Episodes

BevNET’s Taste Radio is the podcast for food and beverage professionals, where we talk trends, interview the leaders and rising stars in the industry and discuss knowledge and topics that we hope entrepreneurs and pros everywhere find useful.

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Episode - :

Big Deals, Big Impact? Plus, Hilton’s Top F&B Exec Tells All.

+ Adam Crocini, Hilton

Amid a spate of high-profile investments and acquisitions, the hosts assessed Brooklyn Brewery’s alignment with Hoplark and what it means for the emerging segment of hop-centric beverages and also discussed the timing of Smuckers’ $5.6 billion purchase of Hostess Brands. This episode also features an expansive interview with Adam Crocini, the SVP and global head for food and beverage brands at Hilton.

Big Deals, Big Impact? Plus, Hilton’s Top F&B Exec Tells All.2023-09-15T12:37:31+00:00

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The Secret To Winning At Target, Whole Foods & Costco? It Starts With ‘Honey.’

+ Christy Goldsby, Honey Mama's

Christy Goldsby, the founder of fast-growing refrigerated snack brand Honey Mama's, explained why demoing is the foundation of its marketing strategy, leaning on a ‘truth radar’ at every step during a package revamp, how the company navigated a high profile retailer’s devastating decision to discontinue the brand and why handing over day-to-day operations was the right move for its future.

The Secret To Winning At Target, Whole Foods & Costco? It Starts With ‘Honey.’2023-09-12T13:10:03+00:00

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The Competition You Didn’t See Coming. Plus, The Redemption Of Premium.

When legacy brands start looking like startups, should entrepreneurs be worried? The hosts discuss. They also highlight several new and notable products, including chakra-specific shots and a cap-activated bottled cocktail. We also meet with Alan Kennedy, the master blender for rye-forward whiskey brand Redemption, who discusses the brand’s emphasis on premiumization of experience across its portfolio.

The Competition You Didn’t See Coming. Plus, The Redemption Of Premium.2023-09-08T11:03:51+00:00

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This Life-Saving, Anti-Brand Entrepreneur Is A Lucky F*ck

+ Richard Laver, Kate Farms & Lucky F*ck

Serial entrepreneur Richard Laver chronicles his path from a 12-year-old child who survived a plane crash that killed 136 people, to being homeless at age 27, to the birth of his daughter and how she inspired the development of successful plant-based nutrition brand Kate Farms. He also discussed the launch of Lucky F*ck, his upstart “anti-brand” line of energy drinks, and how it's following in the footsteps of Liquid Death.

This Life-Saving, Anti-Brand Entrepreneur Is A Lucky F*ck2023-09-05T11:04:21+00:00

Episode - :

Creators Are Fading. That’s A Good Sign. And, How Investors Start & End Relationships.

The hosts discussed the rise of high-profile creator-led brands and their transcendence beyond celebrity ties. They also reflect on a PSL season that started way too soon and the strategy behind functional brands that market both energizing and calming products. We also feature the latest installment of The Goat Pen, our regular series with Carlton Fowler, the co-founder and managing partner of early-stage investment firm Goat Rodeo Capital.

Creators Are Fading. That’s A Good Sign. And, How Investors Start & End Relationships.2023-09-12T22:13:49+00:00

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When The Sustainable Path Is A Billion-Dollar Opportunity

+ Shadi Bakour, PATH

Shadi Bakour, the co-founder and CEO of PATH, a bottled water brand that uses refillable aluminum containers, spoke about how he convinced retailers and investors that there was an unmet need for the brand, the game changing impact of relationships with San Francisco Airport retailers and Natural Products Expo West, the value of licensing deals with Barbie and TMNT, and PATH’s $30 million Series A funding round.

When The Sustainable Path Is A Billion-Dollar Opportunity2023-08-29T12:15:22+00:00

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It’s Controversial… Till It Makes Money. Plus, A Sip Of Slane And Eggo Cream.

+ Alex Conyngham, Slane Irish Whiskey

Is it groundbreaking or headed for infamy? The hosts sample several new products made with controversial (or, perhaps, objectionable) ingredients and flavors and assess the mainstream potential for each. This episode also features an interview with Alex Conyngham, the co-founder of Slane Irish Whiskey, who discussed the duality of building a modern brand that’s rooted in tradition.

It’s Controversial… Till It Makes Money. Plus, A Sip Of Slane And Eggo Cream.2023-08-25T13:52:16+00:00

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Dan Aykroyd Is (Probably) A Better Salesman Than You

Sketch comedian. Ghostbuster. Vodka entrepreneur. It’s all in a life’s work for Dan Aykroyd. The co-founder of iconic spirit brand Crystal Head Vodka, Aykroyd spoke about the company’s adherence to business fundamentals and premium positioning, what makes him an effective salesman and the limited impact of his celebrity on the brand’s success. He also explained what postal work has to do with the ownership team’s harmonious relationship and answered an infamous question with a “little g.”

Dan Aykroyd Is (Probably) A Better Salesman Than You2023-09-05T20:00:52+00:00

Episode - :

Do Gen Z Consumers Shop The Way We Think They Do?

+ Jorge Antonio Salles, El Tequileño

They talk the talk, but does Gen Z walk the walk? The hosts discuss the generation’s complicated relationship with food and whether their values actually impact purchasing decisions. This episode also features an interview with Jorge Antonio Salles, the third-generation master distiller for iconic tequila brand El Tequileño.

Do Gen Z Consumers Shop The Way We Think They Do?2023-08-18T11:36:15+00:00

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Build A Great Business, Champion A Social Mission. In That Order.

+ Hakki Akdeniz, Champion Pizza

Hakki Akendiz, an immigrant who became a successful entrepreneur and lauded philanthropist, is living the American Dream. He also for years experienced the plight of living without housing. His business, Champion Pizza, gives a voice to both.

Build A Great Business, Champion A Social Mission. In That Order.2023-08-15T12:42:15+00:00