Episodes

From ginger shots and lentil crisps to sparkling bone broth and cinnamon water, the hosts hit the floor at 2026 Winter FancyFaire* in San Diego to sample what’s next in food and beverage. The hosts discuss standout brands, innovative concepts, smart packaging and evolving brand strategies that reveal where wellness, snacking and functional drinks are headed.

The hardest part of building a consumer brand? It’s not the product; it’s everything that comes after. Caliwater co-founder Oliver Trevena, who launched the cactus water brand alongside fellow actor Vanessa Hudgens, opens up about the realities of fundraising, the challenges of securing and scaling distribution, and the emotional toll that building a brand can take.

Protein is showing up in more products than ever before, but does it need to be in your soda? The Taste Radio team digs into the fast-growing ingredient trend, breaking down taste, functionality and whether more equals better. The hosts also tease an exciting first: BevNET’s inaugural trade show booth at the upcoming Winter FancyFaire.*

She helped redefine premium soda. Now she’s rethinking the martini. In this episode, Sharelle Klaus shares how the lessons, missteps and successes of building DRY Soda informed the launch of Second Sip, a lower-proof gin designed for today’s intentional drinker. She reflects on how her second act is more focused, shaped by patience, distribution strategy, brand clarity and long-term scale.

Forget Hollywood. For actor and investor Ryan Phillippe, the real drama is unfolding in the beverage aisle. Speaking from BevNET Live L.A. 2025, Ryan – attending alongside Pretty Tasty co-founder Scarlett Leung – explains why functional beverages, credible health benefits, and shelf-grabbing design are the factors that separate forgettable brands from the next breakout hit. 

She went from selling hydration drinks out of the trunk of her car to building a $20M brand, without outside investors, industry experience or playing by the rules. Jesslyn Rollins, the CEO of rapid hydration brand Biolyte, reveals how grassroots hustle and relentless sampling helped her break into one of the most competitive categories in beverages, and why it’s now ready to make its boldest move yet.