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.
Tio Gazpacho will collaborate with Andrés, a culinary innovator often credited with the Spanish tapas boom in the U.S and whose company owns 25 restaurants in the U.S. and Mexico, on new marketing, retail and sourcing initiatives for the brand.
As part of our discussion, Health-Ade’s founding trio ruminated on the rapid evolution of the company, which launched in 2012 and is now one of the leading kombucha makers in the U.S.
In this edition of the podcast, we sit down with Mark Rampolla, the founder of Zico and the co-founder and managing partner Powerplant Ventures. As part of a broad-ranging discussion, Rampolla explains why food and beverage investors are embracing ideas that meld idealism and technology and what’s driving systematic changes in the food industry.
Aloe-infused water brand detoxwater has announced new distribution at retailers across the U.S. Detoxwater is now available at approximately 1,700 retailers from coast-to-coast.
Researchers from the University of Florida College of Medicine determined that overconsumption of energy drinks led to toxic levels of niacin in a man's liver.
As part of a wide-ranging discussion, Scott Uzzell, the president of Coca-Cola's Venturing and Emerging Brands (VEB) unit, discusses the three pillars of VEB's investment strategy and why he views modern marketing and integrated technology as critical to the future of the beverage industry.
The brand extensions, which include a new two-SKU line of low-calorie drinks dubbed BodyArmor “Lyte” and a line of electrolyte-infused bottled waters, were introduced as retail sales of BodyArmor continue to surge.
Stur is once again leading innovation in the drink mix category with five flavors under its new Stur Organic Drink Mix Sticks line - Tropical Punch, Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade, Lemon Iced Tea, and Orange. The organic drink mixes are made from organic fruit flavor extracts, and naturally sweetened with a blend of organic cane sugar and stevia.
Last week BevNET met with dozens of non-alcoholic beverage exhibitors at the National Association of Convenience Stores 2016 show, and most indicated that health and wellness trends continue to have a gradual, yet significant, impact on the way that beverages are sold and marketed in the channel.
After a few weeks on the road, the podcast team finally made it back in the conference room at BevNET HQ, where we recently chatted about our travels. The discussion leads to one about BevNET’s product review process and the elements that make for a top-rated beverage.
Following an expansion of its distribution partnership with Dr Pepper Snapple Group, High Brew Coffee has solidified its national DSD network and set its sights on doubling its presence in the convenience store channel, according to company founder and CEO David Smith. BevNET spoke with Smith at last week’s NACS 2016 show, where the cold brew coffee company unveiled a new protein-infused variety.
The label now embodies both the OAKHEART brand and Americana spirit, with the new icon depicting a barrel with flames extending from each end over a pair of crossed axes – an homage to the charred American oak barrels in which OAKHEART is mellowed, and that are coopered in the American heartland.
With established footholds at natural and conventional grocery retailers, healthy energy drink maker Hiball has set its sights on expanding distribution in convenience and drug stores. The company recently landed a major deal with CVS and is wading faster and further into the C-store channel.
Amid surging demand for unsweetened sparkling water, Sparkling Ice marketer Talking Rain is planning a major distribution push for its “essence of sparkling water” line. Launched in April, the new beverages are lightly flavored and, unlike other Sparkling Ice products, contain no sweeteners, artificial colors or preservatives.
