This week we’re joined by Paddy Spence, the visionary founder of market research firm SPINS and CEO of stevia-sweetened beverage platform Zevia. Hear about the origins of his remarkable career, how marrying personal insights and passion with quantitative data has been central to the success of Zevia, why brands should focus on continuous improvement, his perspective on work-life balance, and whether a multi-billion dollar exit is imminent for Zevia.

In this episode, we feature an interview with Matt McLean, the founder of organic beverage company Uncle Matt’s, who discussed the brand’s evolution from its launch nearly 20 years ago through to its sale to dairy conglomerate Dean Foods in 2017. We also sit down with BevNET editor-in-chief Jeff Klineman, who offered insight and perspective into Keurig Dr Pepper’s $525 million acquisition of Core Nutrition.

Health Warrior co-founder/CEO Shane Emmett explains how a DIY project defines the company and its success, how it has cultivated and enhanced its relationship with Amazon, and why trusting your gut over data can lead to better decisions.

In Episode 1 of Taste Radio Insider, a new podcast focused on news, trends and innovation in business of food and beverage, we’re joined by Eugene Kang, the co-founder and CEO of fast-growing meat snack brand Country Archer. In our interview, Kang explained how perseverance and thinking outside-the-box have paid huge dividends for the brand. We also discussed trends and innovation in notable beverage categories, including RTD coffee and alt-dairy, as seen at Natural Products Expo East 2018.

Marci Zaroff, who over the past three decades has helped change the way we dress, eat and live, joins the podcast this week. Hear why she’s urging companies to incorporate ethical sourcing and sustainability into their brand strategies, discussed the “perpetual yo-yo” of entrepreneurship, and shared her take on the budding business of cannabis.