Episodes
How Halfday Went From Dorm Room To Disrupting A $9B Category
Mike Lombardo, the co-founder of better-for-you iced tea brand Halfday, shares the journey of transforming a college side hustle into a fast-growing challenger brand. He opens up about the brand’s early missteps, how Halfday secured coveted shelf space at Whole Foods, partnered with one of New York City’s most influential distributors, and how a last-minute decision led to a major investment.
Chomps, Coffee & Cocktails. CPG’s Winners Are Culturally Relevant.
Tips from trailblazing brands, strategies to captivate venture capitalists, the explosive growth of RTD coffee and more. This packed episode features highlights from Taste Radio’s Chicago meetup and an in-depth look at Nutrabolt’s $200M investment in Bloom. The hosts also dive into the next wave of coffee innovation and examine whether energy or indulgence is driving consumer demand.
‘Shameless’ CPG: Why William H. Macy Is All In On Woody Creek
When Oscar-nominated actor William H. Macy joined Woody Creek Distillers, it wasn’t a Hollywood deal – it was a neighborhood one. In this episode, he and award-winning bartender Sean Kenyon discuss how Woody Creek evolved from a small-town operation into a nationally respected brand, all while staying true to its roots: crafting world-class spirits at accessible prices.
Niche To National. The Brands Finding A Better Way To Scale.
From college campuses to cannabis aisles, this episode explores how emerging CPG brands are carving out space in crowded categories. The hosts unpack Better Sour’s rapid retail expansion – including an exclusive Sprouts flavor – while also spotlighting Toom’s strategic refresh that helped turn a niche garlic dip into a national brand. Plus, the challenges of adaptogen overload.
Nearing $90M & Surging. The Keys To Clio Snacks’ Scaling Strategy.
How did Clio Snacks evolve from a homemade Greek yogurt bar created in a New Jersey garage into a national brand approaching $90 million in annual sales? In this episode, company CEO John McGuckin shares the strategic blueprint behind the brand’s explosive growth, from prototype to distribution in nearly every major grocery and mass retail chain across the U.S.
Spindrift’s Shift & Seven-Figure Raises
The hosts dissect Spindrift’s decision to discontinue its Spiked line and spotlight rising CPG stars Mooski and Painterland Sisters, each of which recently announced major funding rounds. They also preview upcoming Taste Radio meetups in the U.S. and U.K., before taking bites and sips of oat bars, cookies and a Patrick Mahomes-backed coffee brand.
Have a Story Worth Sharing?
Taste Radio is always looking to feature founders and industry leaders who are willing to talk honestly about what it takes to build and scale a food or beverage business. Suggest yourself or someone else for a future episode.
