Episodes

On the ground in Anaheim for Natural Products Expo West 2022, the Taste Radio team reflected on a pulsating first day at the annual trade show, which returned live for the first time since 2019. They also commented on notable brands and products exhibited in the event’s bustling North Hall and Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace Tent, including several innovative plant-based, probiotic and savory sips and snacks.

Kim Allardyce, the CEO of Shire City Herbals, spoke about how an emphasis on professionalization helped reset and revitalize the now fast-growing brand of organic wellness tonics. This episode also includes a conversation with Vittorio Marzotto, the director of business development for Santa Margherita USA who chronicled the wine brand’s remarkable history and how his great-grandfather’s efforts to build a sustainable agri-business continue through today.

BetterBrand founder/CEO Aimee Yang spoke about how she analyzed the opportunity to create a better-for-you bagel, why raising her first $1 million was both remarkable and lamentable, the fortuitous way she met several investors, what she wanted to convey in branding and package design and why she embraces a “software mindset” when it comes to iteration.

Following a two-week period that saw five beverage brands collectively add nearly $60 million in new funding, the hosts discussed each deal and how the companies are planning to deploy the capital. They also spoke about the increasing prevalence of food and beverage conglomerates internally developing on-trend concepts while taking branding and design cues from entrepreneurial companies.

In this episode, we sat down with pioneering winemaker Joe Wagner, the founder of Copper Cane Wines & Provisions, who is best known for creating Meiomi, an industry-shifting brand that he sold in 2015 for $315 million. Wagner spoke about aligning his winemaking style with a “go with your palate” credo, how a potentially risky price reduction became a game changer for Meiomi and why he’s not affected by criticism from some within the wine industry.

This week we’re joined by Kat Cole, the president and COO of rapidly growing wellness brand Athletic Greens, who spoke about how she’s applying her extensive experience in branding, leadership and community building to the recently minted unicorn company, which last month raised $115 million at a valuation of over $1 billion.

The team discussed a variety of current topics, including the implications of a groundbreaking countertop appliance that will be able to create a near-infinite number of beverage types, how Expo West exhibitors can amplify their presence at the show, and whether a YouTube megastar can leverage his fame to sell chocolate bars, plus offered high praise for several new snacks and beverages.

Mélanie Masarin, founder and CEO of pioneering non-alcoholic cocktail brand Ghia, discussed the influence of her work experience at Glossier on the brand’s development, her vision to build Ghia as an “IRL” platform and how it was impacted by the pandemic, the remarkable story about how she won over Ghia’s brand designer and why “growing up in the right way” often means pumping the brakes.

This week on Taste Radio, we share the inspirational story of Adam Bremen, the founder of fast-growing snack bar brand Keto Krisp, who spoke about how perseverance and a can-do attitude has yielded personal and professional success throughout his life. Also, investor Maxine Kozler Koven joins the episode for the first installment of a new regular series in which she provides her insights and analysis of the food and beverage industry.

On the heels of the Coca-Cola Co.’s latest foray into alcoholic beverages, the Taste Radio team discussed the potential for Simply Spiked and assessed the mission and mechanics of a new industry group focused on promoting low-sugar, better-for-you CPG brands. They also reviewed major investment deals in the meat stick and hard kombucha categories and riffed on new and notable products, including a line of non-alcoholic aperitifs launched by musician Katy Perry.