BevNET presents: The Nombase CPG podcast, a series featuring open discussions on pressing topics impacting food and beverage businesses. Each episode explores a key issue in the CPG industry, offering timely insights, tactical advice, and community discussion. Join the live podcast recording to ask your questions and share your comments directly with our guests, or catch up on past podcast episodes anytime.
…
continue reading
The top podcast for anyone building a business in food or beverage, BevNET’s Taste Radio features interviews with the leaders and rising stars of our fast-evolving industry. The shows also include discussion on emerging trends, innovation and news of the week from our regular cadre of hosts from the BevNET and NOSH teams. Tell us what you think at [email protected]. You can also email us if you are interested in Taste Radio sponsorship opportunities. And if you like the podcast, share it wi ...
…
continue reading

1
Hey Pepsi, We Remain Perplexed. But These Brands Straight Slapp.
24:47
24:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
24:47What’s the point of PepsiCo’s new sub-line of prebiotic colas? Is it addressing genuine consumer demand for functional ingredients, or just riding the wellness wave? The hosts once again weigh in. They also highlight emerging shot brands gaining traction and take a closer look at how the viral “WaterTok” phenomenon may have influenced Keurig Dr Pep…
…
continue reading

1
Launching at Costco or Sprouts? Use Mush’s Local Creator Approach.
41:52
41:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:52Getting into a retailer is a win—but without foot traffic and velocity, your shelf space can quickly go to another brand. Emily Steele (CEO & Co-founder, Hummingbirds) and Arianne Dora (Social Lead, Mush) talk about how local creators helped Mush make a success at Costco and Sprouts. They break down regional targeting, creator briefs, content reuse…
…
continue reading

1
A Tip From A Top Brand? Quality & Convenience Are Essential.
32:57
32:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:57Convenience and quality don’t always go hand in hand, but Tip Top Cocktails is changing that perception, one perfectly crafted drink at a time. Founded in 2019, Tip Top is an Atlanta-based brand known for its spirit-forward, bar-quality offerings. Childhood friends Yoni Reisman and Neal Cohen launched the company with a simple mission: make great c…
…
continue reading

1
Be Timely. Be Great. Be Relentless. Why The GNGR Formula Works.
1:02:52
1:02:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:52How did GNGR Labs’ organic, cold-pressed wellness shots become a staple in New York City bodegas and land nationwide distribution at Wegmans? Founder Namik Soltan shares a story powered by purpose, product and unrelenting persistence. The hosts also unpack PepsiCo’s unexpected – and gutsy – announcement and explore how excellence fueled Tia Lupita’…
…
continue reading

1
Elevator Talk: Brainfood, BaoBlast, AVSOME, Bad Mermaid, High Ground Elixir
1:04:23
1:04:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:23The latest installment of Elevator Talk features leaders from Brainfood, BaoBlast, AVSOME, Bad Mermaid and High Ground Elixir. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Dayton Miller, a managing partner with BFG Partners, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedb…
…
continue reading

1
The In-Store Strategy That Helped Chomps Explode Nationwide
44:11
44:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:11Ever wonder how Chomps took over shelves across the country? Lauren Martin, Chomps’ National Retail Activation Manager, reveals the in-store strategies that fueled their explosive growth. Find out how to earn more facings, prevent promo failures, build store-level trust, and adapt tactics by region and retailer. From merchandising wins to demo opti…
…
continue reading

1
When Is $200M In Sales Just The Beginning? When The Brand Is Yerba Madre.
40:15
40:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:15Yerba Madre is a brand nearly synonymous with its namesake ingredient. But in a country where most consumers have never even heard of yerba mate, a caffeine-laden herbal infusion native to South America, how do you build a household name around it? Guiding that vision is Ben Mand, who was named CEO of Yerba Madre in March 2024. Formerly known as Gu…
…
continue reading

1
How To Go Viral In 60 Seconds? Sell Raw Cod. Not Celeb 'Tinis.
30:23
30:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:23What happens when a high-profile protein bar brand suddenly dives into frozen seafood? Naturally, the industry takes notice—and chaos ensues. In this episode, the hosts unpack David’s unexpected launch of raw frozen cod, a move that seems both strategic and defiant, sparking intense debate across the CPG world. They also delve into the debut of Lov…
…
continue reading

1
Elevator Talk: NIKIGO, Zip Frut, TruJoy, Mamame, Jack’s Dad’s Hummus
1:08:43
1:08:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:08:43The latest episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from NIKIGO, Zip Frut, TruJoy Yogurt, Mamame Tempeh Chips and Jack’s Dad’s Hummus. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Tom Spier, the founder and managing partner of venture capital firm BFG Partners, who sh…
…
continue reading

1
From Apothecary To Icon. The Rise Of Fernet-Branca In America.
28:27
28:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:27How did a 180-year-old Italian digestif become one of America’s most beloved bar staples? Though Fernet-Branca has enjoyed a storied legacy in Europe since its creation in 1845, it remained a niche curiosity in the United States for much of its life. The intensely bitter, herbal liqueur was appreciated only by the most adventurous palates. Today, h…
…
continue reading
The convenience store channel is just about the most competitive and expensive you'll find in CPG, but the promise of sky high velocities and an immediate way to reach new customers is undeniably attractive. Andy Steele of Ollipop and BODYARMOR, and Vanessa Walker of NEW YOU BRANDS and La Croix lay out the cost of doing business, when the right tim…
…
continue reading

1
Will MAHA Target Plastic? And, How The ‘West’ Is Won.
50:01
50:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:01Could plastic packaging be the next target on MAHA’s hitlist? Have we reached peak chili crisp? Has Dubai chocolate already jumped the shark? The hosts dig in and debate, then spotlight a new $450 million fund that’s fueling emerging food and beverage brands. We also sit down with Tara Lindley of High West, who talks about how the revered whiskey b…
…
continue reading
How do you scale your CPG brand without drowning in chaos? Jesse Barruch, Co-Founder of Whims Delights and David McCormick, Co-Founder of Ayoh Foods, dig into the messy realities of building operational systems that support growth. From managing complex supply chains to prioritizing cash flow and inventory, our guests offer practical frameworks, re…
…
continue reading

1
The Hip-Hop Icon Building A Whiskey Brand For Everyone
15:43
15:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
15:43A hip-hop icon. A lifelong bond. A shared passion for craft spirits. And a warehouse full of aged whiskey. When these elements came together, they gave rise to Amber & Opal, a premium honey botanical rye whiskey that’s turning heads in the spirits industry. Launched in 2024, Amber & Opal was co-founded by Ja Rule, Herb Rice, Sandy Sandiford, and Ke…
…
continue reading

1
One Of The Best Trade Shows We’ve Ever Attended? Fancy That.
39:15
39:15
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:15The 2025 Summer Fancy Food Show was a vibrant exhibition of everything we love about the food and beverage industry. From new concepts and inventive product launches to passionate entrepreneurs and irresistible bites and sips, the event was a sensory feast. The hosts spotlight ethnic brands, artisanal snacks and distinctive libations from one of th…
…
continue reading

1
Know When to Negotiate: Distributor Contracts For Brands
46:12
46:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:12Distributor contracts can make or break your brand. In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Koehler, Founder and CEO of Wildway Foods, and Kara Posner, Partner at Giannuzzi Lewendon, to unpack how brands can navigate these high-stakes agreements with confidence. Learn when and how to negotiate, what terms to watch for, and how to protect your margin…
…
continue reading

1
The Traits That Define Trailblazing & Successful Leaders
41:19
41:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:19In this special edition of the podcast, we feature highlights from interviews with eight founders, creators and innovators who joined us on the show during the first half of 2025. Our guests include Gail Becker, the founder of Caulipower; Bill Creelman and Dave Burwick, the founder and CEO, respectively of Spindrift; Emily Griffith, the founder and…
…
continue reading

1
How NOT To Manage A Crisis. Functional Should Mean Clean, Right?
29:33
29:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:33In one of the strangest scandals to hit the CPG world, BetterBrand, the startup behind the high-protein, low-carb “Better Bagel,” is now facing lawsuits, unpaid debts… and a missing founder. The hosts weigh in on the chaos surrounding entrepreneur Aimee Yang and her calamitous company. They also discuss a new, seemingly BFY beverage alcohol segment…
…
continue reading
Level up your formulation game with beverage expert Donald Wilkes of Blue Pacific Flavors and hear what’s really driving the next wave of functional drinks including smarter sweeteners, better energy, and flavor that actually delivers. Find out how to stay ahead of shifting consumer tastes, making clean label work without losing impact, and how to …
…
continue reading

1
Ghost Wasn’t Created To Be A Billion-Dollar Brand. That’s Why It Is One.
36:26
36:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:26When Ghost co-founders Dan Lourenco and Ryan Hughes launched their fitness and lifestyle brand in 2016, they weren’t chasing headlines or quick exits. They were trying to build a company that felt like a movement. From the outset, Ghost resonated with a younger, influencer-savvy audience drawn to its bold, candy- and snack-inspired fitness suppleme…
…
continue reading

1
Did Big Food Really Need RFK Jr.’s Nudge? Fancy, Foodie FTW.
55:04
55:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:04Why did it take government pressure for Kraft Heinz to clean up its act? The hosts unpack the conglomerate’s pledge to drop artificial dyes from its products by 2027, and what it says about Big Food’s priorities. The episode also features interviews with the founders of two remarkable early-stage brands: Maura Duggan of Fancypants Baking Co. and Al…
…
continue reading

1
Unique Paths to Funding and How Founders are Making It Happen
49:35
49:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:35There are a variety of ways to secure funding - the trick is aligning the right fit with the right opportunity. Join Emily Griffith, founder of Lil Bucks, and Daniela Jensen of Big Picture Foods as they share their funding journeys. Emily discusses Lil Bucks' $3M Series A raise, and Daniela talks about Atalanta’s acquisition of Big Picture Foods. W…
…
continue reading

1
The Overlooked $4 Billion Category That Olyra Is Redefining
36:30
36:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:30While many founders chase the latest trends, Yannis Ouzounopoulos saw opportunity in an overlooked $4 billion category – and struck breakfast gold. Yannis is the founder and CEO of Olyra, a fast-growing brand of organic breakfast bars and biscuits inspired by his family’s fifth-generation flour milling business in Greece. Launched in 2017, Olyra wa…
…
continue reading

1
What Grannies & Betties Can Teach Us About Authenticity
46:44
46:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:44Can a sober celebrity build a booming booze brand? The hosts dig into the paradox behind a high-profile actress and entrepreneur who doesn’t drink – but is betting big on alcohol. Plus, a tea company rooted in a 1930s family recipe is brewing something fresh with younger consumers. With a grassroots strategy and nostalgic appeal, could it be the ne…
…
continue reading

1
Mission, Mainstream. How Kuli Kuli Landed Target & Walmart.
34:54
34:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:54What do TikTok, Target, and African superfoods have in common? They’ve all played a role in the remarkable resurgence of Kuli Kuli — the pioneering superfood brand founded in 2014 that introduced moringa to the U.S. market and is now carried in over 11,000 retail stores nationwide. Once known primarily for its moringa products, Kuli Kuli has since …
…
continue reading

1
The Ingredient Doing the Most For Flavor and the Forests
41:32
41:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:32Mike Farrell of The Forest Farmers, Michael Ham of Wild Orchard Tea, and Susan Hartman of Recoup Beverage share how their brands use sustainable maple to power innovation. They explore how maple sap provides clean hydration, natural sweetness, and a functional base to beverage formulations. Our panel will discuss regenerative farming, nutritional b…
…
continue reading

1
Millions Or Meh? Gauging The Potential For Breakout Brands.
1:03:56
1:03:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:56Are they breakout stars or just... confusing? Pizza wine, salmon jerky, kava & mushroom-infused drinks, Gen Z-inspired peanut butter and “cheezy” puff snacks. Why we're thumbs up – or down – on buzzworthy new concepts in CPG. This episode also spotlights two remarkable women on a mission to elevate the way we eat: Holly Arbuckle of Singing Pastures…
…
continue reading

1
What Not to Miss at BevNET Live Summer 2025
28:01
28:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:01Headed to BevNET Live? Or still deciding?? In this episode, Jeff Klineman shares a bts look at how the show comes together and what to watch for if you're focused on building a profitable brand. From key sessions to the people you need to meet, Jeff offers tips to help you navigate with purpose. Whether you're looking to connect with investors, ret…
…
continue reading

1
Outsmarting Big Food: How Mason Dixie Wins With Integrity
44:14
44:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:14If the legacy food giants won’t evolve, Mason Dixie will do it for them – one honest, skillet-cooked meal at a time. When Ayeshah Abuelhiga founded Mason Dixie Foods in 2014, she set out to deliver what people are truly hungry for: clean, craveable comfort food made without compromise. No preservatives. No shortcuts. Just real ingredients and real …
…
continue reading

1
Austin, Unfiltered. Hot Takes From CPG‘s OG City.
54:33
54:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:33Big ideas, bold flavors, and unfiltered insights—welcome to Austin, where the future of CPG is being written in real time. At Taste Radio’s Austin Meetup, we sat down with trailblazers and trendsetters redefining how brands are built and scaled. From Better Sour co-founder Bella Hughes to Torchy’s Tacos founder Mike Rypka and Snaxshot’s Andrea Hern…
…
continue reading

1
How to Grow Your Brand Without Burning Out
45:13
45:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:13Building a business is hard as you're juggling so many roles while trying to build momentum without running out of resources. In this episode, Ashley Waldman, Founder & CEO of Jubilee's (high-nutrition kids' milk), gets advice from Ashley Selman, Co-Founder of Heywell (functional sparkling water), and Pauline Idohou, Founder & CEO of Mocktail Club …
…
continue reading

1
The ‘Daughter’ Building A Cultural Food Empire
39:34
39:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:34Dumpling Daughter isn’t just a food brand. It’s founder Nadia Liu Spellman’s heartfelt homage to family, culture and comfort. Her mission is simple but powerful: to make high-quality, restaurant-style comfort food accessible at home, while honoring the deep emotional ties that food can hold. Launched in 2014. Dumpling Daughter began as a beloved lo…
…
continue reading

1
How Elavi Landed A Million-Dollar Deal With Costco
56:58
56:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:58Michelle Razavi, the co-founder of Elavi, pulls back the curtain on how the brand landed a $1 million order from Costco just four months after the debut of its protein brownies. The hosts also discuss Chobani’s purchase of Daily Harvest and Via Verde Valle’s acquisition of A Dozen Cousins and how the latter may reflect a new paradigm in which found…
…
continue reading

1
Elevator Talk: Hip Pop, Pari, Aqua Boost, Pablo’s Mate, Zenjoy
1:04:49
1:04:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:49The latest installment of Elevator Talk features leaders from Hip Pop, Pari, Aqua Boost, Pablo’s Mate, Zenjoy. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Adam Louras, a principal with Mercenary, who shared his thoughts, questions and feedback with the participants. H…
…
continue reading

1
Behind the Redesign, Part 2: Dappy’s Transformation with Suite9c
47:30
47:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:30How does a top-tier design studio reimagine a fast-growing brand? In Part 2 of our brand refresh series, Suite 9C founder Paula Grant—joined by team members Jessy Qussar and Melissa Piombo—unveils five final design directions created for Dappy, a non-alcoholic functional beverage brand on the rise. Maddie Frank, Dappy’s founder, shares her candid r…
…
continue reading

1
‘Reel’ Change Is Here. How Seremoni Reimagined An Industry.
27:37
27:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:37How do you build a globally scaled seafood company rooted in ancient Japanese techniques, humane animal treatment, and radical transparency – all before the age of 26? Meet Saif Khawaja, the founder and CEO of Seremoni, a startup that’s reinventing the seafood industry from the ground up. Launched in 2024, Seremoni is a vertically integrated compan…
…
continue reading

1
Is There A Future For Plant-Based Meat? And, The Brilliance Of Boston’s Bina.
1:03:23
1:03:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:23Is the plant-based meat boom going bust? Despite early excitement and big investments, some brands are in the midst of turbulent times and an uncertain future. The hosts weigh in. Plus, Babak Bina, co-founder of BCB3 Hospitality Group, shares how a deep commitment to guest experience and a love for cultural cuisine helped him develop some of the ci…
…
continue reading

1
The True Cost and Return of Trade Shows: A Look at Expo West and Beyond
46:05
46:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:05Join Scout Brisson, CEO of De Soi, Troy Bonde, Co-Founder of Sauz, and Sarah Jahnke, CEO and Co-Founder of Homecourt as they discuss the true cost and return of attending trade shows like Expo West, sparked by Scout’s LinkedIn question: Is exhibiting at Expo West worth it? Learn how to create a memorable brand experience, measure success beyond sal…
…
continue reading

1
Make Drinking Culture Great Again? A Cocktail Icon Has Ideas.
34:49
34:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:49Tony Abou-Ganim, a legendary figure in the world of cocktails and hospitality with nearly five decades behind the bar, is sounding an alarm for the industry he cherishes. “Where did the fun go?” he asks – a question that reverberates across the ever-evolving landscape of bars and beverage culture. As the founder of cocktail platform Modern Mixologi…
…
continue reading

1
Own & Infer – Behind The Scenes Of A ‘Perfect’ Brand Refresh
35:57
35:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:57After a challenging 2024, Lemon Perfect knew it was time for a bold reset. Founder Yanni Hufnagel led the charge with a reengineered bottle and improved formula, but the brand’s comeback wouldn’t be complete without a new look. Enter Paula Grant and creative studio Suite9C, tasked with developing a daring visual identity refresh. This is the story …
…
continue reading

1
Elevator Talk: Joon, Scobucha, Hey!Hunger, Jozo, Fable Fish Co.
1:04:08
1:04:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:08The latest episode of Elevator Talk features leaders from Joon, Scobucha, Hey!Hunger, Jozo and Fable Fish Co. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Eleanor Hayden, the founder & CEO of Hayden Consultancy, who shared her thoughts, questions and feedback with the …
…
continue reading

1
Thrive Market: What’s New, What’s Next, and Key Updates in 2025
42:58
42:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:58Natalie Wieder, Vice President of Category Management at Thrive Market, shares recent updates to this leading grocery e-commerce retailer’s vendor experience, including the launch of a new vendor portal, a brand insights dashboard, and a retail media platform. The conversation covers shifts in product selection strategy, key attributes Thrive prior…
…
continue reading

1
It’s Kind Of Wild, But Katie Lee Biegel Is Changing The Way We Drink
18:34
18:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:34What happens when a celebrated food personality brings her passion for clean eating to the wine aisle – and helps launch a brand that's redefining what’s in your glass? Katie Lee Biegel, the bestselling author, Food Network celebrity and co-founder of Kind of Wild wines, discusses her journey into the organic wine business and how she’s building a …
…
continue reading

1
It’s Better For… Who? Plus, How To ‘Rethink’ Food Insecurity.
56:29
56:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:29They call it “better-for-you.” But better for who, exactly? And are trendy startups solving a problem – or just selling the illusion of one? The hosts dig in. We also revisit four interviews from Taste Radio’s NYC meetup, where leaders from innovative food and beverage organizations, including Rethink Food and The Goods Mart, shared insights on mis…
…
continue reading

1
Global Pressure, Local Impact: Rethinking Sourcing When Prices Skyrocket
47:00
47:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:00Join Christian Quie, VP of Sales at ChocXO, and Lillard Anthony Wong, CEO of Owlvericks Coffee, discuss how their brands are responding to sharp ingredient cost increases caused by shifting trade policies and environmental factors and. They share approaches to managing supply chain volatility, strategies for alternative sourcing, methods for commun…
…
continue reading

1
A Kroger ‘King’ Maker Reveals The Keys To Getting On Shelf – And Staying There
32:04
32:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:04Todd Davis, a seasoned Kroger executive who’s been with the retailer for over 30 years, has a sharp instinct for what makes a brand not just survive, but soar. As the category manager for natural, local, and multicultural brands at Kroger’s King Soopers and City Market banners, Todd has spent decades championing innovative products and the passiona…
…
continue reading
How do you cultivate a loyal following through organic growth and word-of-mouth buzz and without leaning on celebrity endorsements or splashy marketing campaigns? It’s the Komos way. In this episode, Ria Soler, the director of education and global advocacy for luxury spirit brand Tequila Komos, talks about how the company has focused on organic gro…
…
continue reading

1
Elevator Talk: Corpse Reviver, MAA • TE, The NA Beverage Company, Big D Energy Drink
51:52
51:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:52The latest installment of Elevator Talk features leaders from Corpse Reviver, MAA • TE, The NA Beverage Company and Big D Energy Drink. Watch founders and CEOs introduce their brands and provide a recap of recent news and updates. This week’s special co-host is Courtney O’Brien, the founder of The Outlier Initiative, who shared her thoughts, questi…
…
continue reading

1
The New Rules of Consumer Behavior Around Responsible CPG Packaging
41:35
41:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:35Consumers say they want sustainable packaging, but what do they actually care about, and how can brands deliver without tanking margins? Martin Caballero (BevNET), Simon Gainey (Hard Working Packaging), and Benjamin Puncher (Mintel) unpack it all, from the power of clear front-of-pack messaging to the value of recyclable materials and packaging tha…
…
continue reading

1
Vision & Virality — How Sauz Became One Of The Hottest Brands In CPG
46:52
46:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:52Troy Bonde and Winston Alfieri aren’t selling your father’s ragu. Instead, the 25-year-old co-founders of Sauz, a bold, culture-forward pasta sauce brand, are reimagining what it means to build a modern CPG company from the ground up. And, it’s working. Launched in 2023, Sauz has quickly made a name for itself with an unconventional lineup of jarre…
…
continue reading