Taste Radio: She Built A ‘Nation’ Of Millions In CPG’s Toughest Category

Five people. Seven-figure DTC. Nationwide Whole Foods distribution. Ashley Nickelsen, the founder and CEO of nutrition bar and chocolate brand B.T.R. Nation, reveals how she turned velocity, online sales data, and creative-first Meta ads into a disciplined omnichannel growth engine – without shortcuts in one of grocery’s most competitive categories.

Distribution: Southside Hits Whole Foods; Oishii Sails Onto Carnival

This month’s distribution moves see gin-based ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail The Original Southside grab permanent shelf space at Whole Foods, a sake spritz making a multi-channel push, and a Mid-Atlantic tequila soda lock in a major partner.

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Taste Radio: Is Big Food Catching Up To Startups? And, A Legend Signs Off.

Is Big Food finally catching up to emerging brands on speed to market? As legacy CPG giants roll out protein- and fiber-forward innovations faster than ever, the team debates whether startups still hold the advantage. Plus, we give a heartfelt sendoff to Jacqui Brugliera as she departs BevNET after 12 years.

Featured Jobs

Hy.Q Begins ‘Big Push’ in Retail with LA Distributing Partnership

Los Angeles-based hydration beverage brand Hy.Q is looking to make a “big push” in its backyard this year, partnering with Los Angeles Distributing Company (LAD) as founder and CEO Rick Mochulsky aims to raise awareness and drive trial for the year-old startup.

Starbucks Continues Protein Push with New RTDs

Roughly five months after beefing up its in-store menus with protein-forward handcrafted beverages, Starbucks is doubling down on the protein coffee trend with new bottled beverages.