It’s not often that a high-profile investment deal is announced just before a major holiday, but we got lucky this week. After discussing the news that Kim Kardashian’s private equity firm SKYY Partners has invested in upscale condiment brand TRUFF, the hosts munched on a new brand of cookies launched by popular Twitch streamer Pokimane and dove into a growing pool of caffeine-free energy drinks. Show notes: 0:35: For Future Reference… Congrats, Nicks (& Kim). Skillet Sweet. Nog & Nitro....
Nov 24, 2023•22 min
Trendy food and beverage categories often elicit a gold rush. The nascent market for ready-to-drink cocktails, in which new brands are launched seemingly every day, has sparked the latest one. Cy Cain, the co-founder and CEO of Portland, Oregon-based Straightaway Cocktails, praises growing interest and demand for bottled and canned cocktails, but he believes that “there will always be a flight to quality.” Indeed, the brand’s prioritization of premium ingredients and blending methods continues t...
Nov 21, 2023•37 min
In this special presentation of our sister show, the Brewbound Podcast, Bernstein Autonomous analysts Nadine Sarwat and Trevor Stirling share what they know so far about Ozempic, Wegovy and other diet/diabetes drugs’ effect on alcoholic beverage consumption.
Nov 21, 2023•50 min
We’ve all seen the cute, clever and occasionally terrifying images created using ChatGPT and other AI generators. But can CPG companies utilize these apps in a meaningful way? The hosts discussed potential ways that AI might help make certain processes more efficient. They also spoke about why a food brand’s recent packaging revamp is excellent in every way and riffed on a spicy and sporty LTO. Show notes: 0:35: Street Fighter Showdown. 18 Brands, Two Winners. Colin Brings Us Fried Food. More TH...
Nov 17, 2023•26 min
It’s rare for a single independent consumer brand to generate $100 million in annual revenue. Chris Hunter has built two of them. Hunter is the co-founder and CEO of plant-based beverage company Koia, a maker of refrigerated vegan protein shakes and smoothies that are sold nationwide at retailers including Whole Foods, 7-Eleven, Sprouts, Publix, Kroger and Safeway. Last month, Koia added another major retail partner: Starbucks. The brand’s Vanilla Bean and Cacao Bean protein shakes are now avail...
Nov 14, 2023•50 min
How do you hold someone’s interest after an initial interaction? What motivates them to stay connected with you and your company? Three weeks before BevNET’s winter events kick off in Marina Del Rey, the hosts discussed ways that entrepreneurs can optimize meetings with investors and retailers and how to amplify their message to the industry at large. Show notes: 0:43: A Host And Three Judges. Agendas And Attendees. Cupcakes Of The Pizza Variety. Pickle Everything. – The hosts chatted about thei...
Nov 10, 2023•29 min
Mari Llewellyn's personal wellness journey, highlighted by a remarkable 90-pound weight loss, brought her online fame and sparked the creation of her wellness brand, Bloom Nutrition. But it’s Bloom’s consumers who have been fanning its flames in recent years, evangelizing about the products’ impact on their own journeys to better health and wellbeing. Founded in 2019, Bloom debuted as a direct-to-consumer brand of pre-workout powders and has since evolved into an omnichannel supplement company, ...
Nov 07, 2023•53 min
Why is a century-old apple orchard and cider company betting big on the future of cannabis? Eddie Brennan, the fifth-generation owner of New York-based Beak & Skiff, discussed its foray and continued investment into the cultivation of cannabis and production of THC-infused drinks. The company built and operates a 20,000 sq. ft manufacturing and co-packing facility dedicated to the cannabis beverages, one that Brennan described as the largest on the East Coast. Also in this episode: the hosts...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 1 min
The adage “luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” is often quoted by successful entrepreneurs. And it would stand to reason that the more opportunities you have, the luckier you’ll be. But how do you best position yourself to create more moments, chances and meetings that might change the trajectory of your business? Austin Cocktails co-founders Kelly Gasink and Jill Burns, who founded the brand in 2012 and helped usher in a new era for premium RTD cocktails, say that the answe...
Oct 30, 2023•44 min
In this special presentation of our sister show, the NOSH Podcast, Sunrise Strategic Partners’ Peter Burns and Coefficient Capital’s Franklin Isacson explain why the investor-brand relationship should be treated like a marriage.
Oct 30, 2023•51 min
Why are some investors writing checks while others are content to stay on the sidelines? The hosts discussed a new survey that examines the dynamics of contemporary deal flow. They also spoke about opportunities for entrepreneurs to spotlight their brands at BevNET’s Winter 2023 events and highlighted two food brands that developed new snacks in collaboration with beverage companies. Show notes: 0:35: Oh, Hi, Whole Foods. Ask And Interview. Ube & Scotch. Tia Traction. Donuts And Coffee. – Th...
Oct 27, 2023•30 min
If you take the brand out of the farmer’s market, do you have to take the farmer’s market out of the brand? Not if you’re Michele’s Granola, a brand whose rustic package design and proprietary recipe have remained the same since inception. It's a big reason why Michele’s has become one of the top-selling brands in its category. Launched in 2006 by founder Michele Tsucalas, Michele’s Granola markets small batch granola made from natural, organic and non-GMO ingredients. The company’s Maryland man...
Oct 24, 2023•43 min
What defines compelling innovation? Novel ingredients? Esoteric flavors? Unusual packaging? The hosts discussed how strategic and entrepreneurial companies are attempting to innovate in food and beverage and what’s moving the needle for consumers. They also riffed on two new celebrity coffee brands, one launched by a “Yellowstone'' star and the other known for her status as a “teen mom.” 0:35: Late Night Radio. Coke’s Latest Cocktail. Mushroom Coffee & Cognitive Shots. Ray’s Famous Celebrity...
Oct 19, 2023•35 min
In this special presentation of our sister show, BevNET & NOSH’s Community Call, Fly By Jing founder Jing Gao discussed how she leveraged DTC sales to secure retail opportunities, building and scaling a first to market product, and the education and marketing required to drive trial.
Oct 18, 2023•44 min
When they produced their first batch of non-alcoholic beer in 2017, Athletic Brewing Co. co-founders Bill Shufelt and John Walker knew they were on to something special. They may not have realized, however, they were brewing a revolution. Founded in 2017, Athletic Brewing has emerged as one of the fastest growing beverage companies in the U.S. and is leading the charge for a burgeoning cohort of zero-proof alcohol alternatives. According to industry trade group The Brewers Association, Athletic ...
Oct 17, 2023•48 min
From allulose-sweetened gummies and “junkless” granola bars to zero-sugar sodas and “WonderWater,” the hosts discussed how better-for-you brands are attempting to meet consumer demand for great taste and nutrition in snacks and beverages. 0:35: Thanks For Meeting! John Doesn’t Do Shots. Impactful News. Mike Conflates. Japanese Delights. – Ray praised the work of BevNET’s all-around star Amanda before the hosts chatted about the fear of (of lack thereof) Friday, the 13th, highlighted brands and f...
Oct 13, 2023•37 min
It’s been nearly 10 years since Bronya Shillo launched Fishers Island Lemonade, and even after selling her company to one of the largest beverage alcohol companies in the world, she’s still on the grind and promoting her brand one customer at a time. She wouldn’t want it any other way. Fishers Island Lemonade markets premium canned cocktails made with a base of barrel-aged whiskey, vodka, lemon and honey. Lauded for its unique taste profile and commitment to high quality ingredients, the brand c...
Oct 10, 2023•50 min
Can you pair tinned fish and beer… in the same can? Kids’ cereal flavors in protein drinks – does it work? Is chili crunch and ranch dressing the perfect duo? And, why are we losing it over a “Dragnum”? The hosts discussed how brands are attempting to grab our attention and generate sales via innovation, package design and unexpected collaborations. Show notes: 0:35: Vibin’ At The WCB. It’s Award Season. Uber Ray Silent Mode. A Must For Office Holiday Parties? – The team reflected on BevNET’s fu...
Oct 06, 2023•38 min
When we last spoke with Aura Bora co-founder and CEO Paul Voge in May 2022 his botanical-centric sparkling water brand was still a few months away from announcing a $10 million Series A funding round. At the time, Aura Bora was less than three years old. Investing in a young company that is competing within the crowded sparkling water category may sound risky to some. However, it was clear to Aura Bora’s backers that the brand had an uncommon ability to not only connect with new consumers, but d...
Oct 03, 2023•36 min
The hosts discussed TikTok’s announcement that it will make its Shop feature available to all of its 150 million U.S. users and ways that it may benefit CPG brands, and also spoke about the challenge of marketing kids’ brands and why some excel while most fade away. They also riffed on several notable products, including beauty-centric beverages, snackable chocolate and Indian-inspired dips. Show notes: 0:34: Shaving Tools And Sham-Wows? The Algorithm Is Off. Eat The Tea. It’s Boston Round, Ray....
Oct 02, 2023•36 min
By any measure, consumers are drinking less alcohol. While their reasons for abstaining vary, the occasions in which they consume beer, wine and spirits have remained consistent. The circumstances have created an opportunity for alcohol alternative brands like TÖST to innovate and find relevance among mainstream consumers. Launched in 2018, TÖST markets sparkling non-alcoholic beverages made with white tea, white cranberry concentrate, ginger extract and other natural flavors. The products, whic...
Sep 26, 2023•38 min
It was fun while it lasted... The hosts shared highlights from the final edition of Natural Products Expo East, including new brands, standout collaborations and innovative line extensions. Show notes: 0:35: Cinderella Song… Or Is It? Fork & Spork. Mixed Bag O’ Sweeteners. Mike Didn’t Dunk. – The hosts discussed the community’s reaction to the sunsetting of Expo East and what might mean for other trade shows, offered dining recommendations for Philly and reviewed a rare collaboration between...
Sep 22, 2023•27 min
For the leader of a company that is generating $1.5 billion in measured retail sales annually, Celsius CEO John Fieldly is remarkably frugal. He insists on flying coach and eschews expensive dinners while on the road. Thriftiness is a part of his personality, he says, but it’s also about setting an example. Since taking the helm in 2017, Fieldly has built Celsius into one the fastest-growing beverage companies in the world. The brand, whose positioning has evolved from a focus on dieting to that...
Sep 19, 2023•35 min
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. Show notes: 0:34: Get Some Expo-sure. Rudi’s Convenience. Bullish Or BS? Banza & Bevs. – As...
Sep 15, 2023•1 hr 5 min
When Christy Goldsby launched Honey Mama’s in 2013, her vision for the brand was simple: make better-for-you, delicious snacks accessible to more people. Early on, however, communicating the attributes and better-for-you nature of her nutrient-rich refrigerated truffle bars had been anything but easy. Goldsby noted that during the brand’s first few years on the market, most people “didn’t know what the heck the products were.” While words may have fallen short, the bars’ indulgent flavor and cre...
Sep 12, 2023•43 min
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. Show notes: 0:39: A Troll’s “Tears.” Barbie Bottles. Snacking Pineapple And Wasabi Cheese. Twi...
Sep 08, 2023•47 min
Richard Laver’s first beverage brand is named after his daughter Kate. He named the second one, Lucky F*ck, after himself. A former professional tennis player, Laver became an entrepreneur out of necessity. Kate was born with cerebral palsy and couldn’t eat solid foods nor was able to tolerate tube-feeding formulas. Frustrated with the lack of better-for-you options for his daughter, he created a protein shake made with plant-based ingredients and free from common allergens. The beverage helped ...
Sep 05, 2023•35 min
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. Show notes: 0:42: Brad Is Back. “A Different Style Of ...
Sep 01, 2023•55 min
The term “white space” is often used by entrepreneurs as a reason for launching a new brand. A void exists in a particular food or beverage category, and founders will claim that their products fill it. But what if others, notably investors and retailers, don’t see that opportunity? That’s the question that Shadi Bakour and his co-founders faced when they launched PATH, a bottled water brand that uses refillable aluminum containers, and it’s fair to say that they have answered the query. Founded...
Aug 29, 2023•49 min
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. Show notes: 0:33: Who Needs Ray? She Is The Champion, My Friends. Leggo My Eggo (Or Not). Cannabis & Kava. – Wi...
Aug 25, 2023•49 min
