Ray Latif is the lead host, producer, and content editor of Taste Radio, BevNET’s flagship podcast and the go-to show for food and beverage industry insights. With 14 years of experience in the industry, Ray is a seasoned journalist known for his sharp interviews and in-depth coverage of trends, innovation, and news. He began his career at BevNET as an assistant editor, later advancing to managing editor of both the website and magazine. Since 2016, he’s been the driving force behind Taste Radio, overseeing everything from content strategy to production. Ray’s conversational style and meticulous research have earned him widespread praise from both guests and listeners. He has had the privilege of interviewing a diverse range of high-profile figures, including Patrick Mahomes, Jennifer Garner, Dan Aykroyd, Kobe Bryant, Padma Lakshmi, and Brad Paisley. His ability to connect with entrepreneurs, celebrities, and industry leaders has made Taste Radio a must-listen for anyone interested in the evolving world of food and beverage.
In an interview at the NACS 2018 show, which was held Oct. 7-10 in Las Vegas, Jared Smith, the VP of Sales for beverage developer and incubator Stratus Group, which markets canned kombucha maker KÖE and alkaline water brand Perfect Hydration, said that while the brand’s shelf-stability may be attractive to current kombucha drinkers, the products are specifically formulated to attract new consumers to the category.
Honest Tea is one of a handful of brands emphasizing kids beverages as a way to attract awareness and trial for the rest of their portfolios.
Although tea is generally perceived as a better-for-you beverage, millennials are changing the way brands in the category think about innovation.
In the above video filmed at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2018, BevNET managing editor Ray Latif spoke with representatives from five incubators featured in the event's "Incubator Village" about their respective missions, how they are supporting early-stage brands with innovative concepts and about some of the success stories that have come from their work.
Natural Products Expo West 2018 got off to a fast start yesterday with its Fresh Ideas Organic Marketplace, a bustling, farmers market-style exhibition located outside the Anaheim Convention Center.
Savor California, an online showcase for gourmet food and beverage brands based in the Golden State, was once again represented at the annual Winter Fancy Food Show, In the following video, we spoke with beverage entrepreneurs affiliated with Savor California about why the state plays an important role for incubating emerging trends and concepts and how the organization supports their brands.
Episode 83 features an interview with Adnan Durrani, the founder and CEO of Saffron Road. We also speak with Neel Premkumar, the founder and CEO of Dyla Brands. And in Elevator Talk, we chat it up with BJ Mccaslin and Jason Trawick, the co-founders of Minute Mixology. This episode is presented by Sovereign Flavors.
Episode 82 features an interview with Soylent co-founder John Coogan. We also speak with Olivia Ku, an influential food and lifestyle blogger and the creator of LoveHealthOK. And in this week’s edition of Elevator Talk, we chat it up with Shayne Malone, the founder and CEO of Zavu.
In this week’s episode of Taste Radio, we spoke with Hint Water founder/CEO Kara Goldin about how her experiences in tech helped shape the business strategy for the brand, which is nearing $100M in annual sales. We also speak with Billy Bosch, the co-founder/CEO of Iconic, who offered insight into lessons learned and key takeaways from his journey as an entrepreneur. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we chat it up with Mikaela Ray, the Owner/CEO, of Mikaela's. This episode is presented by Sovereign Flavors.
BodyArmor brought out the big guns at NACS 2017 as investor Kobe Bryant and co-founder/chairman Mike Repole took center stage at the company’s booth on day one of the event, held last week at McCormick Place in Chicago. In an interview recorded at the booth, Bryant discussed his dual roles as an endorser and advisor in the company and how each have evolved since his initial investment in BodyArmor in 2014.
Episode 80 features an interview with GT Dave, the founder and CEO of GT’s Kombucha. We also speak with Sean Kelly, the founder and CEO of SnackNation. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we chat it up with Lilly Wunsch, the co-founder and COO of 4th & Heart. This episode is presented by Sovereign Flavors.
In episode 78, we feature an interview with Joy Bauer, who's best known as the nutrition and health expert for NBC’s “Today” show and is the founder of granola bites brand Nourish Snacks. We also speak with Gus Griffin, the CEO of MGP, a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits that's played a key role in the emergence and development of the craft spirits segment. And in the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we chat it up with Marcel Gozali, the founder of avocado and coconut smoothie brand Avonut.
Episode 78 features an interview with Chris Hunter, who is the co-founder of plant-based protein drink brand Koia and a co-founder of Four Loko. We also discuss the FDA’s new guidance on peanut allergies and how food brands are reacting, and feature an interview with the folks behind Shackleton Whisky. In the latest edition of Elevator Talk, we chat it up with 1 Shot Protein CMO Safir Jamal.
Episode 77 features an interview with Impossible Foods founder and CEO Pat Brown, "lessons from the trenches" with Koa founder Adam Louras, and a chat with Royce Pinkwater, the founder and CEO of Bonta Hydration, in this week’s Elevator Talk.
