optimize the roles of celebrity partners.