Sketch comedian. Ghostbuster. Vodka entrepreneur. It’s all in a life’s work for the remarkable Dan Aykroyd. An original cast member of “Saturday Night Live,” Aykroyd is perhaps best known for the film franchise “Ghostbusters” in which he plays Ray Stanz, the proton pack-wearing ghoul fighter, a role that he will reprise in an upcoming sequel. He’s less recognized, however, as the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka, a globally distributed, ultra-premium spirit brand identified by its distinctive sk...
Aug 22, 2023•34 min
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. Show notes: 0:36: We’re Bagged Out. Japan Via Montreal. Walk The Talk? Not Exactly. Mike Is Only Sleeping. – Surrounded by two dozen promotional canvas bags and coolers, the...
Aug 18, 2023•56 min
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. Akendiz arrived in the U.S. from Turkey over 20 years ago. He had no illusions about a gilded path, but didn’t anticipate the challenges that befell him. Akendiz slept on park benches and lived in shelters and restaurant basements, worked menial jobs and wa...
Aug 15, 2023•33 min
What does Campbell Soup’s planned acquisition of Rao’s owner Sovos Brands suggest about the M&A environment for food and beverage CPG? The hosts discussed the deal and also chatted about several new, notable and innovative products. This episode also features an interview with Gregory Lowe II and Jason Miller, the founder and CEO and president of sales, respectively, of fast-growing coconut water brand 100 Coconuts. Show notes: 0:39: Mark Your Calendars. Grilled Cheese For Breakfast? Someone...
Aug 11, 2023•57 min
How do breakout brands, particularly those that operate in trendy categories, build sustainable businesses? They cultivate authentic relationships with consumers by delivering on attributes they’re seeking. It’s how Wilderton, a maker of small-batch, non-alcoholic spirits crafted from raw botanicals, is paving its path. Founded by Oregon craft spirits veterans Brad Whiting and Seth O’Malley, Wilderton launched in December 2020. The company markets three signature expressions that are distilled u...
Aug 08, 2023•39 min
The hosts discussed a celebrity foodie’s new glitzy brand of $10/box pasta, the debut of a black-owned and gastronomic-inspired brand of toaster pastries at Target, French’s sweet limited-time partner and a brief recap of the recently held 2023 Tales of The Cocktail convention. Also featured is the latest edition of Special Ops with Andrew Guard, in which the operations expert shares his take on both opportunities and challenges that are impacting new and emerging beverage and food companies. Sh...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Juliet is the result of two entrepreneurs who thought outside the box… by getting rid of the box. Launched in July 2022, Juliet is a first-to-market brand of multiserve wine founded by longtime friends Allison Luvera and Lauren De Niro Pipher. Unlike boxed varieties, the wine is encased in a cylindrical container with a black strap that is designed to evoke the style and sophistication of a luxury handbag. Juliet markets three varietals – Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Dry Rose – each sold in 1...
Aug 01, 2023•33 min
In this episode, the hosts shared CPG roundups from the Pacific Northwest regions of both the U.S. and Canada, discussed the controversy surrounding children and caffeine and questioned whether honey truffle could be a gamechanger for the food and beverage industry. Show notes: 0:35: Portlandia & Prime. Marmots & Mountains. Bad Breath & Blue #1. — Did Jacqui dodge lava? It certainly looked that way. Melissa’s Canadian store checks yielded some interesting information and sparked a co...
Jul 28, 2023•37 min
Magnolia Bakery’s famous banana pudding, an indulgent mash-up of fresh bananas, vanilla wafers and vanilla pudding, is the reason that you continue to see long lines outside of the company’s flagship shop in Manhattan, which opened in 1996. Although Magnolia wants to make the dessert more accessible, the New York-based company is limited by the capacity of its 10 U.S. retail locations and direct-to-consumer platform. To reach more customers, its leaders had to get creative. So they made cookies....
Jul 25, 2023•41 min
Can Coolhaus make a comeback? Although the beloved non-dairy ice cream brand is reportedly on the chopping block, the hosts discussed a potential salvation akin to those of discontinued brands resurrected by new owners. This episode also features the latest installment of The Goat Pen with Carlton Fowler, the co-founder of Goat Rodeo Capital, who spoke about his “obsession” with outliers. Show notes: 0:41: Wine In Baja. RIP… But, Maybe Not? Bliss Balls, Energy Gels, Pizza Nuts. – Jacqui shared d...
Jul 21, 2023•58 min
Tom Colicchio is a gastronomic icon. He also likes his tomato sauce out of a jar. Colicchio, who is the head judge and an executive producer of acclaimed TV reality competition “Top Chef” and the owner of award-winning restaurant group Crafted Hospitality, is a partner in Colicchio Kitchen, a premium brand of sauces and condiments that are positioned as high-quality and convenient products for home chefs. Recently rebranded from The Jersey Tomato Company, Colicchio Kitchen debuted at the 2023 Su...
Jul 17, 2023•39 min
When car companies start making tequila and beer, all bets are off. In this episode, the hosts banter about Tesla’s foray into beverage alcohol, what happens when the boss visits a satellite office (tip: don’t call it a “headquarters”), a sneak peek at the new digs for BevNET’s winter events, how entrepreneurs can get inside the minds of investors and why we’re big on packing vacation snacks and drinks. Show notes: 0:43: Happy Freaking Bastille Day. MTN DEW On Tap? Ray-Man And His Bev Chopper. –...
Jul 14, 2023•32 min
Here’s a tip: if you’re walking the floor of a spirits-related trade show with Dispact Ventures founder and CEO Andrew Merinoff at your side, be prepared to stop often. He draws a crowd. The 33-year-old investor, who is also the co-founder and CEO of passion fruit liqueur brand Chinola, is a well-known and well-regarded figure in the beverage alcohol industry and has a network that includes early-stage entrepreneurs, veteran operators, celebrity founders and industry captains. Dispact Ventures, ...
Jul 11, 2023•38 min
Don’t try to sell consumers on what’s missing from your products; instead emphasize and celebrate the best attributes of your brand. The hosts discuss this simple yet important distinction in this episode, which highlights several brands exhibited at the 2023 Summer Fancy Food Show, held last month in New York City. This episode also features an interview with Liz Rhoades and Meghan Ireland, the head of whiskey development and chief blender, respectively, for renowned whiskey brand WhistlePig. R...
Jul 07, 2023•55 min
This special edition of the podcast features actionable insights and advice from interviews with six founders, creators and leaders who joined us on the show during the first half of 2023. Our guests include Tara Bosch, the founder of pioneering better-for-you candy brand SmartSweets; Allison and Stephen Ellsworth, the co-founders of fast-growing prebiotic soda brand Poppi; Jake Bullock, the co-founder & CEO of cannabis-infused beverage company Cann; Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, the co-fou...
Jul 03, 2023•53 min
From sweet and savory salsa matcha and date-based energy snacks to craft cocktail tea bags and plant-based whale sperm tortilla chips (yes, we’re serious), the hosts shared their thoughts on the best and most notable products exhibited at the 2023 Summer Fancy Food Show, which was held in New York CIty from June 25-27. This episode also features an interview with Dave Colina, the founder and CEO of O2 Hydration, who discussed the sport drink brand’s repositioning and package revamp following the...
Jun 30, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Dillion Ceglio’s journey as a food entrepreneur started with a simple question: why hasn’t anyone created a healthier version of Uncrustables? Finding an answer, however, wasn’t nearly as easy. Ceglio is the co-founder and CEO of Los Angeles-based Chubby Snacks, which markets nut and seed butter and jelly sandwiches that the company describes as “cloud-shaped.” The individually wrapped sandwiches, which are typically sold frozen, are made with peanut, sunflower or almond butter and strawberry or...
Jun 27, 2023•42 min
This week on the podcast, the hosts discussed their smash-and-grab introduction to AriZona’s new line of hard teas, a Ted Lasso sighting at BevNET Live and a category-defining victory for non-alcoholic cocktail brands. This episode also features an interview with Luke Holden, the founder and CEO of Luke’s Lobster, a vertically integrated and family-owned seafood company based in Saco, Maine. Luke’s Lobster operates a chain of fast-casual restaurants, a frozen meal line made with Maine-sourced lo...
Jun 23, 2023•45 min
Sixteen years ago, Sweetgreen set out to redefine how consumers perceive fast food by offering crave-worthy meals made with clean and traceable ingredients and sold at an affordable price. Co-founder Nicolas Jammet has long been at the forefront of Sweetgreen’s menu strategy, and in his role as chief concept officer, he is tasked with maintaining the company’s high standards for quality and consistency in every bowl, snack and beverage sold in its restaurants. With nearly 160 locations across th...
Jun 20, 2023•28 min
On location at BevNET Live Summer 2023 in New York City, the hosts reflected on an exciting first day of the event, along with that of bar industry trade show Bar Convent Brooklyn, held on June 13 and 14. They also discussed an evening of cocktails with filmmaker and spirits entrepreneur Steven Soderbergh and a visit to Pop Up Grocer’s permanent location in Greenwich Village. Show notes: 0:48: Ready For Our Closeup. The Password Is… Mushrooms And Llamas. Celery Seafood. – Jacqui spoke about BevN...
Jun 16, 2023•21 min
In just two-and-a-half years, New York City bar Double Chicken Please has achieved iconic status. Located in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Double Chicken Please is a dual-concept bar whereby the front room is represented as a fast-casual cafe serving chicken sandwiches and small bites along with craft cocktails on tap. The back room is a luxurious, yet welcoming lounge where guests experience the bar’s innovative menu which is designed such that you “drink your food and eat your drink.” That reci...
Jun 13, 2023•25 min
There’s big money flowing into emerging concepts… and we have the receipts. Within this episode, the hosts discussed canned wine, plant-based analogs of popular snacks and THC-centric brands. We also discussed influential trends and innovative products in the evolving world of mixology in interviews with past World Class US Bartenders of the Year Jessi Pollak and Adam Fournier along with James Beard-honored mixologist and author Kim Haasarud. Show notes: 0:45: Mike Trolls, United Rolls. Big Wins...
Jun 09, 2023•1 hr 10 min
Afia is on a hot streak. The Mediterranean-inspired frozen food company recently closed on a $3 million funding round and is on the cusp of opening a new 21,000 sq. ft manufacturing facility capable of producing a half a million falafel balls per day. While Afia’s co-founders Farrah and Yassin Sibai are pleased with the brand’s development, they remain grounded in their roots. In this episode, the Sibais reflected on the brand’s humble origins and highlighted a little black book of family recipe...
Jun 06, 2023•47 min
What parallels exist between music, food and beverage and how can they inform entrepreneurs about innovation strategies? The hosts look to legendary music producer Rick Rubin for answers. We also discuss trends from behind the bar with the 2023 USBG World Class bartender of the year Renato Tonelli and Julie Reiner, the owner of world renowned NYC cocktail restaurants The Clover Club and Leyenda. Show notes: 0:43: Ray Is Pumped, Walmart Is In The House, Consider The Listener’s Perspective, Amaro ...
Jun 02, 2023•51 min
It's been three years since we last featured Poppi co-founders Allison and Stephen Ellsworth on Taste Radio, and to say that their brand has grown in that time would be a massive understatement. Poppi, is by all accounts, following in the footsteps of generational brands that came before it, including vitaminwater, Bai and BodyArmor. Launched as Mother Beverage in 2016 and reborn as Poppi in 2020, the gut-healthy drink company markets low-calorie and low-sugar sodas made with fruit, apple cider ...
May 30, 2023•43 min
At what stage of development should brands consider aligning with a celebrity or athlete? How can companies assess the potential value and impact of those partnerships? The hosts shared their perspective on both topics, and also spoke about why niche brands might need to reconsider certain positioning and packaging callouts that have them collectively scratching their heads. Show notes: 0:43: A Swift Dip In Your Bank Account. Ray Seafallon. We’re Coneheads. An NSFW Bev? – John explained why Tayl...
May 26, 2023•39 min
Mario Carbone, the acclaimed chef and restaurateur, believes that if you’re going to do something, you should strive to be the best at it. That’s – quite literally – the secret to his sauce. The co-founder of globally renowned restaurant company Major Food Group, Carbone is a native New Yorker who learned his craft under the tutelage of some of the city’s best known and admired chefs, including Daniel Boulud and Wylie Dufresne. In 2011, Carbone and business partners Rich Torrisi and Jeff Zalazni...
May 23, 2023•32 min
It may seem counterintuitive, but successful founders are often stung by self-doubt, a topic the hosts discussed in this episode, along with Neil Patrick Harris’ foray into the RTD cocktail business and an unexpected brand collaboration that’s being described as both brilliant and revolting. We also feature the latest edition of Special Ops with Andrew Guard, in which the operations expert shared insights about scaling strategies, how to generate mainstream appeal through flavor and working with...
May 18, 2023•55 min
A sensational number from Post Malone. A$AP Rocky’s critically acclaimed crowd pleaser. And an unexpected hit from Kevin Hart. What may sound like a Spotify playlist is actually a trio of brands built and marketed by Global Brand Equities. Founded in 2019 by Irish expat James Morrissey, Global Brand Equities is focused on developing innovative and creator-led beverage alcohol brands. Morrissey’s vision is to meet modern consumers where they live and drink via a contemporary approach to alcoholic...
May 16, 2023•39 min
The hosts discussed the news that Michelle Obama has joined kids’ food and beverage company PLEZi Nutrition as a co-founder and strategic partner and spoke about the potential impact of the former first lady’s influence and political connections on the brand’s development. They also highlighted the 10 brands named as part of Target’s third Takeoff Food and Beverage program. Show notes: 0:43: Mike Missed A Lot Of Recesses. You Only Need To Watch Lost Once. Get It In Schools. – Melissa Traverse fi...
May 12, 2023•29 min
